Our Night at the Gala and Auction

We had such a nice evening at the Gala and Auction!  I wish more people could have been there.  I never knew about these events before.  It's probably one of the many things that go on in this city of which I'm not aware.

This benefit was celebrating the completion of a home.  When it is sold all of the profits will go to Duke Children's Hospital.  Many of the contractors offer supplies at cost so that they are able to give much more to Duke.  Last year, in another local neighborhood, the sale of the home raised $90,000 for Duke! 

Rebecca, Eliana and I went together to the event.  I wish all of us could have attended - maybe another time.  When we arrived we were greeted by Robyn our contact with the Development office.  She has been so gracious and encouraging.  I've enjoyed talking with her.  We also met some other Development people as well as folks with the HomeLife Communities.  Everyone was very nice.  I was surprised too when folks had told me that they had read my blog and heard some of our story already.  I'm not sure why that always surprises me, but it does.  I am humbled that people care so much about our little girl.  

We talked a bit and then got some of the really yummy food.  There were some introductions, explanations of why we were there and then it was my turn to speak.  I had only a few minutes and spoke a little about Eliana's story.  It was hard for me to know what to talk about and what to leave out.  I feel comfortable with what I did share - though I wish that I could have shared sooo much more!  I tried to focus on Duke and what our experience there had meant to me.

I started by talking about how a year ago there was a lot I didn't know - including the gender of the baby I was carrying.  We didn't realize how much more we had to learn than just whether we were having a boy or a girl.  I talked about not knowing much about Duke - and how thankful we have been to have a top-notch Children's hospital in our backyard.  I talked about the difficulties of having a child that was medically fragile and having to see a cardiologist the day after we were released from the NICU.  I talked some about feeding difficulties, heart failure and the blessing of a mended heart.  I spoke of the blessing of our children - of how God has supported us.  I also shared about Rebecca's bracelet ministry with Wholehearted. 

Some of it is a blur.  I probably should have "practiced" a little more about what I would say as it was hard to condense it to a few minutes.  I hope though that they heard my heart.  One sweet gal told me afterward with tears close to her eyes how much it meant to hear about what we had been through.  That was a blessing as this sweet sister in Christ shared some of her heart with me.

I was thinking of things on the way over and was surprised that how thinking back brought tears so easily as I remembered this path we have been on.  There is more I want to share and I'm working on writing a piece that has come from what I shared tonight.  I want to share more on the things I didn't know before we had Eliana.

I did speak to a local news reporter.  She asked some questions and took my number in case she had further questions.  I hope she does as I'd like the opportunity to talk again.  We'll see.

There was also an auction going on in two houses.  Artwork, sports memorabilia, towels, and several completely furnished and decorated rooms!  They were beautiful.  Rebecca and I were a little late getting into the houses before the auction closed.  We rushed through looking at things and I wish we had been able to spend a little more time.  We did bid on one thing, but got outbid at the last moment.  Rebecca placed the bid and was very disappointed not to win.  I tried to encourage her that it was alright, but she thought she had messed it up as she didn't understand how it worked.  She did nothing wrong and I tried to share that.  We'll both know more the next time.  I hope we'll be able to go to another of these events in the future.

I need to run as Eliana is calling me.  We have one last feeding - hopefully she will take all of it and we can have a 2nd day with NO TUBE!!!  I can't explain what an incredible joy this is to me! 

Thankful today for the opportunity to meet others, to share a little of our story and of the many blessings God has poured into our lives.

With love,

Leslie

PS  I don't have photos, but am hoping to get some.

 

 

 

Tears of Rejoicing!

I sit here with tears of joy running down my face.    Today a prayer was answered.  A prayer that has been prayed for many days, weeks and even months.

Today Eliana ate completely from her bottle!!! 
NO TUBE at all!!!  Oh, just typing those words causes me to well up again.  It's been a long time coming.  I know though that for many others, it is an even longer road.  I know too that we aren't finished with this path.  Oh, but I'm thankful for this bright spot.  This moment of hope is so sweet.  This day when my little girl has been able to eat.

For the first time in 8 months, Eliana has eaten without the aid of a tube.  I counted the months wondering had it really been that long.  She went into the hospital at the beginning of February to get the NG tube placed.  That seems like such a long time ago.  Almost a lifetime ago when my little girl was so very tiny and in heart failure - and eating was just more than she could manage.  Her doctor likened it to running a marathon in terms of the energy that it required.   

With a repaired heart she has sooo much more energy.  Today she ate almost 22 ounces!  That is a little shy of her goal as I don't tube feed her when she has eaten close to the goal amount in a feeding. 

We hit one other new milestone today.  I finished her feedings just before midnight!  That hasn't happened since she was born!  I'm playing around some with the timing of her feedings in hopes of finding a schedule that will work better for allowing her to eat - and allowing both of us to sleep. 

I'm so thankful for this accomplishment!  I rocked Eliana as she slept after her last feeding and just cried tears of joy.  I spent time praising and thanking God that I was able to feed my little girl - without a tube.  I praised Him for his goodness. 

As I reflected though, I thought about His goodness and how it is not dependant on circumstances.  He is good ALL the time.  He was good in the midst of Eliana's heart failure.  He was good in the midst of my struggles to nurse her.  He was good in the midst of all of the many trials with her feeding.  He was good as I struggled with sleep deprivation, fear and sadness.  Even when the answers and timing have not been what I wanted, I was reminded then and am reminded now that He is good.  It is easy to think He is good when things are going well, and I've been challenged often (and especially during the most difficult of times) to remember and praise Him for being good, especially when things are hard.  I remember before facing Eliana's open heart surgery having to come to terms with the fact that even if the outcome of the surgery was not good, that God would still be good. 

Tonight I am thankful for the many times God has showered his goodness on us!

Tomorrow (Wed), I have a neat opportunity.  I am going to be speaking briefly at a Gala and Auction to benefit Duke Children's Hospital.  I will be sharing Eliana's story.  I'm not sure exactly what I'll be sharing yet and am praying for guidance on that.  It will be hard to be brief about something that has seemed anything but brief.  (I'm sure I can do that though!)  I've been told that there will be media there that *may* be interested in interviewing me.  I'm excited about this opportunity - and a little nervous too.  I enjoy talking to people though and think that this will be a chance to share some of the blessings that have come during our short time with Eliana.

The gal that has arranged all of this is the one that set up everything for Rebecca's donation.  She is really nice and has given me lots of helpful information even down to what to wear.  (As a stay at home mom, my wardrobe of "nice" clothes isn't all that extensive so it helped to know that what I wore to Rebecca's event is just right for this one too.) 

I would love your prayers that I would share whatever God lays on my heart.  Our experience with Duke has been very positive and I'm thankful for the care we have received.  I hope to share also about God's goodness through all of this. 

I'm still planning to write on more things - and post more pictures of Isaiah's birthday, the pirate party for the boys and the Triangle Mended Little Hearts picnic we attended on Sunday. 

With a heart filled with praise,

Leslie

Pretty in Pink

Just wanted to share a photo of our little cutie wearing a dress her Grandma made for her.  Isn't she adorable - and the dress is too!  Thanks Mom!
OK, this isn't the best one of the dress, but it is the best smiling one of Eliana.  I'm not sure why she was a little serious.   The next one is a close-up - serious, but still cute.  Yes, I"m a little biased.  LOL


I saw a link to a beautiful slide show today created by a Mom of a child with Down syndrome.  The words and the photos are so beautiful.  I wanted to share it here too.

A Life Worth Living

I love the life-affiming messages.  There are times when I read things about people with Down syndrome - how they are viewed by others - and it makes my heart sad.  I understand that many people are responding from fear.  I do understand that.  So many people with DS never make it into this world that many of us have not had the chance to even know someone with DS.  We don't always hear the positive stories and the encouragment.  I hope that by sharing out story that many will see the beauty of life lived with a child with Down syndrome.

Things have changed so much over the last several decades.  The care and early interventions are helping people with DS to have a much better quality of life.  As I read stories written by people who have a loved one with Down syndrome, I am consistently struck by the affirming words and the thankfulness that they have experienced life with a person with an extra chromosome. 

I'm not saying it isn't hard.  Honestly though, life is  hard.  Being a parent is a challenge.  Having a child with special needs just adds a new dimension to all of those things.  I also believe though that in addition to the challenges, that there come blessings!

 We are so thankful to have been blessed with our children.  We see each of our children as a precious gift from God.  Not a mistake.   A special gift given to us by the Creator of the Universe.  Isn't that an amazing thought?  We are given an incredible job to love and nurture and teach these precious little people.

I wouldn't be surprised if Eliana is the one that teaches us the most.  I know that God placed her with us for a reason.  It's not because we are any better able to handle difficulties, because we aren't.  It isn't because we are stronger or more capable - we aren't.  I'm not sure why we have been given this gift - but I am so very thankful for her!  I think that having her in our family has already taught us a lot about trusting God.  I think we'll learn more about slowing down, patience and unconditional love.  I know that I need to learn more about all of those things.  What a sweet privilege to have children to help me learn these lessons.

We are preparing for a pirate party tomorrow and I'll post pictures as soon as I'm able to.

Praises & Blessings:

*Eliana is sitting up by herself.  She is getting herself into a sitting position from being on her back.  She rolls over and then gets on her hands and knees.  Then she sticks one leg out straight and eventually sits and sticks the other one out.  It is really cute!  She still needs her hands to prop herself up, but she is so proud of herself.  Here is a photo.


*My precious children have been so helpful in getting things ready for the birthday party.  The oldest 4 have all contributed ideas and added in their own touches in order to make the party special.  I love that!  Rebecca made a treasure chest today - and it looks great!  Christopher has been working on lettering to add to the pirate ships and helping with planning some of the activities.  Joshua and Isaiah have come up with their own versions of games to play at the event tomorrow.  I love seeing them work together.

*Eliana had a great day eating today.  One of the bottles was 5 ounces!!!  This was a little over what we typically give her.  Just a little, but it's an improvment in the right direction!  All total she had 18.5 ounces orally today!  Yippee!!!  We need to see her taking most of her food orally for a couple of months before we can get rid of the g-tube.  I think she has some pain at the site and I look forward to the day when we don't need that tube any more.  I'm thankful that we have the option now as it has helped to keep her healthy and growing.   

Prayer requests:
*Good Health - Two of my children seem a little stuffy.  I'm not sure if it's  an allergic reaction or what.  I'm really hoping not to be getting something already.

*Sleep - I'm working on getting more, but still need to do a better job.  I took a nap for several hours yesterday and it was so wonderful!

*Patience for me.  Why is that always a lesson I need to work on?  I'm trying to slow down and not do so much.  It is hard sometimes when there are so many things I want to do.  I'm trying to make sure I start my day with God.  It really does make a difference when He comes first.  I know that and yet I don't always do it.  *sigh* 

I hope you each experience a week-end filled with His special blessings!

With love,
Leslie

Our Time at the Beach!

Well, I'm finally getting around to posting about our trip to the beach.  It was a fun week!  I love going in the fall when it isn't as hot or as crowded.  Catherine's family was staying about a mile from us and it was nice to see them during the week too. 

We left on a Saturday.  The men and children went ahead - Catherine, the babies and I, left last.  We tried to time it so we wouldn't have to stop, but did stop twice to feed them.  It was nice to have some time to just talk - without being interupted! 

The weather was beautiful despite the predictions of lots of rain.  We spent one day at the aquarium which happened to be the day that it rained. 

Here are some photos of our week. 

Eliana loved the beach.  She liked the sand and also the water.  She loved taking her little feet and moving them back and forth in the sand and/or the water.  She was happy to sit and play.  The children made her a small "tide pool" with a little seat which she loved being in. 

I'm sorry this photo is sideways.  I've tried changing it and it's changed in photobucket, but not sure why it won't change here. 

 Playing and riding on the boogie boards are a big hit with my children! 

 The pools formed at low tide are always a fun place to play.

 These three little guys just crack me up sometimes.  They have a blast whereever they go.

 Daniel insisted on holding Eliana for a photo.  This gave passersby quite a chuckle.  She didn't mind at all, though her hat kept falling in her face.  I couldn't get this one turned right either - sorry.

 Roger had to leave in the middle of the week for a business trip.  I was a little nervous about being in a different place without his help, but we all did fine.  We decided to go to the aquarium one day.  (I thought a field trip would be easier than going out on the beach.)  It ended up being a great day to be inside as it stormed.  We were given scavenger hunt forms to read and find various things.

There was a Pirate exhibit there which my children all enjoyed.  Well, probably the boys most of all.  If I can add any pictures of that outing, I will.  I was encouraged that we were able to be out and about for a good part of the day.  Eliana is a very good traveller.  She didn't eat all that great, but well enough.  I forgot one of the pump parts so I wasn't able to feed her through the tube anyway. 

I'm glad we had the opportunity to go to the beach.  It made me think that we should probably go more often.  Time for me to get some sleep now.  I'll try to add more tomorrow.

We are busy planning for a pirate birthday party here on Friday, so I'll have more to share soon.  It's been a very busy week thus far - and more to come!

Blessings,

Leslie

 

 

Our week at a glance

I've been very negligent in writing, but will try to get back into the swing of things.  Just had more pressing things to deal with at home I guess.

Sunday - This was Isaiah's 6th birthday.  How can he be 6?  Am I always going to wonder this on each of my children's birthdays?  Probably.  I have lots to share about our fun day with Isaiah - and some of the hilarious things that he said, but will do that in another post all about him (and hopefully with some pictures too).

Monday - A day at home!!!  Yippee!  We tried to do some cleaning (didn't get much done) and some schooling.  I've decided that in honor of the upcoming birthday party on Friday we will be doing a short unit on Pirates this week.  My boys are thrilled.  We started a new chapter book today, found the Caribbean Islands on a map and looked through an activity book to find fun things to do at their party.

Tuesday - Joshua has an eye appointment.  I'm really hoping he has improved.  He has been patching one eye, but has not seen improvement thus far.  Later in the day, Daniel and Isaiah have music classes.  I hope that Daniel will get into his class a little more this week.  I could hardly get him to participate last week.  I have seen him doing some of the htings at home though which is encouraging.  Rebecca was such an ideal music student - the boys have all been a little more reluctant.  LOL

Wednesday - Therapy day - both physical and feeding.  We missed physical last week because our therapist was sick.  Looking forward to seeing both of them this week.

Eliana has started trying some solid foods once a day.  She really doesn't know what to do with the food in her mouth and not a lot really goes in.  It's a start though.  She doesn't seem to mind it at all which is nice.

Thursday - Nothing!  Well, except prepare for a party and company the following day.

Friday - Pirate party for our birthday boys.  I'm trying for a low-key affair.  This is not the way we typically do birthdays.  We'll see how this goes.  ;-)  Too bad we don't have the 2 large ships we built a couple of years ago for a pirate party.  (Not really as I would NOT have wanted to store those!)

Saturday - Not much planned.  Rebecca has a soccer game.  We also have a Keepers of the Faith (club for girls) meeting on the topic of Wildflowers.  It is our first of the year and we are looking forward to it.

Sunday - We have been invited to attend a picnic of the group "Little Mended Hearts" by our cardiologist.  It sounds like a lot of fun and we are planning on going.

Blessings:

*A healthy family.  Eliana has been incredibly healthy since she has been born and I'm so very thankful for that.

*Wonderful family.  I have been blessed so very much with my family.

*Time for fun this week as we take time to study something that really excites the boys.

So many more things, but I need to go to sleep.  Sorry there isn't more to this.  It's late, but I wanted to give a peek into our week.  Thank you for your continued  prayers for our family.

With love,

Leslie

 

 

Our week at a glance - 9/16 - 9/22

Here's a look at our week.  It's a busy one after lounging at the beach all of last week.  I'm going to briefly recap the last 3 days and then look ahead at the rest of the week.

Sunday - Eliana is 9 months old!  Can it be?  She is getting to be such a big girl.  She loves getting up on her hands and knees.  She is working hard on crawling.  She is moving her hands forward and sometimes her knees too.  She is getting stronger and stronger.  I love watching her.  She is a sweet, sweet baby!!!

We go to church and then home.  I host a FIAR Mom's meeting for our homeschool support group.  I love the Moms in this group and enjoy any time we are able to have together.  It's a time that is both fun and encouraging.  I'm thankful for the support this group of friends is to me!  The boys arrive home from the beach late after having spent much of the day at Nascar Speedpark.  I'm glad they are safely here - and that they had a fun day of male bonding. 

Monday - We celebrate Joshua's 8th birthday!  It's a relaxing day of playing, fun and games.  Joshua had a list of about 20 things he wanted to do.  We didn't get to the whole list, but hopefully we can get to a few more later this week.

We also say good-bye to Catherine and her children as they head for home.  It was fun spending time with them at the beach and also at our home.

Tuesday - A slow morning.  It's hard to get back into the swing of things after having been off.  My goal is to get our Bible and unit studies done before I need to leave. 

Isaiah and Daniel have their first music classes today.  They take from a fabulous Kindermusik teacher.  We first went to one of her classes when Christopher was 2 - 12 years ago!  Isaiah was thrilled to be learning to play the dulcimer.  Daniel wasn't too sure about his class - a little hesitant about doing anything!  I'm hoping with some involvement at home that he'll begin to enjoy it more.  I'm in the class with him.  Rebecca played with Eliana during the class.

Wednesday - A day for therapy.  We have both feeding and physical therapy in one day.  I hope it won't be too much for Eliana.  I guess we'll find out.  I'm hoping she'll be able to nap in between them.   We haven't seen her feeding therapist for a month!  I'm looking forward to sharing some of Eliana's eating successes!  I love it when she has those stellar days like earlier this week.  The last couple of days have been about 12 ounces.  Not quite as exciting, but still a good day.  I'm guessing we'll start doing more with solid foods now. 

Thursday - Field trip with our FIAR group.  We are visiting a state forest to attend a couple of classes conducted by the park rangers.  I love these programs and am looking forward to the hike and also to seeing our friends.  We are having a large turn-out and it should be lots of fun!

Friday - Pondering a short field trip to the history museum to see an exhibit on the NC Bill of Rights which is here for just a week.  It would be a fun addition to all of the state history we've covered over the last 4 years.

Christopher will be doing science lab with a friend.  This is the 3rd year the boys have done labs together and it's been a good experience in learning and makes the course more fun for both of them I think.

Saturday - Not much planned - yet.  Rebecca will have a soccer game at some point.  Isaiah's birthday is the following day so we need to be planning some fun things for him to do!

Well, that's our week.  I haven't forgotten photos and stories from the beach.  More on that later this week.  I've uploaded some of my favorite photos and look forward to sharing them with you.

I hope your week is wonderful and that you are experiencing the love of God in a fresh and delightful way!  I am thankful and blessed in so many ways.  I'm thankful to have the opportunity to do some of the things I have missed doing over the last 9 months.  It feels good to be out again.

With love,

Leslie

A Sweet Birthday

I wrote most of this last night at the end of the day.  I'm going to leave it post-dated for Joshua's birthday. 

My sweet Joshua turned 8 years old today (Sept 17).  How can he be 8 years old already?  It seems like only yesterday that we welcomed him into our family.  What a wait to have him join us too!  I had wanted another baby for quite a long time.  Roger wasn't sure.  I felt convicted to be silent on this issue and let God handle it.  It was hard!  I  prayed often for God to give us the same desire - that we wouldn't be on either side of the issue each wanting something different.

After more than a year of waiting and hoping, one Saturday night Roger told me that he just didn't want any more children.  My heart was broken.  The next morning in church, children were being dedicated.  Since Roger was teaching a Sunday School class we attended separate services.  I thought it was a good thing as seeing all of those babies just made my heart ache with the thought of never having another one myself.  When Roger arrived home from church, he told me that God had changed his heart!  Oh there were more tears - of joy this time.  Shortly after this we found that we were expecting another baby.  As happy as I was to have another baby coming, it was sweet to know that God worked out all of the details.  He didn't need me to meddle or whine or work to get my way.  He did it in his way which was definitely the best way!!!

This child is the one that  think looks most like Roger.  He was also born on Roger's mom's birthday.  :-) 

I'm so thankful for Joshua.  What joy, laughter and delight he has brought to our family.  There are so many things that I love about our sweet son.  Here are some of them.

• He is tender and loving and always ready to give out a hug or a kiss.


• He has a great sense of humor and loves to laugh and have fun.


• He is willing to try new things.


• He has a sensitive heart.  (Not always as he is dealing with his siblings - LOL -  but on the whole I see this in him.) 


• He is creative and loves to make things.  He draws ALL the time and has a vivid imagination.  You should see his math book.  One side is a blank page - but not in his book.  It's covered with lots of art, letters and whatever creative thing he wanted to doodle at the moment.


• He is bright and inquisitive.  He asks a LOT of questions about a wide variety of things.  He also loves to read and learns much from the variety of topics on which he reads.


• He has a good attitude - most of the time - about whatever he is asked to do.

There are many more things, but I wanted to give you a peek at our boy.  He isn't perfect by any means, but is truly a special child.

One of the times when I experienced his sensitive heart was a day several years ago, when we were riding somewhere.  I'm not sure where we were going or why I only remember him being in the car with me.  He was 4 years old.  I had lost a baby the summer prior and this day was the "due date".  I was the only one that knew or remembered this date and I hadn't spoken about it to anyone.  As we were riding in the car, I was thinking/pondering, Joshua began talking about our baby in heaven.  We had talked about this baby many times before, especially after the loss, and I had assured him that our baby is in heaven.  That day he reassured me that our baby was with God - safe and loved.  It was a small but significant conversation to me.  I was encouraged that God used this little boy to bring comfort to my hearting heart.  I was amazed at his sensitivity.

Today we spent the day as we like to in our family - doing whatever the birthday person wants to do.  It's a fun tradition and Roger typically takes the day off from work to join us.  The birthday child also gets to pick out the foods for the day though thankfully we don't all have to join in.  Joshua wanted tator tots and ketchup for lunch - and nothing else.  So that's what he ate.  The rest of us had sandwiches.  We ate out at Golden Corral for dinner - a place with something for everyone.

Most of the day was spent  playing games - both inside and out.  Things like chess, apples to apples, capture the flag and more.  It was simple fun.  I'm so glad that this is something that is enjoyable to him.  Rebecca made a scavenger hunt for him to lead to his present.  She loves doing this and it's fun for the recipient too.

We haven't decided on the date/theme for the birthday party.  I know, we are running out of time.  Isaiah's birthday is in 6 days.  We have typically had a joint party for both boys and will plan to do that again this year.  They both want different themes which is hard.  I did that one year and it was crazy!  I don't really want to do it again.  So, until we figure out what we are doing - nothing has gotten planned. 

I have much to catch up on from last week!  I want to share pictures and some details on our trip.  I'll try to do that this week.  For now, it's about time for bed.  Good- night my sweet Joshua.  I have loved having you in our family.  We have been abundantly blessed by you!  I thank God for you every day.

With love,

Leslie

 

Rejoicing!

Hi Friends,

Just a quick note as I'm finishing up the last feed of the day - and the ONLY one in which we have used the pump!!!  Yippee!!!  She has done soooo well.  Some of the feeds have been done in two parts - taking a short break in the middle.  Her total taken by bottle today ...

18 ounces!

Way to go Eliana!!!  One of her feedings was in a busy, crowded consignment sale.  She didn't like the bottle cold and ate much better when it was warmed up. 

This last feed will probably be the hardest to get rid of as it typically occurs when she is asleep.  She sleeps well through the night - and always has - even when she was supposed to be eating during the night, she wanted to sleep.  It always felt odd to wake a baby to eat.

I'm guessing that perhaps we will start giving more attention to solid foods.  Tonight I was holding Eliana while eating ice cream.  She was really watching me and seemed interested in it.  She'll need to wait a bit longer for that treat though!  We have feeding therapy on Wed and haven't seen our therapist for almost a month.  Won't she be suprised to hear how great Eliana is doing?! 

More details and photos of our week at Myrtle Beach, SC coming up.  We had a great week!  The children ALL loved the beach.  We really ought to go more often.  ;-)

Love,

Leslie

Guess where we've been all week?

Hi All,

We've had a busy and fun week.  I'll write more later as I'm able to.  I didn't want to post that we were gone - while we were gone.  So here's a hint as to why there hasn't been much happening on my blog - or in response to much else from me. 

Here's a photo of our family - the only one of the week.  It's not the best, but it's what we've got.  :-)

Love,

Leslie

The $5000 Day

Hi Friends,

I wanted to update you on our day yesterday.  Sorry I wasn't able to write earlier - the last 24-48 hours have been very full!!! 

Here's a little bit about our afternoon.  We drove over to Duke in plenty of time for the event.  We were met there by Roger and some of our friends too.  As we waited for people to arrive, the children watched the fish in a large tank, played with some of the toys and enjoyed the kid-friendly environment.  Shortly after we got there, the gals from the Development office arrived.  They had brought the large check and refreshments.  We made introductions and spent some time talking while waiting for the doctors. 

Dr Carboni, Eliana's cardiologist, was there to receive the check along with the Head of Cardiology Dr. Rhodes.  Everyone was so nice and interested in talking with Rebecca about what she had done.  It was a little hard for Rebecca, but thankfully the whole affair was very low-key and comfortable.  She also warmed up as time went on and was even jokiheng with our cardiologist towards the end.

Here's a picture of Rebecca presenting the check to Dr Carboni and Dr Rhodes.  I'm in with Eliana (who they wanted in the photo). 

She did not make any formal speech - just answered questions and talked in small groups.  She was also able to set up some of her bracelets for sale on a table.  Several of the people there bought some.  One sweet moment was when a little girl came over to buy a bracelet.  She was there being treated for cancer.  Please take a moment to say a prayer for Megan - for God's healing touch to be on her body.  What an ordeal to have to go through this with a child!  I can only imagine the difficulty.

We had some refreshments afterwards - a hit with my younger boys.  LOL  We talked and laughed and just had a nice time.  I know that Rebecca enjoyed herself.  The large check is going to be displayed at Duke for awhile and then we will be given the check to keep. 

Here's a photo of our entire family on this big day!

Thank you for your prayers and good wishes.  Oh, there was no tv camera there.  Not sure what happened, but perhaps it was for the best so that Rebecca didn't feel so uncomfortable.  All in all, I'm proud of my little girl.  She was given a dream and then she followed through - something we can all learn from. 

Speaking of dreams, this song was one that I heard just a day before Rebecca made her donation.  I thought the message was a good one - and one that I need to remember for all of my children!

Mark Harris - Find Your Wings
It's only for a moment
You are mine to hold The plans that heavens has for you
Will all too soon unfold
So many different prayers I'll pray
For all that you might do
But most of all I want to know
You're walking in the truth
And if I never told you
I want you to know
That as I watch you grow

I pray that God would fill your heart with dreams
And that faith gives you the courage
To dare to do great things
I'm here for you whatever this life brings
So let my love give you roots
And help you find your wings

May passion be the wind
That leads you through your days
And may conviction keep your strong
Guide you on your way
May there be many moments
That make your life so sweet
Oh but more than memories

I pray that God would fill your heart with dreams
And that faith gives you the courage
To dare to do great things
I'm here for you whatever this life brings
So let my love give you roots
And help you find your wings

It's not living
If you don't reach for the sky
I'll have tears as you take off
But I'll cheer as you fly

I pray that God would fill your heart with dreams
And that faith gives you the courage
To dare to do great things
I'm here for you whatever this life brings
So let my love give you roots
And help you find your wings

Blessings,

Leslie