Wow - the time in between my posts seem to be getting longer and longer, but that's okay. Overall, I'm in a good place and don't need to blog through my grief as often as I used to. I've decided that now I want to maintain this site for the sole purpose of sharing it with my kids someday (if they so desire).
Anyway, I have to let out a great big "Aaaaaaaaaaaahhhhhhhhh".......... because I feel like I can finally release a huge sigh of relief as Josh and I just returned from a long overdue, much needed, adults only vacation to Mexico. I know times are tough, but I highly recommend that everyone take some "me time" like that, at least once a year! It was a good way to unwind after the hectic pace that the holidays and having both kids' birthdays in January brings to this household.
On to much more exciting news! I have to share this fantastic story of how Emma's life has inspired two amazing, caring people to take action in their own community. This was written to my mother-in-law by one of her childhood school mates:
"I thought the photo of Emma Kate was so beautiful and later when you sent me the link to Julie's web page, she mentioned how much they appreciated the pictures and what they meant to them. I looked at the website for NILMDTS and there was no photographer in this area - the closest was Cheyenne, which is 90 minutes away. Because of Julie's comments, I resolved to find someone here to "pay it forward". It's taken a long time, but I finally met someone I thought would be perfect. He is a grandfather, so wonderfully kind, gentle, compassionate, and generous. He had a full time job and has done photography on the side for years. A year or so ago he changed jobs, to one less demanding, and started working more on the photography. About six months ago I visited with him about NILMDTS and he said to send him the info. I emailed the website to him, asking only that he thoughtfully & prayerfully consider whether it was something he wanted to do. He decided to go forward with it after looking at the website and reading some of the parents comments.
Yesterday he emailed me to say he has completed the training and is in the process of contacting the hospitals in Wheatland, Torrington and Douglas, Wyoming. I asked if he needed a donation or any thing else I could do to help. Today he said he would like to have some knitted caps to be used in photos, that he can give to the parents ... did I know anyone who knits. Guess what?? I knit!!! I'm so happy & I already dug out the needles and yarn and will start making them right away. I hope they will never be used and I hope he is never called, but I'm thrilled to do it just in case.
I wanted you to know, because of your loss and Julie's remarks about the photos, there is now someone in this area who can be called if needed. I would not have known about the organization otherwise and because I care so deeply about what's happened to you, I resolved to find a way to make that happen. Thank you for sharing Emma's picture and the information about NILMDTS with me."
To Gloria and this fantastic photographer, Jerry:
Words can not express my gratitude. God bless you both!
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2 comments:
Julie this is a great story about how your precious Emma continues to touch the lives of others. This has to be heart warming for you.
I'm glad you got a much needed vacation, that is a blessing indeed!
I have been emailing, encouraging and trying to help a young couple that have a hypo-plastic left heart syndrome child, which is what my precious Little Joe had. At the time, there was nothing that they could do to save him but now they can do surgeries and many of the babies live. This sweet Addi is now 3 months old and I have followed her since day one. They are in the picu at a Charleston, SC Hospital but their hometown is about 30 minutes from me and they are next door neighbors to my twin grandnieces. I will attend a benefit for them tomorrow night and meet other HLHS children. I can see God's hand in all of this (even with you and me) which makes me feel so blessed, to be able to help others in this small way. Addi is still very sick but each day with her is a miracle and her parents feel so blessed. I don't believe in coincidences, only Godincidences and that is a blessing indeed!
Julie, believe me when I say it is such a small thing to be able to do this - it's those of you who have suffered so deeply who are the real heroes.
You may think nobody reads this anymore, but I assure you we do! I really enjoy the wonderful pictures and appreciate how you've grown through the last couple years. Thank you for sharing your thoughts and your family with us!
Gloria
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