October Musings

October passed by busy, blessed, and a blur:)

*Our first Buddy Walk with friends- AMAZING!!!
*Medical forms completed, notarized, and faxed.
*Marriage certificates, birth certificates notarized and faxed
*All home study forms completed.
*Notarized background requests received
 *Home ownership forms notarized
 *Birthday celebrations for special Sara(h)'s
 *Make A Difference Day:  Addy and Girl Scouts.  Girls weekend of shopping:)
 *Austin's first cub scout campout, and he lost his first tooth 
 *Red Thread sightings...we are continually seeing them weekly
 *Small Acts of Kindness happening all around us
 *Gatherings with new and old friends
 *Andy got a new camera.  His artistic side is photography, so he's shooting up a storm, learning ways to "fabulatize" his photos:)
 *Andy finished the wood floors in the basement:)  Only trim left!!!

 So much has moved us forward, so many small moments to celebrate, so much love.

My tea quote today:  In order to be remembered, leave nothing behind but goodness...

It Begins With One...

It only takes one, stepping out of  complacency, to take an extra step, an extra act of kindness, to assist us closer in our journey.

It only takes one to make a difference...

Today, one kind soul walked from her workplace, to meet us so we could achieve a paper with one visit. (She made the suggestion.)


Today, our lives were enriched because of one lady, who will never know the gratitude we feel.

Today, we were the recipients of an act of goodwill.

Today, I was able to see the extraordinary moment amidst many ordinary ones.

Today, I saw hope as we're one step closer...

Today, I have new eyes for the good in the world...

Today, an ordinary day was made BEAUTIFUL...

It only takes one...

Ripples

When you throw a pebble into the ocean, ripples stretch far and wide.  We may never see the effect our ripples have, but sometimes we learn how our "stone's throw" made a difference.  

Jen S, the west point of my "compass", has been an advocate for Down syndrome awareness, and more recently Reece's Rainbow and orphans with special needs.  She wrote from her heart trying to find Sasha a forever family.  He'll soon be in the arms of someone who loves him!!  Another family read about the Sanchez's adoption of precious Sofia, and took a leap of their own.  They're traveling to bring Liam home, asked Jen some medical questions, and she writes how she was used in amazing ways to find answers for this family.  Sofia's story touched the lives of two girls and another small group of young ladies seeking to make a difference in the world.

Sarah and Shawn B learned of how their ripple made a difference Here.  Sarah, the eastern point, is a teacher and shares how adopting Zoya was their first choice.  She, too, advocated for Sasha, and is elated for his forever family.

Kristen, my southern point, shares of how she and her husband are indeed, Acting Their Age, by adopting adorable Nadia.  She recently met up with some friends to celebrate the changes in their children, once home with their families, Blossoms in the Fall.

Lisa P. , the true North, shares her story of Common Threads.  Her advocacy for her daughters, adoption, Reece's Rainbow, orphans, and Down syndrome is having far-reaching effects as she shares Love and Light daily.  She advocated for Sofia, Jen's daughter and sought a family for Nadine, who was named Nadia and adopted into Kristen's family. 

Elizabeth, from Confessions of the Chromosomally Enhanced, reflects on her adult sister Leanne, and her daughter Josie.  Both chromosomally enhanced:)  Her comical and humorous posts show that excitement and joy surrounds the homes of the Chromosomally Enhanced.  She shares love and gratitude from the "lens" of a mother and sister.

The ripples these women have made reach far and wide, touch lives near and far.  Some ripples they have learned about, and others are unknown.  All these women continue to write from the mountaintops championing their cause: recognizing the potential of children with Down syndrome and finding homes for orphans.  Ripples are happening.  They are making a difference.

I count myself blessed to be in their circle of friends, and am filled with gratitude that our family is one of their "ripples".  Because of them, another orphan's life has been saved.

Seize the day

Seek opportunities to do good

Change someone's life:)

Kindness

“Kindness is more than deeds. It is an attitude, an expression, a look, a touch. It is anything that lifts another person.”

Must Reads

During the summer months, I began to research and find books at the library on Down syndrome and adoption.  While they were informational, I was seeking more on the family piece, not medical jargon.  I found a couple of books that I believe every parent with a special needs child should read.  The books are  beautiful, emotional, and give you a glimpse of the love and joy the families receive.  I've found myself  laughing, crying, and overwhelmed all in a short time span.

Gifts and Gifts 2, are written by families and mothers, sharing how people with Down syndrome enrich their lives.  A couple of my special friends have their story in Gifts 2.

Chicken Soup for the Soul, Children with Special Needs:  another tear-jerker, but embraces multiple special needs in this collection of essays from families. 

Thought For The Day

I am speechless these days by the outpouring of love, support, and encouragement by family and friends as our story continues to unfold.  Tears, happy tears, flow daily as I am shone ways our lives are impacting others and we are being impacted ourselves.

 Last night, Addy and I were eating and she was sharing how she is going to help Sarah next summer at the pool.

 "Addy, it's okay if you want to play with your friends, also." 

"Mama, she will have so many new things when she comes home.  I want to help her, be with her, love her.  I want to make a difference." 

What do you say to that?!!!!  Tears filled my eyes as I continued to finish my dinner, speechless. 
Sarah has so much love surrounding her miles, and oceans away. 

My grandparents, excited to meet their newest great-granddaughter, have been faithfully reading our updates, and sending us encouraging emails.  After dinner, I read their latest message:

Hi Shelly,  I thought this was a pretty neat story and right away I thought of you guys.  Will catch up writing you later. 
Love you, grandpa and grandma.

They forwarded the Thought For The Day, and once again I was moved to tears.  Love and Light are all around us.  It's only 3 minutes of your time, 180 seconds, but I promise your day will look so much brighter and you will be enriched greatly.

Thank you for the Thought For The Day, Grandma and Grandpa.  You made a difference in our lives!!!!

Make A Difference Day 2010

Celebrating National Make a Difference Day, Addy's Girl Scout troop participated in the Connections Delaware County Volunteer Center's service day.  We received our assignments, (plus a yummy breakfast:), and drove to two homes where we raked leaves.  Five kids and four adults stuffed 40+ bags of leaves in three hours:)  The girls were tired, as were the moms, but the lesson of community service, making a difference, and giving back will live on. 

What difference will you make in someone's life today?

Birthday Wishes for Sarah

                         Happy Birthday, sweet girl.

                        When you woke up today looking out
                        of your crib,

                         you are no longer 2, but 3.

                        Three years ago, you were given breath, life.

                        You were born in a country,

                        across the ocean and miles away from us.

                        You were placed on this earth

                        to make the world more beautiful.

                        You are a promise.

                        Two months ago, you were born in our hearts.

                        Our love for you is everlasting.

                        We have only seen a picture of you,

                        But you are beautiful, you are precious,

                        and most of all,

                        You are loved.

                        One day we will meet you face to face.

                        Oh, Sarah, what a day to behold.

                        From the autumn time,

                        to the snow on the ground,

                        our celebration day is getting closer.

                       Your big sister is talking constantly of

                        making a difference in your life.

                        Your big brother is drawing pictures for you

                        and making cards to celebrate your
                        homecoming.

                        Your mother and father are leaving

                        no stone unturned on their journey

                        to bring you home. 

                        The days are getting shorter on our
                        part of the world

                        For our family, it's a time to anticipate
                        your arrival.

                        Soon, baby girl, you'll be in your forever home

                        wrapped in the loving arms of a family

                        who loves you.

                        Soon, oh so very, Soon.

                        Happy Birthday, sweet girl.

                        You are loved, Sarah.

What Truly Matters

        Daily, I've been learning to live in the moment and not plan too far ahead.  For a type A individual, it's downright hard.  Beginning with my "red thread" moment on the last day of school, it's been a work in progress.  These past summer months brought time of reflection, rest, and rejuvenation while living in the moment.  I was also on a journey, unbeknown to me of the destination, but I was trodding along.  I celebrated with my family.  I looked for the sunshine and small moments.  I realized what truly matters: family, friends, love, life, and making a difference in this world. 

        Sunday, I wrote about how our paperwork needs would be met "Just In Time" for when we are meant to travel to Sarah's country.  No sooner, no less.   On Monday, a piece of "paper" came in the mail.  It was one that took more work than normal to retrieve, but it came!  A Celebration!!  Wednesday, more pieces became available that had a few hiccups involved.  A Celebration!!  You can choose to look at what truly matters or choose to dwell upon the "issues."  We are choosing to focus on what truly matters, bringing Sarah home. 

Sarah will be coming home.  She will be loved.  She will be cherished.  She will have a family.  That's what matters.

Kathy Ireland's Editorial on Down Syndrome Research

Op Ed piece by Kathy Ireland: 
The Tragic Shortfall in Down syndrome Research

Positive Outlook

What we see depends mainly on what we look for.  

John Lubbock

His First Tooth Came Out...

 The past week, Austin's tooth was on the verge of coming out.  His first tooth...as with any first grader, the loose tooth is a milestone to behold.  Many ways to get the tooth out were shared, but he wanted it to fall out at school.  There is something about heading down to the nurse with your tooth in your hand and coming out with a tooth necklace to secure it until it's time for the tooth fairy.  Ahhh, it was not to be:(

He had been playing with it all night, and it was barely hanging on.  Before we were heading up to bed, he twisted it and out it came.  Bedtime must wait...there needs to be pictures, get a baggie to put it in, the drinking of water, and most of all Celebration:)  As I was tucking him in, he was preparing a list of friends and teachers of who he must share this news with Tuesday.  Sweet dreams, big boy!!!

Just in Time...

    When the news hit that Anya had gone to her forever home, all I could think about was Sarah.  What is she thinking tonight? How is she doing?  Does she have any medical issues no one knows about?  Feeling the need to do something, I went through our dossier notebook, looking for something to do.  We're at the point when we have to put our faith in someone else to get their part of our process finished.  But, I also realized that we can't travel until the spring and need to have faith that she will be okay until then.  So, all my pacing, perusing the paperwork, checking off, was only busy work to keep my mind occupied.

    Sunday, I heard a statement that put my heart at ease.  "When our time is come to travel, our needs (paperwork) will be met.  No sooner, no less.  Just in time..."  We know in our hearts that we are to bring Sarah home.  When it is the perfect time for us to travel, our paperwork needs will be met.  No sooner, but when it's time.  We have to become vulnerable to put complete faith in others.  It's not easy, nor comfortable.  But, I need to hold fast to that truth...we'll see her JUST IN TIME!

For now, we celebrate daily those who've made a difference in our lives and how we can make a difference for others. 

Broken Shells

My time to read is limited, so I grab non-fiction books as my genre of choice during the school year.  I picked up at copy of Chicken Soup for the Soul, Children with Special Needs at the library and have enjoyed reading some short excerpts through the family's lenses about their children.

    A mother and her 4-year old were collecting shells one summer at the beach.  She was meticulously searching out whole, complete shells to place in her bucket, while her son was picking up many broken ones so his bucket was starting to fill up.  When she looked in the bucket, all she saw were bits, pieces, and fragments of broken shells.    She stopped him and said, "Will, all your shells are broken and no good.  You need to find shells like this," and showed him a complete, whole shell.  Will looked, but continue to pick up one broken shell after another. 

    She stopped him again, with a frustrated tone in her voice.  "Why are you picking up shells that are broken?"  Will replied the only, honest way he could, "Mom, there are way more broken ones on the beach than perfect ones.  We'll fill up our bucket faster with the broken shells."  His mom thought, Okay but who wants a bucket of broken shells?  "Mom, these shells are broken, but they are still beautiful," and proceeded to point out something beautiful on each broken shell in his bucket.  His mother was taught the most valuable lesson that sunny, afternoon.

    We are all broken in some way, but possess beauty and uniqueness beyond belief.  If we take time to look closely at the broken shells, we can see beauty in their imperfections. 
    Debbie Jaskot

Small Acts of Kindness

The value of kindness cannot be measured in human terms.  An act of kindness enriches the heart of both the giver and and the receiver. 

Br. Arockiam

     There was no school today, so I made plans to head downtown to retrieve a few documents for our dossier, then begin Christmas shopping at the outlets.  Driving in the city is not one of my gifts, so I planned accordingly.  Andy programmed the GPS with my two destinations, and printed off hard copies from mapquest.  The kids were going with me, so we packed the car with snacks, water bottles, and electronics.

      This was my inaugural drive with the gps unit, and it worked magnificently.  I found the building, along with a parking lot.  As we were walking, a security guard asked me if we were there to get some documents.  When he found out my purpose, he informed me of spots that were free and their location.  (I was unaware that I was in a "paying" parking lot!)  So, the kids and I got into the car again, backed out, and the security guard was standing in the free parking spot, saving it for me!!!  Thanking him profusely as we walked into the building, he replied, "I'm only helping people out by saving them some money!" 

      He made a difference today.  It may have been small act to him.  To me, out of her comfort zone, it made a difference.  As I was getting a receipt, the cashier informed me that we shared the same birthdate, different year:)   I, then,  shared our adoption plans with her.  We both left that small moment, smiling.  It's those small moments that make our days lighter, happier, and feeling there is good in the world.  Today, two people made a difference in my life.  Today, the sun shined brighter.


P.S.  Christmas shopping went well, and I'm halfway finished on my extended family!!!

Kisses in the Wind

                                 KISSES IN THE WIND     
                               (The Waiting Child's Lullabye)

I hold you in my heart and touch you in my dreams.
You are here each day with me, at least that's how it seems.

I know you wonder where we are... what's taking us so long.
But remember child, I love you so and God will keep you strong.

Now go outside and feel the breeze and let it touch your skin...
Because tonight, just as always, I blow you kisses in the wind.

May God hold you in His hand until I can be with you.
I promise you, my darling, I'm doing all that I can do.

Very soon, you'll have a family for real, not just pretend.
But for tonight, just as always, I blow you kisses in the wind.

May God wrap you in His arms and hold you very tight.
And let the angels bring the kisses that I send to you each night.

A Time To Weep

Earlier this month, I posted that 34 children found their forever family since we committed to Sarah and what a celebration it was.  Today, the Reece's Rainbow community weeps for the one precious angel who did not find her forever family on earth.  Anne Marie, or now we know her name as Anya, passed away, alone without loving arms around her and without knowing what it's like to feel loved.

During my red thread summer, every blog I read was advocating for Anya, knowing she only needed love and a family to get her out of the stroller. She was born November 25, 2005 with Down syndrome, a heart defect, and most likely was given up at birth, once her parents learned of her diagnosis.  Walking was too strenuous, so she was either in a crib or a stroller. A few friends who adopted from her orphanage fell in love with her there.  Ready for Ross and Stas's sister's blog have wonderful pictures of Anya, along with a touching memorial post.   Lizzie created a montage of her visits to Anya's orphanage with beautiful pictures of the children there.  The video tugs at your heartstrings for the children, alone without a family

Today is a reminder that these children are living on borrowed time.  Today is a time to weep.    Not everyone is in a position to adopt.  But everyone can do something to advocate for these precious gems, whether through prayer, donations, or advocating for their forever families.

Today, a little angel gained her wings. She is an orphan no more.

Red Thread Sighting...

    I volunteer monthly to substitute teach in the preschool wing in our church.  Yesterday, as I was sharing our news to adopt Sarah with the directors, one of the ladies came around the desk to hug me and tell me some news that I can only see as another Red Thread.  Our church may be sending a team to Sarah's country in the spring.  Dates aren't set, nor is it confirmed.  But how amazing would it be meeting our daughter oversees and possibly connect with friends from home!!!!  Even if it doesn't come to fruition, this is another Red Thread confirmation we are on the right journey.  On every journey, there are seasons of time.  Seasons of moving fast, seasons of waiting, and seasons of moving slow...but all that matters is we are continually looking ahead to the time when we will see her face to face.  Then, the journey will have been worth the seasons.

Making a Difference

If we're really honest with ourselves, there are probably times when we think, "What possible use can I be in this world?  What need is there for somebody like me to fill?"  That's one of the deeper mysteries.  Then, God's grace comes to us in the form of another person who tells us we have been of help, and what a blessing that is.

Fred Rogers, Mister Rodger's Neighborhood

I have a Voice...

As we walked around Crew Stadium during the Buddy Walk, this traveling gallery was played on the big screen. Beautiful...

An Amazing Husband and Father

     I am blessed to have married a man with a passion for making a difference.  He is all about the great outdoors, and wants to pass this love on.  A few years ago, he and his father joined a kayaking group that kayaked for pleasure, along with teaching families, children, and other adults the love of kayaking.  Before our children were born, he and I took a trip to Maine.  I briefly mentioned that I'd like to kayak.  The next thing I know, we set out on a 3 day kayaking trip(overnight) camping on an island.  We kayaked across the ocean, with all our gear packed inside a double kayak. (Did I mention that I've never gone kayaking before!!)  On the LONG paddle back, our guides got lost and paddled a couple miles past our pickup point.  I broke out into an all-out panic attack on the ocean, trying to get out of the kayak. (Did I mention my claustrophobic issues?!!)  Needless to say, I've never stepped inside a kayak again.
       He loves the mountains, and we've never been to Colorado.  So, for our tenth anniversary, he planned a 10 day trip out west.  What beautiful country in southwest Colorado!!  But, we found out driving through the mountains, I cannot handle looking out over the cliffs.  During a 2 hour drive and no stopping places, I went into a full-out panic attack!! (Anyone seeing a pattern, yet!!!) I yelled for him to stop the car, jumped out, and began hyper-ventilating over the side of the mountain.  That's irony for you!!  One day, he rented a jeep to go off road high up in the mountains, and I went to the spa!!!:)He, also wanted to make a difference and joined a Regional Search and Rescue team.  He has gone out on searches, volunteered at races, and family events to promote healthy, safe living.  And this year, he is volunteering to be a cub scout leader for Austin's group.                                                     





   Lastly, he will camp out in the back yard and take his children on a Back-To-School Camp-out every year.  Soon, he will be sharing his love for the outdoors with another little princess.
He is AMAZING!!!

Sarah first, then Ds

     Throughout my learning journey over the past few months, I've read and processed so much information on adoption, Down syndrome, and Special Needs children.  I continue to learn daily from those who have walked this path before me and look to them for guidance, advice, and a listening ear when I need it.  For our family and friends who have little experience with a child with special needs, I want to share with you some insights I've learned on this journey.

    Sarah is a little girl with chestnut hair and chocolate eyes.  She has Down syndrome, and most likely was placed in an orphanage in Eastern Europe because of her diagnosis.  In her country, there are no therapies, there are no schools for children with special needs, there is no life.  Parents are given their child's diagnosis at birth and the recommendation to place them in an orphanage.  At 4 or 5, these children are moved to mental institutions, where life expectancy after transfer is 2 years.   They do not see potential in children with Down syndrome.

  Down syndrome is not Sarah, nor is Sarah, Down syndrome.  She is not a Downs baby, nor has Downs.  (It does not have an s on it.  It was named after Dr. Down, who discovered Ds, not someone who had it.)  She is Sarah with Down syndrome.  By saying Sarah with Down syndrome, it shows respect to Sarah and that you see Sarah for Sarah, and not  Down syndrome.  Until Sarah was born in our hearts, I was not aware that my words mattered.  It may seem like semantics, but Sarah and other individuals with Ds (Down syndrome) need to be seen for who they are, and not the Down syndrome piece first.  Sarah is beautiful, Sarah is lovely, Sarah is a life to be cherished, and Ds is a part of her beautiful puzzle.   Her potential is bursting to get out, to be given opportunities, to have a life outside the plain walls.   Sarah is a life worth saving, a life worth living, and a life worth the love of her forever family.  So, when talking about children with Down syndrome, remember their name first, then  Down syndrome.

An Adventure Family?

Sunday evening, we headed back into the COLD, WET
outdoors for an Indian Princess family event at Indian Caverns . It's father/daughter 
group that meets quarterly.  Our kids loved the climbing wall and caves.  Me, not so much:(  I'm very claustrophobic, and fear going underground.  The kids had fun and that's all that matters!!!

I think I can. I think I can. I think I can.

Race you to the bottom!!!

Seriously, these dark, closed spaces are creeping me out!!!

Almost to the top...

What we do for FAMILY!!!

Buddy Walk Recap

Waking up excited for our first Buddy Walk, our eyes opened up to gray, cloudy skies and cold, windy air with a possibility of rain:(  Walking out the door, we grabbed mittens and hats, and I'm so glad we did!  It continued to be cold the entire time.  However, the rain held off until the event was almost over!!!:)  Yeah!

Walking into the registration area, we found the Reece's Rainbow table.  We met Yana and Robyn's family and began talking about where we all are in our process.  Soon, Addy's Girl Scout troop came and we walked with the Carlisle Cuties, and their captain, Bailey.  What a day!  Seeing so many walking up and down Crew Stadium, celebrating children with Down Syndrome.  Cheerleaders, clowns, mascots, and more were all around to share in the event.  I sent an email over the weekend to the past president of the Down Syndrome Association of Central Ohio to request newsletters and information because her name was given to me from friend as a resource.  Will wonders ever cease, but when we stopped at the information booth, there she was!!!  I introduced myself to her and she was so thrilled for us, and wanted to have coffee soon.  We didn't get to talk much, but there is the promise of conversations to come.  The  RR/Down Syndrome network embraces anyone into the fold with open arms, willing to assist on any level.  We are forever grateful for the day our eyes were opened, because this journey has had so many rewards:)

For Addy and Austin, one of their favorite moments was meeting Bridget and Alina, from Living in the Light.  They've been reading their blogs and watching their montages since we begun our journey to Sarah.    All throughout the walk, our kids and friends were sharing how next year we'll be walking with the newest member of our family!!  We can hardly wait:)  What a great, fulfilling day!! 

Buddy Walk 2010

Making a difference one step at a time...

Make video montages at www.OneTrueMedia.com

Our First Buddy Walk

Today, we are heading to Crew Stadium to participate in our first Buddy Walk with Addyson's Girl Scout Troop.  The Buddy Walk was developed in 1995 to celebrate Down Syndrome Awareness Month and to promote acceptance and inclusion of people with Down Syndrome.  What began as 17 walks in 1995, has grown to over 200 worldwide:)

This past June, the Girl Scout Troop mothers met to think of activities and ideas for our girls to do with a Making a Difference theme.  I had been reading about Down Syndrome at the time, and threw out the idea of participating in the Buddy Walk in October.  Another mother shared that her family walks with their niece every year, and would love to have our troop join them.   We'll be joining the  Carlisle Cuties.  Stop back for pictures of the event:)

September Sunrise...

A little over a month ago, our family made the commitment to become a little girl's forever family.  One month down, 5 more to go...
Here is where our time has gone:

*August 19-Contract with Home Study agency and they began working on our state clearances
*August 24-Commitment papers sent to Reece's Rainbow
*August 27-Doctor's appointment for one child/medical form completed
*August 28-Shared with our families and children of our adoption plans.  Everyone is so surprised, excited, and thrilled for us.  The kids begin placing her picture around the house.
*August 30-State fingerprinting.  Social Worker calls to schedule our home visits.
*September 3-Doctor's appointment for one child/medical form completed
*September 4-Addy is writing a list of possible names for her from A-Z
*September 5-Family decision to call her Sarah
*September7-10-Completing more paperwork, education credits.  Read a total of 6-8 books. All home study paperwork is completed.
*September 10-Need to reschedule home study visit
*September 13-Received the international paperwork and process
*September 16-First home study visit (the power came back on 5 minutes before she arrived:), Child Specific Petition/other forms notarized and faxed to her country
*September 17-Received ok to certify/apostille CSP/POA
*September 18-2nd home study visit
*September 20-CSP/forms certified, apostilled, and sent to her country
*September 27-Andy's Dr. appointment/medical form/tests completed

It's been a crazy, busy, but wonderful month as we are checking off things to complete.
Soon, Sarah, we'll be bringing you home...

Even more AMAZING...
I was reading the digest from Reece's Rainbow yesterday, and was in AWE!!!  A coordinator was updating their website with commitments and My Family Found ME page, when she began counting back to our commitment day.  From August 25 to this week, 34 angels found their forever family.  34...Two were adopted from another agency, and one went home with their biological family:)   Still, 31 children have moved from waiting to My Family Found Me on Reece's Rainbow.  34 children will one day wake up in a loving, caring home.  34 children will be loved, cherished, and celebrated for who they are.  There are no words, but AMAZING!!!  All because someone stepped up and said, "I will love and bring a child home."  There is so much good happening around us!!!! Celebrate it!!