Life as a Leach

Click here to view a digital copy of the November issue of Chesapeake Family.  There is a piece about the Ronald McDonald House on pages 16-19, and our family's story is included. If anyone happens to spot a paper copy of the magazine, please send it my way.  (It's a free magazine!)  I would love to have a real copy to keep.  Thanks!

On November 3rd, our family will be speaking at the 30th Anniversary Gala for the Ronald McDonald House of Baltimore.  We were asked back in June, and we eagerly accepted because we love talking about RMH in any capacity!  We recently got more details about the event, and WOW is it fancy!!! I went shopping with my sister on Tuesday and managed to find an evening gown. Yep, an evening gown!  I haven't worn a formal dress since my senior prom!  (Well, is your wedding dress considered a formal gown?)  I actually found two, and am taking back one after showing both to Matt and letting him choose the one he liked best! We'll be going next week to get Matt fitted for a tux, too.  He keeps trying to convince me to let him wear a suit, but that's not happening.  It's a black tie event, so tuxedo it is! Although it's way out of our comfort zone, it's really exciting to go to such a fancy event.  I'm pretty sure I've never been to anything like it! ...

Yesterday, I had the incredible opportunity to speak at a medical conference that focused on pediatric palliative care. In case that's a new term for you (it was for me too, until we needed it!), palliative care is specialized medical care for people with serious illnesses. It is focused on providing patients with relief from the symptoms, pain, and stress of a serious illness—whatever the diagnosis. The goal is to improve quality of life for both the patient and the family. One thing I think that is important to note is that palliative care does not equal Hospice care or end-of-life care!  I think, too often, people think you need palliative care when the child is terminal.  Not true.  Exhibit A  :)  : My role at the conference was to be part of a parent panel where we shared our stories, experiences with doctors and medical staff, and the meaning we discovered as a result of our experience.  There was a lot of discussion throughout the day about...

Next Tuesday, I will be speaking at a UMMC conference on how to help families of children with life-limiting illnesses.  This conference is for medical professionals at UMMC, as well as students at UMB.  It's an all-day conference whose entire focus is pallative care for critically-ill children, so I'm excited to hear what some of the speakers have to say.  I love that UMMC finds pallative care important enough to devote an entire conference to it.  Unfortunately, pallative care often gets pushed to the side. I will be part of a parent panel for a session entitled, “When It’s Your Child: Parent Reflections On Life-Limiting Pediatric Illness.”    There will be three of us on the panel representing a variety of medical needs.  Will you please pray for me over the next week?  I am so excited about this opportunity, but a little nervous about the number of people that will be in the audience.  I'm not a public speaker (that may sound st...

Matt and I had an amazing opportunity today as we spoke to the NICU staff that saved Abby's life.  We loved thanking them for taking care of our daughter.  We loved showing her off.  We loved seeing so many familiar faces.  But what was the most amazing part was that we were able to share our faith and hope in Christ with so many people.  How could we not tell Abby's story without giving credit to the One who performed all of the miracles?!  There may be no medical explanation for why Abby's spine is straight, her sight and hearing are fine, her rib gaps are closing, or her cognitive ability is on target....but we know why. We were impressed with how reflective the group as a whole was and how they really seemed to be taking our concerns and suggestions to heart.  While our talk was mostly about Abby's miracles, we were also asked to include some ways the NICU could improve.  There were a few things that we wish had been different, most of wis...

On Friday at 1 p.m., we will be going to the NICU to share our experience with the staff.  We'll talk about the ups and downs Abby had, how our emotions played out, and some things we wish had been a little different. Matt and I are really excited for the opportunity to talk and answer questions about our experience.  Will you please pray for us?  * God will give us the words to say that will share the joy we have in Christ. We will be openly sharing the miracles God has performed in Abby's life! *  We will be calm and collected in the midst of so many extremely intelligent medical professionals!  It's only slightly nervewracking to be sharing medical information with the doctors who took care of your baby!   *  The negative aspects of our experience will be shared delicately and with the focus of love for our daughter.  We are not there to put anyone down.  On the contrary, we are so thankful that they saved Abby's life! *...