A Little Help For My Friend

Before Henry was born, I worked the front desk at a local hotel. One of the people I worked with was a woman named Marian. She was a single mom and lived with her teenage son, Paul. Over the years we were friends and even after I left that job we stayed in touch through email and through my mom (Marian came into the library a lot while my mom worked there).

Last November Marian passed away in her sleep. Of course, we no longer lived in the same town and this was during the time we had no money at all so I was not able to help her son in any way. I felt badly about that and tried to make up for it by sending messages and sharing happy stories of Marian.

Marian's son, Paul, is now in his early twenties and is a father of a two year old. Unfortunately, his son passed away on July 6th. It was such a tragic, senseless death and my heart aches for him and his partner. I remember Paul fondly and I'm so sad that he is going through this so soon after losing his mom.

Thankfully, I am in a position where I am able to send some help money-wise. It isn't much. I've also shared his story on Facebook. His older sister, who lives in New York state, made a donation site for him. The money is to be used for final expenses. I donated to that fund as well and I've shared it several times on Facebook.

The thing that is really getting me upset is that no one that I know has donated to it. I know people can't always contribute (I know that first hand) but I thought that my friends that live in the same town as Paul would at least jump in with prayers, healing thoughts or mojo. Usually these friends are the first to say they are praying and the first to try to help somehow even if it is with a meal. Why are the not responding to this?? These two young people have lost their 2 year old son!

I'm trying to not jump to conclusions about why no one seems to care. I know money is tight for some, but words are always free and kind ones are always well received.

So, I am coming to the blogging world and asking for help. I know that you don't know these young people, but you don't have to know them to have a bit of compassion. Check out the donation site. It has pictures and Paul has written about his son and what happened. I find that it is hard for me to write about the details and it is so much better coming from Paul. If you can, please donate a couple of dollars or leave a kind message...or both.

You can find the website by clicking HERE.

Edited to Add...
Okay...I came to respond to a message that was left for me and now that message is gone. Weird. I will just add my comment here in  the hopes it makes things clearer.

The reason I am mad that no one is giving a kind thought or prayer to these people is that my Manistee friends KNOW them. Several times a day I see status updates about friends of friends and/or their children and the love and pray pile is on. I guess I am confused why no one seems to care about these two. When my nephew was in the hospital many friends that never knew he existed before then were willing to send thoughts and prayers, but for someone they know and that lives in their town and they actually see out and about they can't seem to care about.

I understand that sending them well wishes might come across as weird if you don't know them. I probably wouldn't either. I do know that on Facebook any comments made on my link would be visible to Paul and that's why I am shocked that people are so quiet.

It comes down to my wanting to help them in some way. I've done what I was able to do financially and by sharing their story I hope that, somehow, they will get the help they need.

Edited again because some people are truly wonderful!

Sometimes people you meet through the internet are kind, cool and talented. Those people care when the ones that SHOULD care don't or can't be bothered.

DM- I only know you online and yet you are the kind of person I want my children to grow up to be like. Thank you.

AO- You are so kind and thoughtful. Thank you for helping! Many blessing to you!

Playing Catch Up, Part 3

 Our local library had a free petting zoo one night. The kids and I walked over and got to meet some animals. Gavin was quite willing to pet the snake! Henry and Irene touched it but refused to let them set it around their shoulders.

 Petting the fuzzy rabbit was a big hit.

 Gavin had to get right up there and check it out, too.

 The big turtle (tortoise? I have no idea.) was Gavin's favorite.

                              
                               
 Henry and the llama became good friends and he liked the goats, too. Of course, he wanted to actually touch the tarantula that they had....yuck. They kids also got to pet a prairie dog and get 'kissed' by a lizard with a blue tongue.

 They also had to take a turn sitting on the donkey.

 And making faces...

I like our library and the programs they offer. I feel we are fortunate to have a library that is part of the KDL library system. We have a lot of books available to us and they offer so many programs. Great deal!

Playing Catch Up, Part 2

Irene turned 5 back in June. We had her birthday at the Binder Park Zoo. She wanted a Barbie cake this year. Grandpa Lou picked it up the night before and when he got home the cake had fallen apart! He went back to the store with it and the manager called up the bakery staff and told them they'd have to make another first thing in the morning. Thankfully, the second cake survived and was quite yummy.

 My dad made a picnic lunch for us. He had three kinds of sandwiches and two kinds of chips.

 After we ate, Irene opened her gifts. Lalaloopsy was the favorite again this year. My dad did get her a doctor's kit, which she had wanted badly. She is big into Doc McStuffins and wanted a stethoscope like Doc's.

 After the party we headed into the zoo. We rode the tram into "Africa" and started our safari. We all got to feed the giraffes and this year Gavin loved it!

 Then we made the long walk through "Africa."  It was so hot. By the time we made it back to the tram we were all ready for a drink and some shade.

 We checked out the children's portion of the zoo. There were goats and rabbits and a big slide that the kids played on for quite some time. Through out the area there were misters spraying out cool water.

 We had a lovely time. The kids were tired (so were the adults!) and Gavin fell asleep soon after getting in the car.

I think it was a good birthday for Irene. She is excited about being five and can't wait for school to start in the fall since she will be in Kindergarten!

As always, you can check out my knitting blog by clicking here.

Playing Catch Up, Part 1

Just a quick update on my nephew, Shelby. He is home and doing very well. He has gotten the staples out of his head (all 44 of them!) and is supposed to be having low stimulation for the next 8 weeks. It is still amazing when you think about the accident and his injuries and then look at him now. It is remarkable!

As for our little family...

Irene was taking a 16 week baton twirling class that started back in February. In May they had their final class and did their twirl/dance routine for all the parents. She also got a medal for perfect attendance.

                            Irene is the one in black pants.

 She worked very hard at the classes. They have a schedule of parades that they have been doing. Irene really isn't interested in the parades and they are not required. She is willing to be in the parade our little town is having for their Riverwalk Festival.

 Overall, this has been a positive experience for her and we plan to have her join again when classes start up in the fall.

There are more updates coming just as soon as I have some time. As always, you should check out my knitting blog by clicking here.

In an instance.

In an instance things can change. Change not just for one person but for many as that change ripples down. This was supposed to be a post about catching up with all that has been going on lately. Instead, it is a post about my nephew and how things can all change in an instance.

On Tuesday my nephew, Shelby, was hit by a car while he was out on his motorized scooter. It was dinner time and I remember hearing the ambulance siren while cooking. He had taken his scooter and gone for a ride. He was not wearing a helmet. His mom was driving home from work and his oldest brother was home. Just a few blocks from our house he ran a stop sign and went out in front of a car. No one knew who he was until two girl friends saw him and gave his name and address. Someone came to the house and the oldest brother took off down the road while also calling his mom.

At first everyone (the docs included) thought he was fine. Turns out he had a skull fracture and a broken collar bone. He had surgery to remove blood clots and sew up a cut in his brain. Plus, there were seven pieces of skull that had to be fitted back together.

Surgery was Wednesday morning. The doctors said that his injuries could affect his right arm and side of his face. They basically said that we wouldn't know until we know.

Thursday morning he was up and able to take a walk around his room. Thursday afternoon he was moved from the ICU into a regular room. He has gone potty by himself. He is still on pain killers for the collar bone and other medications for his head. Tonight he is having an MRI to check his neck for muscle and bone damage.

He has a lot of recovering to do. There are a lot of restrictions on what he can do. He will be needing some help and probably some physical therapy. BUT...he is doing so damn well!

I've been sitting home with my kids since Mark is on the road. I wanted to be there giving support, but since I couldn't I asked my friends on Facebook as well as my Fiber Friends from Ravelry to send him all the prayers, healing thoughts and mojo that they could spare. I got so many responses. I am truly overwhelmed by the love that came in from people I knew and didn't know. I feel like so many people focusing on this one boy did in fact make a cosmic difference.

I just wanted to say thank you. I know that he has a long road ahead, but the outcome could have been so much worse. In an instance so many things changed for all of us.

Plus, if you or your children or friend are getting on any kind of 'bike' please use a helmet. Protect your head!

Preschool Graduate

 Irene had her last day of preschool on Friday. They had a little graduation ceremony. Each child had a cap and received a diploma from the teacher and a flower from the principal. After the ceremony they had a party in their room with cupcakes and juice.

 This was our first year doing preschool in Lowell and it was our first time using the public school preschool. I was very impressed with the teacher and the curriculum. I feel like Irene learned a lot. Of course, I do miss Mrs. Wagner from our old school in Manistee. As a family we spent two years with her and loved her and her devotion to the kids. She was a huge support to us. Still, we had a good experience with the preschool program here.

 Irene is now ready for Kindergarten. We don't know who her teacher will be next fall. I am hoping it will not be the teacher Henry has since it was not a good experience. Henry will be in 1st grade and will be going to the same school. That means I'll drop them both off in the morning. I look forward to it and at the same time I am shocked by how old they have gotten! It seems to me like they are both my little babies.

 Henry still has two more weeks of school. Then we will have summer break. I am trying to find some summer activities or groups for them to join. It will be nice to have a break from running to the school every day.

Here is a picture of Irene with her teacher Ms. Rhonda. Ms. Rhonda was a great teacher and loved by Irene.

Lego Excitement

On Wednesday night Mark had made a quick run to the store. I was in the midst of a bad headache and was waiting for the kids to fall asleep so I could get some rest. Just as Mark was pulling into the driveway, Gavin started crying and came to me saying that his nose hurt. I asked if he had hit it on something. Nope. Was there a boogie that needed to come out? Nope. What could be wrong with it?

Lego.

Lego?

Yup, Lego.

Turns out the little guy decided to shove a small, round lego up his nose. We tried getting it out with tweezers but it was so far in there that it couldn't be reached. That meant we were in for a trip to the E.R.

Grandma was called. Aunt Beth came over to wait until Grandma arrived so that we could leave. The drive to the hospital is 20-25 minutes if there is no traffic or delays. We got there at 9:30pm. Thankfully, the children's hospital offers free valet parking.

The waiting room was rather busy for a Wednesday night. We finally got into a room after 10pm. Very nice doctor and nurse. The lego was easily extracted with no tears from Gavin. Lots of laughs were had by all. We made it home by 11:30pm

Gavin passed out in our bed after all that Lego fun.

Legos are not my favorite toy. They are a pain whether you are stepping on them or sticking them in your nose. Still, they do make for a funny story.