Saturday, July 4, 2009

Happy 4th To Everyone!!

We wish all a happy and safe 4th of July! What a HUGE day Aviana had yesterday. Visitors upon visitors. Our little pumpkin was resting today. Funny, as I look at her laying there with a shaved, bumpy, lumpy head full of incisions, I can't help but think she looks more beautiful than I have ever seen her.

What's also funny is when she joined our family, I almost immediately noticed she had a lumpy, bumpy head. In one of her early visits with the doctor I had asked if this was normal. Our doctor said "yes, it was very normal and to be honest in some countries they used to actually feel the shape of the head and the lumps and bumps would help them to determine the intellect of the child, the lumpier the better."

We had a good day today, Aviana spent the day with her Nana, Papa, Uncle Roger, Aunt Rella, her Aunt Cortney and us. We had a mini celebration in her room complete with one of her favorite creations on earth.....balloons!! We went to Safeway to pick up the balloons and immediately the most perfect one appeared before my very eyes. A red, white and blue heart which read "You're My Hero." This could not have been anymore fitting for what I was feeling.

I placed my order and the girl asked if I could grab her the one I was pointing at as it was the LAST one in the whole store. I instantly thought...there are no coincidences!!

She will forever be our little hero. Her strength, determination and spirit are an ABSOLUTE inspiration.

he·ro

a: a mythological or legendary figure often of divine descent endowed with great strength or ability

b: an illustrious warrior

c: one admired for achievements and noble qualities

d: one that shows great courage

In closing, I have to quote one of our many followers as I can not put what I am feeling today in any better terms: "Have a happy 4th of July, I know it's not the one you planned, but it's now better then the one you had last expected."

Thank you Leah : )

22 comments:

  1. beautiful post, keeping Aviana in our prayers every day. Happy fourth to you and your family.
    blessings, Rhonda

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  2. Jen it is amazing how wonderful you write and today I saw just how amazing your daughter is.She blinked her eyes when I talked to her and I really think that the fast motion was her knowing someone was there.I loved my half hour with her and I can't wait for many more.Thank you for the closeness I feel to you and Dave and I know Rob would not be were he is without him.....I love you both....Happy Fourth...
    Cortney Rader(auntie)

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  3. PRAYER TO ST JUDE

    Most holy apostle, St. Jude, faithful servant and friend of Jesus, the Church honors and invokes you universally, as the patron of hopeless cases, of things almost despaired of. Pray for me, I am so helpless and alone. Make use I implore you, of that particular privilege given to you, to bring visible and speedy help where help is almost despaired of. Come to my assistance in this great need that I may receive the consolation and help of heaven in all my necessities, tribulations, and sufferings, particularly (here make your request) and that I may praise God with you and all the elect forever. I promise, O blessed St. Jude to be ever mindful of this great favor, to always honor you as my special and powerful patron, and to gratefully encourage devotion to you. Amen

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  4. NOVENA PRAYER

    May the most sacred heart of Jesus be adored and loved in all the tabernacles until the end of time. Amen

    May the most sacred heart of Jesus be praised and glorified now and forever. Amen

    St. Jude pray for us and hear our prayers. Amen

    Blessed be the sacred heart of Jesus.
    Blessed be the immaculate heart of Mary.
    Blessed be Saint Jude Thaddeus.
    In all the world and for all eternity.

    Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come, thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us, and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. Amen

    Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with thee. Blessed art thou among women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus. Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners now and at the hour of our death. Amen

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  5. Father God, we cry out for this precious little one, Aviana. Her life is in your hands. You are able to provide this miracle that she needs. We proclaim by the blood of Jesus Christ that Aviana shall be healed and restored to wholeness. Prepare this special angel for her witness and ministry proclaiming Thy Glory. Reveal wondrousness things that only You are able to reveal to her. We praise You and thank You for Thy will be done through her long life here on earth. Thank you for comforting her parents, grand parents and all those whose lives have been touched by her life. Let it be so, in Jesus' Precious Name.

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  6. I have been talking to Susan for every update and reading blog religiously. I have tried to post many times and failed but today I figured it out. This is such wonderful news. Our family will continue to pray. Hallie and Hanna end their prayers each night with one for Aviana. Prayers from little angels for another little angel are being heard. Love to you all from Hallie, Hanna and the entire Chhirstpherson and Yates families

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  7. Happy 4th guys!!!!You all are continuously in my heart and prayers!

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  8. Just read your entire blog. Saw the link on Craigslist. Amazing people out there willing to help and step in. I'm truly sorry for your stuggle and constant stress. I wish your daughter the best and a great recovery. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. That is a wonderful thing your are doing by providing this blog to keep everyone informed.

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  9. So very happy for you and grateful for the better-than-expected news about Aviana. She is constantly in my thoughts and prayers.

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  10. Here's a link to the Good Day Sacramento Video Link http://www.cbs13.com/video/?id=56510@kovr.dayport.com Please come by today!

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  11. Lovely balloons; it is so nice to see your joy returning. She is feeling that joy, support, love and determination from each of you and it is surely helping her spirit...her healing. Continuing to pray, root for you all and be in a supportive spirit daily.

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  12. I realize you don't know me, so maybe I have no place commenting on your blog. Forgive me, I saw something on Good Day Sacramento today and had to read your blog. I was just curious what had happened to your little girl and thought I would check quickly. As soon as I started reading I had to go to day 1 and read it all.
    Your little Aviana and your family will be in all my prayers. I have 2 children of my own and I can't imagine what you are going through. As selfish as it is, I have found strength from YOU for all the minor stresses in my life. I appreciate your blog and you sharing it with the world. I hope I can find some way to help, even if it's just by praying. I know your Aviana is amazing and I hope for the best for you all.
    Lindsey Jones

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  13. Jen, I LOVE your post title "Science can take you so far and then comes God". So true, so true. My sister is currently going thru chemo for cancer (for the 2nd time) and her prognosis isn't so great. We know that it will take a healing touch from God to get her thru this. But we KNOW He can do it. I pray that He will also touch your Aviana too. I pray for you every night and several times during the day. And I know how much comments mean as they helped us out so much when my sister was diagnosed. My mom, sister and I were crying with happines, literally, when I told them what you had blogged yesterday. Thank you God for that miracle! Please know there are so many people thinking, praying and pulling for your Aviana and you. I know this is hell on you.

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  14. Dave & Jen -

    I'm so glad that I got to see you today. I know that it took strength and grace that I don't know that I would have were I in your situation. Another poster said that she admired your strength - and I do as well. God bless you all!

    -Jillian

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  15. I live in Sacramento - and I have been reading through your blog from the beginning. You are so inspiring, strong, and amazing. I have only the best thoughts for you and your family. I love the post about your husband - you two are strong enough to go through anything, and I admire you for that. Your little girl is a beautiful gift, and I am definitely praying for her. I have a good feeling about her - she seems like a fighter. Thank you for giving us an insight into this tragedy... it puts life into perspective.

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  16. The balloon is perfect! Your little girl is so sweet and I am praying for her to keep fighting!!!

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  17. Aviana must have a wonderous guardian angel. We continue to pray for all of you every day. Hugs and kisses from Utah.

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  18. Sending love your way and positivity! Jah love. Peace to your family! Baloons for everyone, enough to fill a house. Happy 4th of July!

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  19. Hi - I know you don't know me, but I asked my wonderful father-in-law who is a minister in South Carolina (his name is Walter) to write a prayer for little Aviana. We hope this beautiful prayer will provide you all comfort during this difficult time. We will continue to send terrific energy your way.

    Ever Caring and Compassionate Father, we are thankful that you are intimately and closely involved with each of us as your children. You have promised that you will never leave us alone to deal with the challenges of life. Sometimes what we face is frightening and causes us to ask many questions. Your answer for this is to “fear not” for you are an ever present loving Spirit.

    We know you are the one who provides healing and wholeness. You impart compassion, wisdom, and skill to the medical team. As we surround this precious child we know that you surround us with your divine support and light. We know all things work together for good in your hands and we commit everything unfolding here to you.

    Thank you for being the steady point in the midst of all the changes and challenges that are part of life’s journey.

    In the name of Immanuel, God with us, we pray. - AMEN

    Wishing you all the best--
    Pam

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  20. I am an adoptive mom who found your blog I think from Cameo's blog and just read the whole thing. I am amazed at your strength and faith and congratulations on your positive MRI results. I know it is a long road but I am hoping beyond hope that your gorgeous daughter will be okay.

    I know when something like this happens this is probably the last thing on your mind. As a lawyer who does this type of work (in Chicago) I hope you have talked to a lawyer regarding the accident. There are a lot of legal issues that he/she could take care of for you. Please feel free to e-mail me if I can help you in anyway.

    Muriel
    murielcollison@hotmail.com
    2kaz4sophie.blogspot.com

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  21. Happy to hear about the good MRI and the positive comments from the doc. I pray that you all continue to have good days, and that the bad days are minimal...but I know you will get through them. Focusing on the positive and healing is what Avi needs. Thank you Anonymous, for posting the Prayer to St. Jude. I know it works.. I was a hopeless case once (ok, maybe more than once)...but not anymore, thanks to St. Jude.

    Hugs,

    Janet

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  22. I just wanted to thank Aviana for making this my best birthday ever :) She seemed to know exactly what I was wishing for and came through big time ;)

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