Friday, October 23, 2009
You Save Me
Washing machine, ohhh washing machine,
I love you so.
I could never get through the day without you.
You complete me!!
Tuesday, October 20, 2009
Relaxation
I have a hard time relaxing. I guess I should say I have a hard time relaxing in the way in which many do. You will almost never find me getting a manicure, pedicure, going to the movies, getting a massage or anything along these lines. I get my hair done as little as possible. While I want the end result of all of these things, it is the means to the end that I cannot bear.
One day, I was watching TV and saw an ad for RLS (Restless Leg Syndrome). From that day forward, I have been self diagnosed with this condition. I feel this is the reason I cannot sit back and relax. Once Aviana arrived from Guatemala, I began to realize with each passing day that I desperately needed to get out and do something. I knew I needed some ME time, but what was I to do?
My friend Summer asked me to go scrapbooking with her. I always wanted to learn how, but knew if I even scratched the surface I would dive in head over heels. Since I was a kid, I have loved anything and everything to do with paper. I have always been fascinated with everything “office.” I can lose myself for hours in such a supply store. Envelopes, paper, pens, tape, paperclips, notepads, you name it, I love it.
In my defense, this particular quality is hereditary. My dad is the exact same way. I think if you combined the number of different pens we both have in our houses it would number in the thousands!! I am not even kidding. I do not have an addictive bone in my body, but actually feared the thought of beginning this hobby. I knew it would be my Jack Daniels. Sure enough, one day at the scrapbook store and I was hooked.
This is crazy, but before I even went that first day I had decided I was going to start a small business where I would scrapbook for other people. It wouldn’t stop there; I was going to make cards and invitations too. I remember sitting there that first day with my friend. I did not know what I was doing, but I was explaining my "business" in full detail to her. I can only imagine what she was thinking. I was going on and on. “People want scrapbooks, but many times there is not enough time in the day to create them.” “Many people want the books, but do not know how to create them.” “What should I call my business?” “Will you be my first customer?”
Oh my goodness, if I could have only read her mind. This poor girl had to listen to all of this as I sat there staring at one 12 X 12 piece of paper and 3 pictures not knowing what the hell I was doing!!!
This endeavor was going to accomplish so many of my own personal goals. I would create these books so family and friends would no longer have to gather around the computer screen to look at the slew of pictures of Aviana, I would be fulfilling the hobby hole in my heart; I would be able to stay at home with Aviana and do a job which I loved and was passionate about.
I surrounded myself in everything scrapbooking and card making. I learned everything I could. I meticulously crafted album after album. I spent hours working on a website. I was so excited. I would completely lose myself in this new found world. I could spend hours and hours listening to my favorite music while crafting projects. I always felt completely relaxed and at ease during this time.
I have barely picked up a piece of my beloved paper since the middle of June. Recently though, I did make 60 invitations. I quickly realized that I now more than ever need to get back into it. It takes me to another place. It’s therapeutic. Oh, and of course my muse has returned!!! I just purchased some stamp sets and paper that I have wanted for a very long time. I am anxiously awaiting their arrival. Just the thought alone of a delivery which is not from Apria Healthcare makes me giddy : )
I love spending every waking moment with Aviana, but I know I am going to burn myself out. I know I need to be careful and take some time away. I am excited to jump back in the scrapbook game. Fall is my absolute favorite time of year with Halloween being my favorite holiday. I hold the process of decorating my house for the season responsible for this overwhelming urge to create.
One day, I was watching TV and saw an ad for RLS (Restless Leg Syndrome). From that day forward, I have been self diagnosed with this condition. I feel this is the reason I cannot sit back and relax. Once Aviana arrived from Guatemala, I began to realize with each passing day that I desperately needed to get out and do something. I knew I needed some ME time, but what was I to do?
My friend Summer asked me to go scrapbooking with her. I always wanted to learn how, but knew if I even scratched the surface I would dive in head over heels. Since I was a kid, I have loved anything and everything to do with paper. I have always been fascinated with everything “office.” I can lose myself for hours in such a supply store. Envelopes, paper, pens, tape, paperclips, notepads, you name it, I love it.
In my defense, this particular quality is hereditary. My dad is the exact same way. I think if you combined the number of different pens we both have in our houses it would number in the thousands!! I am not even kidding. I do not have an addictive bone in my body, but actually feared the thought of beginning this hobby. I knew it would be my Jack Daniels. Sure enough, one day at the scrapbook store and I was hooked.
This is crazy, but before I even went that first day I had decided I was going to start a small business where I would scrapbook for other people. It wouldn’t stop there; I was going to make cards and invitations too. I remember sitting there that first day with my friend. I did not know what I was doing, but I was explaining my "business" in full detail to her. I can only imagine what she was thinking. I was going on and on. “People want scrapbooks, but many times there is not enough time in the day to create them.” “Many people want the books, but do not know how to create them.” “What should I call my business?” “Will you be my first customer?”
Oh my goodness, if I could have only read her mind. This poor girl had to listen to all of this as I sat there staring at one 12 X 12 piece of paper and 3 pictures not knowing what the hell I was doing!!!
This endeavor was going to accomplish so many of my own personal goals. I would create these books so family and friends would no longer have to gather around the computer screen to look at the slew of pictures of Aviana, I would be fulfilling the hobby hole in my heart; I would be able to stay at home with Aviana and do a job which I loved and was passionate about.
I surrounded myself in everything scrapbooking and card making. I learned everything I could. I meticulously crafted album after album. I spent hours working on a website. I was so excited. I would completely lose myself in this new found world. I could spend hours and hours listening to my favorite music while crafting projects. I always felt completely relaxed and at ease during this time.
I have barely picked up a piece of my beloved paper since the middle of June. Recently though, I did make 60 invitations. I quickly realized that I now more than ever need to get back into it. It takes me to another place. It’s therapeutic. Oh, and of course my muse has returned!!! I just purchased some stamp sets and paper that I have wanted for a very long time. I am anxiously awaiting their arrival. Just the thought alone of a delivery which is not from Apria Healthcare makes me giddy : )
I love spending every waking moment with Aviana, but I know I am going to burn myself out. I know I need to be careful and take some time away. I am excited to jump back in the scrapbook game. Fall is my absolute favorite time of year with Halloween being my favorite holiday. I hold the process of decorating my house for the season responsible for this overwhelming urge to create.
Monday, October 19, 2009
My Little Cheerleader
I promise you, I did not position her fingers like that! I think it is either how she feels about physical therapy ~or~ me : )
As part of Aviana's daily therapy, we pull her arm down, hold it and then lift it over her head. She used to not even be able to do the first part of this. While we would hold her arm above her head, she would cry the entire time and just want to bring it down immediately.
My Uncle Roger was working with her on Friday and after he let her arm go, she left it above her head. We were shocked. She kept looking from her arm to my Uncle Roger. She looked like she was saying, "Do you see that? Do you see how well I am holding my arm?" We couldn't believe our eyes. She was moving her arms all around.
She must have really enjoyed this new skill because she continued doing it the entire weekend. She looked so cute, I couldn't stop taking pictures!
She also did quite a bit of sitting on her own. She is getting stronger and stronger with each passing day!!
I think both of them are getting a little tired of the "Aviana & Kama" photo shoots. I have to admit, for every picture I post....I took at least 15 more.
As part of Aviana's daily therapy, we pull her arm down, hold it and then lift it over her head. She used to not even be able to do the first part of this. While we would hold her arm above her head, she would cry the entire time and just want to bring it down immediately.
My Uncle Roger was working with her on Friday and after he let her arm go, she left it above her head. We were shocked. She kept looking from her arm to my Uncle Roger. She looked like she was saying, "Do you see that? Do you see how well I am holding my arm?" We couldn't believe our eyes. She was moving her arms all around.
She must have really enjoyed this new skill because she continued doing it the entire weekend. She looked so cute, I couldn't stop taking pictures!
She also did quite a bit of sitting on her own. She is getting stronger and stronger with each passing day!!
I think both of them are getting a little tired of the "Aviana & Kama" photo shoots. I have to admit, for every picture I post....I took at least 15 more.
Sunday, October 18, 2009
Quote
"I know God will not give me anything I can't handle.
I just wish that He didn't trust me so much."
~Mother Teresa
Friday, October 16, 2009
Everyday Angel
My mom called, tears streaming down her face. She could barely speak. So many thoughts rushed to the forefront of my mind. Did she get hurt? Was Gary OK? Was she struck by a flood of memories of Aviana....all at once? What the heck was going on?
With the past months events, I am afflicted by a new condition called, “You better brace yourself, it quite possibly could be bad or sad news.” Yes, if you were wondering, I coined the term :o) I am desperately trying to release myself from the tight grip of this condition. I do not want to be that person. The one who is fearful at every turn. The one who is completely apprehensive of what life has in store for them and their loved ones. It affects me at different times. It could be when the phone rings, when I hear someone crying, when I can’t get a hold of a family member at exactly the right moment.
Back to the phone call, with my heart pounding out of my chest, I asked my mom what was going on. Through tears she uttered the words, "Dave Kennedy" (oh thank God……these were happy tears.) I remembered this name! He was her boss, from years ago. She went on to read me a beautiful note from him. She told me of his *more than generous* donation to Aviana’s fund. I was shocked....speechless! We were so incredibly thankful! We were amazed by his love and support.
A few weeks later, we were in the initial stages of planning our trip to Pennsylvania. I had just posted a note on the blog about The Institute and our impending plans. We had so many thoughts, rolling around like marbles in our brains....we had to check flights, find a hotel, figure out how and when to bring Aviana back for her evaluation, etc.
Above all, we were wondering where all of the money was going to come from. We were bound and determined to find a way to pull this very important trip off. We had enough from donations (thank you everyone) to pay for both our tuition and Aviana’s for the course only. Not for food, lodging, airfare, etc.
My mom called. Again, she was crying her eyes out. “What’s going on?” Again, through sobs, “Dave Kennedy.” To make a long story short, he grabbed the bull by the horns and organized every detail from airfare all the way down to making sure there was a refrigerator for any of Aviana’s possible needs. I am not kidding you; he took the time and energy to meticulously plan every last detail of our trip.
Confirmations were arriving one after the other in my inbox. Everything was taken care of, nothing left out and nothing out of our pockets. We are flying out on November 29th and flying back on December 5th. We then arrive home, pick Aviana up and fly back to Pennsylvania on December 6th and then all three of us fly back home on December 9th. The answer is YES, we have lost our minds. All of it, taken care of by Dave & Kim Kennedy.
We are so incredibly thankful to both of them and we do not have enough kind words to accurately express our gratitude. They are everyday angels.
With the past months events, I am afflicted by a new condition called, “You better brace yourself, it quite possibly could be bad or sad news.” Yes, if you were wondering, I coined the term :o) I am desperately trying to release myself from the tight grip of this condition. I do not want to be that person. The one who is fearful at every turn. The one who is completely apprehensive of what life has in store for them and their loved ones. It affects me at different times. It could be when the phone rings, when I hear someone crying, when I can’t get a hold of a family member at exactly the right moment.
Back to the phone call, with my heart pounding out of my chest, I asked my mom what was going on. Through tears she uttered the words, "Dave Kennedy" (oh thank God……these were happy tears.) I remembered this name! He was her boss, from years ago. She went on to read me a beautiful note from him. She told me of his *more than generous* donation to Aviana’s fund. I was shocked....speechless! We were so incredibly thankful! We were amazed by his love and support.
A few weeks later, we were in the initial stages of planning our trip to Pennsylvania. I had just posted a note on the blog about The Institute and our impending plans. We had so many thoughts, rolling around like marbles in our brains....we had to check flights, find a hotel, figure out how and when to bring Aviana back for her evaluation, etc.
Above all, we were wondering where all of the money was going to come from. We were bound and determined to find a way to pull this very important trip off. We had enough from donations (thank you everyone) to pay for both our tuition and Aviana’s for the course only. Not for food, lodging, airfare, etc.
My mom called. Again, she was crying her eyes out. “What’s going on?” Again, through sobs, “Dave Kennedy.” To make a long story short, he grabbed the bull by the horns and organized every detail from airfare all the way down to making sure there was a refrigerator for any of Aviana’s possible needs. I am not kidding you; he took the time and energy to meticulously plan every last detail of our trip.
Confirmations were arriving one after the other in my inbox. Everything was taken care of, nothing left out and nothing out of our pockets. We are flying out on November 29th and flying back on December 5th. We then arrive home, pick Aviana up and fly back to Pennsylvania on December 6th and then all three of us fly back home on December 9th. The answer is YES, we have lost our minds. All of it, taken care of by Dave & Kim Kennedy.
We are so incredibly thankful to both of them and we do not have enough kind words to accurately express our gratitude. They are everyday angels.
Thursday, October 15, 2009
Our Sweet Aviana
Aviana and one of her best friends, Avery. 
Aviana and her other best friend, Kama. 
This was a very exciting night of therapy. Aviana is now strong enough to hold her own weight in the crawling position. She has come a long way and I am so happy to be able to post such beautiful pictures.
You should have seen me..... I was frantically running for the camera, cheering her on, snapping pictures left and right, gulping down a glass of wine, complaining about the diaper.
Therapy can be very exciting, but once over, all three of us are exhausted!
Geeez, put some pants on that girl! I never like it when children are just in diapers and think it is too funny that in this group of pictures she is sportin' that particular fashion :o)
There is a pay off to hard work, a nap with your favorite companion! 
Night, night beautiful! 
Aviana and her other best friend, Kama. 
This was a very exciting night of therapy. Aviana is now strong enough to hold her own weight in the crawling position. She has come a long way and I am so happy to be able to post such beautiful pictures.
You should have seen me..... I was frantically running for the camera, cheering her on, snapping pictures left and right, gulping down a glass of wine, complaining about the diaper.
Therapy can be very exciting, but once over, all three of us are exhausted!
Geeez, put some pants on that girl! I never like it when children are just in diapers and think it is too funny that in this group of pictures she is sportin' that particular fashion :o)
There is a pay off to hard work, a nap with your favorite companion! 
Night, night beautiful! 
Sunday, October 11, 2009
Quote of the Day
Be kinder than necessary, because everyone you meet is fighting some kind of battle.
Wednesday, October 7, 2009
Dear Brain Injury-
You descended, wrapping slithery hands around a precious girl. You cemented her tracks. Our girl was full of life in her purple checkerboard shorts, a white tank top and brand new sandals. Her recently purchased summer sandals were about to embark on a fresh season of good times and great memories.
Bold and determined, you sucked the life from our beautiful child. leaving her flat, lifeless. You ricocheted her brain and left her flat, lifeless. How could you leave a child without the ability to walk?
Children walk, they jump, dance, skip. Kids twirl in circles for god’s sake; they flow to music without a care in the world. Congratulations, you snatched ability and senses. You silenced sweet words, sentences, laughter and stilled all limbs. Worst, you stole her smile.
Our little girl’s favorite thing was to eat. You are a greedy piece of sh*t for leaving her with one choice for the entire day only. And, she can’t taste it.
How do you feel for stripping every single basic characteristic that defines a human being's quality of life?
You tried to go beyond her brain injury. You tried to infiltrate us. You tried to destroy a beautiful family of good hearted people. You tried to shake us to our core, to make us crack.
I have one thing to say, YOU WILL NOT SUCCEED. WE will succeed. WE will be the ones standing in the end. You, will be more of a distant memory with each passing day. You picked the wrong family! You did not take into account how strong we all are. You forgot to factor the fiery spirit which burns bright within each of us.
You sicken me,
Jen
Bold and determined, you sucked the life from our beautiful child. leaving her flat, lifeless. You ricocheted her brain and left her flat, lifeless. How could you leave a child without the ability to walk?
Children walk, they jump, dance, skip. Kids twirl in circles for god’s sake; they flow to music without a care in the world. Congratulations, you snatched ability and senses. You silenced sweet words, sentences, laughter and stilled all limbs. Worst, you stole her smile.
Our little girl’s favorite thing was to eat. You are a greedy piece of sh*t for leaving her with one choice for the entire day only. And, she can’t taste it.
How do you feel for stripping every single basic characteristic that defines a human being's quality of life?
You tried to go beyond her brain injury. You tried to infiltrate us. You tried to destroy a beautiful family of good hearted people. You tried to shake us to our core, to make us crack.
I have one thing to say, YOU WILL NOT SUCCEED. WE will succeed. WE will be the ones standing in the end. You, will be more of a distant memory with each passing day. You picked the wrong family! You did not take into account how strong we all are. You forgot to factor the fiery spirit which burns bright within each of us.
You sicken me,
Jen
Monday, October 5, 2009
Tears Drop
I wanted to share a card which was given to us over the weekend.
One tiny butterfly
shows what it means
to have enduring courage and dignity,
so that even when the wind takes it in an unknown direction,
it flies, staying strong, staying brave.
One tiny butterfly lifts itself up with the light deep inside its soul,
rising on the wings of hope for a safe and renewing journey....
You're like that butterfly,
brave and beautiful.
I know your couragous spirit will carry you through this
just like it has carried you so many times before.
And I also know
I'm here for you,
to offer friendship and comfort and support,
so you'll soon have all the strength you need to soar once more.
Thank you Jim, Emily, Angelica and baby Ashton too :)
One tiny butterfly
shows what it means
to have enduring courage and dignity,
so that even when the wind takes it in an unknown direction,
it flies, staying strong, staying brave.
One tiny butterfly lifts itself up with the light deep inside its soul,
rising on the wings of hope for a safe and renewing journey....
You're like that butterfly,
brave and beautiful.
I know your couragous spirit will carry you through this
just like it has carried you so many times before.
And I also know
I'm here for you,
to offer friendship and comfort and support,
so you'll soon have all the strength you need to soar once more.
Thank you Jim, Emily, Angelica and baby Ashton too :)
Sunday, October 4, 2009
Because of You
Sgt. Merenda~
Before the police responded,
before the ambulances rounded the corner,
before the EMTs were in action,
before the doctors and nurses were able to put years of expertise to good use,
YOU WERE THERE!
In the worst moment of my family’s history, you were one of the first on the scene to help. We will forever hold you in high regard. I know what you are thinking, “I was just at the right place at the right time.” Yes, I agree, you were at the right place at the right time, but it goes much further than that. You, were actually trained and willing to assist. As I have found in talking to many people, even when others are trained, they are (in many cases) not willing to help out.
On that street, in that moment, it was you who gave Aviana her very first chance at survival. It may very well have ended in that moment. Instead of the doctors telling us, “It’s a long shot, but if we work fast, there is an emergency surgery we can try.” He may have been telling us, “I’m sorry, she didn’t make it.”
With every surgery, with every bit of progress, your face flashes before our very eyes. Many things we experience on a daily basis are first and foremost, because of you. We may never have had the opportunity to look into her beautiful brown eyes again. We may never have been blessed to witness the most incredible fighting spirit we have ever seen. We would never have been able to watch her survive and thrive through six intense surgeries. We would never again have been able to grab her up and love on her to no end. We would never have observed the true miracle of seeing this girl, the one that was pretty much written off, not only sit up on her very own, but stay there for five full minutes. We would not have experienced the beauty of her pulling her little body, with all her might, over to and on top of her best girl...Kama! We would have had to plan a dreaded funeral rather than a beautiful 3rd birthday and welcome home party. We would never have felt the incredible love and gratefulness we feel as we gladly fulfill her every need. The list is truly endless.
You are on our minds all of the time. You were so much more than simply in the right place at the right time. We thank you from the bottom of our hearts. We love you from the bottom of our hearts.
Dave, Jen & Aviana
Before the police responded,
before the ambulances rounded the corner,
before the EMTs were in action,
before the doctors and nurses were able to put years of expertise to good use,
YOU WERE THERE!
In the worst moment of my family’s history, you were one of the first on the scene to help. We will forever hold you in high regard. I know what you are thinking, “I was just at the right place at the right time.” Yes, I agree, you were at the right place at the right time, but it goes much further than that. You, were actually trained and willing to assist. As I have found in talking to many people, even when others are trained, they are (in many cases) not willing to help out.
On that street, in that moment, it was you who gave Aviana her very first chance at survival. It may very well have ended in that moment. Instead of the doctors telling us, “It’s a long shot, but if we work fast, there is an emergency surgery we can try.” He may have been telling us, “I’m sorry, she didn’t make it.”
With every surgery, with every bit of progress, your face flashes before our very eyes. Many things we experience on a daily basis are first and foremost, because of you. We may never have had the opportunity to look into her beautiful brown eyes again. We may never have been blessed to witness the most incredible fighting spirit we have ever seen. We would never have been able to watch her survive and thrive through six intense surgeries. We would never again have been able to grab her up and love on her to no end. We would never have observed the true miracle of seeing this girl, the one that was pretty much written off, not only sit up on her very own, but stay there for five full minutes. We would not have experienced the beauty of her pulling her little body, with all her might, over to and on top of her best girl...Kama! We would have had to plan a dreaded funeral rather than a beautiful 3rd birthday and welcome home party. We would never have felt the incredible love and gratefulness we feel as we gladly fulfill her every need. The list is truly endless.
You are on our minds all of the time. You were so much more than simply in the right place at the right time. We thank you from the bottom of our hearts. We love you from the bottom of our hearts.
Dave, Jen & Aviana
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