tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-74997164446646575792024-03-19T05:21:54.338-06:00Baby OrtylAn update from the OrtylsUnknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger741125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7499716444664657579.post-78635900893353661382017-03-15T11:22:00.004-06:002017-03-15T11:22:52.916-06:00And now for one of the BEST stories having to do with awarding a grant to a heart family! ♥️ <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="color: #666666; font-size: x-small;">{My desktop when awarding grants}</span></div>
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You guys!<br />
I checked in a couple of weeks ago to tell you a story about the cute heart that my new friend added to our sidewalk, and now I have just the best story about awarding a MOHF grant.<br />
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Nearly every week I am working on some sort of grant for a heart family. Our process is pretty straight forward, we find a family who needs help or they find us, they complete an application, we work with their social worker to verify the application, and sort of qualify the family and then we continue to work with that social worker to figure out how we can really help that family. Almost always, we are paying bills. We never just hand over money to a family, but instead we go through a process of collecting account information for whatever bill we plan to cover and I then get busy making calls, writing checks or moving MOHF money around somehow.<br />
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In case you are new to Mighty Oakes Heart Foundation, simply put we help families who have children with heart defects. After spending 15 months in an intensive care unit with our Oakes, we learned first hand how stressful having a critically ill child is. And we also learned that when your child is critically ill and you are desperatly praying that you kid lives another day, any kind effort to take other stresses off of your plate mean the world. Another big lessons we learned is that LOVE is the best medicine in the world. If that sick child knows they are loved and knows that someone is there fighting with them then they will fight that much harder. So our big goal is to alleviate stress for the families of heart kids so that the families can show up, love on their little ones and give that kiddo every reason in the world to fight.<br />
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So, earlier in the week I sat down to work on two different application. They both were for amazing families with really special kids, but the process of awarding one of the grants inspired and touched me deeply.<br />
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With the help of this one amazing Mom and her social worker we decided that this single Mom would really benefit from several months of rent being paid. Her son is a teenager, has been fighting a sick heart his whole life but with a recent lengthy hospitalization after a heart transplant Mom has just gotten behind on some of their big bills. To move forward with this grant I called the landlord, Maria to set up my third party payment. This is usually pretty straight forward - confirm address, amount due then mail check. I always introduced myself and talk about what MOHF does when I make these calls. Sometimes the person on the other end of the phone has questions about MOHF, or is extremely thankful, sometimes it is a quiet, "Bless you", and sometimes it is just business as usual, but this time what follwed was a first.<br />
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Maria was very sweet, and soft spoken. She was concerned and understanding about both Mom and son. She explained that they were overdue several months but that she had told Mom not to worry about it that they would figure out a payment plan when they were back at home. Sometimes when I make these calls and explain what I intend to do the person on the other end of the call is speechless, but this time I was the one who was lost for words. In five and a half years, and hundreds and hundreds of grants awarded, this was a first. I explained this to Maria. I thanked her for being so empathetic, and caring. I assured her that her kindness had to have brought so much comfort to this Mom and son. Once I found my words, I kind of went on and on at how touched I was, and then after I became quiet, Maria shared that her sister has a son with a heart defect. He nephew is close in age to her tenant. Her nephew has the same doctors as her tenant and her nephew too will likely need a transplant in his near future. Again, words escaped me as I listened to Maria. Maria shared what it has been like to be the supportive but worried sister, and aunt. She shared that she herself would give up anything to see her sister and nephew happy and healthy and she didn't even have to think about helping her tenant in the way that she had. It was the right thing to do. She had seen others help her sister so how could she not do the same.<br />
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It is always a bonus when I make these calls and I think I have impacted that landlord, or person in a call center accepting payments over the phone. It feels like icing on the cake. It's as if I can see the ripples floating away from the all of the goodness and love that my Oakes has inspired and I LOVE IT!!! But with this call what I saw was different. It was as if I was walking into someone else's ripples, or Oakes' ripples were colliding with another heart baby's ripples. It was inspiring and heart warming. I just marveled at Maria, her kindness, and that she is taking her struggle and helping someone else - how freaking cool is she!!! Which then made me think that maybe I felt what some of those call center employees feel when I share our story, and if that is the case, I need to make sure I never miss the opportunity to tell these stories and pass those inspiring, heart warming, freaking cool feelings along to everyone!<br />
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Have a wonderful day, friends! I hope you feel the ripples but also create your own!<br />
XOXO, BeckyUnknownnoreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7499716444664657579.post-2235790496159429982017-02-09T23:19:00.001-07:002017-02-09T23:29:23.124-07:00BEST heart story EVER. ❤️ <span style="font-family: "helveticaneue"; font-size: 12px;">You guys, I have THE BEST heart story. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helveticaneue";"><span style="font-size: 12px;">The first part of the back story: In case you don't know, for about 5 years we have been selling handmade, wooden hearts which we have lovingly cut and painted by groups of mighty volunteers. The hearts have been shipped to family and friends all over the world, but there are lots of them in our little city. Click here <a href="http://www.ksdk.com/entertainment/television/show-me-st-louis/hey-heidi-whats-the-story-behind-the-hearts-in-webster-groves/350751106?li_source=base&li_medium=headline-grid" target="_blank">here</a> for the full story reported by Heidi Glaus.</span></span><br />
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The other part of the back story is that this past Fall I had a guy knock on my door and introduce himself as the guy who would be digging up our front yard. He shared with me that the sewer line that ran from our house to the city's line which lays under our street was busted at the street level and the city had contracted him to dig up our yard, fix the line and put everything back together. This guy was nice but all business. Easy to chat with about our lateral line, but no warm fuzzies. Annoyed by the idea of our yard being dug up I called the city to verify the story and dig around on my own. I learned that the plan was really a plan and was reassured that our yard would be put back together at the end of the project. A little annoyed, but whatever. </div>
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So to back up even more, we have been in our house for 8 years and for 8 years we have talked about redoing the sad, overgrown landscaping around our house. We met with a landscape designer this past summer and shortly after hearing that our yard would be torn up by the city, we decided to pull the trigger on the redesign. So I called the guy who was going to do the all of the digging to let him know that once they replaced the line, they didn’t have to put everything back together because we would be doing some landscaping. Little reaction from him, but he got it. </div>
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We seemed to have a good plan about digging then landscaping but shortly after we had a schedule for this big project we scratched that whole thing and bought a new house on the other side of our little municipality. Super excited about the house, but dreading the yard work now. Cringing I called digging guy again. I shared that we had changed our plans and we in fact did want him to put our yard back together after all of the digging happened. Little reaction over the phone, but we were on the schedule. Digging would happen, then they would put everything back, lay grass seed and pour a new walkway after they removed the old one. Great, moving on.</div>
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So we waited for our turn. And waited some more. It was late Fall at this point and I kept thinking the ground would freeze soon and the job would never be completed, but finally the digging guy showed up one morning with his guys and their diggers. They pulled out a walkway, some plants, lots of grass. They dug a 4’ square in our yard that was also about 4’ deep. They fixed the pipe and by the end of the day they were finished. I walked past the whole operation maybe 4 times that day. The digging crew was made up of some friendly guys. They smiled, said hello, let Esme and Isla and I look into their muddy trench. But the crew was made up of some beefy guys who wore dirt covered overalls. Dirt covered their gloves and was splattered on their hats. They had beards and looked scruffy. And like the original guy, they were all business. </div>
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So when they left there was a huge, white PVC pipe sticking maybe 3’ out of the ground and a massive heap of dirt piled up where the trench used to be. I was told they would be back once the soil settled. I believed they would be back but imagined it would happen in like, June. Slightly annoyed. </div>
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Next, that PVC pipe that was sticking out of the ground, right next to our driveway got hit by a car. Someone who will remain unnamed backed right into it and it was pushed back into the ground. I had my eyes closed as I explained to the digging guy over the phone what had happened. He didn’t have much of a reaction over the phone but since he is always in the area he said he’d swing by to check it out. He visited the next day and with his eyebrows raised he explained that the entire job needed to be redone and it would now cost us a couple thousand dollars, and being mid-January the weather would certainly slow everything up even more. With my hands pressed to my face, I groaned and told him to just do whatever he needed to do to finish the job. I could have made it up, but I’m pretty sure digging guy walked away shaking his head like I was the craziest homeowner he had ever dealt with. But really, at this point I felt crazy. Our on again, off again plans, and the waiting, and the two different busted pipes had dragged on forever, and we were working on all sorts of little projects around our house to get it listed for sale. I was thinking for sure we would have to go ahead a list the house with a dirt pile in our front yard. “Dear God, please send us potential buyers who won’t be scared of a 4’ hole in our front yard and heap of soil sitting next to it!” I would say at night. </div>
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Finally, a few weeks ago the diggers came by. They dug a new hole, fixed the busted pipe and refiled the trench with all of the loose soil they had just dug out. They put up stakes and wrapped the whole area off with neon ribbon. Thanks, diggers. Before they left there was a knock on my door. My all business digger guy was standing there will a little smile on his face. He told me they were finished for the day and would return when the soil settled to pour concrete. He pointed out the neon ribbon, and then mentioned the big heart on our porch. He told me that he has always noticed the hearts everywhere in our town and has always wondered what they were about. He mentioned that he saw my interview with Heidi Glaus and was really touched by our story. He apologized for our loss, but said something like he thought it was great what we were doing with all of the hearts. He absolutely caught me off guard. He wasn’t just digger guy anymore, he was really sweet and thoughtful and I had warm fuzzies all of the sudden. Now I was smiling. It would have been really easy for him to stay in business mode and say nothing to me, but instead he went out of his way to be kind. But it didn’t end there. </div>
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Last week, at 7:55am I walk out of the door to walk Isla to school and there was the digging crew getting into their trucks. They had come really early in the morning, poured the concrete to our walkway, cleaned up all around the area and put down grass seed and straw where the grass used to be. By the time we walked to the end of the driveway they were pulling away. All those bearded guys, with their dirty overalls and jackets just smiled and waved. All of them. two trucks worth. It was sweet but I wondered if I looked super crazy as I shuffled Isla to school. Why were they all so cheery?Instinctively I turned around right to look at the new sidewalk and I just froze. By the time I turned back around those big trucks full of kind, gentle diggers were gone. </div>
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And look at what they left us. ❤️ </div>
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We didn’t ask them to do this, and they didn’t ask us about doing it.</div>
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Digger guy, Jason, got our story. He saw us, he saw me, he saw Oakes. Something clicked. </div>
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First, I LOVE this ceramic heart that was placed in my new sidewalk with all of my heart. I love that someone went out of their way to cut and lay it in the concrete. I love imaging Jason, showing his crew the heart and explaining that they were going to lay it in out sidewalk. I love imagining Jason retelling our story to his crew. I love thinking of how good they must have felt as they smiled and drove away from our house. </div>
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What I also love are the big, amazing and gorgeous ripples in life that still come from Oakes. That cutie was born. He touched our hearts. He was an example of love and patience and hope. Of perseverance and health and beating the odds. He had our focused attention when he was here, but now that he is , what we call, “gone” his story lives on, it still touches lives, it still fills our hearts and the hearts of our friends and neighbors with love and hope and all of the good stuff that we search for, but….OH! What I really love. What this grieving Mom clings to is undeniable fact that Oakes is definitely not “gone”. I can’t see him. I can’t hold him. But as I wipe tears from my face I assure you I can feel him, and I have evidence that others feel him too. </div>
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<span style="font-family: "helveticaneue"; font-size: 12px;">Thank you Jason Jerome, and Bi-State Utilities for the quality work your company provides, but thank you even more for being so compassionate. Thank you for the enormously, kind gesture. Thank you for perfect little red heart. Thank you for helping us tell Oakes' story, and for sharing the love. </span></div>
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XOXO,<br />
Becky </div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7499716444664657579.post-53115575797626371132016-06-03T05:24:00.000-06:002016-06-03T06:38:40.909-06:00Let's proceed.<br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Friends.....you guys, </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">I just had the kind of week that felt great. It felt like an easy, everything was flowing as it should, birds were chirping, the sun was shining, everything in my garden is growing sort of week. And I wanted to share a little bit of it to hopefully inspire you.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">So in case you dot know, our foundation, Mighty Oakes Heart Foundation, supports families who have children with a congenital heart defect. We usually help families in financial ways, and we strive to award big, miraculous grants which will hopefully aid a family in a significant way. What we hope for is that if we can alleviate some financial stress of a family in crisis, then that family can redirect their attention to their sick little one, so that that baby (or big kid) is showered with love and affection - the best medicine and therapy for any of us!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">We cannot just give a family cash, though. We typically pay a bill or several bills for them, and they can sort of move money around as needed. We have a pretty great system of awarding grants, and it fills my sometimes heavy heart that we can help families who are fighting this exact fight that we fought with our Oakes. I have said it here before, but I know that this is the great work that I will do in my lifetime. I will raise two amazing girls, and I will run Mighty Oakes Heart Foundation in honor of my amazing boy.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">When it comes to paying bills for people it can sometimes be an afternoon of making 1-800 calls, and talking to people in call centers who know nothing about me, MOHF, or the families who I am calling about. These calls always start off with the annoying, pre-recorded prompts which lead you in the direction which you need, but they always end with a smile on my face, or even a tear stained issue to the side of my computer, because every time I make one of these calls it is a quick opportunity for me to talk about Oakes. To share what I am up to. To tell my story, and the story of Oakes. And I think almost always, that person on the other end, who I imagine has pretty typical calls throughout the day, is touched by what I have to share.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">This past week I called a large national bank to make a payment on behalf of a family. I shared that I was a third party, that I had this families account info as well as our checking account info and I wanted to make a payment for them. After sharing my 3 minute little spiel, the lady on the other end of the phone paused and then said, "This is gorgeous and wonderful!"</span><br />
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<span style="color: #1d2129; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 14px;">I said, "I completely agree, and I'm so happy you can help me with this."</span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #1d2129; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">As our conversation went on and and we got down to business, sharing info and numbers as we moved money around, after I would share info with her she would repeat it all back to me then say, "let's proceed." I bet she said this a dozen times during our brief call, and it really struck a cord with me.</span><br />
<div style="color: #1d2129; margin-bottom: 6px; margin-top: 6px;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="color: #1d2129; margin-bottom: 6px; margin-top: 6px;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Google says:</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 6px; margin-top: 6px;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , , sans-serif; font-size: medium;">Proceed<span style="color: #1d2129;"> </span></span><span style="color: #222222;">verb</span></span></div>
<div>
<ol class="lr_dct_sf_sens" style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px 0px 0px 20px;">
<li style="border: 0px; list-style: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><div class="lr_dct_sf_sen vk_txt" style="padding-top: 10px;">
<div style="margin-left: 20px;">
<div class="_Jig" style="color: #222222; margin-left: -20px;">
<div data-dobid="dfn" style="display: inline;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">begin or continue a course of action.</span></div>
<span aria-hidden="true" class="xpdxpnd" data-mh="-1" style="-webkit-transition: 0.3s; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; max-height: 0px; overflow: hidden; transition: 0.3s;"></span><br />
<div class="vk_gy" style="color: rgb(135, 135, 135) !important;">
<span aria-hidden="true" class="xpdxpnd" data-mh="-1" style="-webkit-transition: 0.3s; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; max-height: 0px; overflow: hidden; transition: 0.3s;"><br /></span></div>
<span aria-hidden="true" class="xpdxpnd" data-mh="-1" style="-webkit-transition: 0.3s; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; max-height: 0px; overflow: hidden; transition: 0.3s;">
</span>
<br />
<table class="vk_tbl vk_gy" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: rgb(135, 135, 135) !important;"><tbody>
<tr><td class="lr_dct_nyms_ttl" style="font-style: italic; padding: 0px 3px 0px 0px; vertical-align: top; white-space: nowrap;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">synonyms:</span></td><td style="padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">begin, make a start, get going, move, set something in motion; </span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">take action, </span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">act, go on, go ahead, make progress, make headway</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"></span>
<div style="display: inline;">
<div style="display: inline;">
<div aria-hidden="true" class="lr_dct_more_txt xpdxpnd xpdnoxpnd" data-mh="-1" style="-webkit-transition: max-height 0.3s; max-height: 0px; overflow: hidden; transition: max-height 0.3s;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span data-log-string="synonyms-more-click" jsaction="dob.m"><a data-ved="0ahUKEwiHsb2e-NzMAhXo4IMKHezLBesQ_SoIIjAA" href="https://www.google.com/search?client=safari&rls=en&q=define+act&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwiHsb2e-NzMAhXo4IMKHezLBesQ_SoIIjAA" style="color: #660099; cursor: pointer; text-decoration: none;"></a></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span data-log-string="synonyms-more-click" jsaction="dob.m">
</span></span>
<br />
<div aria-hidden="true" class="lr_dct_more_txt xpdxpnd xpdnoxpnd" data-mh="-1" style="-webkit-transition: max-height 0.3s; max-height: 0px; overflow: hidden; transition: max-height 0.3s;">
<div class="vk_gy">
</div>
</div>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span data-log-string="synonyms-more-click" jsaction="dob.m">
</span></span></div>
</div>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">
<span data-log-string="synonyms-more-click" jsaction="dob.m">
</span></span><br />
<div aria-hidden="true" class="lr_dct_more_blk xpdxpnd xpdnoxpnd" data-mh="-1" style="-webkit-transition: max-height 0.3s; margin-left: -25px; max-height: 0px; overflow: hidden; transition: max-height 0.3s;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span data-log-string="synonyms-more-click" jsaction="dob.m"><br /></span></span>
<br />
<div class="lr_dct_ths" style="color: black; display: list-item; list-style-type: disc; margin-left: 25px; padding-top: 5px;">
<div style="color: #878787; display: inline;">
</div>
</div>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span data-log-string="synonyms-more-click" jsaction="dob.m"><br /></span></span>
<br />
<div class="lr_dct_ths" style="color: black; display: list-item; list-style-type: disc; margin-left: 25px; padding-top: 5px;">
<div style="color: #878787; display: inline;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span data-log-string="synonyms-more-click" jsaction="dob.m"><a data-ved="0ahUKEwiHsb2e-NzMAhXo4IMKHezLBesQ_SoIIzAA" href="https://www.google.com/search?client=safari&rls=en&q=define+continue&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwiHsb2e-NzMAhXo4IMKHezLBesQ_SoIIzAA" style="color: #660099; cursor: pointer; text-decoration: none;"></a></span></span></div>
<div style="color: #878787;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span data-log-string="synonyms-more-click" jsaction="dob.m"><a data-ved="0ahUKEwiHsb2e-NzMAhXo4IMKHezLBesQ_SoIJDAA" href="https://www.google.com/search?client=safari&rls=en&q=define+pursue&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwiHsb2e-NzMAhXo4IMKHezLBesQ_SoIJDAA" style="color: #660099; cursor: pointer; text-decoration: none;"></a><a data-ved="0ahUKEwiHsb2e-NzMAhXo4IMKHezLBesQ_SoIJTAA" href="https://www.google.com/search?client=safari&rls=en&q=define+prosecute&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwiHsb2e-NzMAhXo4IMKHezLBesQ_SoIJTAA" style="color: #660099; cursor: pointer; text-decoration: none;"></a></span></span></div>
<div aria-hidden="true" class="lr_dct_more_txt xpdxpnd xpdnoxpnd" data-mh="-1" style="-webkit-transition: 0.3s; color: #878787; max-height: 0px; overflow: hidden; transition: 0.3s;">
<div class="vk_gy">
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span data-log-string="synonyms-more-click" jsaction="dob.m">
</span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table class="vk_tbl vk_gy" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: rgb(135, 135, 135) !important;"><tbody>
<tr><td class="lr_dct_nyms_ttl" style="font-style: italic; padding: 0px 3px 0px 0px; vertical-align: top; white-space: nowrap;"></td><td style="padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><a data-ved="0ahUKEwiHsb2e-NzMAhXo4IMKHezLBesQ_SoIJjAA" href="https://www.google.com/search?client=safari&rls=en&q=define+stop&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwiHsb2e-NzMAhXo4IMKHezLBesQ_SoIJjAA" style="color: #660099; cursor: pointer; text-decoration: none;"></a></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<div style="margin-left: -32px;">
<ul style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">
<li style="border: 0px; color: #222222; list-style: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><div class="lr_dct_sf_subsen" style="display: list-item; list-style-type: disc; margin-left: 25px; padding-top: 5px;">
<div class="_Jig" style="font-size: small;">
<div data-dobid="dfn" style="display: inline;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">move forward, especially after reaching a certain point.</span></div>
<table class="vk_tbl vk_gy" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: rgb(135, 135, 135) !important;"><tbody>
<tr><td class="lr_dct_nyms_ttl" style="font-style: italic; padding: 0px 3px 0px 0px; vertical-align: top; white-space: nowrap;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">synonyms:</span></td><td style="padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">go, make one's way, advance, move, progress, carry on, press on, push on</span><br />
<div style="display: inline;">
<div style="display: inline;">
<div class="vk_gy">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></div>
</div>
</div>
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table class="vk_tbl vk_gy" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: rgb(135, 135, 135) !important;"><tbody>
<tr><td class="lr_dct_nyms_ttl" style="font-style: italic; padding: 0px 3px 0px 0px; vertical-align: top; white-space: nowrap;"></td><td style="padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><a data-ved="0ahUKEwiHsb2e-NzMAhXo4IMKHezLBesQ_SoILTAA" href="https://www.google.com/search?client=safari&rls=en&q=define+stop&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwiHsb2e-NzMAhXo4IMKHezLBesQ_SoILTAA" style="color: #660099; cursor: pointer; text-decoration: none;"></a></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
</div>
</li>
<li style="border: 0px; list-style: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><div class="lr_dct_sf_subsen" style="display: list-item; list-style-type: disc; margin-left: 25px; padding-top: 5px;">
<div class="_Jig" style="color: #222222;">
<div data-dobid="dfn" style="display: inline;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">do something as a natural or seemingly inevitable next step.</span></div>
</div>
<div class="_Jig" style="color: #222222;">
<div data-dobid="dfn" style="display: inline;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></div>
</div>
<div class="_Jig" style="color: #222222;">
<span style="color: #1d2129; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; text-decoration: underline;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="_Jig" style="color: #222222;">
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Such a </span><span style="color: #1d2129; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px;">simple phrase: let's proceed. And the lady at the call center probably says it everyday, all day long, with the intention to keep her calls moving along. Maybe when I am on these calls my heart is just wide open, I am so tuned in, I am genuinely excited but I am also sort of hyper attentive, sharing numbers, and info that is critical, I don't know, but this just resonated with me in a big life lesson sort of way. </span></span></div>
<div class="_Jig">
<span style="color: #1d2129; font-family: "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 14px;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="color: #1d2129; font-family: "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 14px;">Sometimes it is easy to pause, sometimes we get stuck. Sometimes staying where you are is just comfortable. Sometimes it is just hard to let it go or drop it. We fall into ruts, we get in our own way, we stop moving. Sometimes we d</span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 14px;">on't know what to do, or</span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 14px;"> how to react and so we do nothing at all. Sometimes, life is really, really hard, but when the inspiration comes, when we see that it is time to continue our course of action, and move, by all means, lets proceed. </span></span></div>
<div class="_Jig">
<span style="color: #1d2129; font-family: "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 14px;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="_Jig">
<span style="color: #1d2129; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">My conclusions on this call that I recently had:</span></div>
<div class="_Jig">
<span style="color: #1d2129; font-family: "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 14px;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="_Jig">
<span style="color: #1d2129; font-family: "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 14px;">Do gorgeous and wonderful things. </span></span><span style="color: #1d2129; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Help however you can. No contribution is too small. You may not know how important your gift may be, or how much you are needed. </span><span style="color: #1d2129; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Then move along. Keep going. Proceed.</span></div>
<div class="_Jig">
<span style="color: #1d2129; font-family: "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 14px;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="color: #1d2129; font-family: "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 14px;">XOXO, Becky</span></span></div>
<div class="_Jig">
<span style="color: #1d2129; font-family: "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 14px;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="_Jig">
<span style="color: #1d2129; font-family: "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 14px;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="_Jig">
<span style="color: #1d2129; font-family: "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 14px;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="_Jig">
<span style="color: #1d2129; font-family: "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px;"><br /></span></span></div>
</div>
</li>
</ul>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</li>
</ol>
</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7499716444664657579.post-25731219556347886992016-05-06T14:53:00.000-06:002016-05-06T14:53:07.686-06:00Listening to your heart<div class="MsoNormal">
Friends, <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
It is Spring in Saint Louis and beyond gorgeous outside! I
have been busy in my yard, on outside outings with Esme and finding all sorts
of reasons to get out of my house but I just dragged myself inside to share a
little something with you!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I recently had two speaking engagements. Both were very
different, different audiences, different topics, but both extremely exciting
and heart warming.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
My first opportunity was to talk to a fourth grade girl
scout troop about being a small business owner and what a delight that was! I
went in prepared with a simple outline and a handout, but I had been forewarned
that the girls had questions for me, so I kept my mini presentation short and
sweet. My overall message to the girls: Listen to your heart! Listening to your
heart or following your gut is an essential when running a business, but also a
great skill for anyone, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">especially</i> a
young girl. I went in hoping to inspire them, and encourage them to listen to their
hearts and follow their own dreams, but once they started asking questions I
felt like I was in a little group therapy session. They asked me about my
dreams, they wanted to know what sort of sacrifices I had to make to make my
dreams as a small business owner come true, they wanted to know how life has
changed since we started our small business. Their questions showed that they
could see the complexities of the work/life balance, which struck a cord. And I
had no idea how attentive, intelligent, thoughtful, and creative these girls
would be, but I enjoyed every minute of my time with them and I have loved
daydreaming about the amazing business owners, which I hope they become!</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p><br /></o:p></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvMeIjtzhMZf6PLAPxY2Le5I_xOFW7zpmivKIq8znQhHHOGlsKloNswj2CCYo9JBQbvpSnT_R9hQsoO5cW7EX_P5VNT7lzp7yZr6HXXHP6TX78aYDDVPTU_VtVewXfJCsOs1KesOQ3norY/s1600/FullSizeRender.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvMeIjtzhMZf6PLAPxY2Le5I_xOFW7zpmivKIq8znQhHHOGlsKloNswj2CCYo9JBQbvpSnT_R9hQsoO5cW7EX_P5VNT7lzp7yZr6HXXHP6TX78aYDDVPTU_VtVewXfJCsOs1KesOQ3norY/s400/FullSizeRender.jpg" width="395" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">(Talking to the girl scouts and a glimpse of my hand out! Photo credit to Holly Kunze.)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p><br /></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p><o:p> </o:p>The following day I spoke to a classroom full of Saint Louis
Children’s Hospital Cardiac Fellows. I was asked to speak to the fellows about
our experiences receiving bad news. When I was introduced by one of Oakes’s
doctors she noted that we received lots of bad news. Almost continuous bad news
for 15 months, and she thought I would be a good person for the Fellows to connect
with. So again, I shared what I had prepared and then they began asking
questions, which again, took us to a place that I didn’t really think it would,
a mini therapy session.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
What struck me about these students (and I remember this
same observation with Oakes’ doctors years ago) was their real, genuine,
heart-felt interest. It was clear they weren’t just in a classroom because they
had to be. Their hearts were in it. They had real concerns and questions. They
wanted to hear about the worst news we got, and how it was delivered. They
peppered me with all sorts of questions. Some I had answers to, some left me
shrugging my shoulders. I welled up with tears a few times, but overall I loved
it. I loved talking about Oakes. I loved telling our story. I loved being back
at St. Louis Children’s Hospital. I loved that my perspective was so valued and
helpful. I loved seeing a classroom full of people who were going out to battle
congenital heart defects, and to care for it’s victims and their families. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I would have loved to turn the questions around on these
students. I would have loved to learn why they all chose this line of work.
What pulled them into medicine, into pediatrics, and why Cardiology? Why would
they want to be in such an intense setting? I imagine when you go to school for
as long as these doctors do, and you choose this specialized area that you are
called to this career. You are pulled in this direction. It must resonate with
you. And you must listen closely to your heart to get to this place. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhn0B2eyS9EjD8UGfPYAFyO9QCiCzL8uoiwroh9Tg1YbPb-R-tIOTmKkCPSe2d-GeBd0TJ2t5Hl41ulwBsPejDTM30Kzfr0GIbf3OqDswRK9es9a6TY07o2xuPzELkOaFSdG4dLBu_DE8Q3/s1600/IMG_7957.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhn0B2eyS9EjD8UGfPYAFyO9QCiCzL8uoiwroh9Tg1YbPb-R-tIOTmKkCPSe2d-GeBd0TJ2t5Hl41ulwBsPejDTM30Kzfr0GIbf3OqDswRK9es9a6TY07o2xuPzELkOaFSdG4dLBu_DE8Q3/s400/IMG_7957.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">(A blue heart sliding down a rainbow, spotted by our house last week after a little rain storm. )</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
It sounds like such a simple thing to listen to your heart,
but it isn’t always that way. Sometimes it is difficult to get to that quiet
place were you can really listen, but as I’ve been outside enjoying this
weather and pulling weeds in my yard, thinking about all of this, I do think
that the times in life when I have followed my heart I have almost always been
pulled down really exciting paths. Maybe those decisions where I have followed
my heart, but that have started with a leap of faith seem scary at first, but I
think I have always end up in a place that feels extremely comfortable and
familiar. Like I was meant to be there. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
think I almost always have had a feeling of, “thank goodness, I chose this/did
this/picked this” sort of conclusion. It is so easy to listen to fear and let
it hold you back. It is easy to talk yourself out of something hard. It is easy
to listen to the stories that you make up that limit you and create little
boundaries in your life, but what a reward it really is when you listen and
bravely leap where your heart wants to take you. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Enjoy your weekend friends. Enjoy the budding trees and
blooming flowers. Happy Mother’s Day to all of you. I hope you all have a
moment to listen to your heart this weekend. I’ll be here cheering you on if
you decide to take that big leap. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal">
XOXO, Becky<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_PA7bbAyAO0toKse9AEDRMtN-poHSBHzEnyGkSXWcD9qTzxkmFTEF5tCC8Q2LC3C61JDkyGejaOCVXUbqBUYdnZ77_dHsEwyuinP1scCrGjdQeW2lle6xYCWzl7BEtEnQ6X7qEbb3-FYG/s1600/olive+%252B+Oak.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_PA7bbAyAO0toKse9AEDRMtN-poHSBHzEnyGkSXWcD9qTzxkmFTEF5tCC8Q2LC3C61JDkyGejaOCVXUbqBUYdnZ77_dHsEwyuinP1scCrGjdQeW2lle6xYCWzl7BEtEnQ6X7qEbb3-FYG/s400/olive+%252B+Oak.jpg" width="385" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">(The storefront of Olive + Oak, one of the small businesses which our hearts led us to!)</td></tr>
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<br /></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7499716444664657579.post-22474163073404940292016-04-11T22:39:00.000-06:002016-04-12T13:32:42.424-06:00Putting myself on my list. <div class="MsoNormal">
Ok, no big deal blogging. Here I go. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
You guys. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I was so touched by all of your comments and texts and
emails encouraging me to get this dusty blog up and running. I really, really,
really did not expect that, so it really, really, really made my day last week!
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Also, sharing what I did sparked a few really great conversations
with friends this week, which was an added bonus. I mean, I was truly tickled
that you guys read my blog and wanted to chat!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
So, OK…..In one of those conversations that was sparked by
my last post, I shared something like this with my girlfriend. It just came out
as we were chatting, but I think it is worth sharing with you:<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I feel like when I sort of glace over my shoulder at my
life, I can see the different chapters of my life laid out. I can see how life
event’s, closed or opened chapters. All of those chapters flow pretty
gracefully together. As a group, the chapters make sense together. They build
on each other and there are common threads and connections between them. For
sure, some chapters were better than others. Some I’d love to go back to. Some
I am glad they are in the past. But I just feel so aware that the chapter that
I have recently been in has just a hard one, but there hasn’t been a big life
event that would have made it obviously hard, so it has just been tough to put
a finger on what was off, or what I needed to change. And I think from the
outside looking in, things would look pretty great. But I have needed a change.
A shift. And I think that maybe this little blog could offer the creative
outlet that I really think I need. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Last summer, I had a series of little melt downs. I wouldn’t
say it was a mid-life crisis, because it didn’t feel like a crisis, but it felt
big and overwhelming. After a couple months of a bored Isla being at home for
summer, and taking care of Esme who was about 15 months and the most energetic
kids I have ever encountered, I felt like the walls of my house were slowly
moving in on me. Every week it seemed like I bought a new baby gate for a new
doorway, because I could not physically keep up with Esme. And when she went
from two naps down to one, that was maybe melt down number one. Midway through
summer, I desperately started signing Isla up for last minute camps, because
she was missing structure, and routines and I just couldn’t quite give her all
of the stimulation that she needed. Simply put I was so tired. I was exhausted.
I was depleted. I was giving everyday to my girls, Greg, running the house,
running MOHF, and awarding grants. In addition to my usual work load, I was
involved in the planning stages of opening a restaurant. Plus, Greg was working
full time at his “real” job, traveling and staying super busy as we both always
are. So as the days passed, they just became too much. I mean, big time first-world
sort of stress I suppose, but it was SO stressful and I was keely aware that
something needed to change. There was just this hum of unhappiness in my days. And
guilt on top of that, because I felt like I <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">should</i>
be happy. Still, my life was busy, my schedule was full but my energy was low. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
So I did something to change all of that. I started working
with a life coach. Her name is Jill Keuth, and holy cow was that a great
decision. Jill helped me get back on track. She has helped me to come up with a
plan to sort of start the next chapter. One of the best outcomes of working
with Jill has been seeing that this most recent chapter may be hard, but it
will end and another will begin. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
This is just the chapter where I’m wiping a little bottom
and a little nose and seemingly every surface of the house, all day. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m holding a little hand every time I go up
and down the stairs, wiping down a filthy highchair after every meal, and
constantly picking up little toys. It is the chapter where a little someone is
always on my lap, wiping her hands on my shirt, and demanding constant
attention. This is also the chapter where my sweet little Isla is 7 all of the
sudden. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Kind and thoughtful, but she has
started to roll her eyes, is embarrassed by me, and she does not want to sit on
my lap anymore. Both of my girls are in stages of figuring out their
independence in entirely different sort of way and I suppose the irony is that
I am trying to do the same thing. I am so fortunate to be able to stay at home
with the girls, and work when I need to, but the way that I have been doing
that for years just needs to change. I have been ready for a change, a shift. I’ve
needed a different schedule, some new habits and a more intentional routine. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
So, I am giving that a go. I’m mixing things up. I’ve rearranged
some priorities. I’m making a shift. I’m going to make sure that I am going to be
on the list of people that I take care of. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m dreaming about how I want t<span style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK2;">his
next chapter to unfold and I have to say, that hum is gone, my energy is up,
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<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK1;"><span style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK2;">XO, Becky<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7499716444664657579.post-87396675580759649272016-04-05T13:44:00.001-06:002016-04-05T13:44:44.702-06:00My brilliant revelation<div class="MsoNormal">
You know how sometimes you are talking to someone and they
share a big idea that they have had, and they are so proud and energized with
this new discovery and you are like, “Well, yeah….” And you are wondering what
took them so long to see what was so obvious? So I recently had what feels to
be a huge revelation, but I am thinking you might scratch your head at the end
of this and wonder why it took so long for me to get here. </div>
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<br /></div>
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Here is the thing. I have been struggling with this for
years. This has been my biggest dilemma with this blog. I have wanted to write and share
and reach out, but there have been a few big things holding me back. </div>
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<br /></div>
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One has been this story that I have told myself and I have
believed that no one really wants to hear what is happening in my life and in
my head. I have looked at my grief in an “Eww, yuck” sort of way, and have been
convinced that everyone else would too. </div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Another part has been this other story that has been
circulating through my head that if I blog or if I am writing I should have
some concrete message, I should have it all figured out, and I should be some sort of expert on whatever it is that I am talking about. And for sure, 100%,
without a doubt, I just feel like I have very little figured out for sure in my
life. </div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
So the big revelation has been that maybe I can just write.
I can tell some stories. They don’t all have to be huge stories. They don’t all
have to be mind blowing, change-your-life sort of stories. Maybe I can just put
myself out there and share whatever it is that I want to share that day, and
maybe that is enough. I don’t have to have answers, or solutions or offer a
road map about getting to a better place in life. Maybe I can just tell my
story. And maybe someone will want to listen.</div>
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<br /></div>
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I recently shared this with a girlfriend of mine. I prompted
the conversation with the fact that I had this huge revelation but then after
sharing, she was just looking at me as if she were waiting for the big reveal.
She was sort of like, “What? That’s it? You have been worrying about this for
years?” And then she said something like, “Well, yeah…..and, please start
blogging again!”</div>
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<br /></div>
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So here, it is. I'm kicking off my no big deal sort of
blogging…</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7499716444664657579.post-9444159534874319212015-11-16T20:57:00.000-07:002015-11-16T21:55:41.281-07:00Heart Clouds, Stories & Purpose!<div class="MsoNormal">
Friends, I just had the most amazing week! Over and over
this week, I had an overwhelming sense that my life and purpose is just a very
small piece to something really big and fantastic and I have adrenalin coursing
through my body as I am frantically typing. <o:p></o:p></div>
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All week I could just feel something brewing within me and
around me. It was as if little heart bubbles were boiling up inside of me, ribbons
of magic swirling around me, and big squishy heart clouds floating by me. It
might sound crazy but there were times this week when I would stop what I was
doing and look around me, half expecting to see those ribbons and heart clouds,
I was just so aware that there was this special something lingering close by
all week. Anyway, I had this incredible series of events unfold, some really
great, some less great, but as I was sort of connecting the dots of these
events, my heart was just bursting and I went running for my laptop to pour my
thoughts out and for the first time in a long, long, time I feel so inspired to
share with you!<o:p></o:p></div>
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The week started by attending my dear friend’s fundraiser.
Jenn Hinkle and her husband Mark have this spectacular event every year in
St. Louis called Ollie Hinkle: I {heart} Food & Wine. This is an event where the best restaurants in St. Louis offer tastings of their food, along with fantastic wines and local craft
beer. In addition to all of the yumminess there is an auction,
raffles, live music, and all of the money raised at the event goes to The Children’s Heart
Foundation, a national organization who is dedicated to Congenital Heart Defect
research. I just love everything about this event and the people who put it on! Greg and I have been to this event for the last three years, but this year there was something extra special in the air. There must have been 600 people in attendance and between friends and neighbors,
heart families whom we have become close with over the years, staff from St.
Louis Children’s Hospital, and friends who are in the restaurant business whom attended
the event, I was able to connect with so many friends and people whom I just adore. I
was with my tribe. I was with my people. I felt this being surrounded by people who get me, and really see me. I gave out so many hugs
that night, and I really felt the love of the friends who were hugging me back. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am usually the girl who is itching to get
home and put my pajamas on but as the night progressed I was aware I was genuinely enjoying myself, and my heart was overflowing.</div>
<o:p></o:p><br />
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Towards the end of the event, Jenn spoke about her son, Ollie
and what this event means to her and Mark. This was the best therapy that I
have had in years. I stood in the back of this massive room full of people and
wiped tears from my cheeks and tried to keep my chin from quivering as I fought
back an ugly cry. It was as if the heart clouds parted and light streamed down
on Jenn and I really SAW Jenn, and really HEARD Jenn. I could feel her words
ring true in my soul. I got her message. She misses her Ollie, and she is
dedicated to funding CHD research, but really she works so hard on this event
for her Ollie. Putting her heart and soul into the event is a way of claiming a
little power, of honoring her boy and celebrating his life. In the past, Jenn
has not addressed the attendees like this, but I am SO THANKFUL that she did so I could soak up her words and all of the love that she showered
us with. As she was talking I scanned the room and noticed so many people just
clinging onto every word that she offered and it struck me how important it
is for us grieving Moms to talk about the children we have lost, to share our stories, and to share the stories of
our little ones. We need to
talk about them as much as we want to talk about our living kids. They might
not be with us physically, but really truly, they not only live in our hearts
but they really do live in our everyday lives. Their living breathing bodies
may be gone, but they are still with us and they live through us. The chapter
of a child who is lost never ends. That chapter isn’t left behind. We don’t
“get over” those children. Their energy is with us always. Just like our living
kids they motivate us, they drive us, they inspire us and just like our living
kids we want to do what is best for them, we want to honor them, celebrate them,
brag about them and claim them. <o:p></o:p></div>
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I remember when Isla was born being just completely amazed
at how much I loved that little baby. She came
out and it was as if this hidden little compartment in my heart opened up and
all of this love that had always been there just seeped out and overpowered our
lives instantly. Or maybe I could just feel this once coiled up, invisible, powerful,
heartstring being outstretched and connecting her to me. The feeling was overwhelming and such a powerful introduction into motherhood. And then
with my next two kids, I felt the same thing. I felt the overwhelming presence
of endless love. I wasn’t sure I could love Oakes as much as Isla, and then I
had real anxiety later that I would never love Esme as much as Oakes, but with
each child, a surprising amount of love always consumed me. It was strong and
abundant. I could always identify that that new love which was surfacing came
from a deep and endless place. And the thing is that when you loose a
child, that love doesn’t vanish. It doesn’t pass away. Your love still runs
over from that deep and endless place. It still multiplies as the years pass. That
heartstring is still there connecting you to your baby. Even thought that babe
may not be sitting at the dining room table every night, and you aren’t tucking
that little one into bed, they come and go through your day. You feel them and
hear them and see them in new ways. You learn how to be this new kind of parent
to that child on the other side. It has taken time, a big pivoting motion out
of some really hard grief, and a million tears to really<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>see and get that Oakes is still with me. I
know it. I can prove it. He has passed over, he died, he is in heaven, he is on
the other side. You can call it whatever you want. Yes, in the most obvious way
he is gone, but at the same time he is absolutely, undeniable, without question
still on earth. <o:p></o:p></div>
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I see Oakes in both of his sisters. I see him in his Dad. I
see him in me. I see him in his cousins, aunts, uncles and grandparents. I see
him every time I see a little heart in nature, or I spot a heart in my everyday
routines. I see him in the kids and families that Mighty Oakes Heart Foundation
helps, I see him in all of his nurses (and their new little babies). I see him
in Oak trees and acorns. I see him in my dreams. I see him in everyday little miracles. I
see him everywhere, and I see him everyday. And every time I see him, I feel
him. I feel his strength, his amazingness, his drive. I feel him nudging me
along. I feel him loving me. And I am just now seeing and really feeling in my
heart that I don’t want to keep all of him and his visits, and his little
lessons and his continued strength and amazingness just to myself anymore. I have always felt this definite resolution that the work I do for and with MOHF will be some of the best work that I will do in my life, but I am just now realizing that sharing Oakes as I see him today, sharing him with the world, is another sort of purpose. </div>
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My fantastic week started with that love fest fundraiser
that the Hinkles put on but it also included lots of normal, usual events that
are part of my typical week. When I mentioned connecting the dots of this
really cool week, that was me scanning the week and seeing a handful of moments
or conversations, little messages or signs that all seemed to bring me to this place of feeling inspired to share just a little bit of
my heart with you. <o:p></o:p></div>
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When I listened to Jenn talk about Ollie and the work she
does in his name I was touched by so many parts of her life that I can relate
to in really big ways. I was touched by the love that she still has for her son
and her interest to talk about him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Standing there listening to Jenn, made my heart break for this brave
friend of mine, but for the first time since having Oakes and sharing his story
I could see that, yes, I want to talk about my son, but it is pretty powerful
to be on the other side of the storytelling. Experiencing the loss of a child is one thing, sharing it is another, but to be able to hear it, to have insight into how one navigates those hard times, how they push through, choose joy, embarrass life and love - that is real gift. <o:p></o:p></div>
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I hope something in this post resonates with you. I hope you
feel hearts bubbling within you. I hope you feel a tug on your own heartstrings.
I hope your have the courage to do something brave and mighty today. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And now that I have felt what a gift it is to
hear someone else’s story, so close to me, I really hope I feel this inspiration
to run to my computer again soon so that I can share more with you and explore this new possible purpose. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal">
XO, Becky</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p><br /></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p><o:p>PS: Thank you Jenn. Thank you, Ollie. I see you, and I hear you both! XO </o:p></div>
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<o:p>The Hinkle Family in 2012.</o:p></div>
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<o:p>Maddie, Jenn, Ollie & Mark. </o:p></div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7499716444664657579.post-19315722383609375442014-04-25T14:18:00.001-06:002014-04-25T14:18:09.985-06:00Mighty Oakes Heart Foundation Update<div class="WordSection1"> <p class="MsoNormal">Friends and family, good afternoon and Happy Friday!! We hope you are all enjoying long overdue spring weather and that your families are happy and healthy. Becky yelled at me today when she found out that I have been procrastinating on this email update, so I apologize for the tardiness. You have not heard from me in many, many months. We had an incredible end of 2013. In October, my company, PEG Bandwidth, hosted the Inaugural PEG Bandwidth Golf Tournament Benefitting Mighty Oakes Heart Foundation in The Colony, Texas, outside of Dallas, and with an incredible outpouring of generosity and support, we netted over $140,000 for MOHF!!! It was a perfect day all around with 144 golfers and no humidity. You can check out pictures and even a video at <a href="http://pegbandwidth.com/charity-work/">http://pegbandwidth.com/charity-work/</a>. Then, less than a month later, we held our Heart Gala in St. Louis, had almost 150 people attend, auctioned off trips, tickets, VIP events and much more and ended up netting over $100,000 for MOHF!! Just a spectacularly special evening that included the public unveiling of our professionally produced video, which you can see at <a href="http://www.mightyoakes.org/#!how-we-help/cj5p">http://www.mightyoakes.org/#!how-we-help/cj5p</a>. Also, early this year, Becky finished as a national runner-up in the Eagle Rare – Rare Life Award, <a href="http://eaglerarelife.com/">http://eaglerarelife.com/</a>. In spite of tens of thousands of votes online at the Eagle Rare website over the last 8 months or so, another rare life candidate was chosen for the $40,000 award, with Becky having to “settle” for the $4,000 runner-up award. She, of course, selected Mighty Oakes Heart Foundation to be the recipient of the cash award. Funding for congenital heart defects continues to be significantly outpaced by other funding efforts in spite of one in every 100 babies being born with a CHD. This strengthens our passion around our work even more. So anyway, after those two hugely successful events and exciting award, Becky and I decided to catch our breath and get ready for an all-time highlight that arrived to us in March.<o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Esme Love Ortyl, a gorgeous, thick-haired baby girl joined our family on March 19<sup>th</sup> weighing in at 7 lbs. and 7 oz., stretching about 20.5 inches. She is being spoiled by all of us, especially her big sis, Isla, and, best of all, she is perfectly healthy! We could not be happier. Here are a couple pictures of Ez. Yes, I’m jealous of her hair, so we can get that joke out of the way….<o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgozXla1xMW24Dhe-oHrqGwrY8cIB6kOZNAPdQSkJTJajq80OXWn6dBEfqb1r_KqbjY2wNufQL4tEGLJQxfF-hpG9j5h7tQRNKRQqbZof-yccLP6OsvEaJt_2KrHiyJ3mHxq_gOVuKlJPq3/s1600/image003-789986.png"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgozXla1xMW24Dhe-oHrqGwrY8cIB6kOZNAPdQSkJTJajq80OXWn6dBEfqb1r_KqbjY2wNufQL4tEGLJQxfF-hpG9j5h7tQRNKRQqbZof-yccLP6OsvEaJt_2KrHiyJ3mHxq_gOVuKlJPq3/s320/image003-789986.png" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6006327473815693794" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbI1OYK0TDWDjV1zdwjXvuC-3_caf4yWXzES6EsG-GsQ101UuvrrpxF3vTa5CJLe0fbDfXwA7Oa_eY7QrI_JgVBNQ82aBtXI0lAxnKdE2H39ldWmVfluGDabJ43_NXUOwSSYSAeeKF00gV/s1600/image004-793785.png"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbI1OYK0TDWDjV1zdwjXvuC-3_caf4yWXzES6EsG-GsQ101UuvrrpxF3vTa5CJLe0fbDfXwA7Oa_eY7QrI_JgVBNQ82aBtXI0lAxnKdE2H39ldWmVfluGDabJ43_NXUOwSSYSAeeKF00gV/s320/image004-793785.png" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6006327485925107906" /></a><o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">But the reason that I was yelled at today was because I was late in sharing a few of our upcoming events. It is going to be a slower year on the fundraising side of things this year with little Esme around, but we won’t be slowing down our efforts to help families who have sick babies – that will actually pick up pace. So here are some fun things to put on your calendar if you’re so inclined, especially the one coming up in 48 hours (yes, see? I told you I procrastinated!):<o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoListParagraph" style="text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1"><![if !supportLists]><span style="mso-list:Ignore">1.<span style="font:7.0pt "Times New Roman""> </span></span><![endif]><b>Dewey’s Pizza School, Sunday, April 27, 2014, 11am-2pm; Webster Groves, MO.</b> For those of you in the St. Louis area, if you’re looking for something fun to do this Sunday, here you go.<o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoListParagraph" style="margin-left:1.0in;text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l0 level2 lfo1"> <![if !supportLists]><span style="mso-list:Ignore">a.<span style="font:7.0pt "Times New Roman""> </span></span><![endif]>This is a chance for you and your kids to go “behind the glass” to the kitchen at Dewey’s Pizza where the magic happens. Learn from the pizza experts how to make a pizza. You get to make your very own pizza with all your favorite toppings AND THEN enjoy it in the Dewey’s dining room afterwards!<o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoListParagraph" style="margin-left:1.0in;text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l0 level2 lfo1"> <![if !supportLists]><span style="mso-list:Ignore">b.<span style="font:7.0pt "Times New Roman""> </span></span><![endif]>All proceeds go to Mighty Oakes Heart Foundation. <o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoListParagraph" style="margin-left:1.0in;text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l0 level2 lfo1"> <![if !supportLists]><span style="mso-list:Ignore">c.<span style="font:7.0pt "Times New Roman""> </span></span><![endif]>The host is the <b><i><span style="background:yellow;mso-highlight:yellow">Webster Groves Dewey’s Pizza at 314-961-1000</span></i></b>, so call right now and book your spot at some point between 11am and 2pm this Sunday, April 27<sup>th</sup>.<o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoListParagraph" style="margin-left:1.0in;text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l0 level2 lfo1"> <![if !supportLists]><span style="mso-list:Ignore">d.<span style="font:7.0pt "Times New Roman""> </span></span><![endif]>The cost is just $25 per person and includes the pizza that you get to prepare and eat.<o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoListParagraph" style="margin-left:1.0in;text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l0 level2 lfo1"> <![if !supportLists]><span style="mso-list:Ignore">e.<span style="font:7.0pt "Times New Roman""> </span></span><![endif]>There are still 20-30 spots open as of this morning so call quick.<o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoListParagraph" style="margin-left:1.0in;text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l0 level2 lfo1"> <![if !supportLists]><span style="mso-list:Ignore">f.<span style="font:7.0pt "Times New Roman""> </span></span><![endif]>Becky, Isla and I have done this and it’s a blast. We’ll be there again this Sunday morning.<o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoListParagraph" style="margin-left:1.0in;text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l0 level2 lfo1"> <![if !supportLists]><span style="mso-list:Ignore">g.<span style="font:7.0pt "Times New Roman""> </span></span><![endif]>Thank you to Dewey’s who have been a tremendous partner to MOHF the last two and a half years.<o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoListParagraph" style="text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1"><![if !supportLists]><b><span style="mso-list:Ignore">2.<span style="font:7.0pt "Times New Roman""> </span></span></b><![endif]><b>2<sup>nd</sup> Annual PEG Bandwidth Golf Tournament Benefitting Mighty Oakes Heart Foundation, Thursday, October 23, 2014; The Colony, TX.<o:p></o:p></b></p> <p class="MsoListParagraph" style="margin-left:1.0in;text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l0 level2 lfo1"> <![if !supportLists]><span style="mso-list:Ignore">a.<span style="font:7.0pt "Times New Roman""> </span></span><![endif]>Same month, same golf course, same foundation…..same fun. Will be a blast.<o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoListParagraph" style="margin-left:1.0in;text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l0 level2 lfo1"> <![if !supportLists]><span style="mso-list:Ignore">b.<span style="font:7.0pt "Times New Roman""> </span></span><![endif]>If you didn’t go last year, find someone who did and ask about the goodies they got. Almost every single person told me it was the best goody bag they’ve ever seen from a golf tournament. This year will be even better. We want 288 golfers!<o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoListParagraph" style="text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1"><![if !supportLists]><b><span style="mso-list:Ignore">3.<span style="font:7.0pt "Times New Roman""> </span></span></b><![endif]><b>3<sup>rd</sup> Annual Mighty Oakes Heart Foundation 5K, TBD date and location; St. Louis, MO.<o:p></o:p></b></p> <p class="MsoListParagraph" style="margin-left:1.0in;text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l0 level2 lfo1"> <![if !supportLists]><span style="mso-list:Ignore">a.<span style="font:7.0pt "Times New Roman""> </span></span><![endif]>Always popular event has grown each year and we expect huge numbers this year – I might even run. Maybe. Possibly. We’ll see.<o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoListParagraph" style="margin-left:1.0in;text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l0 level2 lfo1"> <![if !supportLists]><span style="mso-list:Ignore">b.<span style="font:7.0pt "Times New Roman""> </span></span><![endif]>Last year we had a bounce house, face painting, food trucks, do-it-yourself art events, a visit from Fredbird (the St. Louis Cardinals baseball mascot, for those of you who have not caught baseball religion yet) and much more! Stay tuned for date information.<o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoListParagraph" style="text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1"><![if !supportLists]><b><span style="mso-list:Ignore">4.<span style="font:7.0pt "Times New Roman""> </span></span></b><![endif]><b>Private Concert with Erin Bode, TBD date and location; St. Louis, MO.<o:p></o:p></b></p> <p class="MsoListParagraph" style="margin-left:1.0in;text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l0 level2 lfo1"> <![if !supportLists]><span style="mso-list:Ignore">a.<span style="font:7.0pt "Times New Roman""> </span></span><![endif]>The Eghtesady Family, after bidding and winning a private concert with Erin Bode at the Heart Gala, surprised us by donating it back to the foundation! Their incredible generosity is everyone’s gain!<o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoListParagraph" style="margin-left:1.0in;text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l0 level2 lfo1"> <![if !supportLists]><span style="mso-list:Ignore">b.<span style="font:7.0pt "Times New Roman""> </span></span><![endif]>Becky is planning a private fundraising event in the fall somewhere fun here in St. Louis. Stay tuned for all the fun details around this event.<o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoListParagraph" style="text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1"><![if !supportLists]><b><span style="mso-list:Ignore">5.<span style="font:7.0pt "Times New Roman""> </span></span></b><![endif]><b>World Record Baseball Game Fundraiser, Spring 2015; GCS Ballpark, Sauget, IL.<o:p></o:p></b></p> <p class="MsoListParagraph" style="margin-left:1.0in;text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l0 level2 lfo1"> <![if !supportLists]><span style="mso-list:Ignore">a.<span style="font:7.0pt "Times New Roman""> </span></span><![endif]>MOHF has been approached by an organization which plans and executes world record sporting events as a means to raise money for various causes. This is crazy!<o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoListParagraph" style="margin-left:1.0in;text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l0 level2 lfo1"> <![if !supportLists]><span style="mso-list:Ignore">b.<span style="font:7.0pt "Times New Roman""> </span></span><![endif]>At some point next spring, there will be a baseball (not softball, baseball) game held that will go on, uninterrupted for over 60 hours, probably 70 hours! The record is 61 straight hours, so we’re going to beat whatever the record is at that time.<o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoListParagraph" style="margin-left:1.0in;text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l0 level2 lfo1"> <![if !supportLists]><span style="mso-list:Ignore">c.<span style="font:7.0pt "Times New Roman""> </span></span><![endif]>We will begin advertising for players to fill out the roster. The players will get jerseys and hats and be fed like kings throughout the event. We’ll sell sponsorships and have the players embark on fundraising drives leading up to the event.<o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoListParagraph" style="margin-left:1.0in;text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l0 level2 lfo1"> <![if !supportLists]><span style="mso-list:Ignore">d.<span style="font:7.0pt "Times New Roman""> </span></span><![endif]>It sounds like an insane time. Becky is telling me I have to play in it and since she is the boss, I have to dig out my spikes I guess. 70 hours? Really?? Stay tuned for more details and be sure to hit the batting cages this weekend! I need to start stretching NOW so I don’t pull a hammy.<o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">There is plenty more in the works, but this is a snippet of the year ahead. We continue to be blessed by incredibly generous friends, family and new friends and even strangers. All of the help is welcome. By the way, to date, our “little” foundation has raised over $500,000 since August of 2011. Remarkable. <o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">We love you all,<o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Greg, Becky, Isla P. and Esme Love<o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> </div> Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7499716444664657579.post-12968011179320471452014-04-19T15:55:00.000-06:002014-04-19T16:01:53.936-06:00The most exciting news!We are so excited to share with you, our sweet and oh-so-loved, Esme Love Ortyl. She was born just about 4 weeks ago and is perfect in every way!<br />
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Esme (pronounced Ez-may) means "loved", which seemed perfect for this new little daughter of ours.</div>
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And she is so very loved! Greg and Isla and myself have all been overwhelmed by this little girl. She has brought the most amazing peace into our house, she has filled our hearts with so much joy and love, it has just been healing to welcome her into our family. Leading up to her birth I would have told you that our family was doing well. We all have our days, we all miss Oakes daily, but to have Esme in our lives, makes me wonder how we were getting along without her before she came. Greg and Isla and I constantly sit around, smile and just gaze at Esme. And when we catch ourselves we just smile at each other. It has been just over four weeks and we all still seem to be a little giddy.</div>
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Esme was born March 19, 7 lbs 7oz, 20.5 inches</div>
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(And her older siblings had that same head of beautiful hair!)</div>
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If these images taken by my amazing friend <a href="http://www.heididrexlerphotography.com/" target="_blank">Heidi Drexler</a> are not sending you over the moon, check out this video that she made for us:</div>
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<a href="http://animoto.com/play/Y3G4tkEQXEpejYdtvM0ffg" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Esme Love Ortyl Video</a></div>
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Much love to all of our friends, </div>
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XO, Becky</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7499716444664657579.post-11268691744085626012013-11-03T20:53:00.000-07:002013-11-03T20:54:07.134-07:00MOHF Heart Gala - Last Call...<p class="mobile-photo"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh71ifAZ3RQxiSr7U1mKJEQ3ahxfTazvdMiJhk0SfOc6QCDG0SdYoLomjFrKRgyFLz0ObMsL8jJiEUy_SlnlYNmx3jLKJ5schat3rR7lPBXAy8cJcdt_7TsgInPzuwRxCjF-My6xljvzquO/s1600/MOHF+INVITE+5x7-edit-747135.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh71ifAZ3RQxiSr7U1mKJEQ3ahxfTazvdMiJhk0SfOc6QCDG0SdYoLomjFrKRgyFLz0ObMsL8jJiEUy_SlnlYNmx3jLKJ5schat3rR7lPBXAy8cJcdt_7TsgInPzuwRxCjF-My6xljvzquO/s320/MOHF+INVITE+5x7-edit-747135.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5942247239675114066" /></a></p><div class="WordSection1"> <p class="MsoNormal">Good evening friends and family. We hope you are at the end of a fantastic weekend.<o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">As you know, our Mighty Oakes Heart Foundation Heart Gala dinner/auction/party is in TWO WEEKS – <b>Saturday, November 16<sup>th</sup> in St. Louis at historic Chase Park Plaza</b>. We only have about 70 tickets remaining and I’m writing you today to make one last request for attendees and sponsors. This is our biggest fundraiser of the year and we need your support to make it successful. But first, I wanted to give you some reasons to try to make it work in your schedules (and to maybe even round up four other friends and their spouses so you’ll have a table all to yourselves!). Besides some amazing food, a top-shelf, open bar all night and a super-entertaining band to finish off the night, I wanted to give you a sneak peek at just <i>some</i> of the auction items<span style="color:black">…. </span><span style="color:#1F497D"><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoListParagraph" style="margin-left:.5in;text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l2 level1 lfo1"> <![if !supportLists]><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";color:#1F497D"><span style="mso-list:Ignore">-<span style="font:7.0pt "Times New Roman""> </span></span></span><![endif]><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";color:#1F497D">Exclusive VIP wine tastings for 8 at four of the best wineries in Sonoma County, hotel and a dinner included<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoListParagraph" style="margin-left:.5in;text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l2 level1 lfo1"> <![if !supportLists]><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";color:#1F497D"><span style="mso-list:Ignore">-<span style="font:7.0pt "Times New Roman""> </span></span></span><![endif]><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";color:#1F497D">Condo in Tucson for the weekend with golf included<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoListParagraph" style="margin-left:.5in;text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l2 level1 lfo1"> <![if !supportLists]><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";color:#1F497D"><span style="mso-list:Ignore">-<span style="font:7.0pt "Times New Roman""> </span></span></span><![endif]><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";color:#1F497D">Condo in Mexico on the beach for 4 days<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoListParagraph" style="margin-left:.5in;text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l2 level1 lfo1"> <![if !supportLists]><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";color:#1F497D"><span style="mso-list:Ignore">-<span style="font:7.0pt "Times New Roman""> </span></span></span><![endif]><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";color:#1F497D">2 VIP tickets to the Ellen Show in LA along with airfare included<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoListParagraph" style="margin-left:.5in;text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l2 level1 lfo1"> <![if !supportLists]><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";color:#1F497D"><span style="mso-list:Ignore">-<span style="font:7.0pt "Times New Roman""> </span></span></span><![endif]><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";color:#1F497D">TONS of wine, liquor, artwork, sports memorabilia, gift cards, jewelry, rounds of golf, purses, bikes, etc.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoListParagraph" style="margin-left:.5in;text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l2 level1 lfo1"> <![if !supportLists]><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";color:#1F497D"><span style="mso-list:Ignore">-<span style="font:7.0pt "Times New Roman""> </span></span></span><![endif]><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";color:#1F497D">4 day stay at super high end Resort/Spa/Lodge “Three Forks” on border of Colorado/Wyoming valued at $11k<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoListParagraph" style="margin-left:.5in;text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l2 level1 lfo1"> <![if !supportLists]><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";color:#1F497D"><span style="mso-list:Ignore">-<span style="font:7.0pt "Times New Roman""> </span></span></span><![endif]><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";color:#1F497D">2 night stay with show tickets at MGM Grand<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoListParagraph" style="margin-left:.5in;text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l2 level1 lfo1"> <![if !supportLists]><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";color:#1F497D"><span style="mso-list:Ignore">-<span style="font:7.0pt "Times New Roman""> </span></span></span><![endif]><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";color:#1F497D">Golf for 3 at Southern Hills Country Club in Tulsa with airfare and dinner included<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoListParagraph" style="margin-left:.5in;text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l2 level1 lfo1"> <![if !supportLists]><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";color:#1F497D"><span style="mso-list:Ignore">-<span style="font:7.0pt "Times New Roman""> </span></span></span><![endif]><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";color:#1F497D">A VIP St. Louis Blues hockey experience – autographed items, four Club seats, food and drink included, Zamboni ride<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoListParagraph" style="margin-left:.5in;text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l2 level1 lfo1"> <![if !supportLists]><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";color:#1F497D"><span style="mso-list:Ignore">-<span style="font:7.0pt "Times New Roman""> </span></span></span><![endif]><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";color:#1F497D">Long weekend stay at a gorgeous house on the Jersey Shore near Atlantic City<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoListParagraph" style="margin-left:.5in;text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l2 level1 lfo1"> <![if !supportLists]><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";color:#1F497D"><span style="mso-list:Ignore">-<span style="font:7.0pt "Times New Roman""> </span></span></span><![endif]><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";color:#1F497D">Golf for four at five different courses in Florida<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoListParagraph" style="margin-left:.5in;text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l2 level1 lfo1"> <![if !supportLists]><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";color:#1F497D"><span style="mso-list:Ignore">-<span style="font:7.0pt "Times New Roman""> </span></span></span><![endif]><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";color:#1F497D">Party for 20 with food & drink at 360, the rooftop bar/restaurant that overlooks Busch Stadium<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoListParagraph" style="margin-left:.5in;text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l2 level1 lfo1"> <![if !supportLists]><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";color:#1F497D"><span style="mso-list:Ignore">-<span style="font:7.0pt "Times New Roman""> </span></span></span><![endif]><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";color:#1F497D">A Fender electric guitar<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoListParagraph" style="margin-left:.5in;text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l2 level1 lfo1"> <![if !supportLists]><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";color:#1F497D"><span style="mso-list:Ignore">-<span style="font:7.0pt "Times New Roman""> </span></span></span><![endif]><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";color:#1F497D">A real estate listing w/commission included<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoListParagraph" style="margin-left:.5in;text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l2 level1 lfo1"> <![if !supportLists]><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";color:#1F497D"><span style="mso-list:Ignore">-<span style="font:7.0pt "Times New Roman""> </span></span></span><![endif]><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";color:#1F497D">Three baby Oak trees<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoListParagraph" style="margin-left:.5in;text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l2 level1 lfo1"> <![if !supportLists]><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";color:#1F497D"><span style="mso-list:Ignore">-<span style="font:7.0pt "Times New Roman""> </span></span></span><![endif]><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";color:#1F497D">Private concert by singer/songwriter Erin Bode<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoListParagraph" style="margin-left:.5in;text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l2 level1 lfo1"> <![if !supportLists]><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";color:#1F497D"><span style="mso-list:Ignore">-<span style="font:7.0pt "Times New Roman""> </span></span></span><![endif]><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";color:#1F497D">It goes on and on….about 160 items auctioned off<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal">So to buy your tickets, please go to this link at your earliest convenience - <a href="http://www.mightyoakes.org/#!shop/c1djs">http://www.mightyoakes.org/#!shop/c1djs</a><o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">To be a sponsor, email me asap as we need you locked in by this Tuesday (11/5), no later. For more information on the sponsorship levels, please click here - <a href="http://media.wix.com/ugd/6af4d5_462d69788e71a98beed7631600e40b4b.pdf">http://media.wix.com/ugd/6af4d5_462d69788e71a98beed7631600e40b4b.pdf</a><o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Please spread the word and let me know if you have any questions. Thank you all so much for all that you do to support our mighty little foundation and all the families we help!<o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Love,<o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Greg, Becky & Isla Ortyl<o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Mighty Oakes Heart Foundation<o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><a href="http://www.mightyoakes.org">www.mightyoakes.org</a><o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><a href="http://www.babyortyl.blogspot.com">www.babyortyl.blogspot.com</a> <o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">=============================================================================================================================<o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><u><span style="font-size:14.0pt">Gala Agenda<o:p></o:p></span></u></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b>The evening starts at 6:00pm in the Zodiac room:<o:p></o:p></b></p> <p class="MsoListParagraph" style="mso-margin-top-alt:0in;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:0in;margin-left:.5in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l1 level1 lfo2"> <![if !supportLists]><span style="font-family:Symbol"><span style="mso-list:Ignore">·<span style="font:7.0pt "Times New Roman""> </span></span></span><![endif]><b>Silent auction<o:p></o:p></b></p> <p class="MsoListParagraph" style="mso-margin-top-alt:0in;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:0in;margin-left:.5in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l1 level1 lfo2"> <![if !supportLists]><span style="font-family:Symbol"><span style="mso-list:Ignore">·<span style="font:7.0pt "Times New Roman""> </span></span></span><![endif]><b>Wine pull<o:p></o:p></b></p> <p class="MsoListParagraph" style="mso-margin-top-alt:0in;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:0in;margin-left:.5in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l1 level1 lfo2"> <![if !supportLists]><span style="font-family:Symbol"><span style="mso-list:Ignore">·<span style="font:7.0pt 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room for:<o:p></o:p></b></p> <p class="MsoListParagraph" style="mso-margin-top-alt:0in;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:0in;margin-left:.5in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo3"> <![if !supportLists]><span style="font-family:Symbol"><span style="mso-list:Ignore">·<span style="font:7.0pt "Times New Roman""> </span></span></span><![endif]><b>Seated, three course dinner<o:p></o:p></b></p> <p class="MsoListParagraph" style="mso-margin-top-alt:0in;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:0in;margin-left:.5in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo3"> <![if !supportLists]><span style="font-family:Symbol"><span style="mso-list:Ignore">·<span style="font:7.0pt "Times New Roman""> </span></span></span><![endif]><b>Open bar<o:p></o:p></b></p> <p class="MsoListParagraph" style="mso-margin-top-alt:0in;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:0in;margin-left:.5in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo3"> <![if !supportLists]><span style="font-family:Symbol"><span style="mso-list:Ignore">·<span style="font:7.0pt "Times New Roman""> </span></span></span><![endif]><b>Presentation of sponsors during dinner<o:p></o:p></b></p> <p class="MsoListParagraph" style="mso-margin-top-alt:0in;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:0in;margin-left:.5in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo3"> <![if !supportLists]><span style="font-family:Symbol"><span style="mso-list:Ignore">·<span style="font:7.0pt "Times New Roman""> </span></span></span><![endif]><b>We will be debuting a 4 minute professional video highlighting what MOHF has been doing these last couple of years and who we have helped.<o:p></o:p></b></p> <p class="MsoListParagraph" style="mso-margin-top-alt:0in;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:0in;margin-left:.5in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo3"> <![if !supportLists]><span style="font-family:Symbol"><span style="mso-list:Ignore">·<span style="font:7.0pt "Times New Roman""> </span></span></span><![endif]><b>At the end of the video, the live auction will start. <o:p></o:p></b></p> <p class="MsoListParagraph" style="mso-margin-top-alt:0in;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:0in;margin-left:.5in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo3"> <![if !supportLists]><span style="font-family:Symbol"><span style="mso-list:Ignore">·<span style="font:7.0pt "Times New Roman""> </span></span></span><![endif]><b>As soon as the live auction ends, the band - Groovethang! will start playing and the after-party will begin!<o:p></o:p></b></p> <p class="MsoListParagraph" style="mso-margin-top-alt:0in;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:0in;margin-left:.5in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo3"> <![if !supportLists]><span style="font-family:Symbol"><span style="mso-list:Ignore">·<span style="font:7.0pt "Times New Roman""> </span></span></span><![endif]><b>Coffee and snacks will be served in the Zodiac room for those who are checking out and want to mingle away from the band.<o:p></o:p></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b><o:p> </o:p></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b>Special room rates of $179 are available at the Chase Park Plaza <span style="color:#1F497D">(</span><span style="color:black"><a href="http://www.chaseparkplaza.com">www.chaseparkplaza.com</a> </span>or 314.633.3000) both Friday and Saturday night. Just refer to Mighty Oakes Heart Foundation when making your reservation. <span style="color:black"><o:p></o:p></span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal">=============================================================================================================================<span style="color:#1F497D"><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> </div> Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7499716444664657579.post-19397350567035657322013-10-28T12:27:00.002-06:002013-10-28T12:51:29.361-06:00Josue (Joe-sway) Caleb<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<span style="color: #0b5394;">(Becky: Connie arrived safely at home Saturday at 10pm, after twelve hours of travel from Honduras. I facetimed with her yesterday for close to 2 hours, just checking in and get all of the scoop. She looked rested and great. I was a teary mess though. I am so proud of her, and still just blown away by all of the beautiful ripples that Oakes has created in our lives (lots of tears).</span><br />
<span style="color: #0b5394;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #0b5394;">So, Connie has several posts to share. Here is the latest that was sent over last night.)</span><br />
<br />
<br />
Sunday, 10/26/13<o:p></o:p></div>
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<div class="Body">
My young interpreter, Alejandra (we called her Ale) and I spoke
with Josue’s father, also called Josue, at his son’s bedside. Their family
lives in a small, rural Honduran town, El Progreso, four hours by car from
Tegucigalpa. Padre Josue works in a textile factory in San Pedro Sula, two
hours away from Progreso.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<div class="Body">
For Geographical reference points, Tegucigalpa is located in
south central Honduras, closer to the North Pacific Ocean. San Pedro Sula is
north and east, close to the Caribbean coast.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<div class="Body">
Little Josue is four years old, an only child. At birth, doctors
discovered a problem with his pancreatic artery, and operated when he was
fifteen days old. During his hospitalization a heart defect was discovered. The
doctors told Josue and his wife that their son would need heart surgery, as
well. They have been waiting since that time for the needed surgery, but they
didn’t know where to take him. They had taken Josue Caleb to three different
cardiologists but could not find a practicing pediatric cardiac surgeon
anywhere in Honduras. Josue also has Downs Syndrome.<o:p></o:p><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgx9S18rM90VShfODuF-lq80psL6e-0Sb0aTYl3chef5OWXfy8ldpfwsTBmozQvklF-BZh7n2cZrJ646VHyBjpSTXI8iO_2LMb5fvDyAu1dHy0Xo3Ntjt-CYUzgdJLfW0nA-fNiYx35WDB/s1600/Dr.+Fenton+checking+on+Josue+after+surgery.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgx9S18rM90VShfODuF-lq80psL6e-0Sb0aTYl3chef5OWXfy8ldpfwsTBmozQvklF-BZh7n2cZrJ646VHyBjpSTXI8iO_2LMb5fvDyAu1dHy0Xo3Ntjt-CYUzgdJLfW0nA-fNiYx35WDB/s400/Dr.+Fenton+checking+on+Josue+after+surgery.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Fr. Fenton examining Josue after his surgery.</div>
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In 2011 Josue’s maternal grandmother saw a poster for <a href="http://handsforhonduras.org/" target="_blank">Helping Hands for Honduras/ManosAyudando a Honduras in the Hospital del Torax in Tegucigalpa</a>. (My
next post will give a little background on Helping Hands for Honduras (HHH).)
She asked for information and learned that HHH was partnering with the
International Children’s Heart Foundation to provide a cardiology clinic.
During the next mission Josue was examined and one of the cardiologists
performed a catheterization and determined that Josue needed heart surgery.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<div class="Body">
When his parents brought Josue back to the next mission in 2012
he had the flu and a fever and was not a candidate for surgery. When we asked
Pedro Josue what it was like when the surgeons could not fix their son’s heart
and they had to wait for the next mission, he said they were hoping that when
they brought Josue back he would not need the surgery anymore. And when you
came a few days ago for his examination, and they told you he would get a
surgery this time? Josue’s father said he felt a little nervous when they first
found out, but he also felt confident (in the doctors, that all would be well.)<o:p></o:p></div>
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Unlike many heart babies, Josue has a lot of energy. He is very,
very strong. He loves to eat, play soccer, swim and take baths. There are
chickens and cats around his home that he likes to chase and play with. Josue
has limited verbal skills, but he is very adept at getting his point across.
Soon after Josue returned from the OR, he started waking up. He didn’t want the
cannula in his nose and kept trying to pull it out. After repeatedly moving his
strong little hand away, the nurses got a pair of Halloween socks out of the
“goodie box” and slipped them over his hands so he couldn’t wrap his fingers
around the tubing.. When he was upset, everybody knew it and he was all over
that bed. But by the second day post op he was sweet and cooperative, kicking
at the balloon one of the nurses held up for him, swatting at bubbles, and
mimicking hand gestures with his father. Josue was clearly a handful, but his
father was endlessly patient and gentle. <o:p></o:p></div>
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We asked Pedro Josue if there was anything he wanted to say to
HHH and ICHF? “We are so grateful. In this country this surgery would not be
possible without your help. The prices for the surgery are very high and there
is no budget to pay for it. Thanks to all of you (HHH & ICHF) that care to
the babies is possible. I hope that God gives you back all that you have
given.”<o:p></o:p><br />
<br /></div>
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Connie with Josue, and Padre Josue. Love those Halloween socks!</div>
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Nurse Amber J blowing bubbles for Josue.</div>
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<!--EndFragment-->Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7499716444664657579.post-90056132034754033832013-10-26T14:24:00.001-06:002013-10-26T14:24:27.982-06:00Day 7: My Last Day at Hospital del Torax & Dinner at Gino’s<br />
<div class="Body">
I just got back from dinner at Gino’s with the entire Team
Honduras (except for the two CICU nurses who were on the night shift). It was
great to relax and eat some great Italian food with old friends! But
wait...it’s less than a week since we met!</div>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="Body">
<br /></div>
<div class="Body">
There is an interesting web of connections here. Some of the team
members have worked together before: either on missions or at a hospital
somewhere in North America. Others went to med school, or nursing school, or
high school together and decided that a great way to spend time together is to
volunteer on the same medical mission and meet up in an interesting part of the
world. About a third of the team came from Canada. Most of the team members are
frequent travelers and there have been many conversations about favorite trips
and travel stories. Also a lot of friendly teasing about nationalities, states,
and regions of the country.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="Body">
We’ve had breakfast, lunch, and dinner together for the past
week. We’ve sat waiting on the bus for someone who was running late in the
morning, or who couldn’t drag themselves out of the hospital at night, and held
our breath together ridding through this crazy traffic. We’ve spent a lot of
time in the ICU together, sometimes scrambling to take care of sick babies and
other times sharing stories while we wait for new patients to return from the
OR. Great memories from spending a week with so many stellar professionals who
have given up their vacations and time off, and paid their way to Honduras.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="Body">
Joining a mission to South America was something I had considered
years ago, but never did it. I wouldn’t have joined this trip, either, if it
hadn’t been for Oakes and his journey, or for Becky asking me to go and
represent the Mighty Oakes Heart Foundation. So if you’ve been reading this
blog, and you’re thinking “...I could do
that!” or “I’ve always wanted to do
that” maybe now’s the time. Maybe now’s the time to do it. No matter what your
skill set, there is role that you could fill. And especially, if you speak
Spanish, there is a great need for people who can help translate.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="Body">
<br /></div>
<div class="Body">
I have more interviews to type up and stories to share, but for
tonight I’m just going to end it with a few photos of the staff. I’ll get a
chance to say goodbye to them when they file onto the bus, and then I’ll be
heading to the airport about 10 am, but won’t arrive home until 10 pm.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="Body">
<br /></div>
<div class="Body">
Thanks to all who have followed the blog for the past week. It
has been a true honor to represent my strong and brave little grandson, Oakes,
on this mission trip. Please check back in tomorrow for another interview.</div>
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<span style="color: #0b5394;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="color: #0b5394;">(Becky: Connie did not label these so I don't know who is who, but I love them all in a MIGHTY way!</span></div>
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<span style="color: #0b5394;">Thank you, International Children's Heart Foundation for letting MOHF tag along on this mission. You have opened our eyes CHD families around the globe, and needs that are much bigger than what we have experiences in our wonderful, developed and privileged country. </span></div>
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<span style="color: #0b5394;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="color: #0b5394;">I am excited about where this partnership will go, and how it will allow us to support more families.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #0b5394;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="color: #0b5394;">As Connie, mentioned she has more posts to share. We are also going to post an interview that between she and I, and I have lots to share on my own.....stay posted!)</span></div>
<span style="color: windowtext; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ansi-language: #0400; mso-bidi-language: X-NONE; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: #0400;"><o:p></o:p></span><br />
<!--EndFragment-->Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7499716444664657579.post-86423285151913871802013-10-24T22:49:00.002-06:002013-10-25T06:35:30.717-06:00Day 6: Wendy's Story<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<br />
<br />
<div class="Body">
I sat down for a chat with Wendy in the ICU. Alejandra, a patient young woman who
volunteers with Helping Hands of Honduras served as translator. Wendy is the
mother of 15-month-old Sebastian. (I took photos of Sebastian in the clinic on
Day 2). Dr. Fenton repaired Sebastian’s ASD on Wednesday morning, 10/23/2013.</div>
<div class="Body">
<br /></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3dqOEoq-vE88WtQtSr7EpP6b4uuiVR2cU1g90Fbvf_vuJSoho_dSOIeRVdHDpuqvwbKFgQYJ6TrXsmDRDnCXoBVDXhP_nlOk5izQLlKDzgqO5GV0pkoiEsPrHa3T7FLyj13hvyoyuvfV6/s1600/Mom%E2%80%A6surgery+is+over.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="358" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3dqOEoq-vE88WtQtSr7EpP6b4uuiVR2cU1g90Fbvf_vuJSoho_dSOIeRVdHDpuqvwbKFgQYJ6TrXsmDRDnCXoBVDXhP_nlOk5izQLlKDzgqO5GV0pkoiEsPrHa3T7FLyj13hvyoyuvfV6/s400/Mom%E2%80%A6surgery+is+over.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="Body">
<br /></div>
<div class="Body">
Wendy, on Wednesday after Sebastian's surgery.</div>
<div class="Body">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="Body">
<br /></div>
<div class="Body">
At Sebastian’s 7-day-old visit to the pediatrician Wendy learned
that he had a heart condition. Medication was the only intervention
recommended. There is no family history of heart defects. Wendy is an educated
woman, an attorney. She was unconvinced by the pediatrician’s recommendation so
she began researching Sebastian’s diagnosis on the internet. Sebastian was
examined by five pediatrician’s and cardiologists before they found Helping
Hands for Honduras. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="Body">
<br /></div>
<div class="Body">
Wendy’s cousin, who works in a hospital in a city 2 hours away
told her that a brigata (mission) was coming to Tegucigalpa to perform by-pass
surgery on adults. Wendy brought Sebastian and all of his records to the clinic
for evaluation. The cardiologist sent her to the Teaching Hospital in
Tegucigalpa for an echocardiogram and and electrocardiogram. With these test
results available, the doctor told Wendy that Sebastian did not need heart
surgery. She didn’t like that opinion so she kept searching. They told her to
come to Hospital del Torax (the hospital where ICHF stages it's clinic and OR),
to the clinic run by Helping Hands of Honduras. (see an upcoming blog on
Helping Hands)<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="Body">
<br /></div>
<div class="Body">
At two months of age Sebastian was evaluated by Drs. Fenton
(cardiothoracic surgeon) and De Sessa, (cardiologist) who are members of the
International Children’s Heart Foundation (ICHF) working in the Helping Hands
for Honduras clinic at Hospital del Torax, in Tegucigalpa, Honduras. These doctors
diagnosed Sebastian with two conditions: one was improving on it’s own, the
other, an ASD, would eventually need to be repaired. Wendy finally felt relief,
sensing that these doctors had finally performed a thorough cardiac assessment
and correctly diagnosed Sebastian’s problem. They told Wendy to bring Sebastian
back to the Helping Hands clinic approximately every 3 months, each time an
ICHF mission returned to Tegucigalpa. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="Body">
<br /></div>
<div class="Body">
As Sebastian grew Wendy noticed some signs of heart problems that
weren’t present with her two older children. Typically he could not finish an
entire baby bottle at feedings, he tired quickly when he moved around, and when
she introduced solid foods they had to be blended because he would start to
choke when trying to chew solids. His weight has consistently been about 3
pounds under normal weight for his size. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="Body">
<br /></div>
<div class="Body">
As Wendy continued to bring Sebastian back for his follow up
evaluations she hoped that she would be told that he no longer needed surgery.
She was anticipating that the surgery would be done in August of 2013. But an
outbreak of Dengue Fever caused the mission to be cancelled, and pushed back to
October. (We were told that 5 children on the ICHF surgery roster for the
rescheduled trip died in the interim due to Dengue.) When the mission was
cancelled Wendy felt a sense of desperation. She said that she “kept him in a
bubble, did everything....how do you say?....to a ‘T’” to keep him healthy so
he would be a candidate for surgery when the mission returned. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="Body">
<br /></div>
<div class="Body">
I asked Wendy how she felt when the time came to hand Sebastian
over to the OR team for his surgery. She said that she felt a normal amount of
nervousness, but she also felt relief. She had complete trust in Sebastian’s
cardiovascular surgeon, Dr. Kathleen Fenton (more in an upcoming blog), who
told her there was only a 2% risk factor. Wendy is also a deeply faith-filled
Catholic and was placing Sebastian’s care in God’s hands. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="Body">
<br /></div>
<div class="Body">
Would most Honduran mothers have persisted as you have in
obtaining the best care for their children? Wendy says probably not because
most Honduran women are more conforming, and don’t have the education, or the
curiosity. She explained that the poor people do not question the doctors, and
many of the doctors don’t know enough about cardiac issue to make accurate
diagnoses. (She really said, “They suck.”)<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="Body">
<br /></div>
<div class="Body">
You have acquired a great deal of information about pediatric
cardiac defects in your efforts to obtain the treatment that Sebastian has
needed? How will you use all of that information now? Wendy said that she will
definitely continue to tell others about Helping Hands of Honduras and
ICHF...and send them to upcoming missions. In her opinion the local physicians
only care about money and the cost of evaluations and procedures is more than
what the average Honduran can afford. A routine cardiac evaluation in Honduras
costs about $500, while the per capital income of a Honduran family is about
$350/mo ($7000 Limpera)<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="Body">
<br /></div>
<div class="Body">
What advice would you give to other mothers, even in the United
States? “Give wisdom to others. Always look for a second opinion. If you don’t
like what the doctor told you, be curious, do your research, ask questions
without being ashamed.” (The first cardiologist told Wendy that Sebastian would
be dead in 60 days.) <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="Body">
<br /></div>
<div class="Body">
“It doesn’t matter if we are rich or poor. The greatest gift is
the love of a mother.”<o:p></o:p><br />
<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Connie (Super Mighty!), <span style="background-color: white; font-family: garamond, 'new york', times, serif; font-size: 19px;">Alejandra (interviewer) Sebastain & Wendy</span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyUZTntrkU_l3-QK4cG8jONEYkt7_BR0vVDzO30qVcbH1_kSc142FyOaDJC-rNRD7vuUKKMv2AAuqmzVOZQQPkXqIZQnQ17zQlJ4E9XPy8yXhM65PyuWveyRbhmt3llSaiGGFj5xaN9kzi/s1600/DSC_0069.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyUZTntrkU_l3-QK4cG8jONEYkt7_BR0vVDzO30qVcbH1_kSc142FyOaDJC-rNRD7vuUKKMv2AAuqmzVOZQQPkXqIZQnQ17zQlJ4E9XPy8yXhM65PyuWveyRbhmt3llSaiGGFj5xaN9kzi/s400/DSC_0069.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Connie & Wendy talking</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTsKwIZabp4ST2gyNp_53rIEMnBcsVFskyWOUQka1FZznJjsb0OPDHSZSPy1l8MetcqGojxsTrDSwUYOPAXFbBenmkp04oXkFSeetJ7xyLsEyvOJXUyx0gqen17g2M-8TabjvPvmmnbKR0/s1600/DSC_0072.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="307" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTsKwIZabp4ST2gyNp_53rIEMnBcsVFskyWOUQka1FZznJjsb0OPDHSZSPy1l8MetcqGojxsTrDSwUYOPAXFbBenmkp04oXkFSeetJ7xyLsEyvOJXUyx0gqen17g2M-8TabjvPvmmnbKR0/s400/DSC_0072.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
One strong Heart Grandma & her new Heart Mom friend!</div>
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<br />
Connie blowing bubbles form Sabastian.<br />
<br /></div>
<!--EndFragment-->Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7499716444664657579.post-1501134092626141672013-10-24T09:38:00.001-06:002013-10-24T09:38:22.094-06:00Day 5: Recovery
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<span style="text-align: center;">Our bus leaves the hotel at 8:00 am each morning. We stay at the
hospital all day until the bus comes back bringing the night shift about 7pm.
Then we wait for the shift transition. Tonight we stopped at an Asian
restaurant and ate “family style.” Doing my vegan thing, it was the first meal
that really filled me up since I got here. But dinner meant we didn’t get back
to our hotel until about 8:30. And then it’s time to upload pictures, label
them for the ICHF DropBox, and write the blog.</span></div>
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When I arrived this morning I followed Dr. Nita up to the ward
where Erich had spent the night. He was composed and talking on a cell phone
when we entered. His mother said that he was upset when he first learned about
the open heart surgery, but he was okay now. His mom looked very concerned and
I just felt such a connection with her.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgHtT_y9umFgaz-NnpH2fc8Ywetd4ffF_Ubnu5gChPl5KNMYD0H7my9Zc-aNG7X1vIlKLMm9u7eG4NCvua_i1VfBOtmwfd47Xy5rcU-qpdvOe1RC3GxMCHIHaOaQXwgmp1R1zuY7YnmnJD/s1600/Erich+on+the+morning+of+surgery+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="386" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgHtT_y9umFgaz-NnpH2fc8Ywetd4ffF_Ubnu5gChPl5KNMYD0H7my9Zc-aNG7X1vIlKLMm9u7eG4NCvua_i1VfBOtmwfd47Xy5rcU-qpdvOe1RC3GxMCHIHaOaQXwgmp1R1zuY7YnmnJD/s400/Erich+on+the+morning+of+surgery+2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Erich getting ready to head to the OR</div>
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Good recovery for our first three patients. Grecia is out of the ICU
and smiling again. She took a shine to Shaun of the ICHF team. I think she’ll
be headed home on Thursday. Little Even was perking up a bit today, coloring
and generally looking comfortable. By day’s end he was running a bit of a
fever, and sleeping, but he has also moved out of the ICU. Alan, whose surgery was
only a little more than 24 hours ago was awake and looking pretty good. He has
asked to stay in the ICU because it has better air conditioning. Smart man. I
wish all of our patients could stay under the care of the ICHF nurses and docs.
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Grecia heading leaving the ICU</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqV3Oq6LikK-logFrFm6eG70SYApSCtl4cuNcZ92taKD_FL8pibGAGDT_8lXic5_K-bH8p6Av-SdVk9G-ocoVlNVK8hicGze7Q9F-xSohL6FDhQdAGeJ2ZE2nOCeGEAB3sL_5wbSZP04bM/s1600/Grecia+and+her+amigo,+Shaun.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="270" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqV3Oq6LikK-logFrFm6eG70SYApSCtl4cuNcZ92taKD_FL8pibGAGDT_8lXic5_K-bH8p6Av-SdVk9G-ocoVlNVK8hicGze7Q9F-xSohL6FDhQdAGeJ2ZE2nOCeGEAB3sL_5wbSZP04bM/s400/Grecia+and+her+amigo,+Shaun.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Grecia with her friend Shaun</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3fmyIf2c-snmlSsAQNEFIsln-XHnuRDJceuMUgjks_vtBFRwbOdMXXk8AGd9xiu-6r7wVtKMscxwX30Wg8YVL8ff41WN2gHLP_okOaOq0HpoOa1H2gFQ3USrlb1BuyvAeLB_IoMjviaXJ/s1600/Out+of+ICU,+coloring,+sucker,+sticker+on+forhead.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="341" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3fmyIf2c-snmlSsAQNEFIsln-XHnuRDJceuMUgjks_vtBFRwbOdMXXk8AGd9xiu-6r7wVtKMscxwX30Wg8YVL8ff41WN2gHLP_okOaOq0HpoOa1H2gFQ3USrlb1BuyvAeLB_IoMjviaXJ/s400/Out+of+ICU,+coloring,+sucker,+sticker+on+forhead.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Sitting up with a sticker on her forehead, coloring & enjoying a sucker!</div>
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Alan recovering about 12 hours post Op</div>
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This morning little Sebastian had his surgery and he did well. By
this evening he was still sleeping off his meds, and looking sweet and cute as
ever. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
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<div class="Body">
Little Sebastian 6 hours post Op - looking good!</div>
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I spent the rest of the morning in the clinic. I observed a very
interesting consultation between Dr. Boston and a 19-year-old patient, Heidi.
Dr. Nita translated back and forth between them. Rheumatic Fever, at 12,
damaged Heidi’s heart and she needs a valve replacement. Dr. Boston was talking
to her about the pros and cons of a valve replacement. The mechanical valve
would last a lifetime, but would require her to take the drug Coumadin for the
rest of her life, at significant cost. And the drug created concerns if she
wanted to get pregnant. The second option was to receive a biological valve,
not have to take the drug, knowing it would only last for 2 years. Heidi told
the doctors that after having Dengue Fever during her recent pregnancy, she had
a tubal ligation immediately following delivery. That made it easier for her to
choose the mechanical heart. Now the challenge is for the local organizers to
find the right sized valve while the team in in Honduras. Fortunately a few
more physicians will be joining the team in upcoming days and may be able to
procure the needed valve so that Heidi can go on the schedule before the
mission winds down.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Heidi's consultation with Dr. Boston and Dr. Nita.</div>
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While I was in the clinic, a nurse wheeled and incubator into the
echo room. The baby, Leah Maria, was full term, but only 5 days old. She had
been born at another hospital in Honduras, called Social Security, which is
available to Hondurans with benefits. The doctors had detected a heart defect
during the time since birth. And despite her deep skin tone, the cardiologist
described her as purple. He spent a good while doing an echo on her. He asked
the nurse from Social Security Hospital if they could do genetic testing on
Leah, before the ICHF team talked about surgery. But later found out that the
testing couldn’t be done for two weeks. Leah’s heart issues are very serious.
This makes the ICHF team have to do some serious decision making.
Realistically, Leah’s repairs cannot be done in one surgery. Once the ICHF team
leaves in about two weeks, Leah would
not have access to the types of care that she would need. If they do surgery in
the next few days, it would mean that she would need one of the beds in our ICU
for the rest of the mission. And so what I gathered from the team is that Leah
is not a good candidate for surgery. And that means that her life expectancy
will not be very long. When the cardiologist was delivering the findings of his
echo, he was having a young woman do the translation. When he explained the
part about ...”and the baby will probably die” the young translator and the
Social Security nurse who brought the baby fell silent and looked at her, and
they proceed to explain in Spanish. The cardiologist followed up with, “Did you
tell them (the parents were both in the room) what I said?” Yes. There wasn’t
much time or space in the room for the parents to digest that news. Or to react
to it. Perhaps they had already heard it. Perhaps when their doctors determined
that Leah had such a serious heart problem they encouraged the parents to come
to the experts from around the world who had set up their clinic at our
hospital. It would seem like a blessing that these two events would occur
simultaneously.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<o:p> Five day old Leah Maria with Mom.</o:p></div>
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There aren’t any pediatric heart surgeries being done in
Honduras, except what ICHF does when their teams fly in for several mission
each year. In addition to saving lives, ICHF’s goal is to bring in experts to
teach the local doctors how to master these complicated procedures, one by one,
as the local resources eliminate the need for the missions to continue in that
location. But it takes a lot of infrastructure and dedicated local physicians
to make that happen. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="Body">
So if a baby like Oaksie was born in Honduras, and ICHF was
coming in to do surgeries, he would probably not be selected as a good use of
their time and resources. They want to teach the straight-forward heart repairs
with the highest prognosis for success. They want to maximize their time in
country, and repair as many hearts as possible. Even if a family had good
insurance, and/or money, they could not buy the surgery because there are no
trained cardiothoracic surgeons available. They would either have to go to
another Central American City with a better pediatric cardiac center, or take
their child to a develop country, like the United States. But in Leah’s case,
there might not be enough time. This is why organizations like the
International Children’s Heart Foundation and Helping Hands for Honduras and
MOHF are teaming together, to help fund these heart repairs that change babies
lives. I am hoping that my blogging tells a story that results in some
donations to these three<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="Body">
worthy organizations.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<div class="Body">
I was able to observe Erich’s (13-year-old) surgery under the
experienced hands of Dr. Umar Boston, St. Louis Children’s own! When they wheeled Erich into the OR, his eyes
were big with curiosity and something that looked like fear. But he had decided
to be brave, so I’ll go with that. I smiled and waved and gave him a thumbs-up
from my spot against the wall. He returned the slightest non, and then returned
to monitoring everything that was going on around him. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<o:p> Brave Erich in the Operating room.</o:p></div>
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<o:p><br /></o:p></div>
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While Erich was on by-pass, the perfusionist waved me over and
explained in detail how blood is diverted away from the heart though all of the
tubing, and back into the system without pulsing through the heart. That gives
the surgeon time to make the amazing repairs. No complications during surgery,
but he was still sedated in ICU when the team left this evening.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<div class="Body">
That reminds me of a funny story that a deacon at our church
told. He is a plastic surgeon. The story went something like this, an auto
mechanic told a cardio-surgeon that what he did, fixing motors was basically
the same as what the doctor did fixing hearts. But the doctor quipped back,
“Yeah, but try fixing the motor with the engine running!<span style="color: windowtext; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ansi-language: #0400; mso-bidi-language: X-NONE; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: #0400;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br />
The first thing I did when I got to the hospital this morning was
to check on Grecia in the CICU. She was alert, a little sad, and trying
oh-so-hard not to cry, even though tears were rolling down her cheeks. It hurt
MY heart to see her uncomfortable, and yet so strong. Many of us on the team
packed our luggage with candy and little toys and games. The nurses have it
stashed in a box in a room adjacent to the CICU. Twice I saw Grecia slide out
of bed and walk with her nurses to the treasure chest. She wasn’t really happy
about the trips, but the bribe of a treat was motivation enough.<br />
<div class="Body">
<o:p></o:p><br />
<br />
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<br />
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Grecia giving Dr. nita a shot. Grecia wants to be a Doctor when she grows up! </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
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<br />
Grecia up and walking!</div>
<div class="Body">
<br /></div>
<div class="Body">
The first surgery of the day was 4 year old Even. He had an AV
canal repair. When Even was assessed his mother mention he had a speech delay.
She was hoping that when his heart was repaired his speech would catch up.
Alas, not so. After surgery, Even was asleep most of the day. The intensivist
explained that the children get a good dose of medication before extubation, and
then they usually don’t receive pain meds, other than extra strength Tylenol. I
couldn’t believe that these little ones were recovering from open heart surgery
with no pain meds. One of the Canadian nurses said they make North American
kids look like wimps.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="Body">
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<br />
<br />
Little Even<br />
<br />
Next, I went to the clinic to observe Pediatrician Nita doing
assessments on the children waiting for heart surgeries. The actual clinic was
being used to treat adults this morning, so we were able to create and
“open-air clinic” outside under the covered porch, with a nice breeze. That was
a relief since today we were given masks to wear in the clinic, due to all of
the sick (contagious) adults and children.</div>
<div class="Body">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="Body">
<br /></div>
<div class="Body">
Most of the parents learn about their child’s heart defects soon
after birth, but have no money or insurance to obtain the surgery. So they come
to the clinic when they know that the ICHF team is in country. And they come
back day after day, driving long distances, and waiting for long hours,
sometimes outside, with no amenities. (We have been asked to bring the roll of
toilet paper in our hotel rooms to the hospital each morning. Many of the
bathrooms <i>at the hospital </i>don’t even
have any! And no paper towel dispensers, just a communal hand towel hanging on
a nail.) <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="Body">
<br /></div>
<div class="Body">
Dr. Nita asks each set of parents a list of questions that gives
some insight to their child’s heart problem. Then she does an oral exam, and
listens to their heart on both chest and back. She asked me if I had ever heard
a heart murmur. No. So she had me listen to 13-year-old Erich’s heart, in three
different places. In each I could hear a woosh, woosh, woosh, but I couldn’t
really make out the heartbeat. Then she placed the stethoscope on her own heart
and asked if I could tell the difference. I felt a little embarrassed because I really couldn’t pick up her
heartbeat. She explained that you really don’t hear much with a healthy heart,
and that the wooshing I heard from Erich’s heart was the murmur. Nita said that
murmurs are rated 1 -6...and a 6 is hardly ever heard. Most murmurs for surgery
are a 4, including Erich. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="Body">
<br />
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<br />
<br />
Erich<br />
<br /></div>
<div class="Body">
Soon after Erich came four-year-old Yair. He had an unusual
barrel-shaped chest and what Nita called a “thrill”...a spot on his chest wall
where you could actually feel the murmur, and see it. Nita said that Yair was a
5 on the murmur scale...very unusual. Unfortunately, Yair had a cold that made
him ineligible for surgery during this 3 week mission. More waiting. Yair was
delighted with the little bottle of bubbles that we gave him and didn’t want to
quit blowing.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="Body">
<br /></div>
<div class="Body">
There were other interesting cases...beautiful children...worried
parents, but I’ll save them for future posts, if they get on the surgery
schedule. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="Body">
<br /></div>
<div class="Body">
After clinic I snuck into the back of the room where all of the
doctors from our team and the Honduran doctors got together to view the
echocardiograms and select the surgery roster for the next few days. I was
fascinated listening to all of the dynamics that needed to be considered to put
the schedule together. It looks like we won’t get to take over the ICU, due to
the contagious illness (and that feels fine to me.) We have converted the
recovery room into the ICU. This works while ICHF is here because the OR is
reserved for us and no other surgeries will be performed. But there are only 5
beds. So we can’t accelerate the surgery schedule if there aren’t beds
available. And there is only one vent, so we have to primarily select patients
and repairs that will be extubated in the OR. We only have one intensivist, who
can’t work 24/7. We want to give him a break. We need to get the difficult
cases in so they have enough time to recover, but the difficult cases will take
up beds for long periods, decreasing the total number of surgeries that can be
performed. But some patients are too sick to wait until the next mission, which
could be 6 months away. Some of the patients need more than one repair, but
only the most critical one would be repaired. Can you imagine having to make
such difficult decisions? <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="Body">
<br /></div>
<div class="Body">
Dr. Boston from St. Louis Children’s Hospital arrived towards the
end of this consultation with all of the docs, and they began assigning some
up-coming surgeries to him. We met, and both said, “I’ve heard good things
about you”...but didn’t get a chance to chat yet.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="Body">
<br /></div>
<div class="Body">
While they were reviewing the echos, the docs decided that our
young Erich (13 years old and described above) was a great candidate for
surgery on Wednesday. So while I was still listening to the consult, Erich and
his parents came back into the clinic to get the news that Erich’s surgery
would be done right away. I could see that Erich was really upset, and fighting
back tears. Remember, he was a strong, serious, stoic young man, but he turned
around and wrapped his arms around his mother’s neck...who was slightly shorter
than he was. My heart melted. I knew that if someone told me I was going to
have open heart surgery tomorrow, I’d be crying too. His mother explained to
the staff that Erich was holding onto hope that he could have an orthoscopic
repair through the groin. But Erich had the murmur that I heard through doc’s
stethoscope, and it obviously needed a serious operation..</div>
<div class="Body">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="Body">
<br />
Today’s second surgery was a 20-year-old young man, Alan. He had
recently signed up to join the Honduran Army, but a hernia was detected when he
was enlisting. When he went for the hernia repair a heart defect was
discovered. While the surgery may keep him from having to go to war, being a
soldier brings one of the best incomes in this country. Alan was out of surgery
and recovering in the ICU when we left.</div>
<div class="Body">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="Body">
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<br />
<br />
Alan<br />
<br /></div>
<div class="Body">
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<br />
Alan with his parents.<br />
<br />
So tomorrow, little 14-month-old
Sebastain will have surgery in the morning, and Erich is scheduled in
the afternoon. Please keep these boys in your prayers. They are both beautiful.
I understand so little Spanish, but fear and love and pain are part of a
universal, non-verbal language that I do understand. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="Body">
<br /></div>
<div class="Body">
My brother Gary told me, “you will stand out in Honduras. You are
much taller than them, and you will look like a tourist no matter what you do”.
My mere presence gives me an aura of importance, since everyone there knows the
ICHF team. And since I’m walking around with doctors and nurses, everyone
assumes I am one, too. Even the other doctors and nurses. But the camera gives
me another veil of importance. I get the feeling that they think if I am
interested in taking their child’s photograph it may mean a better chance of
being selected for surgery. I wish I could tell them the truth. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="Body">
<br /></div>
<div class="Body">
As scary and ominous as open heart surgery is I can see how it
becomes objective. The patient is draped and sedated. The surgeons have tunnel
vision for this one specific part of the body. The perfusionist and the
anesthesiologist deal with the rest of the person. The strong tug at my
humanity and compassion is heightened as I watch these families wait patiently
with great hope for their child’s healing. And then again watching the children
move through their post-op recovery. I think we all agree that we never want to
see children in pain.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="Body">
<br /></div>
<div class="Body">
PS I had a conversation with the cardiologist this morning. I
told him: “Please, if I get sick, don’t
admit me to this hospital. Drag me to the airport and send me home”. Outside of
the units that ICHF has control of, the rest of the hospital is abysmal. He
assured me, “We take care of our own. If someone on the team gets sick, we take
care of them.” Relief.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="Body">
<br /></div>
<div class="Body">
PPS I don’t mean this as a partisan political statement, but
... I think if everyone could see what
health care looks like in an under-developed country we would stop squabbling
over the Affordable Health Care Act.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="Body">
<br /></div>
<!--EndFragment-->Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7499716444664657579.post-30977737876252495212013-10-21T21:34:00.000-06:002013-10-21T21:34:02.882-06:00Day 3: Heart-Stopping: Grecia Maria’s and mine!<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">(Becky: Tonights report on Day three and the message connie attached</span><br />
<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Connie:</span><br />
<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Becky,</span><br />
<div id="yui_3_13_0_rc_1_1_1382313909309_228309">
<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">I had an incredible day. Can't really sort out all of the emotions. I learned so much and was amazed by so much. I have the utmost respect for all of the people and organizations that are making this happen, despite the obvious resistance of some local forces. But at the end of the day, it's the sick babies and the worried mothers and fathers that we are here to serve. And it seems that our surgeons and leaders are determined that now we are here we are going to do it! </span></div>
<div id="yui_3_13_0_rc_1_1_1382313909309_229267">
<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div id="yui_3_13_0_rc_1_1_1382313909309_228314">
<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">I wasn't sure I could do this, and so far I've sort of impressed myself. The first lesson in Brene Brown's on-line Oprah course is: I'm imperfect and I'm enough. It fits.</span></div>
<div id="yui_3_13_0_rc_1_1_1382313909309_228316">
<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div id="yui_3_13_0_rc_1_1_1382313909309_228318">
<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Love you,</span></div>
<div id="yui_3_13_0_rc_1_1_1382313909309_228320">
<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Sending some photos, too....</span></div>
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Mom)</span></span><br />
<div class="Body">
<br /></div>
<div class="Body">
As soon as we arrived at
the hospital this morning, I borrowed some scrubs and wandered into the OR
where my new friend Jenny, the perfusionist from Toronto, was setting up the
by-pass machine. I stayed and watched the buzz as the momentum began to build.
Nurses and techs kept bringing in equipment and sterilized items, moving
tables, and threading electrical cords around the room. After almost two hours
of set up the team was ready for the first heart surgery patient: 6 year old
Grecia Maria.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="Body">
<br /></div>
<div class="Body">
Grecia was wheeled into the room, awake and scared. She was
lifted onto the operating table and immediately the team began soothing her and
prepping her for surgery. In a short time she was cozy and sleeping with the help
of Victoria, the anesthesiologist, and some nice medication. Everything paused
briefly as Nurse Sarah prayed out loud in Spanish. It took me a few seconds to
realize what was happening, but the mood in the room changed briefly. I felt so
moved that they were taking the time to create Sacred Space and to invoke God,
the Holy Spirit, and Mary to protect and comfort Grecia, and to guide their
minds and their hands during the procedure. (Of course, I couldn’t translate
what was actually said, but this was the prayer in my heart. I pictured Mary
walking Grecia away from the OR to a little dance studio where she danced
without fatigue or pain.) As the prayer ended “Amen” came in unison. And we
were ready to begin.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="Body">
<br /></div>
<div class="Body">
I stood against the wall, taking occasional photos when I got a
shot between all of the doctors and nurses lined up around the operating table.
When our ICHF cardiothoracic surgeon approached the operating table, after all
of the prepping was over, I decided to move to the other side of the room so I could
get her face in my shots. I took a few steps and three Spanish speaking nurses
with scowling faces threw their hands in the air in stop-sign fashion and told
me to stay there. I think they would have tackled me if I had taken one more
step. What I discovered later was that I was about to breach a sterile zone.
The scrub nurses had spent hours elaborately placing all of the instruments,
gauze, sutures, etc on table draped in sterile cloth. I was starting to walk
between the instrument table and the operating table. I quickly flattened
myself back against the wall while they slid the instruments toward the end of
the operating table. When everything was set up one of the nurses waved me over
to the middle of the room; she had brought in a step stool and placed it about
two feet below the instruments and motioned to me to step up. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="Body">
<br /></div>
<div class="Body">
The surgical team included Dr. Fenton and two Honduran surgeons
(Arlette and Jorge); Scrub Nurse Sarah and her assistant; Victoria and an
anesthesiologist assistant at the head of the table monitoring the equipment;
and Jenny (perfusionist) and David (bio/med tech) were on the side with the
bypass machine. During this time they opened Grecia’s chest and sternum,
exposing her heart. Standing on the stool, I was able to follow what was
happening more clearly. When the surgeons’ hands cleared away, I was able to
see the top curve of Grecia’s little heart bobbing up and down as it beat!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="Body">
<br /></div>
<div class="Body">
At one point while the docs waited for medication levels to
change. Dr. Fenton invited me to come to the head of the operating table where
the anesthesia station was, and David carried the stool. From that vantage
point I could look down over the drapes and watch little Grecia’s heart beating
rhythmically. Dr. Fenton pointed to Grecia’s heart chambers and explained what she was getting
ready to do. That’s when my heart stopped! And shortly after that Grecia’s
heart stopped, too (for less than 30 minutes) as she went on bypass and the
abnormal opening in the dividing wall between her upper heart wall chambers
(atria) was repaired. Once that was over the sutures and the clean up went
pretty quickly, and she was extubated right away. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="Body">
<br /></div>
<div class="Body">
I followed sleeping Grecia as she was wheeled into our makeshift
ICU. (The two TB cases and the H1N1 case are still quarantined in the
hospital’s ICU.) She was eagerly greeted by about 10 NICU nurses, respiratory
therapists, and intensivists who have been waiting for two days to fulfill
their mission. I thought a lot about Grecia’s mother, who was waiting to hear
how her daughter did, but I didn’t get to see them re-united today. Although
objectivity is crucial during such a serious procedure, I was completely
impressed with the respect and gentleness everyone extended towards their
little patient.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="Body">
<br /></div>
<div class="Body">
Baby Sebastian’s surgery has been pushed back. Today is National
Armed Forces Day in Honduras, so it is a holiday. There was an issue about
transportation home for the nurses if we proceeded with today’s second surgery,
lasting until after 6pm. Many of the hospital staff rely on public
transportation to return home at night. Since the holiday shut down the usual
transportation extending the surgical schedule would make it dangerous for them
to travel to some of the outlying areas after dark. So our organizers agreed to
quit after only one surgery, because we wanted the nurses to be safe and to
come back to assist for the rest of the 3 week mission. There was a lot of
confusion about all of this. The locals knew it would be a problem but didn’t
tell our team. The worst consequence was that little Sebastian had been denied
food since midnight last night and his mother was anticipating his surgery all
morning. They had to be told to wait two more days; the docs didn’t want to
make Sebastian fast two days in a row. He will return on Wednesday. But tonight
we have one little girl recovering in the ICU, surrounded by a wonderful team
of nurses. I think she is dancing in her dreams!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="Body">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6ZddH0x_l3S0MPBDANRLDLNLaH1U1d43XhPkq7WPzjPE6rFkWCCW3CJzJHgoviCGb-YBXd2PtzhuoaGnbZ1A2_0v2Ge18lnhmt-pn_MP5YcDLh_uLphi7w0Rs9jIpVxQXbFUpX313R5x_/s1600/2013-10-21+Grecia's+ASV+repair+is+all+over.51.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6ZddH0x_l3S0MPBDANRLDLNLaH1U1d43XhPkq7WPzjPE6rFkWCCW3CJzJHgoviCGb-YBXd2PtzhuoaGnbZ1A2_0v2Ge18lnhmt-pn_MP5YcDLh_uLphi7w0Rs9jIpVxQXbFUpX313R5x_/s400/2013-10-21+Grecia's+ASV+repair+is+all+over.51.jpg" width="266" /></a></div>
<br />
Gracia after surgery. Extubated and resting as the nurses are watching her numbers on the monitor.<br />
<br />
<br /></div>
<!--EndFragment-->Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7499716444664657579.post-20885832250404222832013-10-21T08:51:00.001-06:002013-10-21T08:53:45.471-06:00Day 2: Meeting Some of the Children<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<div class="Body">
<span style="color: #0b5394;">(Becky: Here was the message attached to this update<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="Body">
<span style="color: #0b5394;">Connie: Here's my reflection for today. It was a great day. Little Sebastian especially is on my mind tonight. Eager to get back tomorrow and follow him through his day.)</span></div>
<div class="Body">
<br /></div>
<div class="Body">
The day began with a wonderful breakfast buffet on the Veranda of
Hotel Honduras Maya. There was a wonderful spread of fresh local fruit,
omelets, a variety of bread products, beans, tortillas, granola, and of course,
coffee. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="Body">
<br /></div>
<div class="Body">
The bus picked us up by 8:00 and we were off to the hospital.
Many hurdles are being worked out to proceed with the surgeries. 1) Some of the
equipment brought to the hospital on previous missions has not been
maintained. So our bio-med tech has been working diligently to get the
equipment working again. 2) Local doctors and nurses are “on strike” because the
Ministry of Health has not paid salaries, and some of the local medical team is
refusing to come in to work. 3) The ICU, where we planned to set up our CICU
has 2 TB patients, and one with H1N1 flu. An alternate space in the hospital
has been allocated so that we can set up our CICU in a safe location. The
medical specialists on the ICHF team seem well equipped to “go with the flow”
and come up with alternate plans.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="Body">
<br /></div>
<div class="Body">
When we approached the Clinic, there were parents and children
lining the walls. Worried mothers. Sick children. While the ICHF team moved
efficiently along the corridors on their mission, I tried to smile at the
children and make eye contact with the parents, wanting to communicate some
understanding. Even though I couldn’t communicate with them directly, if one of
the mothers made eye contact with me I would point to my camera and then to the
child they were holding and “ask” if I could take their child’s photograph. All
of the mothers offered their child for the photo. Most of the children didn’t
seem to have the energy to even change their expression. But a few were lively
and seemed to enjoy the attention. Or they simply enjoyed the distracting from
the long wait.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="Body">
<br /></div>
<div class="Body">
Two surgeries are still scheduled for Monday: Sebastian and
Grecia. Part of my day was spent shadowing Dr. Nita Moharty, an ICHF
pediatrician, as she examined and assessed children who are being considered
for surgeries this week. Nita was born in India, but grew up, in the US, and
joined the team from Chicago. Nita speaks fluent Spanish and was very easy and
animated in her exchanges with the children. As she spoke to the parents and
examined these children I was allowed to move around the room and snap some
photos of Grecia and Sebastian. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="Body">
<br /></div>
<div class="Body">
Sebastian caught my eye the first time I walked down the hallway.
His pallor was very noticeable. He had a sweet and soulful expression, and he
didn’t show much energy. Sebastian is two, and his diagnosis is VSD <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ventricular_septal_defect" target="_blank">(ventricle septal defect)</a>. The surgery is a fairly simple corrective repair with a good
prognosis. Later, I stepped into an exam room where Dr. De Sessa was performing
an echocardiogram. Sebastian was unhappy to be down on his back, but his mother
was trying to entertain him by holding her iPhone over his head while he
watched a music video. It took me a few minutes to recognize the tune...but it
was the Beach Boys song, Barbara Ann....in Spanish. (You know: Ba-Ba-Ba,
Ba-Barbarann. Made me smile.) <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="Body">
<br /></div>
<div class="Body">
When I first tried to photograph him, when he was being
checked out by Dr. Nita, he fussed and turned away. (Unlike my grandchildren
who smile and perform antics for the camera.)
Eventually, he looked right at the camera and I was able to take some
close ups of his sweet little face.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="Body">
<br /></div>
<div class="Body">
Next we met Grecia, a six year old cutie with a long brown braid.
Grecia was very curious and handling the whole ordeal with an admirable amount
of independence. She was curious about the camera, and finally gave me a smile.
Dr. Nita burst out laughing while examining Grecia’s throat because she had a
wad of gum tucked away on the side. Grecia has asthma, and her diagnosis is
ASD <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Atrial_septal_defect" target="_blank">(atrial septal defect)</a>. She is a dancer and is feeling a lot of chest pain when she dances. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="Body">
<br /></div>
<div class="Body">
<span style="color: #0b5394;">(Becky: Both VSDs and ASDs are considered "holes in the heart". Information about both defects, including illustrations comparing both to a healthy heart <a href="http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/health-topics/topics/holes/types.html" target="_blank">can be seen here</a>.)</span></div>
<div class="Body">
<br /></div>
<div class="Body">
This hospital would never meet our expectations in the US. We would be
horrified to leave one of our loved ones there for treatment.Very few areas are air
conditioned. Most of the windows and doors are left open for ventilation,
despite the fact that mosquito bites are the cause of Malaria and Dengue Fever.
Malaria is not a problem in Tegucigalpa due to the altitude, but there was a
recent outbreak of Dengue in Teguc. (This mission was originally supposed to happen in August, but was cancelled because of a Dengue Fever outbreak & the hospital didn't have room to accommodate the ICHF mission.) One of our in-country hosts pointed out a
huge reservoir of water right next to the open wards, a hospitable breeding
ground for those disease-ladened mosquitoes.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="Body">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">Please say a prayer for Sebastian and Grecia, and
their families. The children, especially, don’t know what’s coming. But with
grace, and a little recovery time, they will be enjoying the normal fun
activities of healthy children. </span><!--EndFragment--><br />
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<span style="text-align: -webkit-auto;">ICHF Baby Heart Mission - Honduras - first to arrive</span></div>
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Taking a tour of the hospital</div>
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Families lining the hall ways waiting to be seen.</div>
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Grecia with her mother waiting</div>
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Smiling Grecia</div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 16px; text-align: -webkit-auto;">Sebastian</span></div>
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Asleep in Moms arms after some of the excitement subsides.</div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><br /></span>
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 16px; text-align: -webkit-auto;">Sebastian smiling as his Mom talks to Nita.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><span style="color: #0b5394;">Later in the day I got this note. I think it was meant for me, but it just adds to Connie's story and I had to share!:</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="background-color: white;">I'm trying to keep up with FB, and all, but I'm not using my computer at all during the day at the hospital. Spent the day with the camera hanging around my neck. I can't believe the freedom they have given me to be anywhere I want and photograph. ICHF really wants the exposure.</span><br clear="none" /><br clear="none" /><span style="background-color: white;">My fears are greatly reduced. I feel safe, staying with the group. The team is AMAZING, funny, friendly, experience, unique people. I'm really enjoying them and they are treating me like equal. I'm probably the oldest, but keeping up quite well. The food is working out and the host org knows I'm vegan and want to accommodate me. All is well. Most fears are alleviated.</span><br clear="none" /><br clear="none" /><span style="background-color: white;">I'm a little nervous about going into the OR tomorrow to photograph, but I'm going to do it. Just have to. Wish Yvonne and Elaine were here. Wish you had been able to come. You definitely should some day. Jeff and Sarah should be here to do oral surgeries. I want to go on all of the missions!!! Okay, not really, but it is a wonderful experience. Don't worry about me. Internet access is difficult a lot of the time. I'll do my best to send you something every night.</span><br clear="none" /><br clear="none" /><span style="background-color: white;">Thank you for offering me this opportunity.</span><br clear="none" /><span style="background-color: white;">Love you,</span><br clear="none" /><span style="background-color: white;">Mom</span></span><br />
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7499716444664657579.post-31563522078480883362013-10-20T06:13:00.001-06:002013-10-20T06:13:54.735-06:00Day 1 In Country: Arriving in Tegucigalpa & Meeting Some of the Team
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<!--StartFragment-->
(Becky: Connie's first blog entry came in with the note: Pooped. Headed to Bed. But it's going to be amazing!)<br />
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<div class="Body">
<br /></div>
<div class="Body">
I was up at 3, dropped off at Will Rogers International at 4, and
sitting on the tarmac having the plane de-iced at 6! (In Oklahoma in October.)
That was a crazy start to an amazing day. The next amazing thing was realizing
that almost the entire, booked flight from Atlanta to Tegucigalpa was filled
with missionaries from North America. There were multiple groups from all over
the US flying in to perform all nature of humanitarian works. And they were a
joyful lot. I don’t know if I’ve ever been on such a noisy flight. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="Body">
<br /></div>
<div class="Body">
Honduras is simply beautiful! Approaching from the air we could
see the terrain; not mountainous like the Rockies, but ragged hills covered in
green with clusters of civilization hanging off of the sides of the bluffs. The
flight’s grand finale came when all passengers braced themselves as the
airplane shuddered to an abrupt halt on the abbreviated runway and then burst
into spontaneous cheers and applause.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="Body">
<br /></div>
<div class="Body">
Immigration and customs in Honduras was uncomplicated. Once
through, I began to meet other members of the team. Those assembled visited in
a little airport cafe and got to know each other a bit as others arrived from
all over (Vancouver, Toronto, Lexington, Memphis, Boston, Chicago, Austin....so
far.) I am the only non-medical personnel, alongside of these amazing
specialists. Meeting them outside of their professional settings was a delight.
Mostly, I was a silent observer, trying to learn all I could. But when my curiosity
got the best of me, and I asked a question, they were so helpful and patient
giving me in-depth answers. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="Body">
<br /></div>
<div class="Body">
I learned that David is the BioMedical member of the team. And
what does a BioMedical Technician do? He is responsible for the maintenance and
calibration of all of the high tech (or not quite so, in the case of developing
countries) medical equipment that the surgeons, perfusionist,
anesthesiologists, nurses and pediatricians will use in their work. Without his
expertise, no one else could work their magic. And what is a perfusionist, I
asked? A perfusionist manages the oxygen and blood flow, and pressure, and body
temperature (and many other important things) of the heart surgery patient,
while the pediatric cardiac surgeon repairs the baby’s heart. And what is an
Intensivist? An intensivist is the doctor responsible for all of the patients
in the Intensive Care Unit...round the clock, when the procedures are over and
the others go back to the hotel to sleep.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="Body">
<br /></div>
<div class="Body">
Tomorrow morning we go to the hospital and the ICHF surgeons will
consult with the local pediatric cardiac team to begin to determine which
children to treat during the next few weeks. Andrea is our organizer and front
team. She arrived early to make sure that everything was prepared to maximize
the productivity of the mission. She explained that the first two days may
include a few less complicated surgeries so that the two teams can become
familiar with working together. During the following few days, the more
complicated surgeries will occur, giving those patients the longest recovery
time possible, before the ICHF mission is over. I had never thought about the
amount of preparation and strategizing that would be required to pull off this
mission.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="Body">
<br /></div>
<div class="Body">
I kept the camera stuffed in my day pack, so I could ease into
the transition and just hang out with the team. Tomorrow the camera comes with
me and I’ll begin to document the goings-on at the hospital. We will be
organizing supplies and setting up the OR. I got to meet Shaun, a staffer from
ICHF, whose mission will be taking videos of many of the same things I’ll be
taking photos of. While the medical team is focused on healing babies hearts,
we’ll be collaborating to bring you some of the touching stories involving the
families who are hoping against hope that their little ones will receive one of
these life-saving surgeries, and have a chance to have a normal, healthy
childhood.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="Body">
<br /></div>
<div class="Body">
All through the day, the others asked me, “So what is your role
on the mission, Connie?” Pointing to the MOHF logo on my tee shirt, I briefly
shared the story of Oakes, and the amazing foundation that we are all helping
to create and perpetuate. I could see the look of genuine awe in their faces.
These are wonderful, skillful, talented professionals. They are devoting their
careers to healing, and donating their vacations and free time to volunteering
because they want to share their expertise with children who would not have a
shot at life otherwise. And yet, in each of their reactions, I could see that
they really got it...the understanding, on some level, of what these
frightened, exhausted families go
through as they cling to the hope of a miracle. And how the families need some
healing of their own. ICHF is doing tremendous work. There will be 45
international medical missions this year to underdeveloped countries...three of
them beginning this week. They are a wonderful partner for MOHF, raising the
money to send these teams around the world, and working out all of the
in-country logistics. I am honored to be here, and ready to help in every way I
can.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="Body">
<br /></div>
<div class="Body">
The surgeries won’t begin until Monday morning, but tomorrow I
hope to bring you so photos and introduce you to some of the wonderful men and
women who are assembling in Tegucigalpa to begin the work of healing hearts.<span style="color: windowtext; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ansi-language: #0400; mso-bidi-language: X-NONE; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: #0400;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<!--EndFragment-->Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7499716444664657579.post-36924796888619735712013-10-19T17:42:00.001-06:002013-10-19T17:42:43.411-06:00Baby Ortyl blog lovers, meet my amazing Mother, Connie.
<br />
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<span style="font-family: 'TimesNewRomanPSMT'; font-size: 12.000000pt;">The idea of jumping onto Becky's blog and posting for a week is purely intimidating. I'm not even
going to try to fill my daughter's shoes. She has walked through these past few year with such strength
and beauty. I am in awe of her. I have missed her frequent posts, and have continued to encourage her
to post about all of the amazing things that she and MOHF are doing. I hope her blogging will
continue; I know that she gives us all so much.
</span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'TimesNewRomanPSMT'; font-size: 12.000000pt;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: 'TimesNewRomanPSMT'; font-size: 12.000000pt;">So here I come, mother and grandmother, with a different perspective. It has been difficult to watch my
helpless little grandson struggle for his life, and at the same time watch my daughter's heart break.
Before I ship out for Tegucigalpa, Honduras, and my week with the BabyHeart Medical Mission, I'd
like to share a bit about my background...my story within the story.
</span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'TimesNewRomanPSMT'; font-size: 12.000000pt;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: 'TimesNewRomanPSMT'; font-size: 12.000000pt;">When I was but 8 months old, I endured a life-threatening burn accident. Lying in a bathinette, I
grabbed the cord of a coffee percolator, and dumped the entire contents onto myself: appliance,
scalding coffee grounds, and boiling coffee. I've never known very much about the accident or the
recovery process. I know that I went into shock after one loud scream, that I was in the ICU for about a
month. My hospitalization was almost 65 years ago, at a time when parents were not encouraged, or
even allowed to assist with their child's care. My parents were only able to visit with me for about one
hour a day. I know that I incurred first, second, and third degree burns over my entire body, and the
doctors told my parents that I would probably not survive, but if I did I would probably never have hair
or eyebrows. I grew up in the midst of almost complete silence regarding the accident, my scars, and
the story that went with it. And the fact that no one ever talked about my accident gave it a shameful
feeling and so, of course, I didn't ask about it either.
</span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'TimesNewRomanPSMT'; font-size: 12.000000pt;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: 'TimesNewRomanPSMT'; font-size: 12.000000pt;">Every now and then I learned a new tidbit, usually when I overheard my mother answering someone
else's questions about the scar on my arm. I learned the most amazing and disturbing piece of
information about eight years ago. My uncle (my mother's younger brother) told someone that he
remembered seeing me the day they brought me home from the hospital. I was wrapped completely in
gauze bandages, except for little openings for my eyes and my mouth. That visual brought some strong
emotion to my reality, which up until then had been a story that I would recite without any real feeling.
And yet, even though I had no memory of any of it, I assumed that the story was not a happy one.
</span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'TimesNewRomanPSMT'; font-size: 12.000000pt;">When Becky & Greg were first told about Oakes heart defect, I thought surely it was a misreading of
the ultrasound. How could they possibly detect a heart defect at eighteen weeks? Each time they went
back for a repeat, I was certain the signs would disappear. This was not to be. I was delighted and
honored when Becky and Greg told me that little Oakes middle name would be Lee, in honor of me,
because they wanted him to be brave and strong, like I had been, to endure whatever was coming.
</span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'TimesNewRomanPSMT'; font-size: 12.000000pt;">Towards the end of Becky's pregnancy, Dale and I visited the Ortyls and accompanied them on a tour
of the NICU and the CICU, where we were told Oakes would be spending a good deal of time in the
beginning. Although I tried to be present and appropriate, walking through those units that day was
excruciating. I felt I was in a foreign world. It was terrifying to see those tiny, helpless babies hooked
up to such big machines, with so many lines and monitors running in and out of their little cribs. Lights
were blinking, monitors buzzing, and parents were sitting in darkened rooms near their sick little
babies. I wanted to fold in on myself and become as small and contained as possible. I didn't want this
world to become a part of mine.
</span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'TimesNewRomanPSMT'; font-size: 12.000000pt;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: 'TimesNewRomanPSMT'; font-size: 12.000000pt;">Although Becky went full term, Oakes birth was a scheduled event. And unlike my experiences with
the births of my other grandchildren up until that time (Beau, Gray, and Isla) I was not allowed to be
with Becky at Oakes' birth. We Fox girls sat with her during labor, but when it was time for Oakes to be </span><span style="font-family: TimesNewRomanPSMT; font-size: 12pt;">delivered she was taken away from us (Sarah, Christina, and myself) and rolled into an operating room,
where the walls were lined with pediatric specialists...just in case. Becky had a few brief moments with
Oakes once he arrived, and then Greg and I escorted the pediatric team that wheeled him over to St.
Louis Children's and into the NICU. Those first few days were scary. We knew his heart was not
properly formed, and that in a very short time he would need his first open heart surgery. I wanted to
spend as much time with him as I could, and hold him as much as possible. For the first few days
Becky was still in Barnes, but could visit often. Then she went home and was trying to spend time with
Isla and rest up for what was coming. I sat rocking Oakes for hours, trying to keep him comfortable,
and to prevent him from ever feeling alone. Of course, he was receiving excellent care in the NICU.
Within a few days he was moved to the CICU, and it was in those first few days and weeks that I met
so many of the wonderful nurses who loved and cared for Oakes. In the early, scary days, I leaned on
Nurses Tammy and Mel. They were so kind, and competent, and reassuring.</span></div>
</div>
</div>
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<span style="font-family: 'TimesNewRomanPSMT'; font-size: 12.000000pt;">Over the weeks, and months, I formed a very special relationship with Oakes. And he came to rely on
me. We paced ourselves. He seemed to know when Dale and I would get on the road to return to St.
Louis. I might get a report from Becky about how great he was doing, and mid-way there another
report that something was happening, and by the time we arrived he would be sedated and paralyzed.
He did his best to hold things together for as long as possible, but when he knew that Ena was on the
way and his mom and dad would have some back up he could let go.
</span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'TimesNewRomanPSMT'; font-size: 12.000000pt;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: 'TimesNewRomanPSMT'; font-size: 12.000000pt;">Every picture of Oakes brings a smile and a tear. He is remarkable. He was constantly enduring the
most horrific procedures, but when he would wake up he would smile and joyfully wave his little arms.
He went through so much, but he loved so well!
</span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'TimesNewRomanPSMT'; font-size: 12.000000pt;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: 'TimesNewRomanPSMT'; font-size: 12.000000pt;">I don't know my story, but I do know Oakes' story, and you do, too. If he had lived, he never would
have doubted for a moment what happened, and whether or not he was taken care of or left alone in
fear. There is a blog a mile long, from here to there, documenting so many of the things that he went
through in words and in pictures. And if he had ever needed to ask any questions, he could have asked
any one of us, because we all know the story of Oakes. Becky and Greg made it a love story and they
shared it with everyone. Oh, how that has given me hope. That my story was a love story, too.
</span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'TimesNewRomanPSMT'; font-size: 12.000000pt;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: 'TimesNewRomanPSMT'; font-size: 12.000000pt;">So now I'm packing up and headeing to the hospital in Tegucigalpa, and a week of baby heart surgeries.
You would never have convinced me that this would be so when I toured the CICU before Oakes was
born. But over the months that I spent at SLCH, I gradually became familiar, and yes, often, even
comfortable with the comings and goings in Room 9. I knew most of the nurses by name. And many of
the docs, too. If I was there during rounds, and I stood by Oakes' door, they would include me in the
discussion, asking how Oaksie was doing, asking about certain behaviors. You get to know people over
the course of 15 months. My life in the CICU prepared me to say “yes” when Becky asked me to sign
on for this next adventure. Like Becky said, I'm not sure exactly what I'll be doing...just anything they
ask me. I'll be carrying a camera and a tablet, sharing photos and stories with both the MOHF blog and
the International Children's Heart Foundation blog. It's been a long journey from my first disturbing
walk through the NICU. Right now, I feel a healthy mixture of apprehension and excitement. I've been
praying for the team, and the children who will be undergoing these life-saving surgeries. I am
expecting miracles and healing, for the families and for myself. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'TimesNewRomanPSMT'; font-size: 12.000000pt;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: 'TimesNewRomanPSMT'; font-size: 12.000000pt;"><br /></span>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj56_3C1rPJVkPfyG_c32PWsW4A588K-_jT8EJ4fa4QtPzyWbyH6-53_Hwc3RfyvJPmR1EGdTp6vrX7n_daYZg1Fhd3-U3hSzH4Orty-B-rocIzcTPjGGuMeL2ecr3UYQAin9TiLjRwTD5u/s1600/199161_1917748826898_4122989_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj56_3C1rPJVkPfyG_c32PWsW4A588K-_jT8EJ4fa4QtPzyWbyH6-53_Hwc3RfyvJPmR1EGdTp6vrX7n_daYZg1Fhd3-U3hSzH4Orty-B-rocIzcTPjGGuMeL2ecr3UYQAin9TiLjRwTD5u/s400/199161_1917748826898_4122989_n.jpg" width="265" /></a></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Connie, who is Ena to her Grandchildren, holding Oakes and giving him his first bottle ever.</div>
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<br /></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi33BYdQ94kdVuAEImTXmbl4MxUARVJAEmirJYKkSs9Y3NAXxapR_MAQDkvIqBmettZFh0hfzDx9B_UJpokgDwC04n4ijRDAWjPgRe4bSBFXGNLw-T6hOic7X0KplJ_pWCwrVqqluP86IFi/s1600/560764_3301781703698_223512440_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi33BYdQ94kdVuAEImTXmbl4MxUARVJAEmirJYKkSs9Y3NAXxapR_MAQDkvIqBmettZFh0hfzDx9B_UJpokgDwC04n4ijRDAWjPgRe4bSBFXGNLw-T6hOic7X0KplJ_pWCwrVqqluP86IFi/s400/560764_3301781703698_223512440_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Connie Lee & Oakes Lee having a little love-fest in May, shortly before he left us. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEich3n_vOQm1TJvOjIQPFUlHqz-0u3nXgBOrw60ZSbzVW4SWN0IoTTprsL1WKDS3WeGveK2lQjKfi1QVZFgphgVADi9TWvpcNs1TBA-tG9ZcGIobwgoJ3J4AASJuRKbR5nWMWIepE1rSzxf/s1600/331829_2147374564241_661485004_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEich3n_vOQm1TJvOjIQPFUlHqz-0u3nXgBOrw60ZSbzVW4SWN0IoTTprsL1WKDS3WeGveK2lQjKfi1QVZFgphgVADi9TWvpcNs1TBA-tG9ZcGIobwgoJ3J4AASJuRKbR5nWMWIepE1rSzxf/s400/331829_2147374564241_661485004_o.jpg" width="265" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: 'TimesNewRomanPSMT'; font-size: 12.000000pt;">Ena, Grandpa Dale, Isla and Ashby making a statement!</span><br />
</div>
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</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7499716444664657579.post-49490778735195101482013-10-15T00:15:00.002-06:002013-10-15T00:21:34.467-06:00Update from Becky<br />
<div id="yiv4511016586yui_3_7_2_530_1381157814593_39">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Hello friends.....Happy October!</span></div>
<div id="yiv4511016586yui_3_7_2_530_1381157814593_39">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">I am not sure how October crept up on me, but here we are. In St. Louis our days are already shorter, we have had a couple of nights where we have kicked the heat on in the house and as I sit here in our living room I can hear a continuous little song created from acorns falling and bouncing around our backyard. Not a bad set up for an early morning, and WAY overdue update.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">So in my last big post I shared that "I was back!" And I have been, just not so much with the blog. Sitting and typing just hasn't felt great, and I have selfishly gone with that. I have though, been busy, busy, busy - mostly with MOHF. Being active with MOHF, planning fund raisers and taking care of all of the behind the scenes work with MOHF has been just what I have needed. But I do regret not blabbing more about MOHF and what we have been doing. So here is a mini update:</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">In the beginning of the year I took some time to really set some goals for MOHF and come up with a strategic plan to give it a boost. I knew that my energy and time would be well spent by doing this, and I also knew that nothing else that I did with my time would feel as good and healing as helping other families that are living what we have been through. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Behind the scenes Greg and I got all of MOHFs book keeping up to speed with the help of an accountant and Quick books. My personal laptop and home office is now all about MOHF with designated files and folders, I have systems in place to keep MOHF and myself as efficient and as prepared as possible. We streamlined our application and application process. Lots of housekeeping. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">You may have seen it already but we had a <a href="http://www.mightyoakes.org/" target="_blank">new website</a> created! Our original one was great, but this on is just better. We have also been working on a promotional video for MOHF that we will share in about 4 weeks at our Heart Gala and then later online. Our goal with the video is to not only share it on the web, and through social media to tell the story of MOHF, but to also use it as a marketing tool to attract the attention of corporate sponsors. If you follow me on facebook, or even twitter you may be exhausted of hearing me promote MOHF events...selling tickets, SELLING SHIRTS, asking for votes, and support, prayers....I am always asking my friends and family for something, and I am getting tired of it. I keep telling myself that I am MOHFing people out! The support keeps coming, which is amazing, but for MOHF to grow we need support on a bigger scale. The work that we have done in the last two years - strictly talking about assisting families - validates that Mighty Oakes Heart Foundation is real, we are doing amazing work and for a community that desperately need help. MOHF is and has been changing lives and it has been humbling to be front and center to witness everything that has been happening.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Have you ever had a situation or a time in your life when things just fall into place and just HAPPEN in the most amazing way? Like, you could not have planned it better yourself? Well, for me that time is now. And all of the falling into place and beautiful surprises in my life seem to happen around MOHF. I would like to think it is because the universe agrees with this path that I am on. I am doing something right. I am putting good out there, and good is flooding back in!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Often when I stop to appreciate the strides we have made my mind goes back to Oakes. I would trade the warm fuzzies and pride I feel for MOHF in a heartbeat, to have that little stinker back with us. I would still trade the world for him, but I know that is not an option. And I am just thankful and teary that he was and still is mine, my Mighty boy, and I am proud that after all that we have been through we have been able to do so much for others and support this sweet Congenital Heart Defect community that desperately needs so much support. </span></div>
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<span id="yiv4511016586yui_3_7_2_530_1381157814593_134" style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">So in this update I want to share three nuggets with you:</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span id="yiv4511016586yui_3_7_2_530_1381157814593_132" style="font-weight: bold;">Nugget #1</span>. After telling you what a great job MOHF is doing, I have to give you an example. Here is a little glimpse into a family that we just helped two weeks. A seemingly small request from a family, but the actual gift, although an object and a payment - they mean peace of mind, and comfort. They will allow a family to slow down, catch up, and shower their little one with undivided love, so that she may continue to grow and thrive. </span></div>
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<span id="yui_3_13_0_rc_1_10_1381809447845_20" style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Part of an application that we received:</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">"My daughter spent close to six months in the hospital last year. She has open heart surgery and couldn't breathe without a ventilator, which led to having a trach/vent/feeding tube. We eventually came home and began to settle into life. We have 112 hours of nursing. Her father has to make so much money a month so we can receive nursing. It is enough to get by, but refrigerator isn't cutting it anymore. I think it has to be at least 20 years old. Our daughter has refrigerated meds and her formula needs to be refrigerated as well. We had to fix our leaky rood, which means no money for a fridge. We have enough money each week in case an emergency happens. It recently happened that our daughter was hospitalized for a week, which means no gas money, lunch money, survival money. We don't need alot of things because our daughter is our greatest gift. She is an inspiration, a joy to be around, and just a good kid. She will most likely need another heart surgery soon. A refrigerator would help us, it is just one less "unimportant" thing to worry about. Thanks so much for taking the time to read this letter. It means alot." </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span id="yui_3_13_0_rc_1_10_1381809447845_23" style="font-style: italic;">What MOHF did for this family:</span><span id="yui_3_13_0_rc_1_1_1381809447845_15505"> We payed 6 months of their mortgage, and gladly bought them a new refrigerator.</span></span></div>
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<span id="yui_3_13_0_rc_1_10_1381809447845_25" style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">What this Heart Mom had to say after receiving our grant:</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span id="yui_3_13_0_rc_1_10_1381809447845_16">"I just want to thank you so much for what you have done for our family and what you are continuing for other family's. You guys are truly an amazing family and have an amazing organization. We try to provide the best for our daughter, which lets other things fall to the side. I want you to know we are so grateful for your help and that one day we WILL return that same generosity. One day I hope to meet you. Once again thank you so much."</span></span></div>
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<span id="yui_3_13_0_rc_1_10_1381809447845_30"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Doesn't that make you feel good? This is what being MIGHTY is all about, to me.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span id="yiv4511016586yui_3_13_0_rc_1_8_1381809447845_17" style="font-weight: bold;">Nugget #2</span>. During Oakes' hospitalization we learned about an international organization called <a href="http://babyheart.org/" target="_blank">International Children's Heart Foundation</a>. This foundation has relationships with hospitals in developing countries around the globe, and they make trips to these countries, usually several times a year, to offer FREE, lifesaving surgeries to children with congenital heart defects. Amazing right? </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">What is even more astounding is that these missions are staffed by volunteers. The staff that fills the Operating rooms on these missions, the bedside nurses that recover these little ones, every hand on deck that makes these missions happen from unpacking supplies and equipment to the person that sends the very last cardiac patient home is staffed by cardiac care professionals from around the world who have chosen to take vacation time, leave their families for <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MhfLPc700BY&feature=youtu.be&a" target="_blank">2 weeks</a>, travel to a developing country and offer these unknown children and their families a chance at life that they otherwise would never see. (ICHF does send staffers on these trips to manage logistics, but the bulk of the team are volunteers!) That to me is the beauty and magic of these missions! Selfless giving in the biggest and most powerful way. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">During Oakes' life there were a handful of CICU staff that went on these missions, or shared with me about previous missions that they had been on. Everytime I heard about a new mission I was just blown away. Here we were in a thriving country, in a state-of-the-art hospital, benefiting from the brilliant minds of an entire team of specialist around the clock, every day and every night. And then on top of that there were all of these little things that even I took for granted before hearing about these missions....like having air conditioning, or supplies and equipment to administer meds and read vital signs (<span id="yui_3_13_0_rc_1_1_1381809447845_16659">what I assumed was necessary and essential and which are usually disposable in the US)</span><span id="yui_3_13_0_rc_1_1_1381809447845_16662">, a chair to sit it, and even the ability to speak to the doctors or be at Oakes' bedside whenever I wanted. Hearing stories about some of the staff's missions always slowed me down. I remember one story, and I don't remember now what country this happened in, but someone told me about a trip they went on and the hospital didn't have any vents for kids that needed breathing assistance. So if a kid needed that assistance it was the families job to have someone in the room, bagging the child - manually squeezing an inflatable bag, which was then forcing air into the child's airway ultimately sustaining their life! This could be a necessity for day or weeks or months I can imagine. I have been through alot with Oakes, I feel like I have seen so much - but bagging my own kid for hours or weeks with the help of family and friends as we take turns standing guard - I cannot imagine. Not even a little. Hearing these stories always made it clear that there was some other Mom out there that was probably having a harder day than me. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">So, after cruising ICHF's website and <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MhfLPc700BY&feature=youtu.be&a" target="_blank">watching this video that was posted to ICHF's facebook page</a>, I contacted ICHF and asked, "How can Mighty Oakes Heart Foundation help?" As you know, I am not a cardiac care professional (even thought I think I am), so I could not volunteer my time on a mission. But it was clear that ICHF would take any monetary donation that MOHF could make. ICHF estimates that it costs them $2,500 to provide one child with a lifesaving surgery, so MOHF has donated $5,000 to ICHF this year. In the grand scheme of things this donation is tiny, but it is another way for us to give, and a great way to connect with others in the CHD community. Giving a family a refrigerator - great. Paying their mortgage - super. Offering them a lifesaving surgery that they otherwise would not have access too - YES, powerful, amazing - sign us up!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">So, two surgeries. Two heart babies. Two lives. Two smiling mothers. This feels really good. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">After talking through our sponsorship with ICHF, Bryan Artiles their Director of Marketing & Specialty Fundraising, said that with the donation we could send someone on a mission as a volunteer. I slammed on the breaks in my always spinning little brain when I heard this. I welled up with tears at the thought of actually going on one of these trips. I immediately asked Bryan for more details and after talking and emailing about this for some time, we came up with a agreement that I would go on a mission with ICHF and blog all about it. I would share my experiences and thoughts as well as post images documenting my time on the trip. I would stand on my MOHF pedestal and give my new ICHF friends a mighty shout-out, and they in-turn would do the same for us. They would share on their blog about MOHF and what we are doing - we would cross reference our readers, and supporters. We would help each other out.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">There are many little details between that agreement and what today's plan is, but the short of it is that I will not be going on a mission with ICHF this year, but my amazing, loving, and MIGHTY mother, Connie Fox Moore will be heading to <span id="yiv4511016586yui_3_7_2_530_1381157814593_179">Tegucigalpa, Honduras in less than a week as a Mighty Oakes Heart Foundation representative and she will be posting blog updates here along with images that she captures on her trip. She will be in Honduras for a week and will try to post daily if that will be possible with her schedule and Internet connections.</span></span></div>
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<span id="yiv4511016586yui_3_7_2_530_1381157814593_184"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Since my Mom is not a cardiac care professional either, she will be asked to help out in lots of non-medical ways. She could be helping to set up the OR, she could be assisting the nursing staff, she could be sitting with parents while their kids are in surgery, or just loving on those little ones when they come out of surgery. We are not completely sure how they will use her, but she will be there and MOHF will be there!</span></span></div>
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<span id="yui_3_13_0_rc_1_10_1381809447845_50"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Throughout Oakes' life my Mom was not only at my side constantly, but she was with Oakes all of the time. A round trip drive from her house to mine is about 16 hours, and she would do this every other week. She loved and still loves Oakes like crazy. She was without a doubt one of his biggest fans, and he hers. They had a special connection. Oakes middle name Lee, is also my Mom's middle name. I have no doubt that some of his mightiness came from her. So, I know this trip will touch close to home for my Mom. She is used to traveling long distances to stand at the side of a fighting, fragile little heart baby. She knows that CICUs have good days and bad. She took the crash course in CICU language with me, so she speaks the language. My Mom has strength that seems endless. She is a nurturing mother to her core and I am confident she will leave her amazing mark on Tegucigalpa, and the families and volunteers that she gets to know. And I have this feeling that even as she leaves the US this shining individual, she will come back from Honduras, a more compassionate, more appreciative, more humble little mother and grandmother. I just imagine her heart of gold will shine a little brighter.</span></span></div>
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<span id="yui_3_13_0_rc_1_10_1381809447845_57"><span style="font-family: inherit;">I cannot wait to read her posts and learn about her trip. As her posts come in, I hope you will follow her journey. She will post before she leaves to introduce her self and say hello!</span></span></div>
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<span id="yiv4511016586yui_3_7_2_530_1381157814593_194"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span id="yiv4511016586yui_3_7_2_530_1381157814593_202" style="font-weight: bold;">Nugget #3</span>. There are lots of words in this post. Lots of good words, but still. One of my favorite parts of blogging is posting great photos. So here I go. In the Spring Isla and Greg and I flew from St. Louis to Maui for a 9 day get-away. Greg and I have been to Maui several times, just the two of us and I think it is heaven on earth. I LOVE Maui. I have gotten teary every time we have left the island, so for me this trip was definitely an escape. I just wanted to run away for a bit and that is what we did. </span></span></div>
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<span id="yiv4511016586yui_3_7_2_530_1381157814593_207"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Our time there was spent in very low keys ways. We did some sight seeing, but only when it easily fit into our lazy schedules. Isla was not that impressed with waterfalls, and whales. If you asked what her the best part of the trip was she will tell you it was the hotel's chlorinated pool with a huge "hot pool" to its side. We really could have been in the St. Louis Holiday Inn by the airport and I think she would have had the same dreamy glaze over her eyes while bobbing in the pool!</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Ok, so no more words....here are the images from out trip. Lots or beauty, lots of sun shine and of course, I was seeing heart everywhere!</span></div>
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XOXO, </div>
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Mighty LOVE, Becky</div>
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The view is always better on Papa's shoulders!</div>
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Whale watching....</div>
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Cardinals baseball via Slingbox and Maui brewing. </div>
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She loved the beach!</div>
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Isla spotted one of the best hearts from the trip... chipped paint on the inside of a bathroom stall, in a stinky beach bathroom.</div>
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Golfing!</div>
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Underwater viewing deck in a little tourist boat....lots of amazing sea life to take in!<br />
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Big Heart rock!<br />
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And another!</div>
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Lava heart.</div>
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Feeding the Coi.<br />
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Maybe the biggest heart leafs ever!<br />
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Lots of little hearts making up one big heart.</div>
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Isla being brave!<br />
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Black sand beach.<br />
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Lots of smiles!</div>
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Thanks for finding us, Oakes!<br />
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We can't wait to go back!</div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7499716444664657579.post-84313667822866705932013-09-27T13:57:00.001-06:002013-09-27T13:57:51.589-06:00Mighty Oakes Heart Foundation - Heart Gala - 11/16/13<div class="WordSection1"> <p class="MsoNormal">Good afternoon, friends and family. We hope you are all doing well. Quick update for you from Mighty Oakes Heart Foundation….<o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Although our precious Oakes passed on to heaven almost 16 months ago, his legacy lives on bigger and better than ever here on Earth. Our biggest fundraiser of the year is quickly approaching. Yes, it is that time….Mighty Oakes Heart Foundation’s 2013 Heart Gala – dinner, auction, party! Saturday night, November 16<sup>th</sup> (this is TWO Saturdays before Thanksgiving) in St. Louis at historic Chase Park Plaza held in the elegant, rooftop Starlight Room. It will be an amazing night full of auctions, food, drinks, stories and a band to cap the evening. I have included details of the evening below. <b>Ticket sales are OPEN.</b> We are selling individual tickets as well as tables and sponsorships for the evening. For individual tickets, simply go to our new website at this link -<span style="color:#1F497D"> </span><a href="http://www.mightyoakes.org/#!shop/c1djs">http://www.mightyoakes.org/#!shop/c1djs</a>. For those interested in purchasing a full table and/or being one of our mighty sponsors, please go to this link for more information – <a href="http://media.wix.com/ugd/6af4d5_462d69788e71a98beed7631600e40b4b.pdf">http://media.wix.com/ugd/6af4d5_462d69788e71a98beed7631600e40b4b.pdf</a>. To reserve a full table and/or a sponsorship, you must contact Becky Ortyl at <a href="mailto:becky@mightyoakes.org"> becky@mightyoakes.org</a> or 314.374.5300. There are only 320 seats available at the gala and we anticipate selling out, so please don’t wait to buy your tickets!<o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Love,<span style="color:#1F497D"><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Greg, Becky & Isla Ortyl<o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Mighty Oakes Heart Foundation<o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">To learn more about MOHF, visit <a href="http://www.mightyoakes.org"> www.mightyoakes.org</a><o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">To learn more about Oakes & the Ortyl family, visit <a href="http://www.babyortyl.blogspot.com"> www.babyortyl.blogspot.com</a><o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color:#1F497D"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal">P.S. – if you are interested in donating an item for the silent or live auction, please contact Becky as we are still gathering items of all size and scale.<o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">P.P.S. – So many of you have already generously donated, so we wanted to attach a letter from Becky detailing who and how your donations have helped!! Much more detail on this at the Gala.<span style="color:#1F497D"><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color:#1F497D"><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal">=========================================================================================================<span style="color:#1F497D">====================</span><o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><u><span style="font-size:14.0pt">Gala Agenda<o:p></o:p></span></u></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b>The evening starts at 6:00pm in the Zodiac room:<o:p></o:p></b></p> <p class="MsoListParagraph" style="text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l1 level1 lfo2"><![if !supportLists]><span style="font-family:Symbol"><span style="mso-list:Ignore">·<span style="font:7.0pt "Times New Roman""> </span></span></span><![endif]><b>Silent auction<o:p></o:p></b></p> <p class="MsoListParagraph" style="text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l1 level1 lfo2"><![if !supportLists]><span style="font-family:Symbol"><span style="mso-list:Ignore">·<span style="font:7.0pt "Times New Roman""> </span></span></span><![endif]><b>Wine pull<o:p></o:p></b></p> <p class="MsoListParagraph" style="text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l1 level1 lfo2"><![if !supportLists]><span style="font-family:Symbol"><span style="mso-list:Ignore">·<span style="font:7.0pt "Times New Roman""> </span></span></span><![endif]><b>Several great raffles throughout the silent auction<o:p></o:p></b></p> <p class="MsoListParagraph" style="text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l1 level1 lfo2"><![if !supportLists]><span style="font-family:Symbol"><span style="mso-list:Ignore">·<span style="font:7.0pt "Times New Roman""> </span></span></span><![endif]><b>Open bar and Hors d'oeurves<o:p></o:p></b></p> <p class="MsoListParagraph" style="text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l1 level1 lfo2"><![if !supportLists]><span style="font-family:Symbol"><span style="mso-list:Ignore">·<span style="font:7.0pt "Times New Roman""> </span></span></span><![endif]><b>Photo booth<o:p></o:p></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b><o:p> </o:p></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b>At about 7:30pm we will move to the Starlight room for:<o:p></o:p></b></p> <p class="MsoListParagraph" style="text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo4"><![if !supportLists]><span style="font-family:Symbol"><span style="mso-list:Ignore">·<span style="font:7.0pt "Times New Roman""> </span></span></span><![endif]><b>Seated, three course dinner<o:p></o:p></b></p> <p class="MsoListParagraph" style="text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo4"><![if !supportLists]><span style="font-family:Symbol"><span style="mso-list:Ignore">·<span style="font:7.0pt "Times New Roman""> </span></span></span><![endif]><b>Open bar<o:p></o:p></b></p> <p class="MsoListParagraph" style="text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo4"><![if !supportLists]><span style="font-family:Symbol"><span style="mso-list:Ignore">·<span style="font:7.0pt "Times New Roman""> </span></span></span><![endif]><b>Presentation of sponsors during dinner<o:p></o:p></b></p> <p class="MsoListParagraph" style="text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo4"><![if !supportLists]><span style="font-family:Symbol"><span style="mso-list:Ignore">·<span style="font:7.0pt "Times New Roman""> </span></span></span><![endif]><b>We will be debuting a 4 minute professional video highlighting what MOHF has been doing these last couple of years and who we have helped.<o:p></o:p></b></p> <p class="MsoListParagraph" style="text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo4"><![if !supportLists]><span style="font-family:Symbol"><span style="mso-list:Ignore">·<span style="font:7.0pt "Times New Roman""> </span></span></span><![endif]><b>At the end of the video, the live auction will start. <o:p></o:p></b></p> <p class="MsoListParagraph" style="text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo4"><![if !supportLists]><span style="font-family:Symbol"><span style="mso-list:Ignore">·<span style="font:7.0pt "Times New Roman""> </span></span></span><![endif]><b>As soon as the live auction ends, the band - Groovethang! will start playing and the after-party will begin!<o:p></o:p></b></p> <p class="MsoListParagraph" style="text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo4"><![if !supportLists]><span style="font-family:Symbol"><span style="mso-list:Ignore">·<span style="font:7.0pt "Times New Roman""> </span></span></span><![endif]><b>Coffee and snacks will be served in the Zodiac room for those who are checking out and want to mingle away from the band.<o:p></o:p></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b><o:p> </o:p></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b>Special room rates of $179 are available at the Chase Park Plaza <span style="color:#1F497D">(</span><span style="color:black"><a href="http://www.chaseparkplaza.com">www.chaseparkplaza.com</a> </span>or 314.633.3000) both Friday and Saturday night. Just refer to Mighty Oakes Heart Foundation when making your reservation. <span style="color:black"><o:p></o:p></span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal">=============================================================================================================================<span style="color:#1F497D"><o:p></o:p></span></p> </div> Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7499716444664657579.post-28769777062380670452013-07-13T11:40:00.002-06:002013-07-13T11:42:57.269-06:00Taking orders for shirts til this Tuesday!Hi friends!<br />
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I have been working on a <i>real </i>post, but I wanted to quickly share that we are ordering some MOHF shirts this coming Tuesday, so let us know if you want a shirt or two, or six!<br />
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The shirts are red and a tri-blend shirt, so they are super soft and very stretchy. We are selling them in a unisex adult size and youth sizes. All shirts are $20. We are requesting an extra $3 if we need to mail to you. I am including pictures of the shirt, a size chart and images of my new red tri-blend shirt with a classic MOHF shirt over it to illustrate the size difference.<br />
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If you are interested in buying shirts, simply go to <a href="http://mightyoakes.org/How-You-Can-Help/Donate.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">this link</a> on our website and select Memorial Donation. In the personal message box, please include your order (be sure to specify adult sizes or youth sizes), and your mailing address.<br />
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Shirts will be ready at the end of the month, and we will mail/distribute them then.<br />
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If you have questions, comment below or email me: becky@mightyoakes.org<br />
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{Also, my sweet and creative sister Christina Fox has started a business doing calligraphy for many purposes. She wrote this "i am Mighty" for us, which I absolutely LOVE!!! If you are interested in following another Fox girl, you can follow on Instagram at: instagram.com/sendingheartstrings or view her website: <a href="http://sendingheartstrings.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Sendingheartstrings.com</a>}<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEqHstx0rocr92bgw5pDDLHzKFs41LeQksuBOAzNRCBG4wV-Q1DkQ5MOvKIn25BE8kr2aUTXcL2CuuSCLjfoweIfoUEYhDoYcyac9LMa0f5U4UiOKz0MSwxoi_t3WUpymVGk7nmjEP_FLo/s1600/1+size+chart.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEqHstx0rocr92bgw5pDDLHzKFs41LeQksuBOAzNRCBG4wV-Q1DkQ5MOvKIn25BE8kr2aUTXcL2CuuSCLjfoweIfoUEYhDoYcyac9LMa0f5U4UiOKz0MSwxoi_t3WUpymVGk7nmjEP_FLo/s640/1+size+chart.jpg" width="494" /></a></div>
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Here is my my medium 100% cotton shirt from the Celebration last year, laying over my new shirt. The new shirts are just a smidge bigger in width, but definitely in length. And they have so much give to them, I think everyone will LOVE them!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjradV1MGlqLhkP2yl0nWdG4aBhjqfzph9eYfacUyRplPPyj080S1-xezdDdM7unSn1e3wHdjZRILPP6VlE3ceiPev7poJk8rjlGAbXrVjmdqhlp-fJxU2zJtuieEpYYjTxcpQN4bPUBFhU/s1600/2013-07-13+10.54.30-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="387" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjradV1MGlqLhkP2yl0nWdG4aBhjqfzph9eYfacUyRplPPyj080S1-xezdDdM7unSn1e3wHdjZRILPP6VlE3ceiPev7poJk8rjlGAbXrVjmdqhlp-fJxU2zJtuieEpYYjTxcpQN4bPUBFhU/s400/2013-07-13+10.54.30-1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Thank you all! Hope you have a great weekend!!</div>
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Becky</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7499716444664657579.post-48988862896634580992013-07-12T16:52:00.000-06:002013-07-12T16:54:35.959-06:00FW: The Latest From Mighty Oakes Heart Foundation...<p class="mobile-photo"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnNP67LDaBHYEdm7F4qLVx5J8N3VuWd8ieYvEtPT5hBK5gzVVc2G8QuFoSmRTgtdmenr08zElf41Z_4y65Fy34hYnm-gOsH4KGxrxc23GPsVv3TgbELGSSiIyMcyPa1EQE-N-Mdke5lk9Q/s1600/FIRST+PITCH+0RTYL+-+release+of+ball-775959.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnNP67LDaBHYEdm7F4qLVx5J8N3VuWd8ieYvEtPT5hBK5gzVVc2G8QuFoSmRTgtdmenr08zElf41Z_4y65Fy34hYnm-gOsH4KGxrxc23GPsVv3TgbELGSSiIyMcyPa1EQE-N-Mdke5lk9Q/s320/FIRST+PITCH+0RTYL+-+release+of+ball-775959.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5899866340126802706" /></a></p><p class="mobile-photo"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1PDLu7wQvFraZCLRFLfMDkfv2pu4DedpuldBLd-zhzHscD66pqWyRlC2mV6_9JTSSEbHrOsrDrnylrvsPyiXfzyZZkcpfIcYbc6hY5UxVUvj-1plTT1G9gWm73tyB6Y4CXTB_Sno5hXkm/s1600/save+the+date-779079.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1PDLu7wQvFraZCLRFLfMDkfv2pu4DedpuldBLd-zhzHscD66pqWyRlC2mV6_9JTSSEbHrOsrDrnylrvsPyiXfzyZZkcpfIcYbc6hY5UxVUvj-1plTT1G9gWm73tyB6Y4CXTB_Sno5hXkm/s320/save+the+date-779079.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5899866349482862114" /></a></p><div class=WordSection1><p class=MsoNormal>Good evening, friends and family. I hope everyone is doing well and had a happy and safe holiday weekend. Just wanted to pass along a few updates for you all. There is a lot going on and we wanted to share! <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><o:p> </o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo2'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b>Congenital Heart Night at the Ballpark. <o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='margin-left:1.0in;text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l0 level2 lfo2'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:"Courier New"'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>o<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]>This was a massive success, several thousand dollars raised for MOHF and a magical night across the board!<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='margin-left:1.0in;text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l0 level2 lfo2'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:"Courier New"'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>o<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]>For those of you who were not there, yes, I bounced the ball, but I did throw it hard. Microcosm of my college baseball career, I suppose. Some great pictures attached, including a picture of our family and Dr. Huddleston (Oakes’ lung transplant doctor) and his daughter.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='margin-left:1.0in;text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l0 level2 lfo2'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:"Courier New"'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>o<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]>Just before I pitched, I was able to sprinkle a pinch of Oakesie’s ashes just behind the mound, so the Redbirds will have some extra mighty-ness when they need it most. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='margin-left:1.0in;text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l0 level2 lfo2'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:"Courier New"'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>o<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]>Our dear friend, Heidi Drexler, put together a nice slideshow w/music at <a href="http://vimeo.com/66485024">http://vimeo.com/66485024</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo2'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b>Save The Date for the blow-out Dinner-Auction “Heart Gala” on Saturday, November, 16, 2013 in the Starlight Room at the Chase Park Plaza. More details attached.<o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='margin-left:1.0in;text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l0 level2 lfo2'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:"Courier New"'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>o<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]>Undoubtedly, another magical night is in store. Hundreds of people, amazing auction items, one of the best evening ballroom/balcony settings in St. Louis (a stone’s throw from Oakes’ CICU room) and lots of food, drinks and dancing, yes, dancing after dinner.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='margin-left:1.0in;text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l0 level2 lfo2'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:"Courier New"'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>o<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]>We have not done this since November, 2011, so there is some pent-up energy in the air for this event….<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo2'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b>WE NEED YOUR VOTE!!<o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='margin-left:1.0in;text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l0 level2 lfo2'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:"Courier New"'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>o<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]>Eagle Rare, the premium Kentucky Bourbon, recognizes one person each year who “leads a rare life.” Becky’s family nominated her and she is now in competition with dozens of other rare lifers for the opportunity to have $40,000 donated to the charity of their choice!<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='margin-left:1.0in;text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l0 level2 lfo2'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:"Courier New"'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>o<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]>That’s right, $40,000. The final 20 rare-lifers are determined strictly by Internet voting, so please go to this site, as often as you think about it, to vote for Becky!! <a href="http://www.eaglerarelife.com/content/becky-fox-ortyl">http://www.eaglerarelife.com/content/becky-fox-ortyl</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='margin-left:1.0in;text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l0 level2 lfo2'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:"Courier New"'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>o<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]>7 finalists will be selected by Eagle Rare from the top 20 vote-getters and then one of those 7 will be the Grand Prize Winner for 2014 and $40k will be donated to charity in that person’s name. Also, Eagle Rare throws a little shindig for that person, which would be a blast as well. Voting is through January, so let’s get her in the top 20 and let the story take us to the grand prize!<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo2'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b>Save The Date for the 2<sup>nd</sup> Annual 5K on Saturday, September 28, 2013.<o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='margin-left:1.0in;text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l0 level2 lfo2'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:"Courier New"'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>o<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]>This was a great event last year and I may even run the thing this year! <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo2'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b>Save The Date for the Inaugural PEG Bandwidth Golf Tournament Benefitting Mighty Oakes Heart Foundation (for those who can get to Dallas, anyway) on Thursday, October 17, 2013.<o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='margin-left:1.0in;text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l0 level2 lfo2'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:"Courier New"'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>o<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]>My company has been gracious enough to donate any net proceeds from our 1<sup>st</sup> ever golf tournament to MOHF! We will be playing a shot-gun tournament around Noon that day at a great golf course called The Tribute.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='margin-left:1.0in;text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l0 level2 lfo2'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:"Courier New"'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>o<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]>Golf shirts, visors, raffle prizes, celebrities, food, drink – it’ll be a blast. More details to follow, but the net of this one is if you have any interest attending, email me otherwise you probably will not get a formal invite.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo2'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b>Becky was on live television Sunday morning.</b> Yep. Of course, she rocked it. It was very emotional when they started rolling the pictures and the video from when this TV station covered Oakes’ 1<sup>st</sup> Birthday, but some great memories. We actually had a family reach out to us already based on seeing the story on TV! <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='margin-left:1.0in;text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l0 level2 lfo2'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:"Courier New"'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>o<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]>Check it out: <a href="http://fox2now.com/2013/07/07/family-works-to-help-others-facing-tough-diagnosis/">http://fox2now.com/2013/07/07/family-works-to-help-others-facing-tough-diagnosis/</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='margin-left:1.0in;text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l0 level2 lfo2'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:"Courier New"'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>o<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]>You can search “mighty oakes” from their home page to see last year’s story if you want.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo2'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b>Since we started MOHF, we have raised over $200k and have helped, in some way, about 25 families.</b> We have also coordinated many “treats” to the staff at the Heart Center at St. Louis Children’s Hospital and we have also donated many dozens of items to the Heart Center which will directly impact & improve the quality of the stay families and patients will have there.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo2'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b>We have hired a firm to produce a video segment on MOHF – who we are, what we do, who we help.</b> Should have that ready in the next couple of months. Can’t wait!<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>There are several more events this year including a pizza-wine dinner at Dewey’s and a team for the Rock n’ Roll marathon. The best way to keep in touch with us is through our Facebook page. I’d give it to you, but I’ve never been since I’m not on FB, but I’m probably the only one on this email distro, eh? FB, check us out!<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Love, <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Greg, Becky, Isla<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://www.mightyoakes.org">www.mightyoakes.org</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://www.babyortyl.blogspot.com">www.babyortyl.blogspot.com</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7499716444664657579.post-57718286573474949122013-06-11T10:07:00.000-06:002013-06-11T10:07:37.100-06:00Thank you & ThursdayThank you all so much for the kind comments that you left after my last post. It was so comforting to read such supportive and accepting feedback. (And it seems that many of you appreciated the F-bombs! I love them too, but I am not planning that they will be regular in my posts.) Really, though, it just felt good to be super honest and put it all out there.<br />
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I think during Oakes life I thought that everything about him and his life was blog material. If you saw the images that were full of machines and tubes and bloody chest wounds and read the daily details about what was going on with him, then you know that I mostly offered as much as I had. When it came to Oakes, I usually offered 100%. When it came to my feelings, I was more reserved. I was honest, but I was very selective and usually the thoughts that I did share were delayed. I usually had to think things through before putting it all out there. And then with other parts of our story I was very private, like what was going on with Isla, and my marriage, even parts of our extended family.<br />
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I have talked to friends and even family, heck Greg has even commented that I am doing so great, or appear to be so strong and I think I have been doing really well, but I think in the last year, as thoughts have rushed through my head, or as I have moved through this grief I have constantly just contorted my face as I have thought, "Ugh, this is not even a little bit bloggable." Time after time, I just backed down to the idea of blogging.<br />
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I think that decision really was what I shared last week, it was wanting to protect everyone else, and it was me just sort of me flopping down on the couch and thinking, I'd rather watch The Bachelor than figure out how to share this yuck with anyone tonight. But I also think that is just who I am, that is the same something that just drove me to remain positive during Oakes' life and focus on the good stuff.<br />
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Several months ago I went to New York City and received an honor. I was named the Young Mother of the Year in the state of Missouri, by American Mothers Inc. In New York at this fancy schmancy weekend conference at the Waldorf Astoria and I met dozens of other women receiving awards relating to Motherhood. It was an amazing weekend for me. The entire award felt bittersweet. I was honored, but I feel like any and all amazingness having to do with motherhood that I have came from being Oakes' mother. Isla introduced me to Motherhood and laid the foundation, but it was Oakes that really pushed me and challenged me. So I went to this convention with a knot in my stomach, feeling nervous, a little guilty, and a little unsure about what the weekend would be about. Like I said, it turned out to be amazing. I was surrounded by women that were thrilled to be mothers. They were passionate, funny, encouraging, selfless and wise. There was one young mother that I met from Colorado who I really related to. She also lost a son. Seven years ago she was in her car with her three children and was hit by a teenager that was street racing. One son died instantly. Her youngest child was in a full body cast and has recovered fully, and then her third child had a traumatic brain injury and still has severe medical issues today. This Mother stood on stage giving a talk and said that after that accident she did not have a choice, but that she had to be strong. My eyes were full of tears as she spoke, I was heartbroken for her but in awe of her - she was so composed, so articulate, and she was breathing and carrying on seven years later. But when she said she did not have a choice I wanted to stand up, interrupt her talk and yell, "Oh yes you did have a choice! You could have hidden under the covers from day one, but you didn't!" Of course, I didn't yell that out, but I met her after she gave her talk and I told her that I strongly disagreed with her. I told her she definitely had a choice. She had a million choices. Most obvious, she had the choice to push forward, and then she also could have collapsed and melted and turned into mush.<br />
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But I could relate. I have always seen those choices in front of me. I have not wanted to make that choice to back down, or give up or crawl back in bed forever. I have not wanted to be that girl, or that mother. Years ago I was in therapy and my therapist told me that pain is inevitable, but suffering is options. I have learned through these last years that that is so true. I have wanted to see the good, cling to the hope, and suck as much beauty out of every single day as I could. Especially, ESPECIALLY when I knew that Oakes would not live forever.<br />
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I am sure that I shared this before, but before having Oakes listed for the lung transplant one of the transplant coordinators who we met with looked me in the eye and told us, that the transplant was not a cure for what Oakes had. We would be trading issues. His new pulmonary veins would be beautiful, but we would have a whole list of new health issues. And she was compassionate but firm when she said, "You will bury your son one day, it is just a matter of when."<br />
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Whoa. It is sort of funny now, and I can share this now that I am back: I peed in my pants a little when she said this.<br />
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When she told me that the world sort of slowed down. It probably took me 3 or 4 days to even begin to let that sink in. I mean, I had said, "Whatever! Sure, great, I get it, where do I sign, I want him listed for lungs as soon as possible!" I was as much on board as I could be. (And completely clueless as to what was coming, thank God!) But over the next couple of days I began to wrap my brain about burying my child. And the fact that it was going to happen. I thought for sure Oakes would surprise everyone and live into adulthood. I was imagining him playing baseball at St. Louis University High School like his father did. I pictured myself sitting on those bleachers and cheering him on. I was confident that my little Oakesie would change the statistics and be that one fluke kid that just rocked the lung transplant world. And at the same time as I was believing in the impossible, it was as if the lenses on my glasses were switched out with this unbelievable prescription that allowed me to see truth and beauty at its most simplest form. This new vision that I was given filtered out the crap. Things that would have normally bugged the crud out of me, we not even on my radar. I could let go of so much insignificant noise throughout any given day. Because through those new lenses, I saw what was important. I had my son that day. He was breathing. I got a smile from him. I watched his chest rise and fall as he slept. I watched Isla smile at him and play with him. I get to stick my nose up to him and get a good whiff or his baby boy + sweaty boy smell. He held my hand. I got to hold him and feel the weight of his body in my arms and on my lap - he was real, he was with me. And everything else was just in the periphery.<br />
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A big part of this new gifted perspective is how the Foundation came to be. I get it that when a child is admitted to a hospital that a families world can come crashing down in the biggest way. With those glasses on where you only see the beauty the other, everyday stuff doesn't carry the weight that it normally does. I got it how families could loose every thing. When you are busy soaking up the outline of your baby's face and burying your nose in their neck just negotiating with God for one more day, you don't give a crap about making sure your mortgage payment is made, or if the grass is cut. You don't care that you might lose your job, you don't even care if you have slept or bathed or eaten. None of those are necessities. Those are not a parents dream - to be timely with your bills. Not. Even. A little bit.<br />
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I can't tell you how many times I logged onto facebook during Oakes' life. Just to sort of check in, and touch base with the rest of the world. And so often I would scan posts and just sort of glaze over. People were posting their drama; conflicts within their families, how their day was ruined because their dishwasher wasn't working, how irate someone on the highway made them, etc. I would just think, "These are not problems, people!" I am begging God for pee, fighting anti-body mediated rejection and other matters that are stumping our ivy league educated doctors. My thought to my facebook friends, "BITE it fools - relax, call a plumber, and consider taking the bus!" I guess this is all about perspective, so I wish I could share those amazing lenses with the world!<br />
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Right after Oakes died, I posted and asked everyone to tell us what you learned from Oakes. (In case you haven't done that yet, it is not too late: lessonsfromoakes@gmail.com) We still get occasional emails. I don't think I have responded to any of them yet, but I have read them all, some numerous times and I cherish them. Each one. One of the first ones that I read was from a family friend names Bridgett. This is part of her email:<br />
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I am a working mother of two. My husband works two full time jobs to provide us a better life. Most of the time I am caring for my household duties and childern by myself. I was always worried about things like getting the laundry done, keeping the house looking nice, etc. Around the time Oakes had his lung transplant I did some reflecting. I realized I was doing these chores and my kids were not getting my attention. I felt horrible! How could I put those things first? I thought of Becky, Greg and Isla visiting Oakes everyday and saw sweet pictures of Isla in bed with her brother. I needed to change. I made changes, I do what I can when I can, if I have to stay up until midnight to do my chores while they sleep, so what! My kids are happier, I am happier and I am forever greatful to Oakes for teraching me this simple lesson.. Cherish every minute you can, kids LOVE undivided attention!!!</div>
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Thank You Oakes!</div>
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<br /></div>
<br />
I remember stilling in my living room reading her email. Oakes had been gone only days. As I read her email, my eyes full of tears, I had this peaceful, comfortable feeling. It was as if I was being wrapped in awe. I thought, Bridget got it. She heard Oakes. She learned what I learned. She felt those little finger when she held her kids hands to cross the street and knew that they are a gift.<br />
<br />
_______________________________________________<br />
<br />
Last Thursday.<br />
The brief update on Thursday was that it really was an OK day, even a good day.<br />
<br />
When I woke up, I rolled over to see Isla in-between Greg and I. And Greg was waking up with tears in his eyes. I laid there sort of waking up, watching him and feeling his ache. Within minutes Isla was waking up and was concerned about Greg being teary. We explained that one year ago, Oakes died, his body stopped working. We explained that we were both sad, and that we both missed him. Greg asked Isla if she missed Oakes, and she quickly and confidently said, "No." Greg and I glanced at each other and then back to her, and as she was climbing out from under the cover to start her day, she simply said, "I don't miss Oakesie, cause he is always in my heart!" Thank you, Isla for your 4 year old wisdom! At that, Greg and I both peeled the covers back and carried on with June 6, 2013.<br />
<br />
Isla went to swim camp. Greg had work to do. I had some alone time and I went to two different nurseries looking for just the perfect Oak leaf hydrangeas to plant in our yard. I ended up buying three.<br />
All day long, my phone was ringing and buzzing as sweet messages poured in from every messaging and social media group. Just having posted my last post days before, my favorite text came from a girlfriend who kept it real for me. Her text: : "I just yelled, FUCK IT really loud!" My text back, "Oooo, fun...I'm gonna do it too....here I go....."<br />
<br />
Around 3pm we headed down to SLCH to visit Oakes tree. By then I was just sort of pissy. I was hot and irritated with both Isla and Greg. And then we got there and there was debris and trash that had blown onto the grass around his tree. After collecting several handfuls of candy wrappers and junk I was able to stop and look at that tree. I was still pissy and thought simply, "I'd rather have my son." Some tears came, the missing him flooded in, but then we discovered a note that one of his nurses left at the base of his tree. My heart just swelled. He is SO loved. And so are we. Next, Isla insisted on getting a wet wipe from the car to clean the bird poop off of the plaque in front of his tree. Then a sweet passer-by asked if she could take a picture of us. After the picture we went up to the garden. We saw several friends/staff on the way up which was perfect. Once in the garden we released a heart shaped balloon that the three of us wrote on, and we just sat around and talked about fun memories. A bird landed next to us and sang us a song. There was a cool breeze and the sky was just starting to change colors as the sun was starting to set. A helicopter landed on the roof right next to us. It was beautiful but real. Then we all decided we were hungry and we wanted to leave. It was all OK.<br />
<br />
We ate at Pasteria, and then headed home. And when we pulled into the driveway, we notice that our front yard was full of red balloons. When we got out to take a closer look, we discovered the balloons were in the shape of a heart. It was perfection. Our sweet friends were giving us the biggest hug and biggest dose of something special on a day when we really needed it. We sat on the front porch for a couple of hours. Neighbors came over to check out the front yard installation, we ate ice cream and drank wine. We also saw the first fireflies of the summer.<br />
<br />
I got into bed smiling. The day had been OK. It had even been really good at times. There were little Oakesie signs everywhere. He was with is, loving us in way that only he can. Of course, the significance of the day is dreadful, but I was surprised to feel a bit happy even proud that day. We had made it. We made it one year. We are doing OK and figuring this out.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small; text-align: -webkit-auto;"> Cleaning poop.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"this much!"</td></tr>
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(Thank you Amy Rush, Heidi Drexler - your 4 monkeys & the Stissers! We red heart balloon you right back!)</div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7499716444664657579.post-40328568162691269942013-06-01T12:10:00.002-06:002013-06-01T12:10:29.248-06:00Becky: I am back.<br />
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<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
Hello friends.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I am sitting in my silent living room, just myself and my
dog on this cloudy overcast morning. I have been thinking about this set up for
weeks, knowing that I need and want to sit down write to all of you. I have had
this urge to get on the blog and make a handful of confessions. I need to come
clean. My stomach is churning, but here goes….<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
So throughout Oakes life, blogging, although sometime tiring
because it took energy to type everything out then edit my words just how I
wanted, and the choice usually seemed to be blog or sleep, was always a real
gift. It was helpful for me to download everything. And now I am so glad I have
all of that history recorded. And then selfishly, I wanted and needed your prayers
and love, so I always knew if I took the time to share, I would get the reward
of goodness coming our way. Content was always easy to come up with. All I had
to do was explain my day, share pictures, and relay an important conversation I
had had with a doctors or share test results. The content was there and the
theme never seemed to change – I adored my son, I was endlessly hopeful, I
wanted to stay connected and I had no shame asking for grand and specific
prayers. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
But for the last year blogging has not had the same appeal.
I was so very public throughout Oakes life, but as I have been grieving his
loss, I have wanted to stay comfortably private. I have often wanted to connect
and share but have felt lost about what I would actually put out there. There
is so much happening in my head on a daily basis, grabbing one thought and
running with it has felt overwhelming, and to be totally honest, I have felt
protective of all of you. I have been pretty certain that no one would really
want to read my words anymore, especially if I were being honest with you. Who
wants to read about the sadness and struggle of a grieving Mom? The truth is
that I am in therapy; I have medication to calm my mind and help me sleep. My
patience, which I used to have in abundance, is very short. And it has been so
scary and really lonely as I have been keenly aware that Greg and I have been
grieving in such a different ways. I much rather you all know me as the hopeful,
ridiculously positive mother that powered through an unbelievable time. I don’t
want to be the weepy, sad, struggling Mom that I am at times, and it hasn’t
been exciting to think of sharing that with you. I mean, we are doing OK, we
are pushing forward, I am still hopeful for my family, life has continued
without Oakes here, but my thoughts during this past year have not been about blissful
hope, and miracles and amazing milestones. It was easy during Oakes life to
focus on the good, and to cling to hope. It was easy to do that. But the grief
that I have gone through over the last year has left me feeling like a mess,
not like myself and instinctively I wanted to pull back a little, turn inwards,
and give myself a little break. While Oakes was alive, I was constantly trying
to listen to him, and I had to do that for myself. I had to listen to the tearful
lady that just wanted to quietly back away from the crowd.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
This last year has just happened so quickly. This Thursday,
June 6<sup>th</sup> will be the one year mark that Oakes died. I don’t know how
it has already been a year. And still, I cannot believe that he is gone. I
cannot believe that I am a mother who lost a child. I simply cannot completely
wrap my brain around the fact that I gave birth to two children and I only have
one sleeping under this roof. The shock of that reality is still great. And the
pain and sorrow that comes from his death has not become lighter. I miss him as
much today as I did the first day that he was gone. And really, every day, the
most grief I feel is because I just miss him SO MUCH. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
When Oakes died several people told us that the pain
wouldn’t go away but we would learn to live with it, which sounded impossible a
year ago. A year ago I thought I would drown is sadness and tears. I remember
talking to my Mom about a week after Oakes died or maybe it was just days, and just
crying and crying, asking her how I could make the ache go away, and she
tearfully and gently told me that this was grief and I had to go through it.
And I am sure that at that very second I began experiencing grief through
anger. I was so mad at grief. I was mad at the world. I was pissed at God, and
the universe and everyone and everything that had let me down. Everyone and everything
could go fuck off! Really. I wanted to punch grief in the face. I wanted to
stand on the roof of my house, in some super hero stance – arms up in the air,
wind in my hair and just flip off the world. I wanted to grab God by the
shoulders and just shake him. I wanted to scream at Mary in the most rageful
way. I thought if I jumped up and down the earth would tremble, and I swear
there were times that I let out yells that could have been mistaken as a lion’s
roar. We had already been though so much. Fifteen plus months of stress and
anxiety and worst case scenarios coming true, sleepless nights, and buckets and
buckets and buckets of tears, and now after saying good-bye to my beautiful
baby I was left with an ache in my heart that I was sure would cause all of my
organs, my spirit and soul to just decay and fall apart or just harden and
fail.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Grief is the shittist trip to take. And after just wrapping
up one of the most gutt-wrenching, stressful, anxiety filled journeys that I
never could have imagined, grief was not welcomed. Ugh... sitting here
replaying parts of the past year has caused tightness in my chest and lot of
tears. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
But it is true what we were told. The ache doesn’t go away,
I have just gotten used to it. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I feel like Oakes life was like this breathtaking helicopter
ride. On the ride I saw so much. I saw so much beauty. There were risks
involved that we were told about before taking off, it was always a delicate adventure, but I saw
the world from an amazing perspective. The beauty that I saw was a gift that I
will always have and I know that it transformed the person that I am. But then
in a horrifying, scary way our helicopter went down. My body survived the crash,
but I was exhausted and just a mess afterwards. Then immediately and without
being asked if I wanted to, I was plopped into a boat and dropped into this
rushing, powerful, turbulent river that bubbled and churned. The river was just
mean and chaotic. I did not want to get in that boat. I fucking did not want to
get in that fucking boat, I hated the boat.! But I sat there because I had no
choice. At first I was just thrown around by the water but eventually I figured
out how to maneuver the boat a bit, and now I feel like I am standing at the
shore, looking at this iced over river. I feel some calm knowing that the ice
has hidden the waters, but I haven’t been tricked, I know the water is still
moving under that ice. And I know that the rest of my life will take place on
the banks of this river. That damn water will always be there churning and
spraying up towards me. But after a year I have faith that I can navigate the
boat when I am in the water, and I know that I can invite others in to help me
when I need it. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
So there is my confession. I have needed to retreat. I have
been scared to share. I have wanted to mother you all and protect you from my
yuck. And I drop F-bombs. Despite all of the hurdles in Oakes life, I always
chose to hang onto hope and find beauty, but I have had a hard time putting a rosy
spin on grief. I know the grief is still around, but I am staking my claim; I
am back, and intend to post regularly. I know this will take some time to sort
of find a direction with the blog, but I am going to make my best offer. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
As for this week, we are not planning much. We will
definitely go to Children’s and visit Oakes’ tree. We will likely go to the
rooftop garden and release some balloons. On Oakes birthday we talked about him
all day, and we all shared some of our favorite memoires of him, which was
nice. I am sure we will do that again. I am also sure we will have lots of
tears. The water will be rough that day, I know, but I will have Isla and Greg
in the boat with me and we will find our way back to the shore. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Mighty love, <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Becky<o:p></o:p></div>
<!--EndFragment-->Unknownnoreply@blogger.com19