Saturday, January 31, 2009

A BIG Surprise

Sometimes it is really tough being a parent. The news is full of depressing stories and we live in fear of something ever happening to our kids. Just when I start to wonder what kind of world I actually brought my children in to, I am suddenly and surprisingly reminded of the goodness that surrounds us.

The support system that surrounds our family is amazing. We have never felt anything but unwavering love and kindness from the moment we discovered that something was wrong with our unborn baby. Since Seamus has been brought into our lives, I have worried, of course, about him facing difficulties as he grows up. But I have also celebrated the fact that he is a living example to everyone who meets him, that a kid with dwarfism is just another happy, fun-loving, regular kid.

This week we were presented with an unbelievable surprise - an envelope containing the money to pay for Seamus' lifetime membership to the LPA. A friend of my father's helped to organize a "SuperBowl for Seamus" pool, and 100 squares were sold to our family and friends without us knowing anything about it.
When I opened that envelope and realized what people had done for us, I could truly do nothing but cry. I was shocked and overwhelmed. I'm still crying now as I write this! This gift will allow our entire family to participate in LPA events for the rest of our lives. When I think of the workshops we will attend, the cities we will visit, the doctors we will meet and the lifelong friendships that will undoubtedly form, my worries about Seamus' future are dissolved and replaced with eager anticipation. I know it won't always be an easy road, but it is a road we will travel with many other wonderful LP families, all the while learning from and supporting each other.
A special thank you to Nanny and Poppy, Terry F., Poppy's friends from OMH and Kennedy's, Grampy, our aunts and uncles, and all the friends and family who contributed. Thank you, thank you, from the bottom of our hearts! We love you all!

14 comments:

Caden and Mommy said...

Emily!
Isn't kindness wonderful?! A lifetime LPA membership, AWESOME! One of my Dad's co-workers recently gave us $100 to put towards our NY trip ~ considering Caden nor I have ever met this man I couldn't believe such generosity. He has simply heard about Caden through my Dad - AMAZING!
I love the pic of Seamus with his thank you card - precious!
And ... I must say when I saw the subject to your post I wondered if it was going to say Baby #3 was on it's way? :0)
Trisha

Kate Reyes said...

hehe I thought it was baby #3 news too! But this news is just as special! How wonderful to have that lifetime membership. We are so happy for you guys! I love how they raised the funds....such a special way to show that they care

Alex said...

Emily, it truly is wonderful!!!!
It is amazing what people will do for you isn't it? Anaïs also has a lifetime membership, I think it is so important for them to be a part of LPA!

Danielle said...

That is just so awesome! The generosity of people is surprising at times, these days it is easy to forget how good people can be! Congratulations to Seamus!

Unknown said...

What a generous gift. A gift that in time Seamus will grow to really appreciate. I know my Aidan will since his grandparents gifted him a lifetime membership as well to LPA a few years back.

Kim said...

Oh wow! That is an amazing post! It is a beautiful thing what was done for Seamus and this will allow your whole family to meet so many new people and expand your LP network. Amazing. I am so happy for you all.

Greene Family said...

Amazing story!! You guys truly have a wonderful support system, and I'm so excited for you guys that Seamus will now have a lifetime membership to the LPA! I just love the picture of Seamus with the Thank You card - so sweet!

Jillsblog said...

WOW!!! What a great surprise...just when the world is wacky...it can surprise you!!! Congrats on being lifetime members. HOpefully, we will be too soon! :)

Melissa Swartley said...

How wonderful!!!! You all sure do have a fantastic supportive family and group of friends! Congrats on becoming lifetime members!!!!

Destini said...

What an amazing act of kindness! And your dad is sooooo creative! Seamus is way too cute with his Thank you note!

Mandy said...

What an awesome gift. What a great picture of Seamus with his Thank You note!

Mike Mallinson said...

What an amazing and thoughtful thing for them to do - it's wonderful to get to see the good side of people once in a while! Looking forward to meeting you guys at an event someday!!

Jaime said...

What an incredible gift Seamus (and the rest of the family) was given! We'd love to get Caitlyn a lifetime membership sometime in the future as we know what it will, one day, mean to her. Looking forward to seeing you at an event someday!

Jen Weisser said...

Ok, so for a moment I also thought there was gonna be another Camenga & I wasnt informed! =)
What an awesome surprise! That is such a great gift! So unbelievably thoughtful!
We started a LPA can for Ethan (he calls it his Adventure jar) that has actually now turned into a jug because the can got so full. It was just meant for us to put our loose change in to save toward goin to NY. but it seems like everyone that comes over has been tossing money in. he calls it his "Adventure jar" and when we ask him who he's going on an adventure w/ he says Seamus, Gracie.
Cant wait to see you guys this weekend!