Day 31--May 10, 2009

Happy Mothers Day! Of course it may be the day after by the time you read this, but rest assured it was written and sent on Mothers Day!Mommas are wonderful people. My momma, Irene, is and has always been good to me and my sister and two brothers. She has always given of herself above all things to her children and grandchildren. She and my daddy have burned up the highway between Coats and Duke to see their grandbabies, and to help act as a shuttle service for the great-grandparents. She has also spent many days digging through our house, garage, attic, or shed for things that we need brought us. I love you momma!Beth’s momma, Joan, has also been like a mother to me as well. She has offered,…there I go again understating things…I mean demanded that she move into Parker’s house with us, and bring Michael with her. She has been instrumental in keeping our little family together. Poor Mr. Bennie has been a virtual bachelor since this all began 31 days ago.Joan has washed more clothes in the past month that she cares to think about. Hers, mine, Beth’s, Michael’s, Katie’s, and Lizzie’s (the dog). We have still got to “iron” out some kinks when it comes to my unmentionables, but we’re getting through it. I love you too Joan!You all know how I feel about Beth so I will refrain from anything more than a hearty “Happy Mother’s Day” to all of you deserving mothers.Since we are talking about Mothers, I feel it pertinent to share with you all that the founders of the “Parker Reese Foundation” paid us a visit at Parker’s House today. Jessica and Ashley Singletary are the parents of the child whose name and memory has been honored in this great Foundation that has so graciously provided us with such a wonderful place to live while Katie is at Duke. A more wonderful and unassuming couple could hardly be found. They have dedicated their lives to providing help to families of CDH babies. The Parker Reese Foundation is devoted to researching the causes and cure for CDH, as well as early detection, dissemination of information, and parental support. There is no telling how much time and money this wonderful organization has saved my family. Beth and I will forever more be grateful.During their brief visit, it was nice to be able to recount each others stories of our children and know that while each family’s case is different, they are somehow the same. No matter the severity of each child’s condition, or the outcome, ALL CDH families can find common ground. We all love our children, we all want a cure to be found, and we never want another baby to have to suffer through having a Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia ever again. Beth and I both feel very blessed to have come to know the Singletary’s, and have a deep respect for the organization which they have created in Parker’s memory. 1 John 3:17 reads; “But whoso hath this world's good, and seeth his brother have need, and shutteth up his bowels of compassion from him, how dwelleth the love of God in him?”The Singletary family, their church congregation, and all who help those in need display the love of God on a daily basis. As Christians we should always remember those who are less fortunate than ourselves. The spirit of compassion is a heavenly gift. These fine folks, like so many of you who have contributed to our family’s cause, have made a difference, just like the verse of Jude 1:22 “And of some have compassion, making a difference:” Beth and I look ahead to the day when we can “pay it forward” to the next family in need.Katie was in all things today, absolutely adorable. She has made no more progress toward recovering from the Thrush or toward eating from a bottle. However, she and Michael have been a wonderful medicine for Beth and me today. We were able to spend several hours with each child. We optimistically look forward to having them both together and home for Father’s day.The remnant of her umbilical cord has fallen off, leaving her with a cute little belly button. You know, we didn’t think that Michael’s would ever come off, but we hadn’t given Katie’s a thought. It was kind of a surprise when we noticed it missing during a diaper change.Since there has been no significant change in Katie, and I spent so much time talking about the Parker Reese Foundation, I will attach a of picture of the wonderful house that we are currently residing in as well as a couple of views from the front yard.God Bless you all!