A new bike for Tyler and a gift for Lucy

Before we left Utah 2 years ago, we were finally listed on the bike list at Shriner's Hospital. A special needs bike is very expensive. We were so lucky to have gotten a loaner bike from the Hospital before we left Utah and Tyler was quickly growing out of it and for some reason, Arizona and tires go sun rot. So before it was to ruined we were in the process of getting a new one. 

We were in discussion with our Physical therapist, pediatrician and orthotist to get the right measurements for Tyler. Lucky for us Ty was able to get the NEXT bigger size than the one we currently had so that we can have this bike for a LONG time. The discussion was done and we had put in our order. Originally ( 2 years ago) Ty wanted to have a green bike but now he was adamant about a red bike. And the downer of the whole thing, though it was the beginning of December, we wouldn't be able to get the bike in time for Christmas. ( And because of past experience we never even mentioned to Tyler that he was getting a new bike..GOOD CALL MOMS!) 

One thing that I have learned in our journey is that some dreams will never come true. Having a red bike with a big bow underneath the Christmas Tree. There was no way that we could ever 1) afford a 2 grand bike, and 2) have one under the tree. It just isn't possible.

However, I got home from work one day with Dallas wonder what on earth I had purchased and there was a HUGE tall box bigger than Dallas. HE couldn't figure out what it was and ironically Tyler never even asked. 

But his new bike was in there... wedged like a sandwich.... and it was BEFORE CHRISTMAS!!!

So Christmas morning he had a treasure map to open and follow. Grayson had on too. Santa brought Grayson a Dusty the crop hopper ( He got a tricycle for his birthday) and so off we went to enjoy the amazingness and magic of not only Christmas but Shriner's hospital. 

After the New Year, we made arrangements with a sweet girl named Lucy. Lucy was also born early just like Tyler. Lucy's grandmother joined a yahoo group that I was a admin of and we found that Lucy was a lot like Tyler. As the years went on, Ty and Lucy were in the Foundation for Blind Children together and they have ended up in the same therapy groups and we have become friends with her mom. 

We arranged to met at therapy and got Lucy all set to enjoy her new bike. We showed her mom how to strap her on and off Lucy went. Tyler was clapping and chasing Lucy and cheering her on.  Afterwards, Tyler said " Mom, did you see how good Lucy could ride that bike. I am glad she could get a bike." 

And again, the giant, reminds me of how incredibly Christlike he is. 

A service Project to Help Heal

A week or so before we left for Utah I was able to perform a service for a very sweet family that I had randomly run into. There as a link from my blog to hers and I followed it.  Then I saw a bunch of random stuff for fundraisers after I found her blog.

Jennie ( the mom) was diagnosed with placenta previa AND placenta acreta. Not only was she at risk for losing her son, this was her ONLY son. She has 5 girls. She was put on hospital bed rest for a LONG time. ( I think 8 weeks)

She knew she would deliver early and she did. Her son was in the NICU. I offered to take some NICU photos. For those that know me, I am NOT the best at the NICU and was not sure what possessed me to take them. But it was so healing to me.  I realized that I can do hard things

Here are some of my favorite photos.

*Disclaimer: PLEASE do not steal these photos. They belong to me and Jennie. If you want to use them for any reason, please contact me at Nancy.brown05@gmail.com*

The last one is one of my favorites because technology REALLY did improve this families ability to enjoy their little man. The dad was home with his kids and they all had some kind of bug and the IPAD was able to let them all see what was going on.

This was such a great experience for me and will probably add it to my list of things to offer. I hope you enjoy.

Oh and one a NICU mom always one. It almost felt like I was back in a time and I knew what I needed to do. I think they turned out pretty decent. You?


Next up: IEP and DDD. what a LONG day!

Things I learned on my mission

I am a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. Mostly known to others as " The Mormons." We are the people who go door to door ( generally men!) and invite you to read our free book and join our church.

You see these boys driving bikes, in white shirts and ties and they look about 10 ( OK 19) but young, young men. They share a message that is free for the listening with a challenge that some take. Some don't.

Behind closed doors there is a different kind of life. One that is packed full of learning, growing and life lessons tucked away for future reference.

I was one of those missionaries. I was called to serve in the Indianapolis Indiana mission. I went during a time in my life that those strict rules and regulations and lifestyle was welcomed and fought all at the same time.

For those who don't know or understand the missionary system, well it is very rigid, strict and amazing all at the same time.

I learned so much about myself, how to handle conflict, how to have a companionship, and how to learn to love ( despite angry, hard and not ideal situations.)

Here is a list that has recently been something that is REALLY been important to me.

1- Read my scriptures: Recently I have been given the chance to wake up when the house is quiet and there is no one up and read 15 minutes before my day start. I haven't done this in YEARS. I will sadly admit that my scripture reading has really really slacked and I am embarrassed to say how long it has been since reading the Book of Mormon all the way through.

2- Service: When I found myself not liking MYSELF or not liking my Companion, I was taught to give service. Make her bed, leave a note in her scriptures, make her breakfast. Sometimes it was just a fake it til you make it type situation.

Recently I have tried that out but it isn't working for me. I feel like I am OK with myself but find that I have hard feelings towards others. So I thought, lets give service. That service has just made others resentful, instead of how I was always taught it would. So I do have some issues that I need to work out on this one.

How do you give service to someone who doesn't want you to? Even if you feel it is the RIGHT thing for YOU to do for your own salvation or peace?

3- How to love: The key to being able to serve others was learning to love them. Some people were easy to love. Some were not. Area's were able to really make me feel at home and others were not.

In real life it is harder to just be instantly filled with love for other people. That is something I am working on. It is even harder when you do love another and the love isn't reciprocated. Then it makes #2 not work.

4- Pray always: When I was a missionary we prayed all the time. We prayed for things that I would have NEVER thought to pray for.

In real life, especially lately in our life, we have begged and pleaded and are really hoping that the prayers are more meaningful. It helps us to feel like we are doing all we can.

As I try to put 1-4 together I really hope the things that I have been taught help make things a little better. That I can try a little harder and serve a little more.

What things do you work on? What makes you feel more spiritual? What have you looked at changing in your life?

Thank you for Fighting for me!

Last December my grandpa passed away. He was a veteran. He never had to go over seas but none the less he served our country. The day of his funeral it was snowing. It was very very cold. There was snow up to our knees. It was not letting up. Standing out in the freezing cold was a man, holding a flag. A woman was standing next to him. She was basically having to hold him up. When asked if he needed to sit down or he wanted to change with the other people he said, "No. I stand here for my friend."

He didn't just mean my grandpa. He meant for his fellow soldier.

That man died a few months ago. But he returned the favor to a fellow soldier.

He stood there for a friend.

The men who serve today, stand there for a friend, friends they don't even know.

Thank you for standing there for me!