Thursday, June 27, 2013

Oops, I Did It Again

Blogging Friends.... some very complicated emotions and feelings are running amok within me right now. {No, I am not experiencing another mood swing!! That was last night!! I survived, thank-you very much!!} I need to write about these emotions and feelings. Get them "out of my system", as that phrase goes.

 Oops, I did it again. And again. And again. And again. And again. And again. Times twenty children who were born with congenital diaphragmatic hernias. MY birth defect. Plus now two additional children with different "special needs"/deliberating health issues. I did it again. I have "met" so many children Online whose very oxygen can be sucked away from them. See, several years ago, when I was in my early 20's, I discovered this special little boy--named Conner Phillip--who was born with a rare genetic illness called Tay-Sachs disease. Long story short. Infants with this condition develop "normally" until about six months. Then, they slowly regress. Such children only live until the age of five years old. There is no cure. I followed Conner's story closely, which was faithfully written by his Mommy on a Web site. I prayed for him. This was emotionally trying at times knowing that he was going to die anyway. But I do believe in miracles. Conner was only 22 months old when he passed away on November 26th, 2006. This news, of course, broke my heart. I even composed a poem in Conner's honor. Which, regrettably, I have mislocated. Plus, Conner has an Angel figurine in my bedroom. After Conner died, I made a promise to myself. Never discover any more "terminally ill" {My choice of words at the time!!} children!! I grow too attached. Thus, it is painful when these children pass. Well!! This premature short-term memory loss sufferer/one step forward, two steps back personality-type did just fine keeping her promise!! Fast forward. To January 2013. Over six years after making this promise. When I felt God leading me to find families whose children were born with congenital diaphragmatic hernias. This birth defect can be fatal for various reasons. And I had no idea what I was getting myself into!! I now have twenty--in counting!!--children who were born with C.D.H., their hearts wrapped tightly around my finger!! Including Sunni. Based on Facebook, she does not have congestive heart failure!! Thanks be to God!! Sunni is back on feeds. Plus, she's looking and feeling better!! Thanks for your prayers!! Keep sending them Sunni's direction!! Well last week, I did it again. I allowed yet another special little girl to wrap her heart and soul tightly around my finger. She was not born with C.D.H., or craniosynostosis, for that matter. No. Her name is Teresa. She's six, was adopted into a loving American family from China, and is quite the little fighter!! Teresa also needs prayers. Desperately. My comment today is self-explanatory.

 Ann....
"Unfortunately, following the heart catheterization, the doctors determined that the donor heart has been rejected.". Oh no!! I am so sorry. Praying now for a new heart. That it bond and flow successfully with Teresa's little body. But I have leapt ahead here. Praying--hard!!--for Teresa's Berlin heart surgery. That there be absolutely zero complications. She is a fighter, your girl. May God continuously watch over her. Six to eight months of waiting for a new heart?! I cannot even imagine. Praying for it to be sooner. Ironically, I can feel my own heart pounding....
--Raelyn
 
 
  

8 comments:

Sketching with Dogs said...

It is impossible not to be touched and moved by these children's stories Raelyn.
I pray these little ones will thrive and have a good life.
Lynne x

Unknown said...

Raelyn you are just the kindest person but you know one thing, to care and feel the pain of others is the greatest sacrifice. It is far easier to walk away and turn a blind eye. Many people do. Just for one moment stop and think about how your kind words and support means to those alone and struggling with issues many people don't understand. Your contribution makes all the difference. We should all strive to bring a bit of light into a world of darkness. Never underestimate the impact of your voice.
Best wishes Molly

Bella Roxy & Macdui said...

So much sadness...especially when it's a child.

XXXOOO Daisy, Bella & Roxy

Mary Lou said...

Lynne....
Thank-you for the comment!!
"It is impossible not to be touched and moved by these children's stories. I pray these little ones will thrive and have a good life.". Thanks. Both Sunni's and Teresa's families appreciate our prayers!! ;op

Mary Lou said...

Molly....
Thank-you for the comment!!
"Raelyn, you are just the kindest person but you know one thing, to care and feel the pain of others is the greatest sacrifice. It is far easier to walk away and turn a blind eye. Many people do. Just for one moment stop and think about how your kind words and support means to those alone and struggling with issues many people don't understand. Your contribution makes all the difference. We should all strive to bring a bit of light into a world of darkness. Never underestimate the impact of your voice.". Thanks, Friend. You know what I do not get, though? Why me? How could I make such an impact on these families? ;op

Mary Lou said...

Daisy, Bella & Roxy....
Thank-you for the comment!!
"So much sadness...especially when it's a child.". I can't but agree, Friend. ;op

Ruby said...

Don't let pain stop you from getting involved in people's lives! Yes, it is scary to venture into a relationship, knowing you could get hurt, but along with the hurt, you get soooo much out of it! You can be a blessing and encouragement to these families, and in return, be blessed as well!

Mary Lou said...

Ruby....
Thank-you for the comment!!
"Don't let pain stop you from getting involved in people's lives! Yes, it is scary to venture into a relationship, knowing you could get hurt, but along with the hurt, you get soooo much out of it! You can be a blessing and encouragement to these families, and in return, be blessed as well!". Mmmm.... Well put, Friend!! Thanks for the encouragement!! ;op