Looking Back on 2012

I did this last year, and this year has been another... eventful... life-changing... year... so I'm doing it again.  And praying that this time next year, when I look back on 2013, happy memories, not sad ones, are what come to mind first.

January
2012 actually started on the best note possible.  I hadn't seen my two youngest DBKs, A and AJ, in over four months.  I missed them terribly and I hadn't been feeling in the holiday spirit at all.  On January 1, 2012, I saw them again.  Watched them open their Christmas presents.  Held them in my arms, hugged them tight, told them I loved them.  It was a perfect day.

AJ, 2 years old

A, 8.5 years old

After that we had to slowly get back to reality.  It was tough.  I had my heart broken for orphans around the world with special needs.  I wasn't sleeping well at night, staying up late to pray for children according to events in their time zones.  I was having no success finding a job to aid in paying the bills, and anxiously awaiting tax refunds.  Even though it started so perfectly, January was a rough month... a month of wait and see.

February
In February things got a little better.  Taxes came through to pay the bills.  I started working on getting licensed to do childcare for my friend's kids.  It seemed like there was a light at the end of the tunnel.  I was also gearing up for two exciting trips - a statewide conference on Child Passenger Safety which would be held in April, and a national conference in Orlando, Florida on national highway safety priorities which would be held in June.  I had been granted a scholarship to attend both by our local Safe Kids Coalition.  I felt like things were going to be looking up soon - and they did, for a while.  Good news started coming down about the orphans I was advocating for.  More were making their way home.  Changes were being made in their home countries.  Families were committing to children.  I found myself more engrossed in the Reece's Rainbow community by the minute.

March
In March, the first thing that jumps to mind is something that happened one day when I was literally as far as could be from expecting it.  There was snow and ice on the roads, a rare occurrence here last winter.  It was late - 11 pm or so.  I was in my warm bed, under my electric blanket, writing about orphans, when my phone started to buzz.  Bill collectors, I was sure, but when I looked at the caller ID... it was the mom of my DBKs, whom I hadn't heard from since January 1.  I answered to find her distraught and needing me to come take the kids.  All I can say is that it was a miracle I made it the short distance to where they were living without incident on the icy roads, because I wasn't exactly taking it slow.  I was going to see my babies.  I picked them up.  They were excited to see me.  My heart was full to finally bring them home again, put them to sleep in their cozy, warm beds where they knew they were safe.

I had them for two days that time, and I never knew exactly why, except that it's likely tied up in what turned into a very large amount of police reports.  In any case, I was thankful to have them in my arms once more, even if I didn't know when the next time I would see them would be.

In March, I also began to share with my oldest DBK, M, who is not related to the other two, about the orphan crisis.  Poor sweet soul, it broke her heart to see all those children in such terrible conditions.  I found that we both needed to *do* something, and we also needed a respite from the pain we were discovering.  While my mind worked on what M and I could do together to make a difference for these kids, I planned a girls' night for us - we painted our nails, played games, stayed up late, and then went to a late showing of The Hunger Games, which was amazing and really played right into my determination to do something to make a difference.  M loved it and we began reading the books together, a couple of chapters at a time aloud, every night.  I'd already read them all - in three days, no less, because I'm one of those people who has to read books before seeing movies, but M, not much of a reader, wanted to read them and I thought it would be a nice way for us to bond.  And she only laughed at me a little when I couldn't pronounce 'muttations' correctly throughout all three books.  How do you pronounce it anyways?

As the month ended, I was feeling more at peace than ever... even if the future was unknown.

April
April is my birth month, and M's, and my mom's, so it was a big month around our house.  My birthday is April 6.  It was a Friday, and two days before Easter.  I'd been home all day, cleaning up so my friend's kids could come over while she went to work later.  It was when I noticed my 17 year old brother cleaning that I knew something was up.  I didn't dare to guess what.  I went on with my day.  My friend brought her girls over.  We all took a nap.  When I woke up, I went upstairs, where my mom was just getting home from work..... and had my babies with her!  My birthday presents were two big hugs from A and AJ - the thing I'd wanted most but hadn't even dared to hope for.  And we had another perfect day.  We played together, we braided hair, we ate cake and ice cream, and I was happy.  At the end of the day though, it became apparent that crisis had struck in their lives once again.  They had nowhere to go and would be staying with us, at least overnight, we'd discuss it more the following day.  Little did I know that when my mom asked for a couple hours with the kids for my birthday - she'd ended up getting me a couple months with them!  April found the kids moving back in most of the time, and many more happy memories being made.

M had her birthday party at Skate America - her mom went all out to make sure it was perfect.  I attended with A while my mom watched AJ, and both my girls had a blast, and I had a blast watching them.

At the end of the month I went to my statewide child passenger safety conference, which was great, but I definitely missed those goofy kids even if I was only gone for two days!

May
May was, most importantly, A's birthday.  Nine years old this year!  She didn't have a party with us this year (I don't know that I'm up to anything like her 7th birthday party... ever again) because she was getting something WAY better.  I was going to Orlando the following month for my national highway safety conference, and with my costs paid for, it cost me only a little more to bring her with me - and how could I not, with Disney World right down the road?  Pretty much everyone I know brought their families.  But since A's birthday was in May, it was a surprise super awesome present.  I wrapped up this big box full of balloons, travel supplies, and this sign:

She went to gymnastics that night so excited to tell all her friends and teachers that she got to meet the princesses.

The other thing in May that stands out in my mind is Mother's Day.  I honestly don't even remember what I got my mom, but I will never forget my very first Mother's Day gift.

Sweet A, when I picked her up from school that day, handed me this little sprout in a plastic dixie cup, and a carefully crafted card.  She handed them to me and said "Happy Mother's Day.  I just do love you SO MUCH, Katie!"

I nearly cried.  Later, after she was in bed, I did cry.  Because I'm not her mother, but I did a whole lot of raising her.  This was her way of telling me that she knew that, that she loved me like a mother just like I love her like a daughter.  The picture of the flower above was taken in the fall - it grew so far beyond that little dixie cup, we cared for it so well because that little flower meant so much to us.

June
Oh boy... talk about hot and cold.  June started out amazing.  Home with my babies.  Getting ready to go to Florida.  So much excitement.  On June 13 (a day which was formerly dark to me with history), I boarded the plane with my girl to go on our dream vacation.

We had a blast.  We met the princesses.  We played on the beach, swam in the ocean, saw family, went shopping, ate ice cream like there was no tomorrow, and took a million pictures.

Cinderella's Castle!

Beach for the first time!

Fort at St. Augustine

Then, on our last full day there, the world stopped spinning.  Crisis began.  As we were sitting there packing up our bags, A told me a secret... a deep, dark one that she probably never told anyone else.  I fully believe that it is only because of how far from home we were, how relaxed our days had been, that she felt comfortable sharing it with me.

It wasn't a secret I could keep.

I didn't want to make the call.  I didn't want to set the cascade of events I knew would follow into motion... but I thought I had to.  Honestly if I could go back in time, I would change that decision.

A tropical storm, hurricane, something, was brewing off the coast.  The sky had darkened significantly.  The waves were huge.  Red flags were raised on the beach.  The last time we played on the beach, it was almost deserted.

A storm was also brewing within me.  I fought to hold back the torrent of emotions I was dealing with that day and give my princess the final vacation day she deserved.  I tried to enjoy every single little moment, push the dark thoughts out of my mind and just enjoy her... but my stomach was in knots.

I will tell this story in greater detail later, although I won't share everything because it isn't all mine to share, but to make a long story short, we flew home the next day... I kept the smile on my face... it'll all be okay....

and then it wasn't.

That was the day I didn't even get to say goodbye to A before she was taken from me.  The day I didn't know I'd never see her baby brother AJ again.  I only saw A one time after that... and I hope she heard me when I told her I'd always love her.

After June 21, I spent the rest of the month in misery.  I felt sick all the time.  Nothing could make it better.  I can truly say the week that followed our return was the worst one in my entire life.  June ended darkly.

July
July was the month I tried to put myself back together... put one foot in front of the other... keep breathing... try just to survive each moment when each day was too much.  We hired an attorney to try to help A after social services let us down.  It was a road I never thought I'd be traveling.  The 4th of July came and went.  It's my favorite holiday.  I went to four fireworks shows, went swimming, spent time with my friends, family and M.  I enjoyed those things, I always do, but this year they felt empty.  Something was missing.  Something really important.  Where was A?  Did she get to see the fireworks?  Was she happy?  Was she even safe?

I was starting to mend.  Just a little bit.  There was still a big piece of my heart missing, but I was learning my new normal.  Then the week from hell struck.  It only started in July, but the worst of it fell there.  On Monday, July 30, I woke up to find my 17 month old kitten, Boo, dead on the floor of my apartment.  I almost didn't make it through the day.  I held him until we buried him.  I couldn't cry a single tear for a long time, and then one day they just all broke free.  I'm crying again writing this.  Another of the worst days of my life.  He was just a baby.  My baby.  I couldn't even sleep alone for days.  And July ended as darkly as June.

The day before he died

August
The week that ended July and began August was horrible.  It was supposed to be a good week.  Olympics, the State Fair, friends, but starting with the cloud of my pet's death hanging over us, it was just bad.  I can't recall the details, but I missed my best friend Angie (who had passed just over a year prior) dearly, something had gone amiss with A's case, I got into a fight with a friend, I was discharged from my doctor's office over a $20 bill, and probably some other stuff I don't even remember... I just remember that it was a very bad, bad week.  I buried myself in mindless television shows, sleep, and orphan blogs.

After some time had passed, I adopted another cat - mostly black, just a tiny bit of white on his chest.  I called him 'Soft Kitty' or 'S.K' for a week, until I named him Marbles because when he purrs (which he does almost constantly), it sounds like someone's shaking a bag of marbles.  I love him!  He's six months old now. I spent some time in the hospital with a kidney infection (two ER visits in one week is never any fun) and had a bad medication reaction, so I was feeling a little worse for the wear even by the end of August, not to mention having to find a new doctor because I have any number of medical needs that have to be attended to regularly.  All I could do was hope it would get better when the school year started and routine set in more firmly.

Marbles, AKA 'Soft Kitty'

September
Finally, a month that started out well.  At the very beginning of September, my friend Faith got home from Eastern Europe with her two newly adopted children, both of whom have down syndrome.  Another friend and I went to see them that weekend and bring some clothes for the baby (she was around 18 months when she came home, but the size of a 3-6 month old).  We talked a while, played with the kids, and I got to hold her sweet and precious baby girl, who thankfully will never remember having been an orphan.

I look dumb in this picture.  But she's cute enough for both of us

I don't remember much about the rest of the month.  It must've been relatively unremarkable.  I did go to the Buddy Walk with Shannon and Faith's family, which was a blast, it was my first year and it definitely won't be my last.

October
October was a month I didn't look forward to... at all.  Halloween, pumpkins, hay rides, costumes... did you know I took A trick or treating every year between 2-7?  It wasn't a holiday I was used to 'celebrating' without her.  I remember being rather depressed.  I also faced a good bit of financial difficulty that I was working to resolve, and we had finally been given a court date, which was looming frighteningly on the horizon.  It felt like limbo - there's not really any other way I can put it.  Like I was just waiting for the other shoe to drop.  I was probably irritable and short with people I know and love, and for that I'm sorry.  I was under a lot of stress and I apparently didn't cope well.  As the month ended, my mind was occupied by nothing but what November would bring.

November
Not long passed before the tone for the month of November was set.  Our court date was early in the month.  We were in court for over two hours - which was nearly if not completely unprecedented for a case like ours.  And it was a rough two hours.  I will admit that I cried on the stand - to the point where my 'smudge-proof' (apparently not waterproof) mascara was running down my face in a raccoon-like fashion.  It was rough, and the other team didn't play fair, but I regretted nothing.  After social services let us down, it was the only thing we could do, the thing we had to do.

After court that day, I slept for two hours, spent some time with some good friends, and then slept for sixteen hours, straight and solid.  I woke up at 7:00, and thought it was morning (it was not.  It was the following night.)  But then I felt a sense of relief.  Not complete relief - we were still waiting on a decision, which could have said anything - but court was over and that in itself was a relief.

The decision, which, from my perspective was not favorable (although I will admit there are unknowns involved that could change my opinion) came just before Thanksgiving.  So much for being thankful.  I had my wisdom teeth out the day before Thanksgiving (we had our turkey early) and after 7 abdominal surgeries I thought it would be a cinch - I didn't even have to be in a hospital - but I'm definitely counting that as one of my worst surgeries.  I have serious dental fear and I do NOT like anyone messing around with my mouth.  It's actually still healing.

At the end of the month I picked up some extra work with a friend (I had already worked for one friend for the better part of the year) and things seemed to be looking up, teeth (or lack thereof) aside.

December
Through December I continued to work for friends and fundraise heavily for Reece's Rainbow's Project Angel Tree.  It was a tough month, mostly because of financial difficulties, but we made it work.  At the end of the month, I came upon the opportunity to work for a friend who I met through Reece's Rainbow close to a year ago and has three adopted children with down syndrome.  Her family was in need of a home health aide, I was in need of a job, and a wonderful organization locally agreed to employ me to work for her.  I've been doing that job just about a week now (officially - this is one of the friends I was working for unofficially previously) and I just absolutely love it!

I missed A and AJ a lot this month.  It was truly my first Christmas without them since A came into my life all those years ago.  I walked through stores, by the sections of little girls' clothes, touched the ruffled skirts and commented to whomever I was with how I would most certainly be buying this if I still had A.  Girly girl if there ever was one.  But I appreciated the time I had with M, we celebrated Christmas in the usual manner, just unfortunately less two kids.

I look weird because of the lack of eyebrows.

On the very last day of December, the little boy whose Christmas Warrior I was through Reece's Rainbow met his goal - meaning I had to make good on a promise I made at the beginning of Angel Tree - that if both Brett #19 and Elden 14G met their goals, I would shave my head - and that is how I would start out 2013... and I smiled on the last day of 2012 - not only because I was glad to see it go, like last year (and I was, considering some of the year's happenings) but because I was thankful, too, to see another year and have hopes for more good and even better things.

Because that's the kind of perspective spending a year advocating with Reece's Rainbow gives you.

Every time we lose one...

It never gets easier.

A few months ago, we mourned Lynette.

Lynette died alone in Eastern Europe... because she had down syndrome.  She never knew the love of a family.

Since then, more children have been lost.  Died.  I refuse to mince words here, this is the truth.  They died.  They breathed their last breaths alone in a crib.  They couldn't fight anymore and succumbed to illness, malnutrition, abuse, and who knows what else.  They had no family to mourn them or attend a funeral.  They were buried in usually unmarked graves with other children who never got the chance to have a family.  Some of them had been waiting for families for years.  Some of them had families who wanted desperately to bring them home.

Because they had special needs.

Down syndrome.  Cerebral Palsy.  Hydrocephalus.  Spina Bifida.  Dwarfism.

These are not conditions that cannot be treated.  But they cannot be treated in a place where special needs children are not valued, have no families to advocate for them.

So children die.

'Lynette'

'Mali'

'Margaret'

'Walden'

'Jaxon'

And now........................

Sweet baby 'Margaret'... only just a year old.

We got the news of baby Margaret's death today.  She had down syndrome, with a heart complication that could have been surgically corrected in the United States, but for an orphan in Eastern Europe... unless she was adopted... it was a death sentence.  

Margaret had a family trying to commit to her.  Someone wanted her to be their daughter.  Everyone loved her.  Everyone asked about her.  We all prayed for her.  Then, just weeks ago, another adoptive mama unknowingly watched the ambulance carrying a dying baby Margaret away.  Gone, forever.  

Remember January 1?  When you were celebrating with friends at midnight, toasting to the end of 2011 (whether you were glad to bid it farewell or thanking God for the blessings it brought)?  When you made your new year's resolutions?  The day off work?  

All the children pictured here have died since that day.  Their faces will never be seen on this earth again.  No earthly being will hold them close and tell them how loved they are.  They have died, never knowing the love of a family.

The blessing here is that Margaret and her friends are with Jesus now.  He is rocking them in His arms, telling them that they are His children, created beautifully, wonderfully and perfectly in His image.  The love and beauty they are experiencing now is more than anything we could imagine.

But they deserved happiness here on earth too.  They shouldn't have had to leave us so soon.  Because they were discarded by a society who didn't appreciate them for who they were.  

My friends, THIS is why we scream.  This is why I post face after face after face, beg for contributions, money or goods or time... THIS is why, when you think I'm being depressing and irritating by posting so many sad things on my facebook page, I keep yelling.

These deaths were preventable.

If only these children had been seen in time.

My heart is truly broken.

So next time I scream for a precious child - like my Angel Tree child, Elden...http://reecesrainbow.org/13177/elden-14g

Or my friend's Angel Tree child, another boy I love, Brett...

Or a family who is working hard to bring their children home, saving their lives...

Like 'Xenia's family...

Or Everett and Olson's family... 

Or Makayla's Family

...Or so many others...

Those faces are why I do it.  Those ones that will never be seen on this earth again.  I do not want these precious treasures to be next.  Please.  Hear my cries.  Feel their pain.  Ask God to break your heart for what breaks His.  Be a part of the solution... of saving lives.

In loving memory of all the precious angels we have lost...

May the Lord rock you in his arms, hold you, tell you you are loved, until we get there to finally meet you.  Rest in peace, in no more pain, sweet babes.

Remember...

Quickie - ANGEL TREE!

Okay, okay, okay, before I say anything else I'll admit to being horrible at commitment blogging.  I won't break the committment, but sometimes when something's on my mind, I have to get it out first to unblock the rest of the thoughts.

At Reece's Rainbow, traditionally, children with down syndrome ages 0-5 are put on an 'angel tree'.  They are assigned a Christmas warrior (advocates and families sign up for whichever child is on their heart.  They can pick a first, second, and third choice.)  This year is special - three children from each other category (different ages or special needs) are also being included.  Wonderful for my heart for the older kids who haven't been chosen yet.

The job of the Christmas warrior, is to increase exposure of the child, pray for and love the child, and fundraise for the child - the goal for each child being $1,000.   All this is done between the first of November and the end of the year.  Last year, EVERY SINGLE CHILD met their goal.  Some of them have even been chosen for adoption.

Sign-ups for Angel Tree have been posted as starting on September 15 for several weeks now.  One of the first questions asked by this wonderful group of advocates was "so can we sign up at midnight?"  The answer was yes.  Now, I'm normally up late, but tonight I set an alarm on my phone to make sure I didn't get distracted and miss the start of sign-ups.  From 11 pm to 11:40 PM, I combed through every single child listed for Angel Tree.  If you'll look back and remember, I begged for a long time for people to vote for Brett to be on the Angel Tree.  It was pretty logical to put him as my first choice - but I didn't expect it to come to fruition, because he has a lovely and dedicated prayer warrior who is co-hosting an auction for him and other children with me, and I know he's on her heart as much as he is on mine.  Laura, were you up at midnight too?  Haha.  Anyways - my plan was always to raise money for both my AT child and Brett... pay it forward... help another Christmas warrior get their child over that fence.

As I was combing through the list of children... it was kind of funny.  I've spent the last seven years helping to raise two little girls.  I connect better with girls.  I'm drawn to them more.  But not this time.  This time, something was different.  This time, as I combed through all the faces, one little boy popped out at me...  another little boy with down syndrome.

Meet Elden.  

I saw his face, his fine hair, the joy on his face, I read Reece's Rainbow's description of how he was playful and loving and delightful, a blessing to everyone around him.

And I thought of another little boy.

If you've been reading... or if you're family... you've met this little boy... in some way.  Maybe not in person - I never met him in person, but I know him.

This is my uncle Tony... named for my grandfather (Anthony) and lovingly referred to by his family as 'Little Tony'.  He was born with down syndrome.  The doctors told my grandparents horrible things.  He would die within a year.  He wouldn't talk, or walk, or eat.  The best thing for him was to be put in an institution for 'children like this'.

But my grandparents, with their hearts of gold and courage of a thousand men and deep love for 'the least of these'... they did something radical for the time, in the early 1960's.

They brought their baby home.  Their baby with down syndrome.  Their baby that everyone told them to give away.

And guess what?  Not only did he live past the first year... he walked, talked, heard, saw, ate, played, loved, and was loved by everyone around him... for ten years.  All because of a nearly unprecedented choice his parents made.  God only knows what would have happened to him in an institution.  I don't even want to think about it.  I love him too much.  The stories, the pictures, the places, the memories, his favorite things... though I never got to meet him face to face... have shown me his strong, resilient spirit and endless love.  Stories, pictures, memories we would never have had if my grandparents, who already had seven other children at home, the youngest being my mother, who was four years old, had given that little boy up to a place "for children like that".



It makes me think.  Elden's little blurb on Reece's Rainbow describes him as delightful, playful, happy... and his picture... well, there's no denying how absolutely adorable he is, even with premature hair loss that sometimes occurs in children with down syndrome.  Beautifully balding.  Would fit right into my family, come to think of it...

It makes me think... if it were my Uncle Tony that was stuck in that institution across the ocean, likely to be transferred to an adult mental institution where conditions are harsher than harsh soon, no mommy, daddy, brothers or sisters to love and remember him... No M&Ms... none of Grandma's delicious cooking... no family to call his own... awaiting even worse conditions... Wouldn't I do anything to save him?  Wouldn't I scream and cry and war to bring Little Tony home?  You bet I would.

And how is Elden different?  He's a child.  He's not my family - but he's still a child - a child without a family... who deserves to know all the wonderful things about life.  I've never been one to care only for family and put others out of my mind - 'They are someone else's problem'.  Elden IS someone's son, even if they don't know it yet... but because of where he was born, maybe other factors... he hasn't had the opportunities a child with down syndrome growing up in a family home would have.  He hasn't experienced that kind of love.

Just as easily, the child sitting alone in an orphanage could have been my uncle, my friend, or myself.  And I would fight.  Just because we don't share a genetic connection doesn't mean I don't owe the same to Elden.  For we are ALL God's children.  For every child deserves a loving family.

So.... for the next few months, my blog is going to be peppered with posts about both this little boy and Brett (whose Christmas Warrior I very much expect is someone I know), fundraisers to meet that $1,000 goal (and there will be some seriously cool ones, you won't want to miss it... stay tuned!)  We are going to get these boys... boys I was inexplicably drawn to... maybe because of how much they remind me of someone I love... the exposure they need to be found by a family, the grant funding that makes it just a little bit easier for families to take that leap of faith to bring them home.  And then, when (WHEN, not if) families commit to them, we are going to be behind them 100%.

Donations can be made to the boys' accounts here and here, but they will only be counted toward the angel tree total after November 1.  If anyone would like to give before then, I'm willing to open up my personal paypal to keep funds to transfer on November 1 - just ask.  For accountability purposes I would forward the Reece's Rainbow 'receipt' notification to anyone who donated.

Or you can wait until November 1.  Start a change jar like I did... it's an old vinegar bottle, my 'bottle for Brett'.  Before long, another name will be etched onto that bottle.  When it's full, or ready, deposit it and send paypal or a check directly to the boys' grant funds.

Or (AND) you can wait to see the awesome fundraisers I am planning, some of which are more of a pre-Angel Tree awareness booster and will not count toward the $1,000 (but they will certainly count to these kids and the families who eventually step up for them) and others that won't be announced until November 1 or later.  I have some really exciting ideas up my sleeve for that time.  You're all going to call me crazy... but hey, isn't that the name of the blog anyways?  Yep.  Crazy... for the least of these... and I wouldn't have it any other way.

And I also need to put it out there right away that I am happy, comfortable, and have everything I need.  Well, except Ukranian chocolate, but I suppose I'll survive.  There are more toys in this room than Brett or Elden have seen in their entire lives.  Electronic gadgets that would baffle them.

Because this is a Christmas event - I want to let you know I have one thing on my Christmas list... for both of these boys to meet their goals.  I'm past the days of every relative sending gifts, shiny boxes of overpriced random gadgets, even new clothes - I don't grow, so the ones I have are just fine.  I want for very little, material-wise.  But, in doing one simple thing, you can give a Christmas to at least three people.  You see, anyone who puts $35 or more in a child's grant during Angel Tree receives a beautiful ornament with that child's picture to hand on your Christmas tree... maybe remind you that it is the season of giving, of loving, of humbleness... not one of overcrowded superstores and the latest gadgets.  So right there - you've already given a gift to an orphan by contributing to his grant fund.  You've already given a gift to yourself - the beautiful ornament that will come in the mail to remind you of the gift you gave... and lastly... you'd be giving a gift to me.  Because my one and only Christmas wish, is for both these boys to meet their goals... even for families to find them.

Even if you've never considered adopting yourself, look at their little faces again... and make sure you are not scrolling past a picture of your son.  Share this post.  Share Reece's Rainbow.  Sometimes we don't know a child is missing from our families until they come home and you wonder how you ever lived so long without your child.  These kids need exposure.  They need someone to look at them and say 'that's my son.  I have to save him.'  So even if you can't donate, please share these children everywhere you can... facebook, twitter, work, school, neighborhood, blog, email, community event... help us get them seen.

50 years ago... who would've ever thought that this little boy, who the doctors dismissed as a hopeless case...

...would be the inspiration that drove his niece to scream for special needs children who were NOT lucky enough to have families... especially these little boys?

Who would have thought?

Elden (5 years old... a dangerous age to be in his country...)

Brett... turned 11 in August.  He has to find a family soon or he will be lost forever.

Thank you, Uncle Tony, for making me who I am... making me care... even though you never knew you were doing it.  I love you.  Please hold those special needs babes in your arms for me until I get to Heaven... tell them they are not forgotten.

Thank you, Grandma and Grandpa T. (now reunited with their precious son) for making a courageous choice that changed me forever.

And maybe.... thank you for helping me find families for these sweet children.




P.S. - Okay, so maybe I lied about the 'quickie' part.  It seems I can't write short posts.  Sorry <3

Not To Be Forgotten: Boys with DS, Ages 6-9, Part II (Plus one!)

Last week I kicked off a new campaign to advocate for the children from Reece's Rainbow who were nominated for Angel Tree but did not receive the majority vote/drawing winner's choice.  It is a sentiment I've heard echoed over and over among advocates and adoptive families - 'I want to vote for one child, but it makes me so sad for the rest...'

This, my friends, is a sign of a truly loving and Godly community.  As much as we love our 'favorite' RR kiddos, we advocate for the least of these, and that means every single one of these kids.  So, as loud as I screamed for 'my' Brett (Brett #19) during week 3, now it's time to scream for those left behind.

So here's the deal.  For the next 13 weeks, I will be posting twice a week, each post highlighting four of the children who were not chosen for Angel Tree.  I will go in order of the voting, starting with boys with down syndrome, ages 6-9.  Last week I posted for four of these boys - due to some real-life factors, I got behind on the other three (one of these boys has found a family already - so there are only 7 left!) so I'm playing catch-up.  Because I'm 'short' a kid in this category, I will be adding a 'plus one' - another child who is on my heart who desperately needs to come home.  There are a good number of those children as well, so unless you folks get committing to kids, this may run 14 weeks or more in all reality!

A friend who is helping me created this video of the boys in this category as well as the boys with DS over 10 years old.  It's a wonderful introduction to these little guys and their friends who will be featured in the coming days, and certainly worth watching - check it out right here!

Credits to Beth for the video!

...To sweeten the deal even further, I'm offering a giveaway.  I don't have anything fancy to give away, no iPads or even gift cards, only my humble services.  It is my hope that this campaign will drum up a few more followers for this blog - because more followers means more people looking at these kids, which equals a greater pool of potential families.  So, every two weeks, I will draw names from a pool of people who donated or shared these posts.  The winner will get to choose any RR child, and the following week I will do a post all about that specific child.  If you have photos or personal stories you want me to include, I'll be happy to do so.  Just reply to the post with who you donated to (any of the children featured in that post, or of course my Brett - can't leave him out...) in ANY amount, or where you shared the post (no need to post a link, just facebook/twitter/blog) and you'll be entered into the drawing.  If you donate AND share, you can receive two entries.  Since any donation amount earns you an entry, the maximum possible number of entries will be 2 per person per post.  Since there will be 2 posts per week and 2 weeks per voting period, this means a maximum of 8 entries for any one person in any one drawing.  Also apparently an incentive to recall your high school knowledge of exponents... I'll keep everyone apprised of where we are in the voting period with each post.  As of this post (Technically the second Week 1 post), this is the second of four posts to enter the first giveaway period.  

Let's see if we can't start making a difference to these boys who were 'passed over' in angel tree voting - BEFORE angel tree even begins!  Everyone wins here - the kids win when you donate to their grant funds, you win when you get to choose your very own angel to highlight, I win when people read my blog and do what I want so badly for them to do - notice these kids!  

Now let's finish out week 1!

Boys with Down Syndrome, Ages 6-9

Mickey

And here's what Reece's Rainbow has to say about Mickey:

Boy, Born June 2005
Special need: Down syndrome (no heart issues) This very sweet young boy has Down syndrome.   He is well loved by his foster mother and father. He was a dancer in the orphanage performance.   Whenever he hears music he starts dancing.   He was cooperative and happy. He can wash his face if his foster mom gets the towel ready and can do other self help skills.   He can feed himself and. He can pull his pants up and down.   He has good speech and can say many words.   He pulls his chair to the table when it is time to eat and he will clean his mouth after he eats.  He is kind when he plays with other children and does not take their toys.  He likes to run around and play with balls.   He is very curious and likes to watch large machinery outside.   He loves cars and will play with them and watch them out the window for long periods of time. He was described as a “happy, curious and lovely child.”   He is healthy and energetic. He is friendly to others and sensible! He does not have any heart issues. Single moms permitted, no more than 6 children at home, only one parent has to travel. $110.70 is available towards the cost of my adoption!

Oh, what a sweetie!  If his picture didn't do you in, I'll bet that loving description did.  Someone cares very much for this little boy... he is very lucky to be in foster care rather than an orphanage setting... but unfortunately, for an orphaned child, this is something that can change in the blink of an eye, and when it does, it turns their world upside down.  Imagine being in a loving home - even if not your home, not your own belongings - getting individual attention and care every day... then suddenly being transferred to an orphanage or institution, where you're only one of many, many mouths to feed, a means to an end, just someone's paycheck.  You'd be lonely, scared, sad, and you wouldn't understand what this was or why it happened to you.  This is the sort of thing that creates attachment disorders.  But it doesn't have to be that way!  Mickey is in a foster home!  Many times, if a child in foster care has an adoptive family commit to them, they will be kept in foster care even when they might have been transferred to await their family.  YOU could be the difference between Mickey and this scary, uncertain future... please, don't let what would be the biggest tragedy of his little life come to fruition.  And if you can't go get him, a situation I'm in myself, won't you donate just a little bit to his grant fund, to make things that much easier for the family who does commit to him?  Trust me when I tell you that every single penny DOES count to these families!  Donate to Mickey HERE.

Jaeger

Reece's Rainbow on Jaeger:  

Boy, born March 2006
Diagnosis: Down syndrome
Eyes and hair black

*The agency has a video of him at 6 years, 2 months old.  He is putting together a puzzle, playing on a playground, and adorable!  Video available for serious inquiries*

Oh my goodness, the grin on this boy!  Even with the poor quality of the picture, Jaeger’s personality shines!

The information we have is from 2009, when he was 3 years old.   He has received special ed services, starting in 2008.   He can understand and follow sample instructions, he begins games and has started potty training.  He eats well, and feeds himself.

He walks and moves well through obstacles.  He has good eye-hand coordination while playing, but not good eye-feet coordination yet.  He loves the pool.  He likes his caregivers and smiles and is very affectionate.

He is really a happy boy and healthy, with good skills for his age.

The paperwork also stated that at the time, he needed treatment for his teeth.

Update from 2010:

He starts his own games, he likes making strokes with pencil or crayons, he can now use scissors . He helps keep the toys in right places.

Jaeger is a social child, he participates with his peers, he integrates into a group, he walks, runs, jumps, climbs and turns without difficulty; but he is not aware of the danger.  He receives physical therapy and occupational therapy to increase his abilities.

·         Large families okay (with adequate space in the home)

·         One trip – total travel time 21-30 days in country (one parent can leave earlier)

·         Average length of time from Dossier submission to travel is 7-10 months

·         Total costs estimated around $27,000

$1215.00 is available towards the cost of my adoption!

Like Mickey, Jaeger has been lucky.  (Anyone else find that funny?  Mickey and Jaeger?  No, just me, and I'm a dork?  Fine.)  He has been able to receive services in the orphanage and has come a long way because of it.  But like Mickey, what's next for Jaeger is anything but a guarantee.  Will this sweet boy, who has been taught to care for himself and to enjoy play, love, and care, continue to receive those things?  The last update for Jaeger is from 2010.  Is he still receiving those services, or has he, as I feared for Mickey, been passed on to a place where there is no therapy, no care, no love?  There is only one way to absolutely secure a bright future for Jaeger, and it begins with you.  Donate to Jaeger HERE.

Felix

What a handsome young man!  Here's what Reece's Rainbow has to say about Felix:

Boy, Born October 20, 2003

Diagnosis: Down syndrome

What a cutie!  Betcha he is a handful!  Felix is blessed to be at more of an internat than the institution.  He doesn’t have many words of his own, but his receptive understanding is very good.  He is potty trained and does ask to go to the bathroom.  He is described by his caregivers as very friendly and quite the comedian!

More photos available, married couples only.

$1049.50 is available towards the cost of my adoption!

...Did you catch it too?  Read that description again.  Did you catch it this time?
 ..."more of an internat than the institution"...
Imagine if the greatest blessing on your life was NOT to be in a mental institution.  Imagine if the greatest thing that had ever happened to you was to be placed in a home for older orphans?  And not even just 'an internat' but 'more of an internat than an institution'.  What does that mean?  Does it mean it's 'sort of' an institution?  It's only 'sort of' an internat?  So is Felix only 'sort of' blessed?  He sure would be more blessed to be *adopted*.  To be somebody's son, somebody's brother, somebody's friend?  Let me tell you, Felix is blessed to be in 'more of an internat' for now, but that blessing does not last forever.  All that awaits Felix in his country is the institution, and even if he didn't have down syndrome, older children who age out of internats are turned out on the streets between the ages of 16-18 years old with nothing more than a rucksack and $100 to their names... 80% will fall into crime or prostitution.  But for Felix?  He has an extra copy of the 21st chromesome, and because of that, he will live out his days in mind-numbing dullness and bare minimal care at an institution.  I've known people who have been to the institutions in Felix's country.  These boys' days are made by the rarely visiting adoptive family bringing tidings of chalk and bubbles.  Chalk and bubbles!  Party favors, in America!  For them, maybe the best thing that happened to them all year.  I can't even put into words how much this breaks my heart.  Regardless of what his present is, don't let that be his future.  Donate to Felix HERE.


Now for our 'plus one'...

Presley

 This little girl is in what has become known as 'the bad place'.  And that is putting it mildly.  The orphanage she calls 'home' (or would, if she could speak at all), is a dark, dark place, devoid of love, care, and stimulation.  It was called, by the government of its own country, their 'Auschwitz' - after the Nazi death camp of WWII.  This place averages one death every month - mostly from preventable causes like malnutrition.  It is this that makes her situation so URGENT... this and the fact that in her country, an agency only has a child's file for two months - after that the files are returned.  They can still be assigned to another agency or requested, but it's fair to say that a child's chances of being adopted are somewhat diminished at that point.

Here's what Reece's Rainbow has to say about Presley (who, perhaps also fell victim to someone listening to their iTunes while naming kids?)

DOB: 2009
Diagnosis: delays in all aspects of development, behaviors consistent with severe Autism

Presley is almost 3 years old. We have recent reports from a doctor and a child psychologist not affiliated with the orphanage that includes their opinions based on observations and a review of her medical history. Presley does not walk, talk or have any self-help skills. She does not play with toys and avoids interactions with adults and children. The reports indicate that Presley’s physical growth is significantly delayed, both her height, weight and head circumference. Her weight is comparable to an 8 month old baby. The doctor’s report indicates the following: “The child presents anti-social behavior, lack of adequate human contact, willingness to remain isolated and elements of aggressiveness- Autism”. The psychological report indicates that Presley avoids contact with other people and will withdraw if contact is initiated, avoids eye contact and does not play with toys nor attempt to manipulate them at all (bang them together, etc) when they are given to her. Her responses appear to be only sensory related. She does have self-stimulating behaviors. Her cognitive development is listed at a 5 month old level and her social and communication development at below 3 months old.

Presley was born premature and has spent her entire life in an orphanage that is known to have sub-par care. It is possible that some of her delays are a result of her environment. Interested families should be prepared for the fact that the behaviors noted do indicate more than basic “orphan delays” per the reports. Both the medical and psychologist reports are available for families interested in adopting Presley.

Additional photos of Presley are available.

All that sounds awfully scary... severe autism... aggressiveness... but even though it is stated that Presley's delays are greater than average orphanage delays, many of the things said about her could be said about many of the children in this orphanage... before they were given a chance.  And you should see them now!  In fact... you probably have... 

Presley deserves a chance too.  She's just a little girl, only three years old.  She could receive so much intervention and therapy and care in the U.S... but someone has to step out in faith first.  Because her file will go back to the government in less than two months and she will no longer be able to be listed with Reece's Rainbow, Presley does not have a 'donate' button - but once a family commits to her, she will.  Are you that family?



PLEASE don't forget to donate (in ANY amount) to these kids or to Brett #19, and to share this post, (and don't forget to let me know in a comment!) to be entered to choose a child to receive a post of his/her own at the end of this giveaway period (#1 - will end at the end of this week).  There is only ONE entry so far so this could be a cheap and easy chance to get the child of your heart noticed!  Since I'm behind, there will be a few posts this week so STAY TUNED!

Not To Be Forgotten: Boys with DS, Ages 6-9, Part 1

A couple weeks ago, when the little boy who has my heart (Brett #19) was up for Angel Tree voting, I began advocating fiercely for people to vote for him.  But even as I did so, I knew that of 11 boys listed that week, 2 would be chosen by a popular vote and 1 by a drawing winner.  Eight boys would remain.  Eight boys that someone loved, someone voted for, someone prayed for... eight boys that needed families.  And that in fact, for each of the 13 weeks of Angel Tree, 8 children would be left each week, totaling about 104 children who didn't "win".  But in the Reece's Rainbow community, we have never been about "winning" and "losing" - sure, we all have children who are special to us for one reason or another, but we know they ALL deserve families.  So as much as my heart soared to see that Brett made it that week, it broke for the eight children in that category who came so close to a place on the angel tree.  So I decided to do something about it.

For the next 13 weeks, I will be posting twice a week, each post highlighting four of the children who were not chosen for Angel Tree.  I will go in the order of the voting, starting this week with boys with down syndrome, ages 6-9.  There are actually only seven boys left in this category because one has found a family!    Whenever this happens, I will advocate for another child that week who is on my heart... and who desperately needs to come home.  There are a good number of those children too, so unless you people get to committing to kids, this may run 14 weeks or more in all reality!

A friend who is helping me created this video for the boys in this category as well as the boys with DS over 10 years old.  It's a wonderful introduction to these little guys and their friends who will be featured in the coming days, and certainly worth watching - check it out right here!

Credits to Beth for the video!

...To sweeten the deal even further, I'm offering a giveaway.  I don't have anything fancy to give away, no iPads or even gift cards, only my humble services.  It is my hope that this campaign will drum up a few more followers for this blog - because more followers means more people looking at these kids - which equals a greater pool of potential families.  So, every two weeks I will draw names from a pool of people who donated or shared these posts.  The winner will get to choose any RR child, and the following week I will do a post all about that specific child.  If you have photos or personal stories you want me to include, I'll be happy to do so.  Just reply to the post with who you donated to (any of the children featured in that post, or of course my Brett - can't leave him out...) in ANY amount, or where you shared the post (no need to post a link, just facebook/twitter/blog) and you'll be entered into the drawing.  If you donate AND share, you can receive two entries.  Since any donation amount earns you an entry, the maximum possible number of entries will be 2 per person per post.  Since there will be 2 posts per week and 2 weeks per voting period, this means a maximum of 8 entries for any one person in any one drawing.  Also apparently an incentive to recall your high school knowledge of exponents...  I'll keep everyone apprised of where we are in the voting period with each post.  Let's see if we can't start making a difference to these boys who were 'passed over' in the angel tree voting - BEFORE angel tree even begins!  Everyone wins here - the kids win when you donate to their grant funds, you win when you get to choose your very own angel to highlight, I win when people read my blog and do what I want so badly for them to do - notice these kids!

Without further adieu...

Boys With Down Syndrome, Ages 6-9

Alexei

Just look at this sweet boy!  This is an older photo, he has an updated one, but it was too darling not to include.  Here's what Reece's Rainbow has to say about Alexei:

Boy, Born July 24, 2003

Diagnosis: Down syndrome

Look at this monkey!  You can just tell from the excitement in his eyes that he is eager to learn and get into your kitchen cabinets!  Blonde hair with giant brown, expressive eyes.  He is so blessed to still be in the baby house with his friends Sasha and Nikolai and baby Nicky Z.  At 6 years old, he was just nearing his independence in walking.  He eats with help, loves to play with toys and be outside, and is very affectionate and lively!  He is mischievous, and ready to steal your heart.

Alexei is another one of those kids who is going to make miraculous and rapid progress once home with his family!

$50.00 is available towards the cost of my adoption!

In case you didn't fall in love the first time, here's another photo of Alexei

The above description of Alexei was written three years ago.  He is no longer six years old, and he is likely no longer lucky enough to remain in his baby house.  He is just a couple months younger than my A, who turned 9 this year.  9.  Such a long time to wait.  And now Alexei has most likely faced transfer and is living in a mental institution, a fate no child deserves.  Just because he has an extra chromosome.  Alexei has been waiting 9 long years... please don't make him wait any longer.  Remember, he has DS and has likely never been allowed to develop beyond the baby stage... he is a 9 year old baby... and he needs a Mommy.  If this little boy has captured your heart, please don't hesitate to inquire about him.  Donations to his grant are also welcome - the higher that number (the one that currently reads $50.00), the more likely it is that a family will see his adoption as something they can achieve and step forward for him.  Alexei isn't even over the $100 mark yet.  Had he made it onto Angel Tree (he was in fourth place), his grant would've jumped by around $1,000 by the beginning of 2013.  The lease we can do is get this little guy to $100... make things just that much easier for the family who steps forward for him.  Donate to Alexei HERE.

Mark

Here's what Reece's Rainbow has to say about Mark:

Boy, Born August 2006

This gentle boy has smooth, baby soft skin.  He has dark skin and dark hair, potentially from an African/black parent.  He is just darling, with a round chubby face.  He was born on 8/2006.  He enjoys playing with toys and with other children.  His legs are rather weak so he scoots around quickly to reach his destination.  He smiles brightly when he is spoken to.  He waits for his loving family because he has Down syndrome.  His family will be so lucky to be able to help this angel reach his fullest potential! 

$4190.00 is available towards the cost of my adoption!

Oh, how I imagine Mark has grown since this photo was taken!  I remember his face from my first days browsing around Reece's Rainbow last winter.  Those brown eyes glistening, I remember wondering if he was crying... imagining a tear spilling over onto his baby-soft skin... no Mama there to wipe it away... I read that Mark is one of a small group of RR babes who lives in Latin America.  I imagine him from a Spanish-speaking country, possibly because I can't resist the lure of knowing we share a common language, of knowing that there's a good chance his adoptive family will ultimately also share that language.  Mark has a good amount in his grant account - but only $810 more and he'll make it onto the $5,000 Moving Mountains page... and even more possible families will see his face... won't you chip in just a bit to see Mark move up? Donate to Mark HERE.

Maksim S.

Maksim's description on Reece's Rainbow doesn't say much.

Date of Birth: June 2004
Gender: Male
Eyes: Gray
Hair: light brown
Nature: Quiet …look at those beautiful eyes!

Diagnosis: Down syndrome

SINGLE MOMS WELCOME!

$67.50 is available towards the cost of my adoption!

I'm guessing not much is known about him.  A couple of the little ones in his region just got donate buttons in the past couple months - Reece's Rainbow does not collect donations until they have certain information about a child (what this is, I'm not sure) but I know a few kids have recently been given their own listing.  Perhaps Maksim is one of them, and that's why his grant is so small despite the captivating little boy in the photo!  Look at his shirt - a rainbow!  He's a boy after our own hearts!  And those blue eyes... they're just irresistable.  Can't you see that face looking up at you and saying "Mama"?  Can't you see it splitting into the widest of grins?  But once again, it all starts with you.  Maksim's grant is just a little larger than Alexei's.  He is only a year younger - eight.  $33 would put him over the $100 mark.  Care to be a part of making that happen?  Donate to Maksim HERE.

Sheridan 38

Reece's Rainbow's comments about Sheridan:  

Boy, Born June 27, 2005

Diagnosis: Down syndrome
Sheridan is a handsome, blonde haired blue eyed little boy.  He is HEALTHY, with no heart conditions or other medical complications.  He is very active, walking/climbing/running.  Sheridan has already been transferred to the older child institution, and he and Grant both need families ASAP!  Please do not mind this photo that looks like he is in a wheelchar, he was just sitting in it for the picture.  Other photos of him walking available.

$439.50 is available towards the cost of my adoption!

LOOK at this sweet boy!  Kiddo, I don't blame you, a wheelchair is a comfy place to pop a squat, as long as you don't have to be in one all the time!  Look at him, with the little train on his overalls.  How precious is that?  Heartbreakingly, those clothes were probably only put on him for the photo.  He is seven years old - has been transferred to an institution for older children.  His clothes are most likely stained and dirty on an average day... probably seldom changed.  What he really needs is a Mama to pick out cute outfits for him every day, to love him for the rest of his life.  Sheridan has made it over the $100 wall, four times over - but the next obstacle is to get him to a nice, round $500.  Humor the obsessive compulsive disorder in me, just a little over $60 to put him there.  Not too hard!  And this sweet boy will be *so* thankful WHEN he comes home.  Donate to Sheridan HERE.



Remember - share this post or donate any amount to one of these four boys or to Brett, comment with where you shared or who you donated to or both, and be entered into a drawing to choose the featured child which will occur every two weeks.  Later this week, four more waiting children will be posted, and the same will apply to that post.  Remember, EVERYONE WINS!  Stay tuned for more precious faces and for more ideas that are still in the works this holiday season!