11.13.2013
11.11.2013
Life's Marathons
Written by Melissa
Last year, on November 9, I woke up and put a beautiful dress on Ariana. It was handmade by a dear friend. She was simply angelic. I managed to get myself dressed and Asa in something decent, too. My family - both immediate and extended - headed to the entrustment ceremony I had planned for Ari. This was a first for us all - something we never heard of before - but then it was the first of many firsts in our lives. It was a precious and painful day.
Last year, on November 9, I woke up and put a beautiful dress on Ariana. It was handmade by a dear friend. She was simply angelic. I managed to get myself dressed and Asa in something decent, too. My family - both immediate and extended - headed to the entrustment ceremony I had planned for Ari. This was a first for us all - something we never heard of before - but then it was the first of many firsts in our lives. It was a precious and painful day.
I don't know that I would have described it this way last year, but it was very much like an emotional marathon. I had been preparing myself for weeks for this day, the day I would entrust another to be Ariana's mother. I was preparing myself for the unknown - and it was most frightening. I didn't know if I could do it. I didn't know if I would make it through the day or the days to follow. But Heather was there - that day and the days to follow. Most importantly, she was there for Ariana - and I knew she would be an amazing mother to Ari. I never had a single doubt about that and that was of such great comfort. What I didn't know, but came to learn so quickly, was that Heather was there for me, too. She was so supportive of me and my feelings. When I cried, she cried with me. When I laughed, she laughed with me. When I needed to see Ari, she welcomed me with open arms and an open heart. I have never known another woman like her. I am so proud that she is my daughter's mother - and that she is my friend - that she is my teammate - that she is my family!
This year, on November 9, I woke up and put my family - both immediate and extended - in the car to head to the Chickamauga Battlefield in Fort Oglethorpe, GA. It was Heather's marathon to support this time. Her first! Obviously, hers was the real deal of 26.2 miles - a long, hard, cold 26.2 miles. I was glad to be there for her. I wanted to show my support - my appreciation - my love. I felt so proud to watch her cross the finish line. And she did it so fast!
I'm not sure what marathons life has left for us. I'm sure we're both hoping for the ones that come with some work, but NOT so much pain! Nevertheless, there isn't anything Heather and I can't do with each other by our side. So, here's to the next first... may we kick it's butt, too!
Heather Crosses the Finish Line, but Who Wins?
Written by Melissa
Information Provided by Heather
We watched as Heather crossed the finished line at an amazing time of 4:27:08 in her very FIRST marathon (and she has confirmed her LAST)! It was a great race and so awesome to watch her cross the finish line of such a fantastic bucket list item. She looked good doing it, too!
So, now that her race as come to an end, who are the winners?
Well, to start, thanks to the incredible generosity of so many friends and family members, PRISMS is the real winner as we will donate $10,085 to their organization. So many of you dug deep into your pockets throughout the fundraiser and it was only days ago that we were sitting firm at $7,400 in the pot. We were proud of that number, so you can only imagine our pride and excitement when you all came through in the 11th hour to help us to "cross the fundraising finish line" of $10K! Many families with loved ones with SMS will reap the rewards of your kindness and charitableness. And they are the winners here, too! We are forever grateful.
As for the grand prize winner, with a guess of 4:30:30, Vickie Gaither takes home the beautiful ring. Consolation prizes go to Heather Connell, who will receive a quilt, and Catherine Winburn, who will receive a PRISMS t-shirt.
Again, The A Team is so very thankful that you helped to make our first fundraiser a remarkable success. When we originally set our goal at $10,000, we knew it was lofty. We should not have underestimated the love and support of all of you. THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU!
Information Provided by Heather
We watched as Heather crossed the finished line at an amazing time of 4:27:08 in her very FIRST marathon (and she has confirmed her LAST)! It was a great race and so awesome to watch her cross the finish line of such a fantastic bucket list item. She looked good doing it, too!
So, now that her race as come to an end, who are the winners?
Well, to start, thanks to the incredible generosity of so many friends and family members, PRISMS is the real winner as we will donate $10,085 to their organization. So many of you dug deep into your pockets throughout the fundraiser and it was only days ago that we were sitting firm at $7,400 in the pot. We were proud of that number, so you can only imagine our pride and excitement when you all came through in the 11th hour to help us to "cross the fundraising finish line" of $10K! Many families with loved ones with SMS will reap the rewards of your kindness and charitableness. And they are the winners here, too! We are forever grateful.
As for the grand prize winner, with a guess of 4:30:30, Vickie Gaither takes home the beautiful ring. Consolation prizes go to Heather Connell, who will receive a quilt, and Catherine Winburn, who will receive a PRISMS t-shirt.
Again, The A Team is so very thankful that you helped to make our first fundraiser a remarkable success. When we originally set our goal at $10,000, we knew it was lofty. We should not have underestimated the love and support of all of you. THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU!
11.05.2013
Our First Year
Written by Heather
This time last year we were anxiously anticipating new and wonderful additions to our family. We had just met Ariana, Asa, Andrew, and Melissa, but already felt completely at ease with them. Meeting extended family on November 9, 2012, for the entrustment ceremony, that feeling continued. There was never anything that felt more right.
Now, a year later, that feeling is even more solidified. We have come a long way in such a short time. This family, clearly created by God himself, will stand strong together through anything. Of this I am sure.
I thank God for bringing us all together. I thank Melissa, Andrew, and Asa for their courage to think "outside the box," and for their trust in us. I also thank God for their immense love for and pride in everything Ariana. I thank Jim for his strength of faith and for the wonderful daddy and husband he is. I thank Ariana for completely changing my life and how I see the world. And I thank all our loved ones, and even those I do not know, for the immense pouring out of love and support.
It is my great honor to be Ariana's mother. The joy she brings every day is beyond words. Her soul is pure and innocent, as any child's, but this is most obvious when you look into her eyes. She can draw attention from across a room, from a complete stranger. She is intent, observant, funny, beautiful, and very stubborn. As she grows, I know she will use these and the rest of her God given gifts fully to her advantage. This could be trouble.
At the forming of this unique family, Melissa suggested the moniker, "The A Team." I being a child of the 80's thought of the TV show. This led me to wonder who would be who? This was not easy, but this is what I came up with.
First, I figured Jim was "Murdock" - it's his goofiness, I guess. He is certainly not insane, actually he's probably the most sane person I know. I pegged Melissa for "Hannibal." To me, she is the leader, the organizer. Andrew would be "Faceman" - it's the Andy Garcia thing he's got going on. I myself am left being "BA." Don't let my size fool you, Sucka, I am the enforcer! I do not mind getting my hands dirty. What do you think?
Honestly, I feel we all have the best qualities of each of these characters. We are all flexible enough to take on different roles as needed. This is part of what makes this work so well. We will change hats, so to speak, to lift up and support whatever team member is in need. For now, the team is solid in support of Ari and Asa. This Saturday, we add supporting myself. This support is emotional and will probably end up being physical as well. After over four hours of running, I am not sure if I will still be able to stand on my own. But, no matter, The A Team will be there and that will make everything possible.
So, four more days left. Days of rest, hydration, stretching, and anticipation. We may not reach our monetary goal, but we have far surpassed our goals as a family over this first year. I am so proud to be a part of The A Team and so thankful for the amazing year it has brought. I pray for God's continued guidance and blessing on us and on all of you.
This time last year we were anxiously anticipating new and wonderful additions to our family. We had just met Ariana, Asa, Andrew, and Melissa, but already felt completely at ease with them. Meeting extended family on November 9, 2012, for the entrustment ceremony, that feeling continued. There was never anything that felt more right.
Now, a year later, that feeling is even more solidified. We have come a long way in such a short time. This family, clearly created by God himself, will stand strong together through anything. Of this I am sure.
I thank God for bringing us all together. I thank Melissa, Andrew, and Asa for their courage to think "outside the box," and for their trust in us. I also thank God for their immense love for and pride in everything Ariana. I thank Jim for his strength of faith and for the wonderful daddy and husband he is. I thank Ariana for completely changing my life and how I see the world. And I thank all our loved ones, and even those I do not know, for the immense pouring out of love and support.
It is my great honor to be Ariana's mother. The joy she brings every day is beyond words. Her soul is pure and innocent, as any child's, but this is most obvious when you look into her eyes. She can draw attention from across a room, from a complete stranger. She is intent, observant, funny, beautiful, and very stubborn. As she grows, I know she will use these and the rest of her God given gifts fully to her advantage. This could be trouble.
At the forming of this unique family, Melissa suggested the moniker, "The A Team." I being a child of the 80's thought of the TV show. This led me to wonder who would be who? This was not easy, but this is what I came up with.
First, I figured Jim was "Murdock" - it's his goofiness, I guess. He is certainly not insane, actually he's probably the most sane person I know. I pegged Melissa for "Hannibal." To me, she is the leader, the organizer. Andrew would be "Faceman" - it's the Andy Garcia thing he's got going on. I myself am left being "BA." Don't let my size fool you, Sucka, I am the enforcer! I do not mind getting my hands dirty. What do you think?
Honestly, I feel we all have the best qualities of each of these characters. We are all flexible enough to take on different roles as needed. This is part of what makes this work so well. We will change hats, so to speak, to lift up and support whatever team member is in need. For now, the team is solid in support of Ari and Asa. This Saturday, we add supporting myself. This support is emotional and will probably end up being physical as well. After over four hours of running, I am not sure if I will still be able to stand on my own. But, no matter, The A Team will be there and that will make everything possible.
So, four more days left. Days of rest, hydration, stretching, and anticipation. We may not reach our monetary goal, but we have far surpassed our goals as a family over this first year. I am so proud to be a part of The A Team and so thankful for the amazing year it has brought. I pray for God's continued guidance and blessing on us and on all of you.
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