Comments on: Welcome To Our First Beyond Ordinary Blog Carnival!

By: profitable

profitable — Wed, 13 Aug 2008 17:54:56 +0000

Thanks for the great post and the blog carnival idea. It rocks. My best to all the parents that also deal with the day-to-day problems that we wouldn't want to wish on our enemies. Please keep the faith and whatever is left of your sanity. If I had any left I would give you some of mine……
Kim Greenblatt, father to Arianna, Rett Syndrome, father to Jacob, husband to Sharren

By: Rhemashope

Rhemashope — Sat, 09 Aug 2008 23:16:11 +0000

Hi, just wanted to say thank you so much for this beautiful post. I can relate to it in so many ways. There are days when I still long for the ordinary, but your story helps me to be thankful for the gifts God has given. Although I would give anything for my daughter to be free of suffering, I wouldn't trade the lessons I've learned from our experience for anything. Thanks again.

By: Goldie

Goldie — Sat, 09 Aug 2008 16:29:39 +0000

oops, I entered my name twice, could you please take the first one off?
Since I had to comment again, I thought I would tell you more about me-
Both my boys have Sensory concerns and display signs of being on the Autism Spectrum. Beyond that I feel a deep concern and care in my heart for children with special needs and especially their parents. That care seems to grow greater with every day.

By: Goldie

Goldie — Sat, 09 Aug 2008 16:24:36 +0000

Hey! Found you through "Everyday Adventures" and found her through Genevieve. I LOVE the phrase beyond ordinary! We say "not boring" at my house, or "platypus" (you will have to check out my blog to see what I mean by that, shameless self-promotion *wink*).
I would LOVE to participate in this awesome blog carnival! Anything special I have to do?

By: Kristenkj

Kristenkj — Sat, 09 Aug 2008 10:30:58 +0000

I just came across this and really loved the idea. There are so many things that we, as parents of a child with special needs, see that we probably would have never seen had we not been given the gift of our children.

Michelle, you have done a beautiful job writing about your daughter. I was really moved.

I almost feel silly joining in, when what I deal with on a daily basis seems to shrink in comparison. But there are moments that are so heartbreaking, and there are moments that are so thrilling that I want to share…I hope you'll indulge me! I linked to something that I wrote a few days ago about my Henry.

By: Stacey

Stacey — Thu, 07 Aug 2008 18:38:37 +0000

I never seem to be one without something to say…
So I hope you like my post!

Beyond Ordinary is just enough!

By: Michelle

Michelle — Thu, 07 Aug 2008 15:27:09 +0000

Elizabeth – Just so you know, I've done plenty of 'whining' too — sometimes I still do Life with these kiddos isn't easy, but it's sure worth it. We weren't able to do regular kindergarten either and have set off in search of another silver lining, so I understand a little of what you're facing right now. The down days are just part of the package. Don't beat yourself up for having them — you have lots of company

Leila – I just want to hug you You know, the only thing that allows me to write this post is time and perspective. I didn't feel this way five years ago. Five years ago I got through each day on fear propped up by faith. It's hard when it's new. It's still hard when it's not new. You just have the benefit of time and perspective to soften the sharp edges so that they don't tear into your heart quite as often. Hang in there — you'll get there.

Tammy – Dumb? Oh, not even close! Hannah Anderson catalogs used to make me cry, so I totally know where you're coming from

And I know what you mean about the health issues. There was big chunk of time where losing our little girl was a real possibility. I lost sleep over it, cried over it, shouted at God over it. I still have dark circles under my eyes and much more gray hair than I started out this journey with. You're so right. That one little thought of losing them — that's everything and it just tears at your soul.

For the record, I think you do a lovely job of embracing the little moments of joy and beauty in everyday life. Just like my little girl, no matter how long Parker is here, he's made the world a more beautiful place. He's changed hearts, brought joy, and shared so much with so many people in his young little life. I know, because he's been an extra ray of sunlight in my life.

It's so hard Tammy, and it isn't fair. Just hang in there and know that your family is loved and prayed for. You and Parker are one of the best and most beautiful examples of 'Beyond Ordinary' that I know.

~Michelle @ 5MFSN

By: Michelle

Michelle — Thu, 07 Aug 2008 15:02:17 +0000

I'm so glad you all joined in this month and I have just had the most lovely morning reading through your posts so far

~Michelle

By: Tammy and Parker

Tammy and Parker — Thu, 07 Aug 2008 14:14:43 +0000

Michelle, I can so relate to this post. You know I sometimes just sit and look through the catalogs scoping out the TWO PIECE outfits that Parker will be able to wear after his next surgery.

Kinda dumb, huh?

But with the trach, g-tube, ostomy bags, etc., trying to dress this kid has been rough.

And embracing the ordinary would be excellent if the ordinary was only the extra chromosome. But the health issues…..the never ever really gone from my heart thought of losing Parker…..is hard. Way hard.

Beautiful post!

By: Nicole

Nicole — Thu, 07 Aug 2008 14:13:57 +0000

I so wish everyone could learn those lessons that you have incorporated into your wisdom!