Life is not about waiting for the storm to pass.
It's about learning to dance in the rain.
When I read this quote as a FB status the other day, I couldn't stop thinking about it. How very true. When faced with adversity and challenge, we have a choice. We can either sit and wait for things to get better, or we can find the silver lining; make something good.
And that's what I think we all try to do. Find a way to dance in the rain. I've been blessed to pass people along my journey who are all dancing in the rain. And we all find something different, that makes the storm bareable.
I have found the Lucky Cast Club. This group of mom's inspires me. This is our way of giving back and creating a legacy for our kids. And it makes me feel like I'm dancing in the rain. Hopefully, the Lucky Cast Club will live on long after our kids have successfully conquered scoliosis. As simple as it seems to hand someone a pair of pajama's, a booklet of information, and some pictures of kid's in casts... it means so much more than that:
The first cast is scary. To have tangible evidence that you are not alone, means so much on that day. On Makenna's first casting day, my dear friend Cara (whose son was on his third cast), met me at the hospital that morning with a bracelet that had inscribed on it: hope, live, dream. Knowing that she had taken the time to get me something for some reason meant more than her words ever could. It meant that she must have known how scared, alone and mad I was going to feel. That all those feelings must be validated if she felt like a little present would make me feel better. I needed a way to pass that very feeling on to new families. Telling them just didn't seem like enough for me. I was so happy when the other Lucky Cast Club mom's came up with pj idea. Those pj's, booklet and picture book are tangible gifts that we are able to pass on to new families says: We've been there. We know exactly how you feel - and it's all perfectly normal. It may suck right now, but it's going to get better. And we are going to be there with you every step of the way - as close or as far as you need us. You are not alone and you can do this. You are a wonderful, dedicated parent who has taken the time to find the very best treatment for your child. As difficult as the cast may seem at first, these kids are resillent and will amaze you. Your child will inspire you.
.....all of that with a pair of pj's,booklet, and some pictures...
I thank you to all my family and friends who have donated to the pajama drive. It has been met with overwhelming participation. We are going to be able to supply and greet families at multiple casting centers!!! If you were not able to donate a pair of pajama's please know that the effort will be ongoing, so we will always accept pj's ;) . There is also now an opportunity to donate on our website. A donation as small as $5 will print a parent pack for a new and scared family.
So, now, as I am enjoying dancing in the rain and very happy with how this has turned out - the sky is starting to clear for us. Makenna is transitioned into a brace. She is STRAIGHT by clinical evaluation!!! We are a success story, which makes it even more important for me to share our story with new families. Makenna holds the hope that they need to see.
It's about learning to dance in the rain.
When I read this quote as a FB status the other day, I couldn't stop thinking about it. How very true. When faced with adversity and challenge, we have a choice. We can either sit and wait for things to get better, or we can find the silver lining; make something good.
And that's what I think we all try to do. Find a way to dance in the rain. I've been blessed to pass people along my journey who are all dancing in the rain. And we all find something different, that makes the storm bareable.
I have found the Lucky Cast Club. This group of mom's inspires me. This is our way of giving back and creating a legacy for our kids. And it makes me feel like I'm dancing in the rain. Hopefully, the Lucky Cast Club will live on long after our kids have successfully conquered scoliosis. As simple as it seems to hand someone a pair of pajama's, a booklet of information, and some pictures of kid's in casts... it means so much more than that:
The first cast is scary. To have tangible evidence that you are not alone, means so much on that day. On Makenna's first casting day, my dear friend Cara (whose son was on his third cast), met me at the hospital that morning with a bracelet that had inscribed on it: hope, live, dream. Knowing that she had taken the time to get me something for some reason meant more than her words ever could. It meant that she must have known how scared, alone and mad I was going to feel. That all those feelings must be validated if she felt like a little present would make me feel better. I needed a way to pass that very feeling on to new families. Telling them just didn't seem like enough for me. I was so happy when the other Lucky Cast Club mom's came up with pj idea. Those pj's, booklet and picture book are tangible gifts that we are able to pass on to new families says: We've been there. We know exactly how you feel - and it's all perfectly normal. It may suck right now, but it's going to get better. And we are going to be there with you every step of the way - as close or as far as you need us. You are not alone and you can do this. You are a wonderful, dedicated parent who has taken the time to find the very best treatment for your child. As difficult as the cast may seem at first, these kids are resillent and will amaze you. Your child will inspire you.
.....all of that with a pair of pj's,booklet, and some pictures...
I thank you to all my family and friends who have donated to the pajama drive. It has been met with overwhelming participation. We are going to be able to supply and greet families at multiple casting centers!!! If you were not able to donate a pair of pajama's please know that the effort will be ongoing, so we will always accept pj's ;) . There is also now an opportunity to donate on our website. A donation as small as $5 will print a parent pack for a new and scared family.
So, now, as I am enjoying dancing in the rain and very happy with how this has turned out - the sky is starting to clear for us. Makenna is transitioned into a brace. She is STRAIGHT by clinical evaluation!!! We are a success story, which makes it even more important for me to share our story with new families. Makenna holds the hope that they need to see.