Thirteen Years

Thirteen years ago today we were hovering over our 8 year old daughter's bed, in the PICU at Oregon Health Sciences University Hospital, wondering if she would live through the incessant seizures she'd begun experiencing the day before. She was wearing a diaper because she'd wet herself with each tonic clonic seizure, and in her confusion Rachel kept tearing the diapers off, and asking where her underwear were. We kept explaining, but she just couldn't process anything that was happening.

Rachel would stay in PICU for two days, while doctors and nurses came and went, doing tests, taking blood, changing medications, doing whatever they could to not only make the seizures stop, but try to figure out what was causing them in the first place. We never did get an answer to the cause, and to this day have no idea why our precious child suddenly started having seizures.

Once the seizure frequency had slowed to the point that the doctors felt she wasn't in imminent danger of injury or death, Rachel was moved to a private room in the children's hospital next door, and we would be there for 7 more days. Rachel was given at least 3 seizure drugs while in the hospital, in addition to sedatives. Depakote caused psychosis, and made her see things that weren't there, and believe that her room had a good side and a bad side, and she would panic if anybody stepped into the bad side. One entire afternoon she said only "I love you" to everyone she saw.

I've never cried so much, or been so scared, at any other time in my life.

Once we had two seizure free days behind us, the doctor wrote us a bunch of prescriptions, gave us some information printouts, and sent us home with a child we felt like we didn't know anymore. I could write a book about everything that's happened since then, and even though they've been absolutely the hardest years of my life, and definitely nothing I would ever have imagined, we have survived, my marriage is still intact, and Rachel continues to persevere.

The fact that my child has to live with epilepsy absolutely pisses me off. I want to be all noble, and talk about how this has been a blessing in its own way, but it's not. My little family has been pushed to its limits, we've all been robbed of opportunities and options we would have had otherwise, and sometimes I just need to vent about the unfairness of it all. No, life is not fair. I've always known that. I was certainly not raised with any other expectation. Still, my sweet, sassy, bright as lightning 8 year old did nothing to deserve the 13 years of struggle, the thousands of seizures, the wagon load of drugs, the anxiety and depression, and the isolation that came with this condition.

At age 21, Rachel is still working to catch up with her peers. She'll probably never drive, or live alone. She can't go swimming without someone being there, and we are cautious about her even taking a bath. She's just now really beginning to feel confident about doing things on her own, away from home. We plan outings so that she can practice her skills, and push her comfort limits. Having Stewart by her side has given Rachel more confidence, but she still likes knowing that one of us isn't too far away.

Most recently, we've been able to reduce one of her prescription medications, with no increase in seizure activity, and she's even been able to better cope with the seizures she does have. Rachel hasn't had a full-blown anxiety meltdown in weeks, and though we know that she's not cured of them, we do feel better knowing that she's making progress. We credit her use of two different sublingual cannabis tinctures for her most recent progress, and we are so grateful to live in a state in which we have this option legally.

Thirteen years. I am grateful beyond words that we still have Rachel with us, that the seizures haven't taken her, but we are fully aware that each seizure she experiences has the potential to end her life. Many doctors still don't tell their patients about the risk of SUDEP, which I find unconscionable. Forewarned is forearmed. I might not be able to keep the seizure from happening, but I can take measures to increase her chances of surviving it if I know what the real risks are.

Even on my worst days, I can't help but be hopeful. I can't help but be impressed by Rachel's positive attitude, and willingness to keep putting one foot in front of the other, never letting us see it if she's having doubts of her own. She sees a really good psychiatrist, who is helping immensely, and we are doing what we can to support Rachel's efforts to mature and take control of her own life.

Thirteen years sometimes feels like a hundred, and yet it went by in the blink of an eye, with vague, hazy memories of doctor visits, medication changes, hours spent on the phone with insurance companies, pharmacies, and physicians. A kaleidoscope of images and experiences so vast that I can't imagine trying to bring order to it all.

There are so many things I wish I had understood better at the very beginning; that I hadn't been so shell-shocked and consumed with Rachel's daily care that I could have seen more clearly, in time to make a difference in her life today. Woulda, coulda, shoulda, yadayadayada. When we know better, we do better; I know that's true. I try to remember that I'm doing the best I can with what I've got, and I am grateful for all the people in our lives who support us every day. We have an amazing support system, and I know what a gift that is. I'd just love to be able to take our lives for granted, just one more time; to be able to assume that everything will be okay, and the universe is unfolding as it should.

-Kelly

MiyakoCon and Good Days

Big doings in Rachel-world today! A young woman with whom Rach attended middle school decided that she would start up a new anime convention, and today was the day for the first one. We learned about it just this week, and Rachel got very excited, but wasn't sure if she was up to going. She had a couple of seizures this week, and her confidence in her ability to cope had taken a hit.

Yesterday she announced that she really wanted to go, and was super excited, and she was going to just have me drop her and Stewie at the door. Everything went as planned, we made a stop at the ATM, and we arrived at the venue, enjoying the sight of all the young people outside who were posing for pics in their cosplay outfits and colorful wigs.

Rachel only stayed about an hour before calling to let me know she was ready for pickup, and when I arrived I found her deep in conversation with a young man, and they were exchanging Facebook info. Her cheeks were pink, and she had a huge smile on her face. I almost cried with joy. Rachel has so few days that include opportunities to meet new people, and make special connections that when it does happen it's remarkable.

I asked why she didn't stay longer, since it was obvious she was having such a good time, and she said that it was so busy, and bright, and loud, and she had already spend so much money, that she decided to leave while she was still having fun, and not push herself to the point that she panicked and then ruined the entire memory. That made me a little sad, but also very proud of her for being mature enough to recognize her limits, and know when enough is enough.

This has been a good day. :)

Time Keeps Slipping Away

What a year it's been!

Shortly after my last post Rachel graduated from high school. She's our only child, and we've been through so much as a family in the last 18 years, but she is such a light in our lives that it seems like it all went by in a flash.

This whole last year was huge; senior year, Stewart came to live with us, Rachel's boyfriend came back into her life after moving back from Idaho, and then announced he'd be leaving for the Army in May. We crammed a lot into that 9 month school year.

Jonah gave Rachel a promise ring for Christmas, which was huge, and the kids spent as much time as they could together, in between school and dog training, before Jonah had to leave again. 

There was prom...

And a month later it was time to say goodbye, as Jonah left for boot camp...

He did great, and graduated, moving on to AIT in August...

We took a short family trip to the coast after Rachel's graduation, and we bought a one year membership to OMSI. Rachel planned to take a gap year before going to college, because we all needed a break, and because she and Jonah need to know where he's going to be based before deciding what the future holds.

Rachel and Stewart outside the Oregon Coast Aquarium...

October 19, 2013 will be the one year anniversary of Stewart coming to live with us. He has changed our lives in immeasurable ways. He is a wonderful companion to Rachel, loves to do his job, and is just a lot of fun. Rachel is learning every day how to be more responsible for herself, and taking on more duties around the house. 

We stay busy, we have fun, we laugh every day. It could be a lot worse, and we are grateful. 

-Kelly

The Light At The End Of The Tunnel Is A...

Seizure Response Dog, and it's coming straight at us.:)

I've been agonizing over this post since Rachel got a phone call a few days ago, letting her know that a dog had become available, and would likely be here by the end of October.

O_o

There have been few times in my life that have actually rendered me speechless. This time, I was speechless, and sobbing at the same time. Poor Rachel thought something was really wrong when I handed her the phone, so she could hear for herself. 

We are beyond thrilled, and grateful, and nervous, and, and, and...

Still, it's not a done deal yet. The dog needs to finish its training, and then pass a final physical before it comes to live with us. After that comes several months of team training, with our local trainer, and then a certification test. Once the test is passed, Rachel and the dog will officially be a team.

So, we can't share specific details about the dog, like its name, but I think it's safe to share that it's a golden retriever, which many Seizure Response Dogs are, and male. Believe me, as soon as we can, this blog will be inundated with photos and updates.

We can't thank our 'village' enough for everything you've done for Rachel. This dog is going to make her life better, and bring down her parents' stress levels, in a huge way. There is a lot of work ahead, but it will all be worth it.

-Kelly

Big Things

After my last update I got very busy picking berries, making jam, managing our household, and then we had visitors from out of the country. Brett's father and stepmother came down from Canada, and we had a few days where we spent every hour we could with them. It was lovely, and then they moved on to the coast, and the cottage they'd rented there.

The morning they left, we got them packed up, and then we drove down to my Mom's for her annual family BBQ. The next day, Monday, was quiet and lovely, but I had a bunch of chores to catch up on, and then Tuesday we all joined Brett's folks at the coast for the night. That brings us to Thursday, when a friend of Rachel's showed up on our porch unexpectedly, and hung out with her for a couple of hours, so we dragged him out with us to do our shopping, lunch, etc.

And now it's Friday again. Now I can see why my fatigue levels are what they are. If this kid complains on the first day of school about having done nothing this summer, I don't know what I'll do.

In the middle of all this activity, I had occasion to help out a long-distance friend with a problem she was having. I got it taken care of, and then moved on to the next thing, but a few days later she thanked me by reaching out to her extended friends, and imploring them to help out with Rachel's dog fund.

As a result of her effort, and a sale of more garlands, in a span of 3 days, we received $730 in new donations! Check out the thermometer. ---->>>> :) The first donation was from the friend I'd helped out, and I cried. Then more started rolling in, and by the time the 4th donation had reached the mailbox, I was a mess. I am so glad to have the people in my life that I do, whether they live near or far, or I have met them in person or not. These aren't just pixels on a screen to me; every one of my friends is real, and I love them.

Jam-making came to an abrupt halt when our visitors arrived, and I'm having a hard time finding motivation to begin again, but I have a bunch of berries to use before they get freezer burn, so I'd best get a move on. Still, this will be a much smaller effort than last year, when I canned almost 200 jars. It's just too much for one gimpy person.

So, as is often the case, I close this entry with gratitude. There is so much good in our life, and even on the bad days, we know we have friends; people who genuinely care, and want us to do well.

Thank you all so much-Kelly

School's Out For Summer!

Happy Summer Solstice, everybody!


I'm always torn about this day; on the one hand I love it because it's the official first day of summer, but on the other I'm a bit sad because it means that the days start getting shorter again. Why can't I just enjoy the first part, and not worry about the rest? ;)


School is finally out, and Rachel did quite well this semester! An 'A' and 4 'Bs'! We are very pleased with her performance. Rachel's anxiety levels are so much lower than they were last year, and that makes it easier for her to concentrate and focus.


Today we'll be packing up her school books, and getting them shipped back to Connections, so they can send out her materials for next year. Just one more year of High School. As hard as some of the last several years has been, it still seems to have just flown by. Our little chick will be ready to fly the coop sooner than we're ready for, I think. Really hoping she gets her dog by the time she graduates, so she can do some training, and be able to safely move on with her life.


I know I haven't written much lately, and for that I apologize (again!). The end of the school year was hectic, and we were enjoying a long seizure-free spell, which I really didn't want to jinx by saying anything about it. Sadly, that came to an end on Sunday, when Rach had a seizure. The rest of the day was fine, but at just after 5 a.m. on Monday, she had another, and then about 30 minutes after having her morning meds, she felt sick and needed to vomit, which caused yet another seizure. Vomiting and seizures really do not go well together, and can be very dangerous. Fortunately, she didn't aspirate, but quite a bit did come out her nose. We had hope that would be it for the day, but at about 5 p.m. there was yet another seizure. Epilepsy really sucks.


Tuesday was much better, but we stayed close to home, just in case, and there were no more problems. We finally determined that the problem might be with an antibiotic that she's been taking for an infection in her eyelids (I know, if it isn't one thing, it's another), so we've spaced out the time between her regular meds and that one, and made sure she has food on her stomach when she takes it. It seems to be working, but we'll be watching for any problems.


So, I think we're all up to date now. Oh! I almost forgot to share that we received a lovely donation from a couple of very special ladies. Shout out to Jen and Carol! We had the distinct pleasure of becoming acquainted with Carol just a few months ago, during a time when she was facing a serious struggle of her own. Sadly, she lost her battle a couple of weeks ago, but she reached out to us in a tangible way, giving her love and support, and never lamenting her own fate. She was brave, loving, funny, talented and optimistic. Her daughter Jen is a lovely reflection of her mother, and we are blessed to call her friend.


-Kelly

Almost Summer

Hello again, Friends! I hope you all had a safe and enjoyable Memorial Day weekend. We kept things pretty quiet around here. 


Just two weeks of classes left before Rachel is free for the summer, and we are all ready for that break. Rachel has done a great job of staying caught up in her classes, and her grades reflect her efforts. She'll be a Senior next year, and there will be more challenges, but we feel like she's more up to them now than she has been in years. Online education is definitely a good thing for her, and we don't regret making that change for her.


I am so happy to share that the donation thermometer took a big jump today, with donations received in the last few days which total over $600! The largest portion of that was an incredibly generous gift from my brother's girlfriend. We are so grateful to all of our donors for their support and friendship.


I apologize again for not keeping up to date with this blog the way I should, but there is so much going on here with our life, school, and family issues that it's been difficult. I'm hoping that once school is out I'll be able to devote much more time to both fundraising and updating. 


Rachel and I have made a commitment to my cousin's dog rescue, to help her out with some events this summer, so that will be another thing to keep up with, but definitely something we feel called to do. 


Thanks again for being here for us, just following along with our story, sharing our story, and giving support. You really are integral to our success, and we appreciate you all so much.


-Kelly

More Brochure & Donation Goodness

Please excuse me if I ramble today. I'm really wanting to get everything that I need to written down before I forget, but I know I'm going to miss something. The weather and busy-ness have me a little whacked right now.


Since the last update, we have been contacted by a lovely person who found one of our brochures at Coldstone Creamery, made a donation, and then encouraged her friends and business contacts to host a brochure stand. We're hoping to start getting lots of emails about that. In the meantime, she gave us the name of a friend who owns Dawn's Pet Grooming, who did agree to let us leave a stand.:)


My Mom was able to place another stand at 6th Street Wine and Deli in Junction City, so we now have a total of 7 stands in place. In addition, we've handed out several brochures to folks here and there, so we hope that donations will really pick up now.


In addition, donations have continued to come in fairly regularly, and today I received email notifications for donations that put us over the $10,000 mark on the thermometer! Every time I make an increase on the thermometer, I stop and think about what great friends we have, even though we don't even know all of their names, and it humbles me. Thank you all.:)


Rachel had a neurology visit in Portland today, so we slogged there and back, but she is doing well, and we don't have to change anything right now. There is always room for improvement, but making med changes can be tricky, and it's a huge balancing act. We take things very, very slowly. We have excellent care and support at Doernbecher, and it'll be hard to move on to adult neurology when the time comes.


So, please keep sharing our story, and sending us good luck vibes. We can feel them.


-Kelly

Raise The Woof Is A Busy Place

Hello again, everyone! My goodness, the gaps in my writing are getting wider, aren't they? Need to get a handle on that.


Here's what's new at Raise The Woof:


1. Rachel's VNS incision continues to heal well, and the stitches are finally working their way out now.
2. School continues apace, and takes up most of our time, but is still so much less stressful than attending regular public school.
3. The beautiful, professionally printed brochures arrived, so we have begun getting them out into the community a bit. So far we have stands out at our dentist, Dr. Albert Maziarz of Sunnyslope Dental, in South Salem; Spud Brothers Pizza in the Evergreen Plaza; Cold Stone Creamery on Center St NE; and at Big Town Hero on Center St NE. In addition, my mother placed a stand at Blachly-Lane Electric Co-op in Eugene. Thank you all for your support! It means so much.


Here's a photo to show you how they look in the stands:

4. We lost our little Namine the Hamster yesterday. She passed away suddenly while we were out for the day. This is a big loss for Rachel, and we'll be having a little garden funeral later this afternoon.
5. The lighted garlands have been selling like gangbusters, and we are pleased to be able to increase the thermometer by another $180!:)


The sun has just begun to shine every few days here in the mid-valley, so I've been working on getting Rachel out to the park whenever I can, between studies, rest, fundraising, etc. We need to do more walking, so we'll be ready for the Epilepsy Walk on June 15th in Portland. Not much time left.


I'm really hoping that the brochures will help us boost our funding even more quickly, and I'll be able to come in here, with big numbers to add to the total. Thanks so much for hanging in there with us.


-Kelly

VNS Surgery Day

Hello, friends and family!


What a day it's been. We woke at 4:30 this morning, and were out of the house by 5, in order to make it to Portland by our 6 a.m. check-in time. Rachel was the first surgery of the day, so we were hopeful that we might actually get to go home before evening.


There was a question about whether Rachel would have to stay overnight after her surgery, because of the leads. As it turned out, the leads didn't have to be replaced, she came out of anesthesia quickly, without feeling ill, and we got to leave the hospital before noon! Amazing. We were so happy.:)


Here is the only photo that Rach would allow me to take at the hospital. Note the fashionable sleepwear...

So now we're home, and I need to go pick up meds from the pharmacy soon, but there's more news! We have a new donation site at YouCaring.com. All donations made there for Rachel go directly to her account at Paypal, and it's easy to make anonymous donations that way. Please feel free to spread the link around.

As a result of our new site, and some really fantastic friends and family, I was able to increase the thermometer by over $600 today! We are incredibly close to being 30% of the way to our goal! Thank you all again for your amazing support and love. It means the world to us.<3

-Kelly

Thermometer Update

Just a quick update today, to acknowledge, and give thanks for, a few more donations we've received over the last several days.


We have a doggy cosmetic bag going to Australia, we've received another donation from Canada, and Brett sold the last jar of jam he had in his locker at work.


As a result of all these wonderful folks, we have increased the thermometer by another $165.00 today!


Thank you all so much. We really couldn't do this without your support and generosity.


-Kelly

Balance

Today was going fine, until about 3:30 a.m. Yes, a.m. We didn't even make it to dawn before a Bad Thing happened.

Brett had just kissed me goodbye for the day, and I had rolled over to take advantage of having the whole bed to myself, while he went out to the shop to enjoy his coffee, as he does each day before work. Minutes later, I heard a strange sound, and then heard it louder again, and realized it was coming from the monitor in Rachel's room. *insert really filthy word here*. I dove out of bed, grabbing for my glasses, and lurched into her room, to find her flat on her back, completely stiff, not breathing, eyes wide and dilated. I swiped her VNS, and pulled her onto her side, so she wouldn't aspirate, propped her up with a pillow, and ran out to get Brett before he left for work.


Rach came out of the seizure pretty quickly, but remained unconscious for some time, finally falling into a normal sleep after about 30 minutes, and then slept peacefully until about 7 a.m. Since Brett was already up and dressed, he let me go back to bed for a couple of hours (as Rach had experienced some insomnia and I didn't get to bed until after midnight), while he stood watch over the monitor, and then decided to go on into work when we realized that she was probably not going to be in imminent danger of more seizure activity. We have learned to be afraid of the possibility of SUDEP (Sudden Unexpected Death in EPilepsy), as these types of seizures are often the precursor.


As it happened, we already had a scheduled neuro visit set for this afternoon in Portland, so at least that was good timing on Rachel's part. We have a fabulous neuro nurse practitioner, named Bridget, and we got to talk with her for over half an hour, going over every single thing, and working on a plan of action for the short-term. We don't have a lot of solid answers yet, but we have some things to tweak and check out further, including the possibility of a battery or unit replacement of Rachel's VNS. 


Finally, we made it home from Portland just before 3 p.m., just sort of tired and bummed. As fate would have it, I opened Rachel's email, and found a donation from Deb, my friend-in-law, for $1500! Adding in bucket donations picked up this week, and a cash donation from a friend, we have a new thermometer total of over $7770.00!


This has been such an emotional day, with huge downs, and then a huge up. Sometimes the universe is able to balance the scales, but I wish we didn't test the theory quite so much. Rachel's back and neck are stiff and sore, and she's more tired than usual, but she's still okay, and still the really awesome, positive young woman she's always been. It's going to be another sleepless night for me, keeping closer watch, but that's a small price to pay. We'll keep this up as long as it takes to keep her safe, but we are really looking forward to having canine backup, and we're hoping it comes soon.
-Kelly

I've Always Loved Canada

So, I was sitting here, thinking that I needed to update the blog, even just with something brief, when I realized that I hadn't checked Rachel's email in a couple of days. Paws donation notices go to her because she's the client, but she is lousy about checking it.


Anyway, I open it up, and right at the top is a notice from Paws about a new donation. That's always exciting to see, but once again I've been bowled over at the amount donated. More of our extended Canadian family donated $1,000.00 for Rachel's dog. 


*pause to wipe my eyes, seriously*


My hands are trembling, and if Brett walks in from his errands right now, he's going to wonder why I'm sniffling. We have known Deb (Brett's Dad Gil's wife) for about 20 years now, but have never met any of her family. Still, they have been incredibly generous in response to her letting them know about Rachel's dog, and if Canada weren't so far away, I'd be there in person, squeezing the life out of them.:)


That thermometer over there -----> is now over $6100, and isn't that amazing?!


-Kelly

Happy Thanksgiving!

My favorite holiday of the year has arrived! The one that's all about sitting around a table, or in front of the TV, with the people you love most in the world, and sharing a meal. It doesn't have to be fancy, or have 6 courses, but that can be fun, too. It's all about recognizing what's good in your life, and making a conscious decision to acknowledge it.


We at Casa de Cobbie have much to be thankful for: 

• Friends and family that love and support us nearby
• An extended network of contacts and acquaintances, many of whom have become good friends, even though we've never met in person (thank you, internet!)
• Complete strangers who hear Rachel's story, and feel moved to help
• Organizations like The Chelsea Hutchison Foundation and PAWS, plus so many others, that work hard to help people like us
• Brett's continued ability and absolute willingness to work himself into the ground to make sure we have what we need. (This one is from Kelly & Rachel. Brett is our hero.)
• Rachel's overall good health, and improving state of mind. Her anxiety levels are way down from even just a few months ago, and she continues to work on being comfortable in public situations.
• Plus all of the 'little things' that aren't so little, and that we tend to take for granted; running water, electricity, heat in the winter, telephones, the internet (huge), private transportation, excellent medical care, and music.:)

We are rich in many ways, even though the bank account wouldn't show it, and we are grateful.

I almost made this post yesterday, because we received another very large donation, but I wanted to include it with my Thanksgiving post, so here it is... we have received another $500 donation from friends/family in Canada! The thermometer is now over $5100!

It's been a long road, and will be longer yet, but I know we'll get there. We have the best people in the world at our backs; how could we fail?

-Kelly

Another Big Donation Day!

Oh my gosh! Check out the thermometer today! The new total is $4686, with $525 of that coming from two donations from our extended Canadian family. Thank you so much for supporting us in this way. There is no way we can ever express fully our gratitude for this gift.:)


We are now very close to having 20% of our goal raised, and though it still seems very far away, we have raised a LOT of money in just the last few months, and just have to keep being positive. 


We truly could never do this without all of you behind us. Thanks so much.


-Kelly

Sunlight In Winter

One of my favorite things to do lately is check the mail. Today we had another letter from PAWS, a copy of a donation letter sent to a donor of $100!


We now have the thermometer up over $4100, and it's such a good feeling to know that every dollar brings Rachel closer to having her dog.


As the days get shorter, darker, and colder, it can be hard to keep our mood up, but every one of these letters is like a ray of sunlight, and just brightens my whole day.


Thanks again for being there for us.


-Kelly

Call Me Scarlett...

You know, I've never really felt as though I had anything at all in common with Scarlett O'Hara. Today I find that that isn't quite true.


I had gone out early to do my grocery shopping. Brett was home with Rachel, and I could shop alone, taking my time, and making sure I got everything we needed.


I was standing in the checkout line, and the cover of the People magazine caught my attention (as they're designed to do), featuring Kim Kardashian's marriage/divorce debacle. The woman in line ahead of me clucked her tongue and said how foolish she thought it was that so much money was spent for nothing. I agreed, and told her what my mother had said about it, that so many people could have been provided with seizure response dogs. I told her that we are currently in the process of raising funds for Rachel's dog.


She finished her checkout, and I was unloading my cart onto the belt, when I felt her hand on my arm. I looked up, and she was holding out a couple of folded bills. It was $6, and she apologized that she didn't have more on her, but wanted me to have it for Rachel's dog.


I was gobsmacked, and immediately teared up, but managed to choke out a thank you, though I forgot to ask her name. We are incredibly thankful for every donation made in Rachel's name, no matter the amount, but somehow the ones that come from strangers have a special impact, and really help me remember how much goodness there really is in people.


So, in relying on the kindness of strangers, I have become a bit like Miss Scarlett, and I'm learning to embrace that part of me. It's a journey for someone who's always been very independent, but getting Rachel what she needs to be independent has to come before my pride.


-Kelly

Big News!

In today's mail was the copy of a letter, sent to my California Mom, acknowledging her incredible donation of $1,000.00!! This is huge, and we are so grateful.:)


So far, we have earned, or had donated, over 10% of the needed monies, and if we include the grant from CHF, we've got about 20%. Seems like a long way to go yet, but we know we'll get there.


Rachel did end up having 2 more seizures since my last update, but they were smaller than most, and this month's 5 is a lot less than the 11 in September. We continue to hope someday she won't have to worry about them anymore, but in the meantime we look forward to Rachel having her Paws companion to help keep her safe.


Please continue sending good thoughts, prayers and positive energy our way. Every day I hope to get some news from Paws about Rachel's dog.


-Kelly

Tears of Joy and Gratitude

A couple of weeks ago I received an email from my dear friend Cindy, letting me know that she had sent of a series of checks to PAWS, from folks who had either purchased donation items, or just wanted to help out with the fundraising.


Since I made a commitment to only update the thermometer when I receive official word from PAWS, I put it out of my mind.


Today I checked the mail, and found a rather thick envelope from PAWS. Inside were our copies of the letters sent to the donors. As I looked over each one, addressed to friends and strangers alike, I felt myself tearing up, and now I'm doing it again.


Those letters touched my heart, because I know that in the moment those checks were being written, somebody was thinking of Rachel, and wanting her quality of life to be better. 


I am saving those letters, and I would love to say that I will be able to send out individual thank you cards when this is all over, but that's probably not realistic. Please know what a difference you have made for Rachel, and for our family. When the time comes that Rachel receives her dog, it will be because of you, and we will never forget that.


So, while I try and type with running eyes, I have a huge smile on my face when I tell you that I increased the thermometer by $243 today!


-Kelly