The Brave Little Soul

This was sent to me today from a friend. I can't help but think of my son Tom and daughter Isabelle. I also am thinking of my dear friend Becky whose husband is having surgery today and battling a nasty cancer. Please feel free to share this with your loved ones.

THE BRAVE LITTLE SOUL

Not too long ago in Heaven there was a ltttle soul who took wonder in observing the world. She especially enjoyed the love she saw there and often expressed this joy with god. One day however the little soul was sad, for on this day she saw suffering in the world? God paused for a moment and replied, Little soul, do not be sad for the suffering you see, unlocks the love in people's hearts. The little soul was confused. What do you mean she asked. God replied, have you not noticed the goodness and love that is the offspring of that suffering? Look at how people come together, drop their differences and show their love and compassion for those who suffer. All their other motivations disappear and they become motivated by love alone. The little soul began to understand and listened attentively as God continued, The suffering soul unlocks the love in people's hearts much like the sun and the rain unlock the flower within the seed. I created everyone with endless love in their hearts, but unfortunately most people keep it locked up and hardly share it with anyone. They are afraid to let their love shine freely, because they are afraid of being hurt. But a suffering soul unlocks that love. I tell you this it is the greatest miracle of all. Many souls have bravely chosen to go into the world and suffer to unlock this love to create this miracle for the good of all humanity.

Just then the little soul got a wonderful idea and could hardly contain herself. With her wings fluttering, bouncing up and down, the little soul excitedly replied, I am brave, let me go! I would like to go into the world and suffer so that I can unlock the goodness and love in people's hearts! I want to create that miracle! God smiled and said, You are a brave soul I know, and thus I will grant your request. But even though you are very brave you will not be able to do this alone. I have known since the beginning of time that you would ask for this and so I have carefully selected many souls to care for you on your journey. Those souls will help you create your miracle; however they will also share in your suffering. Two of these souls are most special and will care for you, help you and suffer along with you, far beyond the others. They have already chosen a name for you. God and the brave little soul shared a smile, and then embraced. In parting God said Do not forget little soul that I will be with you always. Although you have agreed to bear the pain, you will do so though my strength. And if the time should come when you feel that you have suffered enough, just say the word, think the thought, and you will be healed! Thus at that moment the brave little soul was born into the world, and through her suffering and God's strength, she unlocked the goodness and love in people's hearts. For so many people dropped their differences and came together to show their love. Priorities became properly aligned. People gave from their hearts. Those that were always too busy found time. Many began new spiritual journeys some regained lost faith- many came back to God. Parents hugged their children tighter. Friends and family grew closer. Old friends got together and new friendships were made. Distant family reunited, and every family spent more time together. Everyone prayed. Peace and love reigned. Lives changed forever. It was good. The world was a better place. The miracle had happened. God was pleased.

John Alessi

I am a sucky blogger!

Well brief update:

I had my surgery on October 22nd. It took a lot longer than expected and then I had a lung issue. I came home a day later and on oxygen for 2 weeks. Let me tell you THAT was quite the fashion accessory. I have officially been taken off oxygen now and I am feeling better than I have in a few years. I will post a photo of my scar later... Dr Apfelbaum did an amazing job... mist people wouldn't guess it has only been 2 weeks.

Isabelle's IEP reports came back and they were so depressing. She didn't make much progress at all in her first year at school. It was very emotional for me but I have requested a new IEP meeting and we will shoot for smaller steps so that we can appreciate her developments.

Emily decided for the most part she was too old for Halloween this year. She did take her brother out trick or treating. Tom was the Grim Reaper. Isabelle made the BEST Snow White with her dark hair and pale skin.

Ummm what else. We qualified for the DSPD waiver and we have a part time gal named Maria that comes every morning. She helps me by getting Isabelle up, bathed, dressed, medicated etc plus some household cleaning. I am so grateful for her being here. I am not allowed to lift more than a milk gallon so having someone to get her out of the crib and play with her in the mornings before school is such a blessing.

I am sure there is so much more to say but my brain is tired.

RIP Denzel Robert Ewing 9/11/2008 (and Bug)

Just a short sweet note tonight. My grandpa Ewing passed away today.

Also... I recieved word today that my friends daughter is in Primary's and gravely ill with Smith Johnson Syndrome (I think). She had Mersa and now this... it is burning her from the inside out and she is very very sick. She is now on a vent and feeding tube and about to be moved to the burn unit.

Everyone add Savannah (Bug) to their prayers.

Our new house

I finally decided it was time to download photos off the camera. This is a photo of our new house... isn't it cute?

We are Moving! and other ramblings

Well... the neurologist said that surgery will be my only way to go. So I am awaiting an appt with the neurosurgeon to fix my neck. The good news, however is that I was given a course of steroids that have helped me SO much. I have discomfort still but the raging pain has been subsided.

We have decided that we need more space... 3 kids in 1360 sq ft is just cramped. We were planning to move into the house right next door, however the owners decided to not ruin a friendship by turning it into a business relationship. We were able to find a home just a mile away that keeps all of the kids in the same schools, just a new ward. Only in Utah... a few blocks means a few wards or even a stake away from where you were.

I promise post move to update this more often but this is the latest and greatest from the Knowlton clan!

Injuries Suck!

So I intended on getting this up and pretty. But... I decided to get hurt. I am waiting on results from an MRI but the guess is that I have a pinched nerve and bulging discs in my neck. I have had shooting pains down my right arm to my elbow. At times it kills me... others I hardly notice it. I hope to be back up and at this soon but at least I have a photo of the kiddos up now!

Next week there will be lots to report: Emily goes to the orthodontist. Emily starts Junior High. Tom and Isabelle both go back to school. Mom regains sanity? Watch for an update!

One Hot and Crazy Summer

The last day of school arrived. Kids were excited. Mom was ramping up to deal with 3 kids home all day. And then the bombshell. Tom's company closed its doors. We hit it hard and fast and had a huge reaction to his application process. It took less than 3 weeks to get him back into the work force. We were ecstatic! Not only was it a pay raise, but it was literally 4 miles from home and had benefits.... something we hadn't had in quite some time. Tom is now working for a company called Orange Soda... they do internet marketing... with fizz! So far he seems to be enjoying it there.

Emily started summer band. She took up the bassoon and is quite the little talent. Her teacher was quite impressed with how quickly she was picking it up. She has already had her first concert where they played 2 songs.

As soon as summer band ended, Emily had her first Young Women's camp experience. She came home exhausted and tanned but having had a great time. Appearantly she was quite the snorer... rattling the rafters. She was constantly jabbed and poked so others could sleep but all in all... she loved it.

She came back on the morning of July 4th. That night Emily and Lil Tom had the chance to go to Stadium of Fire with Uncle Shawn and Aunt Tina. Miley Cyrus and the Blue Man Group were there. The both preferred Blue man group and of course the fireworks display.

The following Monday, lil Tom got to go to his first boy scout camp. It was just 2 days and not over night. It was so incredibly hot that he came home early the second day. I am so proud of how hard he is working in scouts. He made me a flower planter and is growing cherry tomatoes in there for me.

Isabelle is my little trouper. She HATES the heat but loves being outdoors. I don't let her out much because she burns super fast. She is a bit moody not going to school. She goes to an inclusive school where she will remain until she is 21. There are 4 other kids in her preschool. Izzie (aka Peanut Butter) gets physical therapy daily, occupational therapy once a week, weekly group speech, and assorted activities in her classroom. She is such a big girl.. already riding in a special school bus in her wheelchair to and from school. There have been times I have had to drive her and she LIGHTS UP when we get to school.... I have no doubt she knows where she is.

Things are mostly calm on the medical front with Isabelle lately. She is eating virtually nothing by mouth now relying on her G tube to be fed. She still has some break through seizures and tightening in her muscles that we have to work with. She still blows raspberries and smiles all the time and is the light of our home.

As for me... just a crazy busy mom surviving the summer and juggling schedules. My newest thing I am tackling is getting Isabelle a bed so she can move out of the crib. The specialty bed we hope Medicaid will pay for runs nearly $11k!!! That is so INSANE! But it will serve her well for many years and has all the bells and whistles she needs to be safe.

I think that is it for now. I plan to get photos up and all the fancy stuff done soon... Hope you all are having a great summer.