7/29/09 - Dinner with Family

This past weekend, Aimee and I got to share in a special dinner at our home with the most wonderful people in this world, Kayleigh's nurses. We consider them family because they worked there tails off, day and night, 12 hour shifts, and many times more than 12 hours to take care of sweet Kayleigh and be such a strong support system for Aimee and I.

We all made different foods to enjoy and sat around the table, enjoying each others company for over three hours. It was such a blessing to have the family back together again and to laugh at the topics of conversation at hand. For the nurses, it was a great escape from the hard and emotional job they perform and for us, it was pure joy to escape from reality for even a small moment in time.

Every year in October, there is a butterfly release at Frazier Park in Charlotte, NC to remember all of those children who went to Heaven and these wonderful nurses have given us a beautiful gift of purchasing a brick with Kayleigh's name and "One Pound Miracle from God" engraved on it that will be placed in Frazier Park for all eyes to see forever. We are counting the days until the ceremony as we know it will be a very beautiful day.

Our love goes out to these wonderful ladies and I commend them, and all of the NICU nurses across this world, for the amazing job they do. They certainly do not get enough credit for the time they spend in the tightly secured domains of the NICU, but they will be blessed and rewarded beyond all measure when they walk in the presence of our Lord.

"We love you all so very much and we don't think we have ever been so sad to say goodbye that night and see you all walk out of our home. It was a memorable time that will never be forgotten and just know that every single one of you hold a special place in our hearts. We thank you so very much for the love you gave Kayleigh while she was here with us on Earth, and like I always say...this is not goodbye forever as we will all, once again, be reunited with sweet Kayleigh in Heaven."

With all of my heart and soul, God Bless ALL of you and we love you so very much!

7/28/09 - Abby and Stellan

Abby Riggs



Stellan Mckinney


For those of you who have not been following my good friend's blogs, please hop over to Brent's and Jennifer's blog to read up on Abby and Stellan who are both having difficulties at this time.

Both Brent and Jennifer have been great friends to us through Kayleigh's journey and then some and we are so blessed to have two wonderful friends like that in our lives. I can't say enough good things about them and both Aimee and I are on our knees praying hard for their little ones.

"God, you are amazing! You have taught us all what true love really is and we are grateful for the blessings you have given us in our lives. I pray that you watch over the Riggs family and the Mckinney Family as they both are dealing with unfortunate circumstances. Thousands are praying hard for quick healing and I know when more than one are praying in your name, you are listening. Hear us all now as we pray with open hearts and loud voices that you will cleanse their body from all sickness and pain, and restore their sickened physical state back to normal. You are so powerful Lord and we call upon you for your powerful touch of healing. In Jesus name, Amen"

Visit their blogs here: Abby & Stellan

God Bless,

7/20/09 - Jessica Lynn Cross

When I created this blog over a year ago now, it was to share our journey of sweet Kayleigh to family and friends. I never expected our journey to go down the road it did, but when we were in need of help, you ALL were there for us. You helped us stay strong when we were weak. You helped us laugh when we were crying. You helped us learn when we had so many questions. You helped us grow in our faith when we felt lost and you helped us financially when our life was falling apart.

Since Kayleigh has made her journey to Heaven, I have been thinking of ways to help others who are out there just as you all have helped us. I know that a little bit goes a long way and when we all stick together to help those in need, we can accomplish so much. We want to continue doing God's will by helping others and I would like to share with you sweet Jessica's story.

Along our own journey, I met a wonderful family who is in need of our help. Little Jessica reminds me so much of Kayleigh, it isn't funny. She too was not supposed to survive the pregnancy and she too has been through so many operations including open heart surgery. She too is a miracle baby and she continues to beat all the odds. After Jessica lost one of her kidneys, her remaining Kidney may only last another year or two, but the doctors are not even sure of that.

If Jessica could write me a letter and tell me about herself, this is what she would say...



My name Jessica I am 33 months old. Wow I am almost 3.
I am the youngest of three. I have renal dysplaysia, chronic kidney disease, renal failure, asd, vsd, strabismus, extropia, g-tube fed, reflux, increased pulmonary markings, globally delayed, static encephalopathy, possible seizures, tremors, microcephaly, failure to thrive, elevated liver enzymes, polysplenia/ asplenia syndrome, vascular instability,non specific autonomic nervous system dysfunction, along with many other things the doctors are not able to give answers to.

The doctors say that I am going to be different and and my mom and dad say that is ok because that is the way God made me. When I was just two weeks old my mom had to take me to the hospital because my regular doctor and a GI doctor were really concerned about me and that I was not gaining weight and still losing weight. That was really scary for my mom and dad as for me I didn’t know what to think because I was so young.

Ever since I was two weeks old I had to be in the hospital several times. I have also had to have open heart surgery when I was just 7 months old to have 3 holes in my heart repaired and then just when I was about 10 months old I had to have another surgery and they had to take my left kidney out. I only have one kidney now and it is not working or growing as it should so I will have to have a kidney transplant. The doctors are hoping that my kidney will last another 1-2 years but for it to do that I have to keep it happy and healthy. I have to eat good, grow, be strong and stay healthy. It is hard sometimes now that I am trying to eat more as there are some foods that my brother and sister eat that I want, but I cant have.

Another thing about me is that I am very delayed in talking. I can understand a lot of things, but I am just not able to talk much. I say about 5 words very well now. I still get very frustrated as there are many times that I am trying to say something but I can't or when I do talk, people cannot understand me. I get so mad. I can understand so much but I just can't say it. Mommy and daddy have taken me to see a neurologist not just for this but also for the tremors that I get. The doctors say it is because my brain is small and it is not growing as it should also it is because I have some brain damage. But I don't let that stop me. I go to Occupational Therapy, physical therapy, speech therapy and feeding therapy. Things may be a lot harder for me but it just makes me be a stronger person.

I am growing now slowly, but growing. I am walking and playing. I love to watch my baby praises and just have quiet time with mommy and daddy, but I also like being outside and playing or just swinging in my swing and being a typical toddler. I love animals, but I don’t like them too close though. I have had some really hard times in my first 2 years of life but mommy, daddy and all of our family and friends have been wonderful. Everyone says that I am a fighter and I have many battles ahead of me but I am bound and determined to prove to everyone that I am going to do better than what they think.

Everyone says I am a miracle and an amazing little girl and I must say that they are right. Mommy and daddy say that I may not understand it now but I have an amazing spirit about me. I may have many battles ahead of me but I know that I am not alone.

Love,

Jessica

Now that you have wiped away your tears, just as I did from reading that, the Cross's need our help in any way possible. Stephanie (Jessica's Mom) gave me a link to Children's Organ Transplant Association, the non profit organization who set up a page for Jessica to allow anyone to help her reach her financial goal to receive this kidney transplant. To help, go to: COTA-JessicaCross

From our experience, I know a little bit goes a long way, so if there is anything you can do to help this sweet girl and their family, please help. Whether you can help financially (at the link above) or if you can offer support to the family through their carepage site at JessicaCross, it would be such a blessing.

Thank you all so very much and...

God Bless,

7/14/09 - Butterfly Kisses :)

It doesn't matter whether I find the right words to say or not, as this photo just speaks straight from the heart.

Without a doubt, Kayleigh spent 30 minutes on Aimee before she made her way to me and my nose. What a blessing this was and how it made our weekend so beautiful.

"We love you sweet Kayleigh and we miss you SO very much!"

God Bless,

7/7/09 - Blog Hop on MckLinky - HANDS

HANDS...Whether big or small, old or young, strong or weak...can touch the whole world without a single sound.

7/6/09 - BlogHop on McLinky

Tomorrow (Tuesday), Brent Riggs has invited me and all of my friends to join in on the BlogHop for the week. The title of this week is: Favorite Photo (listed with a caption)

So all you have to do is click here and get set up: MckLinky BlogHop and follow the directions to get set up.

You can view what this past weeks BlogHop was all about by clicking here: RiggsFamilyBlog

Come and see what photo and caption I have chosen tomorrow.

God Bless!

7/3/09 - Flying Without Wings

Everybody is looking for that something.
One thing that makes it all complete.
You find in the strangest places,
places you never knew it could be.

Some find it in the face of their children.
Some find it in their lovers eyes.
Who can't deny the joy it brings,
when you find that special thing.

Your flying without wings.

I couldn't find the right words to start off tonight's post until I listened to a favorite song I have not heard in years. I have really been at a loss of words lately and it breaks my heart because I so badly want to say something positive, something emotional and something that just touches your heart beyond belief.

And well, thanks to that song...I did.

I realized that Kayleigh's love makes me fly without wings. I am saddened at times to wrap my arms around my chest, missing her warm body, her chubby arms and her stinky farts. I just know that she is up in Heaven, sharing her love with so many up there and it makes me feel so great to know that this precious miracle was my little girl.

I tell myself when I am sad and missing her that Kayleigh helped put smiles on so many faces and she made many people realize how awesome God is and how much He loves us. That makes me so proud that I feel that I am flying without wings.

I look at Kayleigh's photos, I could remember that exact time when I shared that special moment with her. One of my favorites is this one below where I could tell she sees me and reaches for my pinkie as comfort covers her soul as her Daddy is there to take care of her. You can see it in my eyes, you could almost feel it in my heart, but I am flying without wings.



When I get in the car and I listen to a song that reminds me of Kayleigh, I praise God for the time He allowed me to share with Kayleigh. I praise God for the Doctors and Nurses (below photo) who worked diligently to give us those ten and half months with Kayleigh. I praise God so much that my heart is jumping out of my chest and tears nearly roll down my face. I am flying without wings.



When I sat at the pool the other week just after my butterfly post, I had two butterflies land on each one of my big toes. I knew that Kayleigh was making friends in Heaven and she wanted to show off her Daddy. It made me feel so special as they sat there with me for over 20 minutes and if they hopped off for a second, they came right back. I could feel Kayleigh hugging me from Heaven and giving me butterfly kisses. Thinking about that moment...I am flying without wings.

I know that when Aimee is holding Kayleigh, she is feeling this special moment as I do. You can see how much love is shown in this photo and I know in time, you will be seeing this special moment again in Heaven. Every now and then, you will see Aimee close her eyes too and grab her chest. This is what she is feeling...she is flying without wings.



God's greatest gift is love and from the depths of my heart, I can still enjoy my life knowing that Kayleigh will always remain in my heart everywhere I go. No matter what I am doing, all I have to do is close my eyes and remember what her precious body felt like in my arms and I can feel the love shoot through my whole body. A sense beyond anything you can see or smell races through me, my stomach fills with butterflies and like a gravity pull, my cheeks extend outward as a warm smile blasts across my face. I am certainly flying without wings.

God, Thank you for allowing me to fly without wings.

Happy 4th of July everyone. Please be safe and know that we love you ALL!

God Bless,