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Friday, January 1, 2010

HAPPY NEW YEAR...


Today is the day we as Catholics celebrate the mother of Jesus! No we do not worship her, but we do believe she was chosen and therefore we honor and celebrate this special woman. So I began my day by attending Mass and listening to Father give the homily. At the end he talked about New Years resolutions and what he said was that we are all adopted sons and daughters and that our resolutions are that we should be more Christ like. I like that, but of course, I will daily fall flat on my face in this effort. He also said that as moms when we are getting our children ready in the mornings that we should tell them "go and show everyone your goodness."
With this in mind I thought of Annabel. Each day she wakes, even with this Trisomy 18 issue that she carries each and everyday, with the most sincere, warm and generous smile on her sweet face. Yes, she goes each and everyday and show everyone her goodness in her quiet and gentle way.
This year has been harder, sometimes I think than the first year. It probably really isn't but I am just getting older and her needs are increasing. I think her being so sick in April and needing the surgery, it working only for a few weeks, the increasing need for oxygen, the gagging and wretching that is back, and the cathing every 3 hours, etc... But does Annabel whine, NO! So why am I? She is a most precious gift that for some reason God has allowed us to have more time with and for this I am grateful.
Annabel will be put to sleep twice this coming week. She will have MRI's on Tues, her brain and spine. Then on Friday she will have surgery on her back. Please as you always do keep her in your prayers. She has always done as well as they expect and I see no reason she wouldn't come through like she has in the past.
Praying that you will have a wonderful 2010 with much health and happiness. My prayer is that our world will stay peaceful so my soldier boy will return home as scheduled. This is one year I do hope goes very fast.

10 comments:

Mrs Redboots (Annabel Smyth) said...

She will be in my prayers - and may you all have a happy and healthy 2010. Please keep us updated on her progress and issues, and especially on how the surgery goes at the end of the week.

Anonymous said...

I reaaly appreciate your post, having been raised Catholic, I have defended my Dep respect for the Mother of our Lord many times. I have never thought of the idea that we are all adopted, as an adoptibe mom, I really like this statement and will claim it as my own. As I drop Ben off at school I always tell him "Have a great day and make good devisions." Starting today I will change that to "have a great day and share the love of our Lord and Savior." Thank YOu for sharing.
Edie

Kathy said...

Praying for strength and stamina for Team Annabel and for Annabel's health and quick recovery.

Praying for all doctors, nurses, and techs that care for this sweet princess (she is a daughter of the King of Kings!) that they will be divinely guided and given great wisdom and ability.

May her smile and spirit quickly return after tests and procedures. She melts my heart.

Love you girls. Please keep us posted on specifics of prayer requests.

On honoring Mary, I am always so blown away by her statement, "Let it be as you say." That sweet young woman never had it easy yet she would not have it any other way. May all mothers be given the faith and wisdom that she had.

ANewKindOfPerfect said...

Cathy, I pray that Annabel's surgery goes smooth and she is able to return home quickly. You will be in my thoughts all week!

Unknown said...

Happy New Year, Cathy and Annabel! I'm praying for you, Cathy, for a more boring year, for peace and safety for your son, and for Annabel's health.

Laurie in Ca. said...

I will be praying for Annabel and for you too Cathy. Praying for Tyler's safety with all the others too. So much to have on your mind my sweet friend. We take these things on when we decide to be moms. It is life long and I wouldn't have it any other way. It sure is emotionally and physically exhausting at times but I am reminded that I must exhaust God too:) Praying for you all sweetie and love you.

Love and Hugs and Prayers, Laurie

Anonymous said...

Praying for a wonderful surgery, and wonderful permanent results!! No family deserves it more!
Love,
The Bonds

Kim (marygracesummons.blogspot.com) said...

Cathy,
I will be praying for sweet Annabel. I love love love all the Christmas pics. Your family is beautiful and amazing. I love the pics of Annabel with Santa. It brings such joy to me to look at your sweet girl. Makes me long on wonder for my sweet girl.....
I would love to see you soon this year. I may visit Houston before long....
Love you,
Kim

Anonymous said...

*Amen* Prayers said for both Annabel and your soldier boy.

During the homily when I attended on New Year's Eve the priest gave us this: Where there is Mary, there is Jesus. And where there is Jesus, there is Mary.

You might like how I phrased a reference to Mary in my last post of the year. Your Christmas photos were wonderful to see!

Other more practical notes....
Annabel looks like she has enough upper body control to NOT have the shoulder straps on in her special tomato chair - ?

And I saw the very same message from annonymous on another blog - I think these kinds of comments are spam/markers - you might consider deleting it.

Blessed and Happy New Year!
Barbara

Tammy said...

You and your little one are both such inspirations. I hope goes well with these upcoming procedures.

Tammy and Parker
www.prayingforparker.com