what this group means to me

[Guest guest]

Hi All:

Well I never realize how well I feel I know everyone in this group. I

always felt that I sort of knew who you were but only as an

acquaintance. I see pictures and still felt that you were some one I

corresponded with via email; and I always tell people I have a support

group on the internet regarding Leah's disability. Well today was sort

of an eye opener for me. I know teach a seventh grade Sunday School

class and we were talking about what is God's purpose for me. Talking

about traits and talents and how we can use them in our lives. Gave an

example of a person they know that was injured and how could they use

their talents for that person. Well it came time for a prayer and I had

them write on a card a friend or an adult of some one they could meet

their needs for with their talents and traits. Well I was including

Audrey in my prayer because of the last email Kathy sent and really

wanted the kids to know we can pray for anyone. Well as I got to saying

Audrey's name I started to get all teary eyed and choked up and the

kids sort of looked up to me as I was saying the words of my prayer and

I believe it was good to see an adult show such emotion in prayer. So

you guys mean more to me than I realize. I thank you for this group and

the support we all offer each other. Good times and bad times. This

type of friendship is neat and we have some thing in common. I try not

to look at the common thread being our sick children; but as Ann said in

her journal; we have changed our lives because of our children and look

at things differently. And our kids who have siblings with this disease

learn to care beyond what an average child would care for their

sibling. Another example of this is, we had a Valentine tea at our

church. I was the chair person and was doing a reading on poetry and

things regarding " Love " and then I was having the kids do a little play

on love called Thorn Rose. was taking care of Leah in the church

nursery because I knew she would get bored at the tea. Well he wanted

to see the play and so brought Leah down in her kidkart and was watching

it from the doorway. I didn't see what he was doing; but our minister

came up and said he was showing such care and love for his sister that

watching him she suddenly realized that became her valentine. It

touched me that what he was doing with his sister comes so naturally to

him. So that our kids and their siblings show a true love and care to

us and those around us and yes for that I am glad about Leah because of

what she has taught her brothers that I couldn't begin to teach unless

it is done by example. May each day be Valentines Day in our hearts and

that we show what true love and care is for other people; even people we

don't know or haven't met yet. You all are always in my mind no matter

where I am in this world I think of my mito friends and what you have

given me.

Nerenhausen

mom to Leah, , and a very wonderful supportive husband,