Don't take pity on me . . .

Email August 29, 2014

I know all of you and everyone praying for us is concerned about Patrick, his doctors and our family.  It is the only thing that keeps us floating above the water.  Yesterday I had a really overwhelming feeling that I don't want to experience again...one of concern versus pity.  It's ok to be concerned for Patrick but please don't take pity on him...  

Patrick and best buddy Bear on the way to CHOA!

At the transplant center we were invited to go downstairs to a little event where they could build legos and even were able to get a lego kit to take home with them.  It was a great organization that was putting this on and these two guys were great with the kids...focusing on Patrick and not him being sick.  We had been so thankful for a great distraction of where we really were and what was really facing us.  As the nurse took him back up to our room, they patted him on the head said "see ya buddy" and saw it in their eyes...it was not that of pity but of true concern to give him a distraction from being sick at least for a day.  He didn't have to think of what he needed to avoid to not hurt his body or not be able to do something that could cause him to get hurt.  These big guys had tears in their eyes and wished for a day for all these kids to be not just healed but be normal.   Another kid that had been downstairs with us had severe burns on his face and these guys didn't take pity on him but made him normal for a brief moment....concerned with him and what happened but never to pity him....there is a difference between pity and concern.  Like I said...please be concerned for Patrick but do not take pity on him.  He is a blessing to us and everyone he meets.

Please keep us in your prayers as well as all the doctors and staff of these hospitals.....and say a thankful  prayer to God for these two big burly guys who are making such a difference to kids in the Atlanta area.

In addition I thank all of you for your outpouring of love and support...We have been blessed with great family, church, friends, employers (Grace and Sheriff's Department), and even people I don't even know. 

A great organization that offers Little Bricks of Hope
http://hopelaughplay.org/