Well it has been a busy past few weeks since we last blogged. I (Mike) graduated my second class of lieutenants and sent them out to likely deploy in support of the Afghanistan surge. It is humbling, to say the least, to have a part in shaping these young leaders as they prepare to face many different challenges ahead, and I consider myself blessed to be entrusted with such an important task!
On the home front, Malynda continues to glow more than ever as her pregnancy progresses & we all anxiously await our newest addition to our family. As we reflect upon our Warrior and prepare for his first birthday, we continue to think of ways in which to honor him here on earth. One of those ways, as many of you know, is by participation in organized runs. The latest run took place on Dec. 5th in a very special place for our family - Charleston, SC. Of course, while we were there we were able to meet up with some VERY special people who truly do God's work at the pediatric cardiac ICU at MUSC Children's Hospital.
The run we participated in was the 19th Annual Reindeer Run, however we re-named it the "rain" deer run this year. As the race was beginning, the rain was really coming down pretty hard. Gettin' my game face on here...
One of the most rewarding parts about visiting Charleston is that we get to stay with some pretty awesome folks - Mike & Kimberly Jackson (Kimberly took care of Hudson often as one of the pediatric cardiologist fellows at MUSC). We enjoyed an AMAZING dinner consisting of slowly smoked Boston Butt (for you Yankees & Yuppies up north, that is a pig's butt smoked, or "BBQ" as it's called down here) Mike & Kimberly are here with me preparing for the big race!
As you can see, even though my studly wife is nearing her third trimester, she still is out in force preparing to take on the 5K while pushing Conner. She's such a trooper! (Of course she is bundled up to keep nice and warm in the COLD rainy morning)
Mommy & Conner wearing their reindeer antlers
After the race we met up with some of the nurses who also took care of Hudson - Allison on the left (who, if you recall, flew up to WA to attend Hudson's service), and Sarah May on the right. The guy in the middle is Allison's significant other John. As you can see by Allison's attire, lots of people come to the race dressed in very eccentric outfits... it is a "fun" run after all!
After a hot shower and changing into dry clothes, we met up with some more special folks at the Kickin' Chicken restaurant in Charleston. We never experienced the Kickin' Chicken while we were living down in Charleston, but after eating there we wished we had discovered it sooner - awesome food! Pictured above is Joy & Allison (both RNs who took care of Hudson)
Mike (Kimberly's Husband & superb police officer/firefighter), Sarah May & Liz, who both took care of Hudson as well.
Mindy & Tamara - both RNs who took care of Hudson
Group photo - we had a great time with some great folks!
On the drive back to Columbia, we were able to capture an extremely BEAUTIFUL sunset - a gift from our Warrior. Since his passing we have associated these beautiful sunsets with his smiling face looking down on us. We sure miss him lots... Which brings me to something very big we are working on to honor him and bless other heart families. Some of you may know or have heard about baby Annabelle Butcher. She was born with hypo-plastic left heart syndrome, spent some time in the PCICU at MUSC, and also went to be with Jesus. You can read about her story and her living legacy at http://annabellebaskets.blogspot.com While in the PCICU, we were the recipients of an Annabelle Basket and were so very blessed by it. It was a kind gesture that stuck with us. As we prayed and contemplated different ways in which we could carry on Hudson's legacy and honor him, we were led toward something similar to Annabelle Baskets. We are aiming to complement those baskets and further bless heart families during their stay in the PCICU. I had the honor and privilege to speak with Annabelle's mom this past weekend and we were both able to share stories and speak from the heart about our heart babies, in addition to sharing ideas about this ministry the Lord has placed on our hearts.
So we are stepping out in faith, and are in the planning phases of developing this ministry in Hudson's honor. We have a name, and will call the ministry "From Hudson's Heart" We were able to come up with some ideas while brainstorming with some of the experts over the weekend - the experts being the nurses who take care of these heart babies and families each and every day. We plan to bless families at the PCICU with the following items:
-Disposable camera
(many families arrive without any camera and never get an opportunity to take photos of their baby)
-Hand & Foot Print kit for their heart baby
-Socks & a Front-Buttonning Onesie
Each package will contain these items with a very special note from Hudson's Heart. Additionally, we plan to include a reference card (as suggested by the experts ;) that includes an extensive list of resources for families. This will also include basic instructions on how to set up a Caring Bridge, Care Page, or Blog website in order to share with others, since many families find themselves thrown into this unfamiliar territory without knowing what to expect or what resources are out there. Even knowing in advance about Hudson's defect, a reference card outlining what resources were out there would have been extremely helpful.
We ask you to consider joining us in this ministry in the future. We won't officially launch this until after the new year, but are asking for your prayers and, if you feel led, for your donations (whether that be monetary, or items as listed above, or just prayers) to allow this ministry to take off. We have been so very blessed by your faithful prayers for our family, both in good times and bad, and ask for your continued prayers for this ministry. We are stepping forward in faith and are so excited for what the Lord has planned for this ministry. We know He will do far greater than we could ever ask or imagine.
Thanks so much for reading and for your prayers for our family! God bless you and have a very Merry Christmas!!!
