tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27755822871211789392024-03-13T09:43:51.188-07:00A little less alone"There is something wrong with your child" - it's the once sentence no parent wants to hear from a doctor, but one that many of us have. I am asking for you to share your personal stories with me (and the world) in a book I am working on in the hope that we may help someone else to feel a little less alone. Please read my blog and share it around. Many thanks, TrineTrinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13423689847418432025noreply@blogger.comBlogger44125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2775582287121178939.post-30906547285633999312011-12-27T22:51:00.001-08:002011-12-27T22:51:41.187-08:00Self preservation says...That for a while I am taking a step back from this project. I am really struggling with many things at the moment and I require a little selfish mental vacation from everything extra curricular. <br />
I simply can't give anything else the heart it deserves right now so, I am retreating for a time until my other goings on are sorted.<br />
I used to be such a nice, constantly positive person with so much love and light to give (My sister pointed out she missed that woman, that she has become so lost to those I love truly hurts) <br />
Many things have broken me down over the years and I haven't been running fast enough to stay ahead of them as I've grown weary from the chase.<br />
I will sort things out - sometimes it's just harder than you think it will be. Eventually I will be whoever I was. Right now I'm a bit of a uselessly hollow whinging shell of the person I used to know as me.<br />
So, as I don't wish to inflict this on any one of you and your stories deserve my 300% of effort and skill I will return, with a team of support and knowledge (This is proving too big to do alone, with no emotional supporters nearby) at some point - hopefully in the no to distant future.<br />
<br />
Thankyou for your input, stories and support thus far. I will be back, and if you are still on board at that time, together we will get this book out there . Please do keep working on your story, and asking others to do the same. Still send them through - just be aware that no editing etc will be embarked upon for a while. I'm sorry.... I feel terrible... But this mental break is essential for me.<br />
<br />
Sending you all the kindest thoughts I can muster xxxxx<br />
Trine.Trinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13423689847418432025noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2775582287121178939.post-43208295880073867112011-12-25T16:56:00.001-08:002011-12-25T17:00:11.249-08:00Today I was due..A million years ago on this day I had a due date. A day that should have outshined Christmas. Instead I have a day that means nothing but cricket and recovering from the exhaustion of Christmas Day.<br />
I have a day that means only something quietly to me, one that no one else remembers, one I can't celebrate nor grieve.<br />
A pregnancy that has become the pivotal event in my life, that has shaped it ever since. <br />
I wish I knew you.<br />
I wish I got to hold your hand while you had a tantrum in the supermarket over not being allowed a lolly. I wish I got to stay up, checking your temperature every 20 mins because you were ill and I was worried. I wish I could have watched you wander off to your first day of kinder, or argued with you about eating your dinner -again.<br />
I wish you were remembered by others, so I didn't feel so lonely in my sadness.<br />
I loved you.<br />
You existed to me.<br />
I remember... Though sometimes I wish I could forget.<br />
Trinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13423689847418432025noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2775582287121178939.post-78593043651992123242011-12-21T14:49:00.000-08:002011-12-21T14:49:50.953-08:00Reflections of Motherhood<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.reflectionsofmotherhood.com/">Reflections of Motherhood</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmR6VWVjFoSM3dErqvTX6joH-hyIvh04ClU69xcghej2SmQmG2UBkrnQpj64B3dp87WWhKD8hg3tPNc7uxnnBHfQ6j9RIRdhDb9qGyxw297Bd3uWk44z0usLs2Bm8bh7DOdyfT097U1QIX/s1600/safe_image.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" rea="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmR6VWVjFoSM3dErqvTX6joH-hyIvh04ClU69xcghej2SmQmG2UBkrnQpj64B3dp87WWhKD8hg3tPNc7uxnnBHfQ6j9RIRdhDb9qGyxw297Bd3uWk44z0usLs2Bm8bh7DOdyfT097U1QIX/s1600/safe_image.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">This is a clip we should all have watched before our babies came.. I can identify most with the one about sitting up at night just watching him breathe when he's sick... oh, how many nights I've done that...</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Merry Christmas everyone!</div><div style="text-align: center;">I hope it's an easy one in your house this year xxx</div>Trinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13423689847418432025noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2775582287121178939.post-3970686768256197072011-12-02T15:31:00.001-08:002011-12-02T15:33:20.575-08:00Wish for me...<div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiD2NnjYI5olEmX34DJQbO9iH0Q1NuVkLEsQC0CYUsU3emMsNld9sSX5jBdcXlinWqUuE83lo23VrZe6VFQbwZ4AzW5fvsP1J_3LhHuJfpv_UY24WT6MQTVdAjGMZBxy4ip1zisWY7AkJD8/s640/blogger-image-169498769.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiD2NnjYI5olEmX34DJQbO9iH0Q1NuVkLEsQC0CYUsU3emMsNld9sSX5jBdcXlinWqUuE83lo23VrZe6VFQbwZ4AzW5fvsP1J_3LhHuJfpv_UY24WT6MQTVdAjGMZBxy4ip1zisWY7AkJD8/s640/blogger-image-169498769.jpg" /></a></div>Trinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13423689847418432025noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2775582287121178939.post-72521434414399887122011-12-02T15:19:00.000-08:002011-12-02T15:34:05.042-08:00Just let me cry<span class="messageBody" data-ft="{"type":3}"></span><br />
<div class="text_exposed_root text_exposed" id="id_4ed95b3d1a68d8201988259"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">I found this today on </span><a href="http://www.facebook.com/#!/angelsoftheheart"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Angels of the Heart</span></a><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"> and had to repost it. I'm sure like for me, this speaks for many of you also xx</span></div><div class="text_exposed_root text_exposed"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"></span> </div><div class="text_exposed_root text_exposed"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtZzJmPZ7eRdy4ZxFoMeP7c-OI7juyWROqju1lx_f_uUn-SmN6DxJtVMV7gnqNyX4mjRbJsyK9apqJRs2kEMc19ZKbEQ1gFcQw29nfXEhnWvvo68rL7xUfZBzzUoH_ciKf4HD1AbpxI3aH/s1600/tears.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" dda="true" height="235" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtZzJmPZ7eRdy4ZxFoMeP7c-OI7juyWROqju1lx_f_uUn-SmN6DxJtVMV7gnqNyX4mjRbJsyK9apqJRs2kEMc19ZKbEQ1gFcQw29nfXEhnWvvo68rL7xUfZBzzUoH_ciKf4HD1AbpxI3aH/s320/tears.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="text_exposed_root text_exposed"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"></span> </div><div class="text_exposed_root text_exposed" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">♥ Please See Me Through My Tears ♥<br />
<br />
You asked, "How are you doing?" <br />
As I told you, tears came to my eyes...and you looked away and quickly began to talk again. <br />
All the attention you had given me had drained away. <br />
<span class="text_exposed_hide">...</span></span><span class="text_exposed_show"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"> <br />
"How am I doing?" <br />
I do better when people listen, though I may shed a tear or two. <br />
This pain is indescribable. <br />
If you've never known it, you cannot fully understand. <br />
Yet I need you. <br />
When you look away, <br />
I am again alone with it. <br />
Your attention means more than you can ever know. <br />
<br />
Really, tears are not a bad sign, you know! <br />
They're nature's way of helping me to heal. <br />
They relieve some of the stress of sadness. <br />
<br />
The memory of my loved one's death will always be with me, <br />
Only a thought away. <br />
My tears make my pain more visible to you, but you did not give me the pain...it was already there. <br />
<br />
When I cry, could it be that you feel helpless, <br />
Not knowing what to do? <br />
You are not helpless, <br />
And you don't need to do a thing but be there. <br />
<br />
When I feel your permission to allow my tears to flow, you've helped me. <br />
You need not speak.... Your silence as I cry is all I need. <br />
Be patient...do not fear. <br />
Listening with your heart to "how I am doing" relieves the pain <br />
for when the tears can freely come and go, I feel lighter. <br />
<br />
Talking to you releases what I've wanted to say aloud, clearing space <br />
for a touch of joy in my life. <br />
I'll cry for a minute or two... and then I'll wipe my eyes and sometimes you'll even find I'm laughing later. <br />
<br />
When I hold back the tears, my throat grows tight, my chest aches, my stomach knots... because I'm trying to protect YOU from my tears. <br />
Then we both hurt ME, because my pain is held inside, a shield against our closeness and YOU, because suddenly we are distant. <br />
<br />
So please, take my hand and see me through my tears... <br />
then we can be close again. <br />
~Author Unknown<br />
</span></span></div><div class="text_exposed_root text_exposed" style="text-align: center;"><span class="text_exposed_show"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></span></div>Trinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13423689847418432025noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2775582287121178939.post-37318748322892671682011-11-30T15:55:00.000-08:002011-11-30T15:55:02.357-08:00The world changed dramatically today..six years ago<span class="messageBody" data-ft="{"type":3}"></span><br />
<div class="text_exposed_root text_exposed">December 1st 2005 at 9.58am Joseph Michael Kruse came into the world weighing in at 9 pound 3 ounces.</div><div class="text_exposed_root text_exposed"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2Uqk3yBTVf9ct99y1PO04vgM8gmrd9L6JKPP5n2eKd18BJ6AKtW2-Ug_bpHl3CBAJLMiDPjBmrFWKDa-5tlxgIhF-B_9dBHjbNHgho3dVbgqisYUPyIY9bQhYl0hH22kOHVI18ETXma6A/s1600/Joe.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" dda="true" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2Uqk3yBTVf9ct99y1PO04vgM8gmrd9L6JKPP5n2eKd18BJ6AKtW2-Ug_bpHl3CBAJLMiDPjBmrFWKDa-5tlxgIhF-B_9dBHjbNHgho3dVbgqisYUPyIY9bQhYl0hH22kOHVI18ETXma6A/s320/Joe.jpg" width="239" /></a></div><div class="text_exposed_root text_exposed">After a six and a half hour labour during which, when the midwife said push i said no, because I was still waiting for the bad bit to come.. (When the midwife said "Push next contraction sweetheart" I said "No thanks, it's okay" She said "You need to push, your baby is ready to come out" Me "No, really not yet" Midwife "Humour me" Me "Alright... but... " and a very VERY short time later I was holding him!)</div><div class="text_exposed_root text_exposed"><br />
The very first hands he felt were those of his glowingly proud Daddy who delivered him, and placed him on my chest.</div><div class="text_exposed_root text_exposed"></div><div class="text_exposed_root text_exposed">He was the most beautiful little thing I had ever laid my eyes on - and wonderfully annoyed at the disturbance to his previously wet and comfy world. </div><div class="text_exposed_root text_exposed"></div><div class="text_exposed_root text_exposed">It's so true that there is nothing quite as beautiful as your babies first cry. It brings on a flood of emotions that you just cannot imagine, or prepare yourself for.</div><div class="text_exposed_root text_exposed"><br />
I have never felt the world to be so instantly chan<span class="text_exposed_show">ged as at that moment... It was suddenly both more wonderful, and more scary all at the same time. </span></div><div class="text_exposed_root text_exposed"></div><div class="text_exposed_root text_exposed"><span class="text_exposed_show">Parenthood is both the greatest gift, the most rewarding thing I have embarked upon and also the hardest, most emotional thing I have ever attempted. </span></div><div class="text_exposed_root text_exposed"></div><div class="text_exposed_root text_exposed"><span class="text_exposed_show">I have never been so challenged. Never felt such elation at times, and at other times so defeated. I have often wondered if I'm cut out for this role of motherhood. But even when I feel I'm the worst parent in the world he still loves me...</span></div><div class="text_exposed_root text_exposed"></div><div class="text_exposed_root text_exposed"><span class="text_exposed_show">I suppose that cuts both ways really though. Because even when he's driving me absolutely crazy and I am battling with idea's on how to combat his terrible new behaviour or he's just drawn on the wall or dug (another) hole in the middle of the lawn to play soldiers in... I love him right through it all with every fibre of my body and there is nothing I wouldn't do or sacrifice for him.</span></div><div class="text_exposed_root text_exposed"></div><div class="text_exposed_root text_exposed"><span class="text_exposed_show">He is the greatest gift I have ever received and the biggest most wonderful part of my life.</span></div><div class="text_exposed_root text_exposed"><span class="text_exposed_show"><br />
Happy sixth birthday to the most important person in my world- My Joe xxx</span></div>Trinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13423689847418432025noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2775582287121178939.post-85871419658464677322011-11-22T15:54:00.000-08:002011-11-22T16:10:48.782-08:00They need your red stuff!<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLZ5fsEVpaGD9IYmlZlmJsGRkt3CPzlJPXwQm5U52OBvEVjJJbasOt05QySTSZZYeCWcZEdMyc7Hh7S_tg8r9uApQfi9dMcfXYQFiAMf9irv0ZmdpphVKz62GN446BoBj0rjTIZaSBYiKw/s1600/red+cross1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" hda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLZ5fsEVpaGD9IYmlZlmJsGRkt3CPzlJPXwQm5U52OBvEVjJJbasOt05QySTSZZYeCWcZEdMyc7Hh7S_tg8r9uApQfi9dMcfXYQFiAMf9irv0ZmdpphVKz62GN446BoBj0rjTIZaSBYiKw/s1600/red+cross1.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">Did you know that in every state of Australia blood supplies are down?</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">Here in Tasmania, where they like to run at a 6 day supply MINIMUM we are now down to 2.5 to 3 days worth of <span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">stocks... provided nothing goes majorly wrong..</span></span></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjJPd005lkzLSi3SRWtO4aqDOgxH2piTIs1zVT_hMV35RXKyOyRXX2xr7OoH4-okmMvNFBVhBWCTHz0-C_lx94WGVkSRsM90AM7dArEkj8FQaGywiD6We8PJfviXYS1qGfahfhsdwAJgQQ/s1600/red+cross1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" hda="true" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjJPd005lkzLSi3SRWtO4aqDOgxH2piTIs1zVT_hMV35RXKyOyRXX2xr7OoH4-okmMvNFBVhBWCTHz0-C_lx94WGVkSRsM90AM7dArEkj8FQaGywiD6We8PJfviXYS1qGfahfhsdwAJgQQ/s200/red+cross1.jpg" width="200" /></a><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">When you take into account the holiday season coming up and the accidents that happen during this time, combined with the fact that lots of people are off holidaying and not doing their regular trip to the donation point I find this a little scary - don't you?</span></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">So I've rounded up a few people to come with me to donate some of their red stuff. Why don't you do the same? Guilt a friend into coming to hold your hand. Put on your brave face and take an hour out of your life to potentially save someone else's.</span></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">I needed a transfusion after my son was born. Without it I would have been in quite a bit of trouble. It is possible that Joe would have ended up motherless. If that blood hadn't been available, my entire families lives would be different.</span></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">I'd like to repay the debt. </span></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinfbylexdpsotTA9XMN-aoPovMXeVNBRaffSOhFn-u5OprhRk3qQdVMoZW4kbS89lQa3Zq0HXnjgneZDDoGi6F8TimnIUqya2gzncz2rmXgfoXEP8Pgu3jtOTxitsF_b4CLxxrYfyY8gkN/s1600/red+cross1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" hda="true" height="259" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinfbylexdpsotTA9XMN-aoPovMXeVNBRaffSOhFn-u5OprhRk3qQdVMoZW4kbS89lQa3Zq0HXnjgneZDDoGi6F8TimnIUqya2gzncz2rmXgfoXEP8Pgu3jtOTxitsF_b4CLxxrYfyY8gkN/s320/red+cross1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">There are lots of myths around blood donation so let me help dispel some of them.</span></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">1. You CAN donate if you have had a transfusion. So long as it was within Australia and over 12 months ago (and you have the all clear from your GP) </span></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">2. You CAN donate if you have tattoo's. They just have to be older than 6 months ago.</span></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">3. You CAN donate if you're 16 or over (in QLD you need parental permission if you are under 17)</span></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">4. You CAN donate if your baby is 9 months old.</span></div><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: center;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLbgMdFQM0OyGQCZ26di7CCZdffwZSiPw74Xz1BAZcPuyC43OEOqc8Obov4yf0oksgqqun5mZ4xQlDicbzf1i7XhLpcMEb0_hggROcFmZNsldEK7EyXLkTD0Dnk1xUE4UurDO4y1HFYge9/s1600/red+cross1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" hda="true" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLbgMdFQM0OyGQCZ26di7CCZdffwZSiPw74Xz1BAZcPuyC43OEOqc8Obov4yf0oksgqqun5mZ4xQlDicbzf1i7XhLpcMEb0_hggROcFmZNsldEK7EyXLkTD0Dnk1xUE4UurDO4y1HFYge9/s320/red+cross1.jpg" width="207" /></a><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">5. You CAN donate if you are an absolute pussy - </span></div></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: center;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">LOOK AT ME!! </span></div></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: center;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">I once punched a doctor when I was younger and he wanted to give me a needle (for good reason) I didn't mean to, I have a phobia...... this sometimes makes you a little crazy!! I have had to have many MANY blood tests and shots in my life since and there is a point where it became something I was doing for my child... and that helps me get past it. </span></div></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: center;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">I still feel squeamish at the thought of a needle. </span></div></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: center;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">I sometimes cope wonderfully with my blood tests, other times I cry... it just happens, I can't help it. </span></div></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: center;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">I don't mind admitting this because I'm human, we all have fears and things we don't cope with that well. </span></div></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: center;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">This is mine. </span></div></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"> I'm going to push past my frightened as hell because of the good it may do. I could let a mum have more time with her baby (like many people did for previously posted about Charlie and Steph) </span></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJy_oMWNrFFKllsv1TBp6ssALVn99WzQ529Gt5YjPX849tuqf-rHE7B_MqR6aeXyeLjzLU6H9fxq55vpWlvVgKFc8wpcSKYVorocotMiarMFbapUqvKxvvgYpqIMhvBO_jVzUbRXUu71Ws/s1600/red+cross1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" hda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJy_oMWNrFFKllsv1TBp6ssALVn99WzQ529Gt5YjPX849tuqf-rHE7B_MqR6aeXyeLjzLU6H9fxq55vpWlvVgKFc8wpcSKYVorocotMiarMFbapUqvKxvvgYpqIMhvBO_jVzUbRXUu71Ws/s1600/red+cross1.jpg" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">That's better than any gift I can think of. And it's certainly worth me putting myself through a little turmoil.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">I'd like to give props to my Mum here. She is one of the most selfless people I know and since my baby sister (now in her early 20's) came along she has found the time to donate over 80 times. She now goes almost fortnightly to donate plasma which is a much more intensive and time consuming process. </span></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia;">My Mum is my hero. She's MY lifesaver when ever I need her, she is always....just...there... </span></div> <br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYvLYkLQCLnZxZ8BdO7maNXc_IveKuKmXvTsbnai5dndCz5YnYbQ5-wRAmvRAY4KQHsOvVGPKZ0-c1ouISnOtGV1fkLZ6z11rxwUzWFRlEntD3BUG3L_mSTVs4fWzBlO0P4PstaQqbZZCs/s1600/red+cross1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" hda="true" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYvLYkLQCLnZxZ8BdO7maNXc_IveKuKmXvTsbnai5dndCz5YnYbQ5-wRAmvRAY4KQHsOvVGPKZ0-c1ouISnOtGV1fkLZ6z11rxwUzWFRlEntD3BUG3L_mSTVs4fWzBlO0P4PstaQqbZZCs/s320/red+cross1.jpg" width="180" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My beautiful Mum xx</td></tr>
</tbody></table> <br />
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia;">and I have no doubt through her constant selflessness that her blood has been a lifesaver to many other families.</span></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia;">If my Mum can do it 80 times.... I can do it too.</span></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia;">Will you?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia;">Please call them on 131495 and book your appointment!</span></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia;">(I'd love to know if you do!)</span></div>Trinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13423689847418432025noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2775582287121178939.post-12428049359933381582011-11-10T21:24:00.001-08:002011-11-10T21:24:44.129-08:00Lovely :)<div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAZiRZgll-2mLGt8PFqnrQHFcKXrWPMVU_oA8G4o41L4J2ao8HcBxGXibo6t1HNristz6Tf1V0Bc-d1TfOgX0JWPmA0UH27mQTFo-wBusd0CbVxv33QMcvYWbC6UR8FXRWgSKIyhYW6WTI/s640/blogger-image-1140708824.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAZiRZgll-2mLGt8PFqnrQHFcKXrWPMVU_oA8G4o41L4J2ao8HcBxGXibo6t1HNristz6Tf1V0Bc-d1TfOgX0JWPmA0UH27mQTFo-wBusd0CbVxv33QMcvYWbC6UR8FXRWgSKIyhYW6WTI/s640/blogger-image-1140708824.jpg" /></a></div>Trinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13423689847418432025noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2775582287121178939.post-36742210614614595572011-11-09T18:38:00.001-08:002011-11-09T22:21:00.521-08:00G-Mae please put your hand up!!<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEC-BC125y6DYjnQf0tBrdod_duwpKeTKrwcB9rEhSaK5EcDh49ZGDgD1jZkD_eSFugWy7YmGh28WrG13FF-iLyvbTR-ZxYzYcuWpvmm6CCMXWqoE-Nmcr7AFKsTFtfCvR4S64bqqzJVEs/s640/blogger-image-1674996678.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEC-BC125y6DYjnQf0tBrdod_duwpKeTKrwcB9rEhSaK5EcDh49ZGDgD1jZkD_eSFugWy7YmGh28WrG13FF-iLyvbTR-ZxYzYcuWpvmm6CCMXWqoE-Nmcr7AFKsTFtfCvR4S64bqqzJVEs/s400/blogger-image-1674996678.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Getting ready to write the names down.. c'mon I need a treat every now and then too ;)</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: center;">Well the end Tally was $386.00.</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: center;">Thankyou to everyone that shared, and to The wonderful few that added to my pot taking the donation far higher than I thought it would be. </div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKgKzyBK7IkC37l4TkSKRX7EcMCHBb7SUIVLwO4qEjin7tDBUdV8z9_ffjyxqPUrz1xhGdyN9Hh1eIsCZMXPbWXcipDtxYplJWCv6cvQZPxHDWIHlqaQAdm_Ukxz-quenn3nWREhAJ67Gt/s640/blogger-image--1047256458.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKgKzyBK7IkC37l4TkSKRX7EcMCHBb7SUIVLwO4qEjin7tDBUdV8z9_ffjyxqPUrz1xhGdyN9Hh1eIsCZMXPbWXcipDtxYplJWCv6cvQZPxHDWIHlqaQAdm_Ukxz-quenn3nWREhAJ67Gt/s640/blogger-image--1047256458.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_He9dFJncPN_Yel7YMTrM8rGAKpcP7Lf8NZSh42dlxMmV1WU_1WnzTZPeMQyGnz0mtyvXvrba-fTgf1P_S-jcGv43VDJapAQDQQeZti_Q7aaxr40OeqArRpmZhIoG67cbLy0FT2NrLBK2/s640/blogger-image--182480179.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_He9dFJncPN_Yel7YMTrM8rGAKpcP7Lf8NZSh42dlxMmV1WU_1WnzTZPeMQyGnz0mtyvXvrba-fTgf1P_S-jcGv43VDJapAQDQQeZti_Q7aaxr40OeqArRpmZhIoG67cbLy0FT2NrLBK2/s400/blogger-image--182480179.jpg" width="298" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: center;">As you can see I conned My Mum into helping with the draw :) Gorgeous isn't she :)</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: center;">At the closing minute she threw in $50 which got it up to the end tally!</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: center;">The lovely Georgina Ross is the lady picked from the hat and she has decided she'd like the money donated to Yasminah's gift of Hope... And I think that's a wonderful place for it to go xx</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: center;">I've asked Bec from <a href="http://www.ygoh.org.au/">Yasminah's Gift of Hope (YGOH) </a>to do a guest post so you can all learn about the wonderful things they do :)</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAXl4dvZSqTf1j5bB5cx-fE4Ki3_Li-zcVjoIAInTcTf2cI-tJNmgAEMZ33T_K6nK6a1JHf97Me-QcQMp6EMA9CCX8u6HSyMGF-AR2ex_APIhvCRuQhpKPibL9I0LAuujzBDCkXnpRkQmV/s640/blogger-image-374066700.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAXl4dvZSqTf1j5bB5cx-fE4Ki3_Li-zcVjoIAInTcTf2cI-tJNmgAEMZ33T_K6nK6a1JHf97Me-QcQMp6EMA9CCX8u6HSyMGF-AR2ex_APIhvCRuQhpKPibL9I0LAuujzBDCkXnpRkQmV/s400/blogger-image-374066700.jpg" width="298" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: center;">Awesome people, you're all awesome!</div>Trinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13423689847418432025noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2775582287121178939.post-22044234795686470952011-11-08T20:21:00.000-08:002011-11-08T20:38:54.942-08:00The donation has grown... I'm so touched xx<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-tVicBwd_D9F1LAtCf2ZhCOJbl-mB2Vq8HGKspcJVlfFkgViKT_qB3m9Ywrokd0GiUmc4LcxOfQjtEsgd1Lixkkx0yO7TD0jxK8wOufPUAaRke_tv3tzWerjYsx5D5gW9MhExlVrD_41N/s1600/lift+others+up%2521.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" ida="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-tVicBwd_D9F1LAtCf2ZhCOJbl-mB2Vq8HGKspcJVlfFkgViKT_qB3m9Ywrokd0GiUmc4LcxOfQjtEsgd1Lixkkx0yO7TD0jxK8wOufPUAaRke_tv3tzWerjYsx5D5gW9MhExlVrD_41N/s320/lift+others+up%2521.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">You are all incredible.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Your support for this project is so appreciated.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia;">For every "share" of my blog and page</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia;">THANK YOU!</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia;">This post is exciting... well.. I'm excited.. and touched.. and a little emotional..</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">I have another announcement, one which had me shedding a quiet little happy tear (I am very tired today.. I loathe hate detest croup and my poor little boys weak respiratory system. Annnnyways...)</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">I received a message from ANOTHER wonderful young woman, Casey Lange who had been reading my blog and asked if she also could match my donation to the charity of choice from tomorrows hat picking draw... </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Could she?</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">My good goodness YES!!</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia;">How incredible is that? How beautiful!!</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">I am exhausted today, but the messages I've been receiving and the support for what I'm doing has me so uplifted.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">I am so incredibly grateful to you all for reading, following, sharing, liking, talking about, supporting and encouraging my project.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">This is just a little something to give back to everyone.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">You ALL deserve this donation.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">But it's okay...</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">I'm working on something else for a little later on ;)</span></div>Trinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13423689847418432025noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2775582287121178939.post-82097974686410423712011-11-07T01:49:00.000-08:002011-11-08T13:50:54.513-08:00Organ donor?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhteDNpjTit6toyDsDnExMrHhh2J3Z-6JuZM7Zu12Brr6P4KKl9v32GmOpVQzqpmeM3X3HJQsNC49hT_qf8DkcvZXVP6DifqY2J6IoIc_VJhWNFJkeELKXCw8Y0Q3U1B8RZt036sDPMX8B3/s1600/organ+donor.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="277" ida="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhteDNpjTit6toyDsDnExMrHhh2J3Z-6JuZM7Zu12Brr6P4KKl9v32GmOpVQzqpmeM3X3HJQsNC49hT_qf8DkcvZXVP6DifqY2J6IoIc_VJhWNFJkeELKXCw8Y0Q3U1B8RZt036sDPMX8B3/s400/organ+donor.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
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The things you wish to not think about, must be spoken of.<br />
<br />
It's important.<br />
<br />
There is a child in a hospital with their parents hovering over them. Their mobile phone is always charged, it is always in their pocket, it is always on the loud setting. Waiting.. and watching their child fade away, dimly hoping that someone will save their child.<br />
<br />
There is a child in a hospital sitting beside her father. Holding his hand while he lays there sleeping. Every now and then she runs her fingernail across his palm, digging in sharply. She is hoping that he still flinches. She is dimly hoping that someone will save her father.<br />
<br />
There is a baby who hasn't yet see the outside of a hospital. Parents that don't dare make plans for tomorrow. Relatives that ask tentatively..<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><em>"How is ..."</em> </span><br />
<br />
terrified that one day the answer will be.....<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2v8wX59Q1YvdE3m9MsqtJfy5yVQKLbqMB1is55FHhpZhT8r7yDCye0ts3sG-0PjXqdE8MXm_vRJ8Y5LfBwhyPiRqN0NgHGfGIsB0ABNB1GhybG0e7X0ySoCj63bJQ_L2u8Eng2CTV_dBb/s1600/cadaver.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="141" ida="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2v8wX59Q1YvdE3m9MsqtJfy5yVQKLbqMB1is55FHhpZhT8r7yDCye0ts3sG-0PjXqdE8MXm_vRJ8Y5LfBwhyPiRqN0NgHGfGIsB0ABNB1GhybG0e7X0ySoCj63bJQ_L2u8Eng2CTV_dBb/s200/cadaver.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><em><span style="font-size: x-large;">"Dead."</span></em></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpKBXVHswMyWNISE0htTAwQzfbl-kYfrBrGQulT4iOucQgMGM6TEQ_tleKWb5Rj6_nwYXoVv87w7wEOmIowSqT_tINt0fj75pnHX4xWI1YTTEr_JViPPNx_N9ljk9thmA3QtOjVM1r_OIL/s1600/angel+of+grief.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" ida="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpKBXVHswMyWNISE0htTAwQzfbl-kYfrBrGQulT4iOucQgMGM6TEQ_tleKWb5Rj6_nwYXoVv87w7wEOmIowSqT_tINt0fj75pnHX4xWI1YTTEr_JViPPNx_N9ljk9thmA3QtOjVM1r_OIL/s320/angel+of+grief.jpg" width="213" /></a>One uncomfortable conversation with your loved ones.</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: left;">Five minutes of your life...talking of something you hope never happens...</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: left;">Could give someone else days, weeks, months, years.. with their loved ones.</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">A child could be spared standing at their parents graveside.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">A parent could be spared the pain of outliving their child.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">So get over the uncomfortable selfish ignorance of thinking you will live forever and "someone else" will help these people.... Start the conversation. Tell your loved ones if you wish to donate your organs. Remind them every year or so (we have this conversation about once a year - at least!) </div><div style="text-align: left;">Then when your mother/husband/children has to make the decision.... When the tears are flowing and they can't think straight... they will KNOW what your wishes were.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">My entire family are organ donors. Myself and my husband.. and our son. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">THAT was a tough conversation.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">We talked about what would happen to him if we were both killed. We talked to the people we hoped would take him on and raise him with the love we have for him... then we made sure the legal documents with our Will's stated our wishes and talked to our families about this. Everyone knows what the plan would be..</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">We talked about what we would do if we lost our precious boy. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6iWipi3WYcYuIsmx3crNVh_kbMJlyRWPNyhvJmbi4j9miyUxLEUnf_X0fBQ5OYQBsNMP5SzcDcS0OEkaQ-LZc97v8YHMyE4QbjBI2mWvJfvxPNpB5TPWRJl1TouHmB8ph7Vj96BP-p76H/s1600/100_0246.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" ida="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6iWipi3WYcYuIsmx3crNVh_kbMJlyRWPNyhvJmbi4j9miyUxLEUnf_X0fBQ5OYQBsNMP5SzcDcS0OEkaQ-LZc97v8YHMyE4QbjBI2mWvJfvxPNpB5TPWRJl1TouHmB8ph7Vj96BP-p76H/s320/100_0246.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">The decision was easy. We would be shattered yes. Unquestionably. But we both agree that we would save someone else the pain of burying their child. The gift of life. Light from the darkness.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Our families know our wishes.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Infact, Joe even knows what would happen. He's an incredible little boy... he said it was amazing that if we couldn't use our bodies anymore that we could save someone else's life. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">He's even asked on occasion if we can save animals the same way....My mini Steve Irwin.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Make the decision easy for YOUR family.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Have an uncomfortable conversation.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Love,</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Trine xxx<br />
<br />
(Please check out my posts "I'm tired of 31 so lets get charitable" and "Upsize that donation!" - the draw is tomorrow and I'd love to get enough followers to put me over the $100 mark xx)</div>Trinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13423689847418432025noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2775582287121178939.post-41795294829370471192011-11-06T12:37:00.000-08:002011-11-07T00:49:10.892-08:00Hospital Healing Hampers - Guest Post!<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: center;"><span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: large;"></span></span><strong> GUEST POST!</strong></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: center;"><strong>Please welcome Jen from HHH :)</strong></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjH_Fr2XPV1tUMCnAacn3-xFtCsMZJSfUmbZNXyQzE9o_0wmvh6YVS1no75xwJ2tp1LrfDOwzE8tBrkeOvR4Tm-MbyEWcTD5nC_WNc2MUxvfqOBWU7nlGbqjO1V8PW90yvg2U5m8Qv9Xy6o/s1600/HHH+logo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="201" ida="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjH_Fr2XPV1tUMCnAacn3-xFtCsMZJSfUmbZNXyQzE9o_0wmvh6YVS1no75xwJ2tp1LrfDOwzE8tBrkeOvR4Tm-MbyEWcTD5nC_WNc2MUxvfqOBWU7nlGbqjO1V8PW90yvg2U5m8Qv9Xy6o/s320/HHH+logo.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOYIUdMv3CVIG5BTyCNGUSm5Umbx3u4nwgiRq2fuw2ruIJt9TO6F4k1nK2_D6j9KR8utuN04aED_-gqBi1iR6tX2YBw19bZTEE0ZXtknEFT8zJrXes0Lox8sMa9vFopZha6AjNpWunS8Xg/s1600/HHH.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" ida="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOYIUdMv3CVIG5BTyCNGUSm5Umbx3u4nwgiRq2fuw2ruIJt9TO6F4k1nK2_D6j9KR8utuN04aED_-gqBi1iR6tX2YBw19bZTEE0ZXtknEFT8zJrXes0Lox8sMa9vFopZha6AjNpWunS8Xg/s320/HHH.jpg" width="222" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><em>Lets start from today and reflect back: You could say our parenting style is an interesting one, as our journey into parenting has been equally unique…Our sixteen year old daughter , Lucy, along with our son Luke 14 and Lilly 12 are having to make some big schooling decisions, basically ‘what do you want to do when you grow up?” Lucy comes to us as parents for advice, but what can we say when as 42 year olds we also don’t know what we want to be when we grow up!! The best advice we can give is to live for the day and do today what makes you fulfilled and happy, and to always respect, include, accept, embrace and enjoy your follow human kind and always think outside the square, being open to others opinions and acknowledge that there is often no right or wrong way to life.</em></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><em>Please explain why we do this you may ask.. ? Paul and I married 17 years ago, Paul being a mad football player , who had the privilege of making it to the top of his sport playing for the Sydney Swans, and I was working in the Insurance Industry plodding along, we built a gorgeous house in Fern Tree a beautiful bush suburb at the foothills of Mt Wellington in Tasmania, things were great.. Within a year we had Miss Lucy, stubborn as a mule and took 48hours of tough labour to finally arrive, but all well. Some 16months later Master Luke popped along, once again all good then 2.5years later Miss Lilly Bella arrived, once again all fit and healthy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Then we outgrew our house and needed to be a little closer to schools and moved to another mountain suburb Mt Nelson, just a little lower in altitude to Fern Tree..<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Some 18months into renovating we feel pregnant with our fourth, this is when our journey took a somewhat interesting bend in the road and by bend I mean a 90degree bend..A very sudden bend….</em></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><em>All was fine until our 18week scan, lots of people suddenly come into the room, then suddenly lots of people leave the room.. Paul and I sitting there in an empty ultrasound room sensing fear that we have never ever experienced, our intuition told us things did not look good. When someone finally did enter the room we were told our daughter had many issues and very sure she had Downs Syndrome.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>WHAT, WHY, HOW… so many questions how could this happen, I truly cannot put into words the emotions we had to deal with in that first week of this knowledge, it was gut wrenching and made us question so many values, the meaning of life, and so many other questions.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We chose not to go ahead with any further testing, we wanted to best chance for our daughter and so in the oven she stayed until the time was right for Miss Josie to appear..But as a mother and to this day I still carry me a sense of guilt that maybe I did something wrong, I know the science tells me otherwise, but it is still there. I have learnt to put it away into the back of my mind and heart and focus on her strengths and her amazing ability to make us laugh, I thank her for that every day.</em></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><em>Appear she did , after a rather hasty delivery due to her small size and lack of movement, but she did eventually scream that was the best scream I have ever heard, although some 10 years later the scream still continues and I am over it now…! There is a lot of in-between emotions including the emotion of loss, yes my child is alive, but I still felt a sense of loss, I should be grateful , but yet loss was still there, why did this happen? She will never be able to run? Talk?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We then started the medical head spin journey but would need to put that all into a novel I feel.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Josie’s first main surgery was her open heart surgery, wow that was a big learning curve into the world of medical jargon, it was all such a blur, but we had so much trust in our doctors being so medically naïve at this stage.. This surgery was done at the Royal Children’s Hospital in <city w:st="on"><place w:st="on">Melbourne</place></city> so it was so disruptive for our whole family and once again as a mother so hard to leave three other children behind and focus on just one.. During her stay in intensive care, we witnessed a young baby pass away and this was our turning point, I had never experienced such helplessness and loneliness, we had to find a way to empower ourselves to cope with all this emotion that was happening ,and yet to come.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Human strength and spirit is an incredible thing, that just cannot be explained but we truly believe its power is amazing. In this modern world we live in we often take time to slow down and<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>it can often to lead to a state of confusion , fear, and greed. This experience of Intenseive Care helped us to understand and acknowledge our reality we know had to face and establish a kind of motto or worldview to help us continue in our new world of hospitals, illness and medical lingo.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></em></span></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYkcIBgyKswLNiceTDcKDkKH2A8l-TW1inWrF7fWl2QF-B9zIMhJ4_xzPBUfGL6IWIluLB5KsUAwJtQ53WEC7BwiYx_5czp9bL0SKMBhyphenhyphenLoYDliaLsnTbmt8uwwFBpe8ZsUGXyxUKazBDg/s1600/josie+HHH.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" ida="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYkcIBgyKswLNiceTDcKDkKH2A8l-TW1inWrF7fWl2QF-B9zIMhJ4_xzPBUfGL6IWIluLB5KsUAwJtQ53WEC7BwiYx_5czp9bL0SKMBhyphenhyphenLoYDliaLsnTbmt8uwwFBpe8ZsUGXyxUKazBDg/s320/josie+HHH.jpg" width="320" /></a></div></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><em><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Josie has since then had over 15 surgeries including two lots of hip surgery to reconstruct her hips, two lots of knee surgeries to rebuild her knees, two eye surgeries, many oral surgeries and many more, plus she has ongoing kidney issues, is incontinent, has mental delays, (but one wicked sense of humour), immune deficiencies, and Austistic behavior patterns (which are very challenging), we recently also had another visit to Melbourne as she has multiple spine issues and will require a spine fusion, that’s the next medical issue to deal with.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Plus we are dealing with the joys of puberty… NOT! Must perhaps also mention that after many possible syndrome diagnosis, Miss Josie grew into Kabuki Syndrome, she is a Kabuki Kiddie..</em></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><em>The bulk of these surgeries have been in <city w:st="on">Melbourne</city> and we travel to <city w:st="on"><place w:st="on">Melbourne</place></city> around 4-6 times a year depending on the year… This disruption to our other children has been immense, but we have been supported by so many people and its our humour and acceptance of the situation that has made things manageable.</em></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><br />
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFdoJCVOvZI92Q-nBvVI91UgaHlgpbas99c-FHJXczUAlNzClXheAys_D0n5IrX40WzZSaUw4JrmjK5iI5Gc9PNPPFmWWUAMIVHCKgBYde7ypxstrmJOwh3qKyCJSwtZq02v6RfII3mJxi/s1600/take+a+smile.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" ida="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFdoJCVOvZI92Q-nBvVI91UgaHlgpbas99c-FHJXczUAlNzClXheAys_D0n5IrX40WzZSaUw4JrmjK5iI5Gc9PNPPFmWWUAMIVHCKgBYde7ypxstrmJOwh3qKyCJSwtZq02v6RfII3mJxi/s320/take+a+smile.JPG" width="320" /></a><span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><em>Although I would be lying if I said we cope all the time, because we don’t, there are sometimes something like Home and Away, will make me cry for hours! Over what I don’t know… but it sets me off and away I go… I cant watch animal shows like animal rescue, RSPCA, …Then sometimes the pressure builds up like a pressure cooker and whoever maybe closet will get an earful if they tick me off, I remember one day screaming at a radiologist because he was rude to me, well that was it he got it… I truly cant even remember what I said, but it felt good, then I felt bad… ahhh such a roller coaster ride..<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I find now when I feel the pressure cooker developing I go for a long walk and stop to remind myself about stopping to smell the roses, and choose your battles.. people walking past me must think I am one crazy lady, as I talk to myself whilst walking…! We have been profoundly affected by many of the relationships we have come across during these 11 years and the healthy relationships we have clung to as they have a tremendous power to nurture the soul and help heal the wounds.</em></span></span></div></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><em>We have also found ourselves having to become doctors ourselves and research so many medical issues and teach ourselves and also being open to new techniques, this often has resulted in us teaching the medical profession. This have often caused tension within the medical world, but I really need them to learn to respect us and families and that illness has not just about the patient it must involve the wider family unit and the impact it has on them must also be considered.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Not all medical decisions need be based on science and theory, often the inner knowledge of a family and the connection between them can make a decision based on the human intuition..Knowledge can be great but must be respected and used wisely taking a wholistic approach.</em></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><em>We strongly feel some 10 years down the track, that Josie is a wise old soul, who has been given to us to help us to all become stronger as a family and allow our other children to find professions where they can help others to become stronger , happier, healthier people.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She also chose us as her parents as we have been able to give her what she needs and that is humour, acceptance, love, boundries, and the ability to be herself.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We are all unique and should always feel able to be unique, without being judged or questioned..Our daughter has given us the eyes and ability to feel peoples pain, emotions, and joy, and the strength to share in all of those emotions without fear of negativity.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s the people in glass houses story, no one should ever through stones….</em></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><em>We didn’t choose to have a child with special needs but boy we are so glad she chose us, our life is so much more interesting for it, hard, both physically, emotionally and financially but also fulfilling, busy, and has given our family the ability to truly empathise and understand so many other people. Our network of friends is so inspiring and amazing and we all draw on each other to support when we are having lows and all share our highs..</em></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjrLKy9vMZwhskKNbuq5RVn25F1HUvJOrgVyp0juexmmRTnbnr52dt6oc1IbGCqSyvrMx75zlB7otRbowrWUtNxGN3mhPpGsApzfF0-vNymOGc-o80kDUaewlwl49tCx-0rH-3I6vMkGrK/s1600/HHH1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="245" ida="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjrLKy9vMZwhskKNbuq5RVn25F1HUvJOrgVyp0juexmmRTnbnr52dt6oc1IbGCqSyvrMx75zlB7otRbowrWUtNxGN3mhPpGsApzfF0-vNymOGc-o80kDUaewlwl49tCx-0rH-3I6vMkGrK/s320/HHH1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><em>Having Miss Josie and living and breathing special needs, I also have the joy of working with children with additional needs and their families supporting them and teaching them techniques of coping during their own early days journey.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Everyday these wonderful children and their families teach me about life and how we are often restrained by expectations.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Hence when my children what shall I be when I grow up, I just feel that it is their journey and what will be will be, but they certainly know that we accept any choice they make (within reason of course) and that they should embrace life with an open mind.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I truly don’t think you ever GROW UP, you just evolve..</em></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><br />
<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><em>Our new business venture Hospital Healing Hampers has been 11 years in the making, but is has been only the last 18months that this concept has been able to be completed, as the timing was right.. We provide beautiful Hampers that have been created to provide a natural healing feel.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Each hamper is hand packed to meet the needs of the receiver , such as a cancer patient, a child, a neighbor etc… Hospital Healing Hampers has had so much support from wonderful Australian suppliers who also make their beautiful products with passion and pride, and free from nasty chemicals.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></em></span></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjj80nuPco5IzGmka8slaWg9Tn1Th6oa64PAF7CvdsdGO0vyZJt_RslPHVr2WczPkHXvfnRiWeJNBQUqxaeOb58yGAAZdS2YQYhMg_Xcoaxn7pyLUJEO_x3jRVdT2v6_tppOarFtzV-lRb6/s1600/one+dollar.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" ida="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjj80nuPco5IzGmka8slaWg9Tn1Th6oa64PAF7CvdsdGO0vyZJt_RslPHVr2WczPkHXvfnRiWeJNBQUqxaeOb58yGAAZdS2YQYhMg_Xcoaxn7pyLUJEO_x3jRVdT2v6_tppOarFtzV-lRb6/s200/one+dollar.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><em>Together with such amazing passionate people we have created a tailor made hamper business whilst also providing $1 from each hamper sale to support families across Australia with much needed resources.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Whilst the diagnosis, or surgery or illness may be all different the emotional and physical journey is often the same, a roller coaster.. We just truly want to let you know we support you all, and to work in partnership with you to provide a hamper not only packed with beautiful products but to send a hamper that is packed with so many unseen emotions, but I am sure once the hamper is opened so too are many emotions, joy, sadness, gratefulness, love, appreciation and respect.....</em></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">You can find Jen and her HHH at <a href="http://www.hospitalhealinghampers.com.au/">http://www.hospitalhealinghampers.com.au/</a> or at the facebook page <a href="http://www.facebook.com/HospitalHealingHampers">http://www.facebook.com/HospitalHealingHampers</a> </span></span><br />
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Have you heard of HHH before? Have you been the recipient of one? I have heard nothing but glowing reviews from people who have talked about theirs - Jen, you do a wonderful thing, and thankyou for sharing it with us xxx</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">If you are still reading please don't forget to actually follow my blog - only days till the hat picking money giving draw (did you see that every dollar will be matched by another donor? awesome right? Where would YOU want it to go?)</div>Trinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13423689847418432025noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2775582287121178939.post-80273793993598894682011-11-05T15:39:00.000-07:002011-11-05T15:39:32.477-07:00Upsize that donation!! :)You all know that On November 10th I'll be drawing one of my followers names from a hat and that person will decide where the dollar for every follower will be donated to.. So far, we have a small $43.00 destined for someone's not for profit organization. <br />
This morning though I got a message from someone who heard what I was doing and they wish to double the donation I was planning on making!!<br />
So, by that simple act of kindness we now have $86.00!! <br />
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Can you share this around?<br />
Let's see how much we can give to a deserving cause :)<br />
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Hope your day is going wonderfully!<br />
<br />
Trine xxTrinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13423689847418432025noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2775582287121178939.post-38862500899694918482011-11-03T15:57:00.000-07:002011-11-03T16:38:25.570-07:00Charlie Bears Gift<span style="font-family: Georgia;"> </span> <br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt 18pt;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDHWkuZc9p-JBgcA7RKF_mDjWGgOfdXZ5aKuhRcjIhXz-LdqDdQBI63ukNPBu_bkcjhBL77YrslOzaQZdnrqrr-IbI8-VCaA0ItkMzLOkDD0zEj3TqD0TKuUc392f4P9sb09RgpYZEI1Fz/s1600/6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="225" ida="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDHWkuZc9p-JBgcA7RKF_mDjWGgOfdXZ5aKuhRcjIhXz-LdqDdQBI63ukNPBu_bkcjhBL77YrslOzaQZdnrqrr-IbI8-VCaA0ItkMzLOkDD0zEj3TqD0TKuUc392f4P9sb09RgpYZEI1Fz/s400/6.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tiny little piece of perfect right?</td></tr>
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<h6 style="background: white; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt 18pt;"><span class="messagebodytranslationeligibleusermessage"><span lang="EN" style="font-family: Georgia; font-weight: normal; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-size: small;">I am and always have been a huge lover of quotes and poetry.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When I was younger (because now I’m ancient of course) I had an entire wall in my cottage covered with them scribbled on pieces of paper and stuck up in a randomness that represented my life at the time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Scattered in between them all were photos of people that I love and memories - moments in time that I still hold dear.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span></span></h6><div class="MsoNormal" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt 18pt;"> <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzyHWwjqntbrYG1P-9nBBpn63cicYm__onGlNsga5d8-EtCl_ZeKUagesqCP6kjvg9GKXueYOZVhSmSw5Af5a8VoRWYnykGIrlfM-7tycvP7a205FhOkOxnhdGzCP6-eZrJJCu56bpvnEw/s1600/10.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="112" ida="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzyHWwjqntbrYG1P-9nBBpn63cicYm__onGlNsga5d8-EtCl_ZeKUagesqCP6kjvg9GKXueYOZVhSmSw5Af5a8VoRWYnykGIrlfM-7tycvP7a205FhOkOxnhdGzCP6-eZrJJCu56bpvnEw/s200/10.bmp" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
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</tbody></table> <span class="messagebodytranslationeligibleusermessage"><span lang="EN" style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: small; font-weight: normal; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">What does this have to do with anything?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Have I simply gone completely off track and forgotten what this whole blog and book project is about?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Due to the old age (it’s true! I’m ancient - ask the five year old!) it would be understandable that you may think this, but no… this is slightly relevant to this post.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Just be patient.</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt 18pt;"><br />
</div><h6 style="background: white; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt 18pt;"><span lang="EN" style="font-family: Georgia; font-weight: normal; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-size: small;">The young lady I wish to tell you all about is, in my mind nothing less than amazing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m going to be honest, I had known this Mums name for a little while.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m not sure how we stumbled into each other – I’ve met so many people – I think perhaps it was in a closed group I was invited in to called Aussie Women Making a Difference.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I know, I know.. I’m not sure what they were thinking when they let me in either!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This lass most definitely deserves her place on the couch there though.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span></h6><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt 18pt;"><br />
</div><h6 style="background: white; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt 18pt;"><span lang="EN" style="font-family: Georgia; font-weight: normal; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-size: small;">I received an email on Saturday the 27<sup>th</sup> of August this year giving me the story of her little battler.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span></h6><h6 style="background: white; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt 18pt;"><span lang="EN" style="font-family: Georgia; font-weight: normal; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span></span><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></h6><h6 style="background: white; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt 18pt; text-align: center;"><span lang="EN" style="font-family: Georgia; font-weight: normal; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span><span style="font-size: small;">His name was Charlie.</span></span></h6><h6 style="background: white; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt 18pt; text-align: center;"><span lang="EN" style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: small; font-weight: normal; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">He was beautiful.</span></h6><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicAzZ2ZJ7GfZ2I2bw1l46-aPTf3CKumfAfPNnaGye0F9FLMqZoYruPgnIhz5RamuACjXKzxiy1HlTlhXOkX94EXmjKyOCIsEEXckjmo_R4uAqKbSgdaqjBcKRD5-UP0ZHMA5vbpAc1yGTn/s1600/IMG_3068.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" ida="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicAzZ2ZJ7GfZ2I2bw1l46-aPTf3CKumfAfPNnaGye0F9FLMqZoYruPgnIhz5RamuACjXKzxiy1HlTlhXOkX94EXmjKyOCIsEEXckjmo_R4uAqKbSgdaqjBcKRD5-UP0ZHMA5vbpAc1yGTn/s400/IMG_3068.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt 18pt;"><span lang="EN" style="font-family: Georgia; mso-ansi-language: EN;"></span><span style="font-family: Georgia;"></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt 18pt;"><br />
<h6 style="background: white; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt 18pt;"><span class="messagebodytranslationeligibleusermessage"><span lang="EN" style="font-family: Georgia; font-weight: normal; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Charlie’s Mum is the beautiful woman I want to tell you about… but to tell you about Stephanie, I need to tell you all about little Charlie.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s important you get to know him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He IS important (please note: present tense)<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span></span></span></h6><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt 18pt;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgL5ZQV8QfSDD8Vm3RxlD-OgxIZXZjhbQzNdRwwT3GMQcLzvQrXoT-fHaCtQfFSglTLgYyt6j-fd8aXNegchGYLTqGNduAhTsceXVGa_fGPYWnIVDxWKADJ4j3Mb2D-D4mOWnR6gQ1qew2f/s1600/photos+004.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" ida="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgL5ZQV8QfSDD8Vm3RxlD-OgxIZXZjhbQzNdRwwT3GMQcLzvQrXoT-fHaCtQfFSglTLgYyt6j-fd8aXNegchGYLTqGNduAhTsceXVGa_fGPYWnIVDxWKADJ4j3Mb2D-D4mOWnR6gQ1qew2f/s320/photos+004.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt 18pt;"><span lang="EN" style="font-family: Georgia; mso-ansi-language: EN;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Steph and Josh fell pregnant.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Until the 19 week mark they were blissfully unaware of any problems. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Babies are born all the time without complications and as two young, healthy people in love something going wrong just doesn’t even come onto your radar.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So when they went for their scan and discovered they were having a boy life seemed good.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Everything was right with the world… </span></span><br />
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</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt 18pt;"><span lang="EN" style="font-family: Georgia; mso-ansi-language: EN;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">When you have a baby, your life is changed the instant you discover they are growing inside you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Already, before the test showed two little lines, Steph was a Mum and Josh a Dad.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Both with the fierce love and protective instinct that goes with those roles.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt 18pt;"><span lang="EN" style="font-family: Georgia; mso-ansi-language: EN;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Many of you will understand how they felt when they got a call from their doctor asking them to come in to discuss their scan results at the 19 week mark.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt 18pt;"><span lang="EN" style="font-family: Georgia; mso-ansi-language: EN;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Some of you know exactly how they felt when they heard the dreaded and life altering sentence….”Something is wrong with your baby”</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt 18pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt 18pt;"><span lang="EN" style="font-family: Georgia; mso-ansi-language: EN;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">There is much that went on after that discussion at the surgery.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But I’m choosing to skip forward some.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What happened during Stephanie’s pregnancy is important yes, but that can wait for the book.</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt 18pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt 18pt;"><span lang="EN" style="font-family: Georgia; mso-ansi-language: EN;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">At 34 weeks Charlie was born via c-section.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Half the medical staff in the world was there.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He weighted in at a tiny 3 pounds 1 ounce and the cry he let out was like music to his parents’ ears.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt 18pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt 18pt;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span lang="EN" style="font-family: Georgia; mso-ansi-language: EN;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">However, doctors couldn’t give Steph and Josh any of the hope that many parents get a rush of at the moment of their child’s birth.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They themselves didn’t know how things were to pan out from this moment on.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span></div></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt 18pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt 18pt;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span lang="EN" style="font-family: Georgia; mso-ansi-language: EN;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Charlie gave the world 10 weeks before he passed away in his parents loving arms.</span></span></div></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt 18pt;"><br />
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<span lang="EN" style="font-family: Georgia; mso-ansi-language: EN;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Did you read that last sentence and wonder why I didn’t just say he gave his parents 10 weeks?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Well, this is where you get to know a bit about the amazing person that Charlie chose to be his mother.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span></div></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt 18pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt 18pt;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span lang="EN" style="font-family: Georgia; mso-ansi-language: EN;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Charlie gave the world 10 weeks, he was here for only that long in the physical sense.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But in Steph (and Josh) he lives on every single moment.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>His name is spoken many times each day, his memory is so well preserved.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Charlie is a baby that will never be forgotten – not just because his parents won’t allow it to happen but because of what Charlie’s short life inspired his parents to do.</span></span></div></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt 18pt;"><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJOnkOSYV3qR1oMmSQgVNrIVCcjD6GxSlxvrBc-f3fP3iNZISIUnfWGA0dt8U9UteFp9QZXzq1JS2T63nVDTq4LDmZW_O7Os2-q8Vaug8aa2rizME5updPvAOXTqscLUQiiU4FddofKr9I/s1600/charlie+2011+004.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" ida="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJOnkOSYV3qR1oMmSQgVNrIVCcjD6GxSlxvrBc-f3fP3iNZISIUnfWGA0dt8U9UteFp9QZXzq1JS2T63nVDTq4LDmZW_O7Os2-q8Vaug8aa2rizME5updPvAOXTqscLUQiiU4FddofKr9I/s320/charlie+2011+004.JPG" width="180" /></a></div><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt 18pt;"><span lang="EN" style="font-family: Georgia; mso-ansi-language: EN;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">There are numerous video’s celebrating this little guys life, as you saw above.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Did you watch it to the end?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Did it strike you how young the woman I’ve been telling you about is?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It shocked me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After several emails back and forth, receiving Charlie’s story and reading Stephs interactions on AWMAD to have it finally dawn on me that she has only just made her 21<sup>st</sup> birthday (31<sup>st</sup> of October)<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span><br />
<span lang="EN" style="font-family: Georgia; mso-ansi-language: EN;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">To me, this makes her all the more amazing - so young, already doing such good in the world... and there are so many years left in her... my mind boggles at the awesome possibilities that lay ahead for Steph.</span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt 18pt;"><span lang="EN" style="font-family: Georgia; mso-ansi-language: EN;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">This young woman shows more maturity and more heart than most fifty year olds I know.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>From what I know of Steph I would describe her first as extraordinarily selfless.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Want an example of this?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Okay, it’s not hard to find one without even truly looking --- For her birthday what was she wishing for? A car? A new leather jacket? A day spa voucher? </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt 18pt;"><span lang="EN" style="font-family: Georgia; mso-ansi-language: EN;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Nope.</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt 18pt;"><span lang="EN" style="font-family: Georgia; mso-ansi-language: EN;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">She has been relentlessly sharing the Charlie Bear’s Gift page and wishing for 2000 likers for the page – this I didn’t realize until after I’d already contacted Josh letting him know that I was planning to do this post.</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt 18pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt 18pt;"><span lang="EN" style="font-family: Georgia; mso-ansi-language: EN;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">I implore you to drop by and "like" her page <a href="http://www.facebook.com/charliesbearsgiftforRBWH#!/charliesbearsgiftforRBWH">Charlie Bear's Gift for RBWH</a></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt 18pt;"></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt 18pt;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Help Steph to keep Charlie's memory alive. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt 18pt;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3fUEUVZ8NqawnE00POmtTjuV3E6R2rd3x0IwSYLooNhZARmqpCeFBs4tCBkKZ6umumYtcd60CHkq9qOfc2H0iFkSj6zpr30DZbl6NJBzfmZnWqgt8u8OotZo-pHPGlPeAvkATYs3AdiyA/s1600/006.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" ida="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3fUEUVZ8NqawnE00POmtTjuV3E6R2rd3x0IwSYLooNhZARmqpCeFBs4tCBkKZ6umumYtcd60CHkq9qOfc2H0iFkSj6zpr30DZbl6NJBzfmZnWqgt8u8OotZo-pHPGlPeAvkATYs3AdiyA/s320/006.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt 18pt;"></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt 18pt;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">No parent should outlive their child, and the heartache of losing your baby is intoxicating. Instead of crumbling and losing all direction this young mum has squared her shoulders and decided to - in Charlie's honor - raise money on a continual basis for the hospital that helped to give her 10 weeks worth of being able to hold her baby. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt 18pt;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaTTjYPzQiWuHuGg9hjYXXyrXXK9iLVFXnyU-q37PtSMwdikNPGEiMF-ejxv1oQkeGKjHdQbGUYLcKX2WrIQ9bJL0q-oel8Vkdveaq8Ccgi-F4TirT7lNiXw-5rMa9B-bEauMdkUme6QDg/s1600/bubinhat.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" ida="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaTTjYPzQiWuHuGg9hjYXXyrXXK9iLVFXnyU-q37PtSMwdikNPGEiMF-ejxv1oQkeGKjHdQbGUYLcKX2WrIQ9bJL0q-oel8Vkdveaq8Ccgi-F4TirT7lNiXw-5rMa9B-bEauMdkUme6QDg/s320/bubinhat.jpg" width="180" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt 18pt;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Many of us would be irrationally angry at the world but instead of letting it take over she has used her passionate love for Charlie and her appreciation for the nurses and hospital to do unbelievable good. How many families have been helped and possibly spared the pain that Steph has dealt with due to the work she is putting in here? </span><br />
<br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt 18pt;"></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt 18pt;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Countless is the answer...</span><br />
<br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt 18pt;"></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt 18pt;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Don't get me wrong, I have absolutely no doubt there has been - and will be - sessions of angry with the entire world for Steph, but through it she shines with hope and love. Talking with her, watching the videos and flicking through her pages the things that stands out above all else is the love that these two people have for this tiny person. In 10 short weeks, Charlie received more love, adoration and pride for his achievements than many children have in their entire life.</span><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
</div></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt 18pt;"></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt 18pt;"></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt 18pt;"><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt 18pt;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">On the 23rd of November it would have been Charlie's 1st birthday. It's been less than a year since Josh and Steph said goodbye to their angel. What would you be doing on this day if it were you? Yes tears are inevitably going to flow - this is certain. But to celebrate Charlie's birthday on his page on facebook an auction will begin. I have no idea how Steph and Josh are feeling about it, but when I read that there are THREE auction albums and that they will have to close the donations at FOUR HUNDRED ITEMS..... I had a little teary. What an incredible response to the call out.... this is just a small indication of how many people's lives Charlie has touched. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiib5QG3khNpjhRxERPIFTArJUXvME_wbXwdQ57WF_o53Jq2mCmbCJqdH9duC5VTCe-V-Gak6wGO3scdt83YlKx3SVTCdsZ3zLKmzCSPyoBbd5KzrisDeIGq0VxDmzK8CPjWVVdBOTAPGCO/s1600/charlie+2011+004+%25282%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" ida="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiib5QG3khNpjhRxERPIFTArJUXvME_wbXwdQ57WF_o53Jq2mCmbCJqdH9duC5VTCe-V-Gak6wGO3scdt83YlKx3SVTCdsZ3zLKmzCSPyoBbd5KzrisDeIGq0VxDmzK8CPjWVVdBOTAPGCO/s320/charlie+2011+004+%25282%2529.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt 18pt;"></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt 18pt;"></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt 18pt;"><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Without Steph, they'd never have known about him.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt 18pt;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">She is an incredible mother... one any child would be proud to have spent even a short amount of time with. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt 18pt;"></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt 18pt;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEngG6BMwscqFe2f13vQ61flxQHfdO8IqJ01gnEUH2qmUQLp-Dh8SrTDb-NjCSfMSpHkSx3VqcEPz9t7vZNY5Eu8vD-DcyzP6JGZIrNxohhYUYPeHzWFP5SY2k8wxQApc_8eTrqYjrWaD4/s1600/charlie+2011+007.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="112" ida="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEngG6BMwscqFe2f13vQ61flxQHfdO8IqJ01gnEUH2qmUQLp-Dh8SrTDb-NjCSfMSpHkSx3VqcEPz9t7vZNY5Eu8vD-DcyzP6JGZIrNxohhYUYPeHzWFP5SY2k8wxQApc_8eTrqYjrWaD4/s200/charlie+2011+007.JPG" width="200" /></a><span style="font-family: Georgia;"></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt 18pt;"><span style="font-family: Georgia;">Charlie Bear..you showed everyone that when they said you couldn't or would never do something that even if you can't win all the battles in life, you can achieve amazing things. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt 18pt;"><span style="font-family: Georgia;">Things that you have been told you will never do, if you just have enough heart and the will behind it. You, had plenty of that and your team continues in your spirit. </span><br />
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</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt 18pt;"></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt 18pt;"><span style="font-family: Georgia;">Your Mum, is a gift you gave the world xx</span><br />
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</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt 18pt;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQMx5ppwCC1X54qcFPVKvHAxHK6-8KETCYLgS6u675eHkWZ1Mjp1h57F2KmAcaPPbnPrVDkG8UHRwUSgorEXXAOEIkO6VXqolCKtc-CBxtINxMMtI9MHSUId0_34wTDiKsCPhXrl2xLcEq/s1600/charlie+2011+010.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="cssfloat: right; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" ida="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQMx5ppwCC1X54qcFPVKvHAxHK6-8KETCYLgS6u675eHkWZ1Mjp1h57F2KmAcaPPbnPrVDkG8UHRwUSgorEXXAOEIkO6VXqolCKtc-CBxtINxMMtI9MHSUId0_34wTDiKsCPhXrl2xLcEq/s320/charlie+2011+010.JPG" width="180" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieKYfM8HUkJ9zWUMWvT0YzAWxaMA7hkbiM4eNSwZN4S9XeVX09sNwxdwmineFdQuvUcge_7qEcJEq_0mi56jbp36iHTO0cr_vAyE9j1qfGNxkOvfFBQklsz2EidQqLpZtFU0kIwxBjafez/s1600/005.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="cssfloat: left; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" ida="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieKYfM8HUkJ9zWUMWvT0YzAWxaMA7hkbiM4eNSwZN4S9XeVX09sNwxdwmineFdQuvUcge_7qEcJEq_0mi56jbp36iHTO0cr_vAyE9j1qfGNxkOvfFBQklsz2EidQqLpZtFU0kIwxBjafez/s320/005.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt 18pt;"><h6 style="background: white; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt 18pt;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span class="messagebodytranslationeligibleusermessage"><span lang="EN" style="font-family: Georgia; font-weight: normal; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">You thought I forgot the quote business from the top didn't you? Nup, no way... This quote, made me think of Steph and I wanted to share it. <h6 style="background: white; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt 18pt;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span class="messagebodytranslationeligibleusermessage"><span lang="EN" style="font-family: Georgia; font-weight: normal; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"></span></span></span> </h6><div style="background: white; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt 18pt;">"People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget the way you made them feel"</div><div style="background: white; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt 18pt;">- Maya Angelou</div><div style="background: white; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt 18pt;"><br />
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(The "Team" I mention include Josh and Aunty Katie who both deserve equal amounts of recognition and admiration xx)</div></span></span></span></h6></div></div>Trinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13423689847418432025noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2775582287121178939.post-849064955062591302011-10-26T14:18:00.000-07:002011-10-26T14:31:13.195-07:00I'm tired of 31 - so lets get charitable!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisvq-GnbgyLL96MKzawrijp9V_v8us9EJ_7dIIpjWxzHn4P-RU65P9Ff_AVMCLOdZm-ULm218iOpaxvP6lSjudlJw-MCRz56Seq7HxltjSjySaRdsax5OIz1Pml0iH81hd9jP9ShLO6Y1v/s1600/31.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" ida="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisvq-GnbgyLL96MKzawrijp9V_v8us9EJ_7dIIpjWxzHn4P-RU65P9Ff_AVMCLOdZm-ULm218iOpaxvP6lSjudlJw-MCRz56Seq7HxltjSjySaRdsax5OIz1Pml0iH81hd9jP9ShLO6Y1v/s200/31.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>For no other reason than the fact I'm sick of looking at the number on my sidebar, and I KNOW (love the stats section of blogger ;)) that many more people are reading my posts, I have made a decision.<br />
<br />
On November 10th, 2011 I will be writing down on little bits of paper the names of all the people who "follow" my blog. I shall screw them up, pop them in a hat (note to self - get a hat) and pick one out.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguLlngKwP-GCSC_ptmbYag6MfdLTOg-L1aYS3twL0o7C0tGnP0xQ-beOTT9oV-ngedeK7hqCZ1yXz_1AzWJic5EW7zCgvTAzaJ9IwwsyZZEhOL2czvxAgpHKavGvdplPG2jPSE68FvmBuu/s1600/names+in+hat.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" ida="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguLlngKwP-GCSC_ptmbYag6MfdLTOg-L1aYS3twL0o7C0tGnP0xQ-beOTT9oV-ngedeK7hqCZ1yXz_1AzWJic5EW7zCgvTAzaJ9IwwsyZZEhOL2czvxAgpHKavGvdplPG2jPSE68FvmBuu/s320/names+in+hat.bmp" width="320" /></a></div><br />
The person whose name is selected will get to choose which not for profit organisation or charity I give some money to. How much money you ask? One dollar for ever follower I have at 1pm on the 10th of November 2011.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfQIu15VXEdjEu0V-k2ab6j7QKhE3DDCwRuI2_raNLlwbO2LFUZF4fAjo0EPOtFCvs8RWeZH4WJ6i2-B3djnUsxV4KEUPSMfvmZFXceWgK_7nPhr6tNuXF1g25zYbQEI5jixlkLECCfLWr/s1600/money.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="152" ida="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfQIu15VXEdjEu0V-k2ab6j7QKhE3DDCwRuI2_raNLlwbO2LFUZF4fAjo0EPOtFCvs8RWeZH4WJ6i2-B3djnUsxV4KEUPSMfvmZFXceWgK_7nPhr6tNuXF1g25zYbQEI5jixlkLECCfLWr/s200/money.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><br />
Probably not much, but hey - did I mention I just lost a job ;) and for the types of charities I have had the pleasure to get to know through this book - each dollar counts. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgT5Z-tGIB_WNrhAjLBA8cJQ8_A5d9pQjBM6G4jqVD-qZ3uJ_U24GuuwMN46KcKF1RvNcEwaq5O2UsPvEtKaQhkHzPOVPBf8-LSRTNW4xjef0SSsDadeWg5jG4tLhQYrkJ96b5ky76fgYPh/s1600/cat-punching.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="149" ida="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgT5Z-tGIB_WNrhAjLBA8cJQ8_A5d9pQjBM6G4jqVD-qZ3uJ_U24GuuwMN46KcKF1RvNcEwaq5O2UsPvEtKaQhkHzPOVPBf8-LSRTNW4xjef0SSsDadeWg5jG4tLhQYrkJ96b5ky76fgYPh/s200/cat-punching.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>So share my blog - make people follow it (I'm not endorsing bribes or violence here... but obviously you do whatever you feel you need to...) and keep an eye out on November 10th to see if your name is pulled out.<br />
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(I'd love you to comment below saying who you'd like the moeny to go to if you're picked xx)<br />
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Much love! <br />
Trine<br />
<br />
PS (I'm *finger crossed* hoping to get my post honouring a certain someone finished today or by the latest tomorrow - even the person I speak of has no clue it's happening.. been in talks with a someone special to them.. yes, I'm sneaky :) Mwahahahaa...)Trinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13423689847418432025noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2775582287121178939.post-4935345259584222932011-10-25T15:44:00.000-07:002011-10-25T15:45:26.777-07:00It's all about perspectiveLast night I received a text from my boss. <br />
It was to apologise for the sporadic work that I've been offered lately and to tell me that due to the quietness of the business right now, I am no longer required... in a text...<br />
<br />
<span style="background-color: white;">So, financially that obviously bites (slight PANIC!) and I am so SO terrible at putting myself out there on the job hunting trails (read : severly lacking self confidence - can I just hide under the desk until someone just finds me?)...</span> but there are bright sides I suppose. One being that until I find something else I shall have more time for this book. So progress might become a little less snails pace :) <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEia5zfJm1s3c0jcvQdQJXgHGxaaFbabYeTp2Gj5HlkVY328dezgJRvTjOwAEyq7mAJfxwI97vfo43KnNBGxr7Ej7dK1cqkVi2lMjEnWyK9GYgdcPmg3XjJ6-66zFgMFMCtKi-0d6oHSfE8a/s1600/snail-study_202.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="248" ida="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEia5zfJm1s3c0jcvQdQJXgHGxaaFbabYeTp2Gj5HlkVY328dezgJRvTjOwAEyq7mAJfxwI97vfo43KnNBGxr7Ej7dK1cqkVi2lMjEnWyK9GYgdcPmg3XjJ6-66zFgMFMCtKi-0d6oHSfE8a/s320/snail-study_202.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
(think bright side bright side bright side....)<br />
<br />
So today I'm thinking what I have to be thankful for, you know - in the spirit of glass half full (No, not spirit as in vodka... spirit as in.. oh nevermind, vodka sounds good ;)<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzpoddlIpIHCvCJnN3fPs5pvQHa4cv5Zzdo7G2cMj1eOd0Gi1WQ7YhwLzAxMPno5Id2AdX2vuD3xoVbuKm9vk65GHXPLJHC3sk31fxWOdVBEtWGyrmgwEb40yPJcvJsWo7Ap7Whyphenhyphen27S_6L/s1600/glass+half+full.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ida="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzpoddlIpIHCvCJnN3fPs5pvQHa4cv5Zzdo7G2cMj1eOd0Gi1WQ7YhwLzAxMPno5Id2AdX2vuD3xoVbuKm9vk65GHXPLJHC3sk31fxWOdVBEtWGyrmgwEb40yPJcvJsWo7Ap7Whyphenhyphen27S_6L/s1600/glass+half+full.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">SO...the listing begins..</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div>1. I am alive, despite several iffy moments through my life when quite easily things could have swung the other way.<br />
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<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">2. Joe. Quite simply. That he stuck, that he grew, that he was born with all fingers and toes and everything in between, that he's such a sweetheart, that he's MINE!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2Uqk3yBTVf9ct99y1PO04vgM8gmrd9L6JKPP5n2eKd18BJ6AKtW2-Ug_bpHl3CBAJLMiDPjBmrFWKDa-5tlxgIhF-B_9dBHjbNHgho3dVbgqisYUPyIY9bQhYl0hH22kOHVI18ETXma6A/s1600/Joe.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" ida="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2Uqk3yBTVf9ct99y1PO04vgM8gmrd9L6JKPP5n2eKd18BJ6AKtW2-Ug_bpHl3CBAJLMiDPjBmrFWKDa-5tlxgIhF-B_9dBHjbNHgho3dVbgqisYUPyIY9bQhYl0hH22kOHVI18ETXma6A/s320/Joe.jpg" width="239" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">he oozes awesome right?</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZWY2_hnZXeDPcKSWdYYOe1vQ-MJAIBlSSCoGUM3TNCRhzMPoianFY7Kpkb74-xqwsALnXfwiJCftVsRa7p4Ed-i1NtzHB5spaGOStJ__ZCxSC90moP1-mIkleLDBF9TpAP4FOf4Nlvsbp/s1600/joe+and+i.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" ida="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZWY2_hnZXeDPcKSWdYYOe1vQ-MJAIBlSSCoGUM3TNCRhzMPoianFY7Kpkb74-xqwsALnXfwiJCftVsRa7p4Ed-i1NtzHB5spaGOStJ__ZCxSC90moP1-mIkleLDBF9TpAP4FOf4Nlvsbp/s320/joe+and+i.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">And is unquestionably the best present I've ever received.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div>3. Paul. Again, quite simply. Because he loves me despite myself at times. That he didn't freak out when the text came through. That we have survived so much together and even though there have been times where I wasn't sure how the toast would fall, we are still here - together. And I love him as much as when we met a million years ago. He's not perfect, our life is no fairytale - but neither am I and together we plan to fumble our way into very very old age.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpnSAWpcAr4l06kJpob4VvdA_JQZp5r7bASfv8aicY_PGtmIW3wuFqV0vPi2XDrkh47OQk7mzn4ftBq5eol8rt84zw76zqGy2lu0RAclxT3cmsOzX1Z2LUer3ffx_UCofKyDpnz9Ad1Al2/s1600/me+and+my+handsome+husband.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" ida="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpnSAWpcAr4l06kJpob4VvdA_JQZp5r7bASfv8aicY_PGtmIW3wuFqV0vPi2XDrkh47OQk7mzn4ftBq5eol8rt84zw76zqGy2lu0RAclxT3cmsOzX1Z2LUer3ffx_UCofKyDpnz9Ad1Al2/s320/me+and+my+handsome+husband.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
4. My family. Specifically my sisters, they are always there if I need them. They are the first people I turn to when I need a lift, or when I want to share something that has happened -both good or bad. Each one is as beautiful as the other. My parents didn't produce siblings for me, they made my best friends.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKhyphenhyphen5veZUTeqvjiwu6RsZX60EvPvhIiyxEk-2yontHNmjlzPYlE50KHt5wnDASiGgwWyQDcHDqoQcWywuAk-Yq2ortZEl11wg1fnAotLDfwLoo5Ce6BzvDX7AwUudNKxtAjsByICWDJJ_P/s1600/my+sisters.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" ida="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKhyphenhyphen5veZUTeqvjiwu6RsZX60EvPvhIiyxEk-2yontHNmjlzPYlE50KHt5wnDASiGgwWyQDcHDqoQcWywuAk-Yq2ortZEl11wg1fnAotLDfwLoo5Ce6BzvDX7AwUudNKxtAjsByICWDJJ_P/s320/my+sisters.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">sometimes we're normal...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgleXelyXmLzMbZAkFpsKHOA-8AkH76mOaIAJJtqVNUxbCpuuxaGYA70AVIXTDcCrLCNO070AAV6DH4z1H6SDZb37dbzpZp-BdiLP7I2y745IkvFK3d8iPeWAQ69ajkWumKAGiq05WeH9K0/s1600/sisters.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" ida="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgleXelyXmLzMbZAkFpsKHOA-8AkH76mOaIAJJtqVNUxbCpuuxaGYA70AVIXTDcCrLCNO070AAV6DH4z1H6SDZb37dbzpZp-BdiLP7I2y745IkvFK3d8iPeWAQ69ajkWumKAGiq05WeH9K0/s320/sisters.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">mostly we're not.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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5. My parents. They're amazing in too many ways to list. Nuff said.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQqNAOPKRLPCpsWoRm9uZqTVRYVMnfofbew3_wjpJ-cr9_h-AP3Ejv4S-s_6onb6jI0oGzN-SYXSPvAwpIwXFuFtC8drSHLKF3hEupjdFRtMT3iIH-QRiQL4q2yzQHoA4-BK2bPcriEZpk/s1600/my+whole+family.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" ida="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQqNAOPKRLPCpsWoRm9uZqTVRYVMnfofbew3_wjpJ-cr9_h-AP3Ejv4S-s_6onb6jI0oGzN-SYXSPvAwpIwXFuFtC8drSHLKF3hEupjdFRtMT3iIH-QRiQL4q2yzQHoA4-BK2bPcriEZpk/s320/my+whole+family.jpg" width="213" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">(my brothers wedding, I think it's obvious which ones are our parents - that chick in the white? Megsy.. please see "Things I'm thankful for number 6 for the refrence to her)</div><br />
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6. The family that don't contain the same blood as I do. When I was younger I had lots of "friends", these have been weeded as I've aged - concentrated if you wish, down to a very important few. I don't have loads of friends but the ones I have I would do anything for. These people are the ones that have stuck with me through the ups and downs of my life and theirs, they are an amazingly strong little group of wonderful people I choose to surround myself with and I love them more than even they probably know. (no pics for this one.. I know I have my families permission to put up their pics, my mates I haven't asked but... you know who you are xxx)<br />
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7. My dog :) She is the sweetest thing and the best listener I've ever met... and has just produced a beautiful daughter with the same qualities (though a little more puppy crazy mixed in!)<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCxVrbZqHK6kILVcVpD5Y_u2Y6bvY6T5RYCGinqaPmyRv9htzitWao3vDS1rb3YGaL4XQpZMTLEQnzkuqcDy2n-nlfU6i4rtZKeidAILrQxKHcLys70icE0dvxHnvJ2lNsRqdpbBUNAqN8/s1600/100_0148.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" ida="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCxVrbZqHK6kILVcVpD5Y_u2Y6bvY6T5RYCGinqaPmyRv9htzitWao3vDS1rb3YGaL4XQpZMTLEQnzkuqcDy2n-nlfU6i4rtZKeidAILrQxKHcLys70icE0dvxHnvJ2lNsRqdpbBUNAqN8/s320/100_0148.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
8. The roof over our heads. It's not flash, but it keeps the rain off.<br />
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9. My ability to super budget. Just call me The Budget Nazi (you can, my darling husband does at times ;) <br />
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10. Oh come on are you still reading this? Really? Well... they're the basics, the bones of it all.. I could go on for ages..for example, the sunshine that has poked through the clouds this morning helping me to stay positive and chocolate (it's okay for breakfast on a day such as this right?)<br />
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There are two ways you can deal with bad news. You can run around like a headless chicken (yes, I'm also pretty good at this method of dealing with things) or you can square your shoulders, put it all in perspective and march on.<br />
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Losing my job? Nothing when you compare it to other things I've triumphed over in my past. No one is hurt, no one has died, no one loves me less. Financially it's a bit of a hit, but I'll kick into super budget mode and we, as we always have been, will be just fine. Today is just another day sent to challenge me and help me put things into order.<br />
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The important things are already in order, I just have to work out the little glitches that occur along the way!<br />
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And I have a great deal to be thankful for.<br />
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You are all part of my journey, and I am thankful to have met you - my exposure to the darker side has certainly helped me put little issues like this into the right light. <br />
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I hope your day is full of sunshine. If not... start a list.. start with the simple things and go nuts... be thankful for your warm flanny sheets or whatever.. it helps.. really xxx<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUb-3KBVxHGUuPgnJDmOAyjt9ArbL9bjtNvjeOH5PzQbklzAAUTVFa768AOjM_559vxua_XbRgYDSFwg5tVxaMa3hxVRB48gQFREoJWbBnxwEhMMEMHmQa4tliWB2KqHmjJFSCSKleXB2m/s1600/sunshine.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" ida="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUb-3KBVxHGUuPgnJDmOAyjt9ArbL9bjtNvjeOH5PzQbklzAAUTVFa768AOjM_559vxua_XbRgYDSFwg5tVxaMa3hxVRB48gQFREoJWbBnxwEhMMEMHmQa4tliWB2KqHmjJFSCSKleXB2m/s320/sunshine.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Trinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13423689847418432025noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2775582287121178939.post-10142770921366791482011-10-18T15:34:00.000-07:002011-10-18T15:34:52.424-07:00Precious Hearts - Traci O'SullivanAs I've said before, I'm meeting all kinds of amazing people along the road with this book - Traci is one of the first people I came into contact with. A tower of strength for her family and for many, many others.<br />
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Often you see something being shared on facebook or in the media, you see the logo or a photo and you don't think of the people behind it or the reason for the group/charity having been started. I wanted to give you some insight into some of these Mums and Dads I'm meeting and show you that behind the logo you see, there are usually only a handful of people working their little butts off to keep doing the good they do. Running something like <a href="http://www.facebook.com/pages/A-Little-Less-Alone/129039337195179#!/preciousheartspage">Precious Hearts</a> is a full time job, with no financial payoff and more often than not you'll find the people behind these charities are fighting the battle that they spend so much time trying to make easier for others.<br />
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I asked Traci to write something for me to share, and here it is :)<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjV0Uc1N-MByZx4mcq5WSB0c1H0xuM4I8s0E2PMPsEFMntLXE848525ZWSq0hzT8vJ1YW8CZoenXXgNuyqutOzeoyqAxYPbWSoA_tF4l9kalul5pNm9wmovwlQq5j78FnpneQ9fLuOds6wy/s1600/care+pack+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" oda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjV0Uc1N-MByZx4mcq5WSB0c1H0xuM4I8s0E2PMPsEFMntLXE848525ZWSq0hzT8vJ1YW8CZoenXXgNuyqutOzeoyqAxYPbWSoA_tF4l9kalul5pNm9wmovwlQq5j78FnpneQ9fLuOds6wy/s320/care+pack+1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">"There was a night last year when I was laying on a bed in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit at Westmead Children’s Hospital. My tiny little boy was only 10 days old, fighting for his life after emergency heart surgery. I couldn’t sleep, so I began thinking about what good karma I could put out into the world, so that my son would live. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgM8nJyGgCMGhhdCk_vkyWSAAO2U6g5H24rGNXerc-hiHAkA9Jt0Rn230fxig7L_33wlTbsEu9o2NqXh_fVRyR7W08tCCbWlYXaN5WR_yFCtgPwvManIY59bWaqeb8J-9hG_oM2KpcAOJqU/s1600/fletch+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" oda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgM8nJyGgCMGhhdCk_vkyWSAAO2U6g5H24rGNXerc-hiHAkA9Jt0Rn230fxig7L_33wlTbsEu9o2NqXh_fVRyR7W08tCCbWlYXaN5WR_yFCtgPwvManIY59bWaqeb8J-9hG_oM2KpcAOJqU/s320/fletch+1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Precious Hearts was founded a few months later when life returned to our new ‘normal’. I wanted to do something different. Something for the kids. I wanted it to be personal. I wanted it to be from my heart to theirs. What could possibly cheer up a child who has just endured heart surgery and is now stuck in a hospital bed for days on end bored out of their tree?</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I decided that I would make care packages for these beautiful little people. Our care packages are full of age appropriate goodies such as toys, colouring in books, art and crafts, games and anything that can be enjoyed by children recovering from heart surgery. Many hospitals have fantastic facilities that cannot be accessed by these children because their heart monitors are not portable. The feedback that we have had from the children, their families and the hospital staff is truly overwhelming. Our care packages are loved!</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5rNzXunmI3SROze4FvoWc2J5XhksTMfg4hXk5pjLTXhyphenhyphennfKAM0C0uIW2fc9nB6WPsKOkMI2QPUNMRLaS9q-91kr0DPjH-YqOwBfqQNzhyphenhyphentpDLyq_vjyf3USKH_oCEyT7d5TCbZZdIeryU/s1600/dom+white.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" oda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5rNzXunmI3SROze4FvoWc2J5XhksTMfg4hXk5pjLTXhyphenhyphennfKAM0C0uIW2fc9nB6WPsKOkMI2QPUNMRLaS9q-91kr0DPjH-YqOwBfqQNzhyphenhyphentpDLyq_vjyf3USKH_oCEyT7d5TCbZZdIeryU/s320/dom+white.jpg" width="212" /></a></div><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Equally as important as giving the children a reason to smile, is raising awareness about congenital heart disease. It is the biggest killer of children under 5 in this country – who knew? 1 in 100 Australian babies are born with a heart defect. I am very passionate about telling everyone I know about it. If the doctor performing your baby’s newborn check hears a heart murmur – don’t leave that hospital without having an echocardiogram. Trust me, it could save their life. My son was sent home as a newborn with a fatal heart condition that almost claimed his life.</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNXgBrVKWUv_rTMgnWwjCvcmSyG2ARc16nuUWJO2MrdLQ9lfkClQ1bJ49gsqslKMbeHt4SrDyIBZ8rJXRhH4mnNav_ce7_F57GSDUYw0L4Ngm125N7-2IT3nAhAVUY3Ayi8AEYUbhsLzC2/s1600/Fletch+1+%25282%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="219" oda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNXgBrVKWUv_rTMgnWwjCvcmSyG2ARc16nuUWJO2MrdLQ9lfkClQ1bJ49gsqslKMbeHt4SrDyIBZ8rJXRhH4mnNav_ce7_F57GSDUYw0L4Ngm125N7-2IT3nAhAVUY3Ayi8AEYUbhsLzC2/s320/Fletch+1+%25282%2529.jpg" width="320" /></a></div></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Precious Hearts is a registered Australian charity, which means if you donate to us, it’s tax deductable. We are one of the few charities that is run completely by a handful of volunteers. We don’t operate out of a factory or office space.... instead our cars are now parked outside and the garage is overrun with boxes of toys and goodies ... we’ve erected another garden shed, and taken over the spare room. Our phone calls and stationary costs come out of our own pockets. We want to make sure that any money that is donated goes directly to our cause. We can’t afford advertising on TV or radio, so we head out into our local community and raise awareness by holding BBQ’s and market stalls.</span><br />
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</div></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">When you run a charity on such a personal level, you take everything personally. It’s hard work, but I wouldn’t have it any other way. We’ve been bullied by the big guys, we’ve wondered how we’ll raise enough money to keep things going, and we have cried ourselves to sleep when some of these precious little children have lost their battles. Our care packages aren’t generic or mass produced, they are lovingly packed by myself and one other volunteer. Every single item that is placed in those bags was hand picked, and we make sure that a little piece of love is packed inside each and every care package. In 7 months we have packed close to 800 care packages.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEpgFX0CloPwIIsecuzmiSwgQ2-5PxhtrlsiTT0jQ0ON_Ux6iPwLACnWTsBb52N_FjiC2Ten5lQ1MZjVD0C1s0XS3YS8gd_JBuKyvr4BQqMB6gY_6hQ1hJM2JUAHJcNYkrAu_PWPm9Vu3q/s1600/care+pack+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" oda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEpgFX0CloPwIIsecuzmiSwgQ2-5PxhtrlsiTT0jQ0ON_Ux6iPwLACnWTsBb52N_FjiC2Ten5lQ1MZjVD0C1s0XS3YS8gd_JBuKyvr4BQqMB6gY_6hQ1hJM2JUAHJcNYkrAu_PWPm9Vu3q/s320/care+pack+2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">We have recently launched The Zane Walker Memorial Fund. This will be used to give financial assistance to those families affected by congenital heart disease who are doing it tough financially. People don’t realise how tough it can get when your child is hospitalised for weeks, sometimes months on end, and naturally you can’t be at work and the bills are piling up. Then there are all the added extra’s like ongoing medications and specialist visits. We guarantee that <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">every single cent</i> donated into this fund will go directly to a family in need. That is our promise.</span></div></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">We rely on the generosity of people like you. We accept any donation that is offered. If it’s cash, we’ll put it to good use. If it’s toys or books, they will go into our care packages. If it’s something second hand after you’ve had a spring clean, we will sell it at the markets and buy something that’s needed for our local cardiac wards. We work hard to fundraise. We are holding a Trivia Night in November which will be our major fundraiser for the year, and a tribute to all our little warriors.</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXlpHn-6oXFb7tksdIE21VJ1z6tAqphrTmZVZ57qnIXJ4iytduYSVCb3ELwavBHL4gWDQsGG8acv8izLCXjIkxHdZhoq_INJVw6d0iLSe2jTJKfE4RHZRGZvcQHn4JiNRS-tCd-QTJ9FNw/s1600/01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" oda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXlpHn-6oXFb7tksdIE21VJ1z6tAqphrTmZVZ57qnIXJ4iytduYSVCb3ELwavBHL4gWDQsGG8acv8izLCXjIkxHdZhoq_INJVw6d0iLSe2jTJKfE4RHZRGZvcQHn4JiNRS-tCd-QTJ9FNw/s320/01.jpg" width="213" /></a></div></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">From the outside, Precious Hearts is a registered charity that raises awareness about congenital heart defects, delivers care packages to children who are recovering from heart surgery and gives financial assistance to families in need.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">From the inside, Precious Hearts is an acknowledgement of the admiration I have for my son, and for every other child who is battling congenital heart disease, and for those little angels whose bodies were just too tired to keep fighting. Precious Hearts is the debt I am repaying to the greater good for my son’s life being spared.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">To keep up to date with all Precious Hearts happenings, you can follow us at </span><a href="http://www.facebook.com/preciousheartspage"><span style="color: blue;">www.facebook.com/preciousheartspage</span></a><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> or you can email us <a href="mailto:info@precioushearts.com.au">info@precioushearts.com.au</a></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><br />
</div><div class="ecxMsoNormal"><b><i><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Traci O'Sullivan</span></i></b></div><div class="ecxMsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Founder and President</span></div><div class="ecxMsoNormal">Precious Hearts </div><div class="ecxMsoNormal">Website: www.precioushearts.com.au</div><div class="ecxMsoNormal">Facebook: www.facebook.com/preciousheartspage</div>Trinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13423689847418432025noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2775582287121178939.post-13336038593072583122011-10-16T03:36:00.000-07:002011-10-16T03:36:58.024-07:00You inspire me and give me hope for humanity!I knew this book writing business was hardly going to be a walk in the park, I mean.. seriously... could I have picked a more heart wrenching subject to cover? I knew there would be many tears, on my part and others as we walk back down that road they once travelled - or are still travelling. I knew I would reach road-blocks, writers-block, red-tape, legalities and massive obstacles. This I was certain of, and threw myself into it with the "deal with it as it comes" attitude (I have a really nice bucket of sand beside my computer desk to bury my head in when it gets toooooo hard ;) )<br />
<br />
What I hadn't expected, and wasn't quite prepared for, is meeting so many inspirational people with so many heartfelt causes, charities and support systems. Many of these have evolved from their own personal battles. Some are ongoing stories - parents of children that for the entire life of their child will be riding the roller coaster and most likely their cars could find their way to the hospital without direction from the human occupants. Some have long said goodbye to their angels and their work is in honour of their child.<br />
<br />
All of these people amaze me. I am in awe of the charity they show towards their fellow humans. The selflessness, dedication and love that they show on a daily basis. <br />
<br />
These days - if you believe what people say - you get nothing for nothing. Well, what I've discovered is that this is not actually true. If you look around (and not even too hard) there are people out there doing beautiful things for others left right and centre and asking for nothing in return but the warm fuzzy feeling that they may have eased someones pain for just a second. That perhaps, for a moment they have lightened the load of a fellow human going through a kind of heartache they can relate to.<br />
<br />
I'm planning on introducing you to some of these people I speak of over the coming months. They deserve some recognition.....even though they do their utmost to keep the focus on their work and claim that they are nothing special.<br />
<br />
Indeed, they ARE something special.<br />
And appreciated.<br />
And I hope you will join me in saying thank you for reminding us that there are still good people out there.<br />
<br />
First of my featured people will be revealed in a few days ;)Trinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13423689847418432025noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2775582287121178939.post-6194746622071542802011-10-15T15:48:00.000-07:002011-10-15T22:25:19.657-07:00Devastatingly beautiful..Don't watch this in the office.<br />
A box of tissues would be a grand idea.<br />
The song in this video was written by a Dad of an angel from what I understand.. and the images of all these little people... a lifetime of memories built in but a moment together.. precious<br />
<br />
To watch the video click here -- <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rQznAQV2uw8">TLC Our Empty Arms</a> -- if you're at work, leave it till later!<br />
<br />
<br />
Footnote of no consequence:<br />
<br />
It's funny, I'm on the computer at the table working on my book/blog/page/emails, Joe is watching a movie and he just came up to me to ask how a baby comes out - RANDOM!!! <br />
Knew this question was coming, and he's a smart kid so I explained how the process goes, from the growing in my tummy to the way my body helped him out and into my arms (we skipped conception!) <br />
I told him how much I loved having him in my tummy, how much I already loved him, and that he already loved me. That the best most wonderful thing I had ever created was him, he is the most beautiful thing to have ever happened.<br />
<br />
He easily accepted the facts of birth, and then with a hug and a pat of my tummy he said "Mum, did you love being pregnant and giving birth to the other babies? or just me?"<br />
<br />
Aw rats, pass the tissues...Trinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13423689847418432025noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2775582287121178939.post-87573777064517891022011-10-15T14:46:00.000-07:002011-10-15T14:46:31.136-07:00Diva & Dude for a Day!! (Newcastle & Hunter region only)<h6 class="uiStreamMessage" data-ft="{"type":1}"><div class="actorDescription actorName" data-ft="{"type":2}"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: small;">Excuse the boldness of this post - apparently my computer and or blogger think it's worthy of being done in bold font and it WILL NOT let me take it off. Being not very tech savvy I have thumped the computer, said a bad word at it, had a "cooling off coffee" and sat back staring at the screen asking it why...WHY? And then I gave up and accepted that yes, perhaps it is right. This post is worthy of boldness :)</span></div><div class="actorDescription actorName" data-ft="{"type":2}"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: small;"></span> </div><div class="actorDescription actorName" data-ft="{"type":2}"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: small;">It's a shame that this is only open to residents of the Newcastle and Hunter region, it would be a great thing for other regions to take up - the only way to get the word out there, and get other people thinking of such great fundraising ideas is to do exactly what I am right now - spread the word, even if not everyone who reads my blog is in the area. </span></div><div class="actorDescription actorName" data-ft="{"type":2}"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: small;"> </span></div><div class="actorDescription actorName" data-ft="{"type":2}"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: small;">Gayle Davies posted this link on my facebook wall yesterday and I just love the idea - if you know someone who lingers around this area please share this with them regardless of if they themselves have lost a baby/child we all know someone who has (unfortunately, this is true)</span></div><div class="actorDescription actorName" data-ft="{"type":2}"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: small;"> </span></div><div class="actorDescription actorName" data-ft="{"type":2}"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: small;">So, here tis lovelies, check it out! Gayle and the crew from Kourdizo Photography - you're awesome! I hope this raises a bunch of much needed funds for Sids & Kids, please let me know how it goes xxx</span></div><div class="actorDescription actorName" data-ft="{"type":2}"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: small;"> </span></div><div class="actorDescription actorName" data-ft="{"type":2}"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: small;"></span> </div><div class="actorDescription actorName" data-ft="{"type":2}"><div class="actorDescription actorName" data-ft="{"type":2}"><a href="http://www.kourdizophotography.com.au/diva--dude-for-a-day.html"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: small;">Diva & Dude for a Day</span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: small;"></span></div><div class="actorDescription actorName" data-ft="{"type":2}"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: small;"> </span></div><span class="messageBody translationEligibleUserMessage" data-ft="{"type":3}"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: small;">Nominate someone you know who has lost a baby / child...show someone that you think of them, even though you don't know what to say. <br />
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Everyone knows someone who has lost a child. Take a good look at your list of friends / relatives...you might just come up with someone! <br />
<br />
Give them a shot at winning loads of gifts in December.<br />
<br />
Nominations for Diva / Dude for a day are welcome from Monday, 10th Oct. Look here for forms - </span><a href="http://www.kourdizophotography.com.au/diva--dude-for-a-day.html" rel="nofollow nofollow" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span>http://www.kourdizophotography</span><wbr><span class="word_break"></span><span>.com.au/diva--dude-for-a-day.h</span><wbr><span class="word_break"></span>tml</span></span></a></span></div><div class="actorDescription actorName" data-ft="{"type":2}"><span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: x-small;"></span> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifq_s-NqK1h5ymUioz8_JkUEB0WQt-k7xl1x2HvmTIAHr5lUXHUhzKrVUMwTd6JjGI80dsXdCRUCxawAGVsRdpUzq5rllROxot_ow4V6Vvaar8YZ6o8v0VZaoac-fcP1jE9Gpls90Uv8xV/s1600/Dude+%2526+Diva+for+a+day.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" oda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifq_s-NqK1h5ymUioz8_JkUEB0WQt-k7xl1x2HvmTIAHr5lUXHUhzKrVUMwTd6JjGI80dsXdCRUCxawAGVsRdpUzq5rllROxot_ow4V6Vvaar8YZ6o8v0VZaoac-fcP1jE9Gpls90Uv8xV/s400/Dude+%2526+Diva+for+a+day.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="actorDescription actorName" data-ft="{"type":2}"> </div></h6>Trinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13423689847418432025noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2775582287121178939.post-6324484102431748432011-10-14T14:48:00.000-07:002011-10-14T14:48:20.386-07:00Sometimes you need to get legal!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitgE18JHjELFHZkNDb4YSpfe-nn_zdwEba6YaEm_yBaofPbT-R_KI6CgCaGZsGIReCjEyVBVOmbxtH0mXN0gjwgdceKD3rFlzXkHS5FaMZxFMvez4AQgy8js9R6lTOec3GdrW5BP4yXCqs/s1600/legal-pad-scan-598x797.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" oda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitgE18JHjELFHZkNDb4YSpfe-nn_zdwEba6YaEm_yBaofPbT-R_KI6CgCaGZsGIReCjEyVBVOmbxtH0mXN0gjwgdceKD3rFlzXkHS5FaMZxFMvez4AQgy8js9R6lTOec3GdrW5BP4yXCqs/s320/legal-pad-scan-598x797.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br />
In the next few weeks I'll be visiting a nice man who will write me up a legal document for all contributors to sign granting me permission to use the stories you submit (or have already submitted) just so nothing comes back to bite me on the buttocks when it's all done and dusted. <br />
<br />
I'm one of those - all people are essentially good until they prove otherwise to me - people usually, but this is much bigger than my faith in you all so when it's done and dusted I shall email it out to all that have indicated they are writing something. And unless I get it back all filled in and signed I will not be able to use your contribution.<br />
<br />
This project will swallow plenty of my money and time and I just need to make sure we are all covered.<br />
<br />
:)Trinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13423689847418432025noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2775582287121178939.post-23169974881766373792011-10-13T15:44:00.000-07:002011-10-13T15:44:12.055-07:00Muddled up Mumma - ahh.. the truth of it..I'm sharing this blog for two reasons:<br />
<br />
1. It's a great blog..<br />
<br />
2. This is the kind of honesty I need for this project - curtains drawn back, saying those things that we otherwise would her hushed over..because, if you don't be completely honest, this book is a waste of my time and yours and it will not be "true".<br />
<br />
<br />
I happened upon <a href="http://www.muddledupmumma.com/2011/06/i-dont-love-being-mum.html">Muddled Up Mumma</a> in my wandering around the internet seeking story tellers and this particular post on her blog really stuck me - so I'm sharing :)<br />
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It's called "I don't love being a Mum" and it's well worth a read. I love the honesty - because seriously (and look at the comments) this being a Mum gig.... it's not always as wonderful as we gush it is right? <br />
<br />
Sometimes, for weeks on end it just feels like hard work - no, not because we don't love our children (Joe is the light of my life, the reason I keep going..I think we've established that though) but there are times when it is hard to keep juggling all the balls that motherhood throws at us - and stay sane. <br />
<br />
And yet, when asked "Oh yes, being a Mum is the best job in the world"<br />
<br />
Recently, I think I shocked a young pair of church lads that knocked on my door. One of the first things they asked was about Joe and being a Mum. I answered them by saying that being a Mum was both the most amazingly rewarding job, and the hardest bloody thing I have ever done....and not to ask me that question at 3am when I'm trying to get him to go back to sleep because I'm so darned tired and I don't CARE if he's not!<br />
<br />
Of course, I wouldn't swap him for the world, or give him back (he was far too hard to come by for that) I think he's the most amazing little human who has an incredibly beautiful heart...I'm very, very proud to know him, let alone be able to say "Yeah, that kid over there.. the sweet cheeky looking one.. he's my son"<br />
<br />
But..<br />
<br />
It's not all sunshine and lollipops. When it is though.... *sigh* isn't it lovely.. <br />
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Don't crucify me - you all know these things are true - we're just not usually allowed to say them :)<br />
<br />
Shoot on over, check her out and get a sense of how you should write your story. Like no one is going to judge you for it.. fill it with the truth, no matter how dark.. because for the next person to tread your path........ the truth of it is what they are seeking so they too can know they are not alone.Trinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13423689847418432025noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2775582287121178939.post-65466962804586422942011-10-12T22:39:00.000-07:002011-10-12T22:39:14.950-07:00Please sign this petition..Please drop by and digitally sign this petition to support this group who are trying to make October 15th <a href="http://www.facebook.com/l.php?u=http%3A%2F%2F15october.com.au%2F%3Fpage_id%3D11&h=qAQBFVwrcAQAWCofxRgpX5wp2iKjx4Wdh9c8vZX73JYPahg">Pregnancy and infant loss awareness day</a> a nationally recognised day for all of those that have experienced the loss of a child at any stage.<br />
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Takes two minutes - I swear!Trinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13423689847418432025noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2775582287121178939.post-39639995963346763432011-10-12T16:55:00.000-07:002011-10-12T16:55:16.455-07:00Three small wordsHe wakes up, stumbles around the house to find me in his semi awake state.<br />
<br />
He falls into me, in a kind of body hug that if I were not fast enough for he would simply slump on the floor.<br />
<br />
He is five, where has the time gone? Every morning I look at how big he is and I wonder this..<br />
<br />
He rubs his eyes as his head lays against my chest, one arm slung around a once white teddy who has been loved to the point of threadbare. A teddy bear that has no name, and is rarely snuck into the laundry for a little run around the tub. Due to the distress of said five year old who says, with tears running down his cheeks "We have different smells Mum. You don't like how Teddy smells, but I love his smell - he smells like love" - who can argue with that? I admit, Teddy isn't washed often enough...<br />
<br />
I am often in a rather uncomfortable crouching "catch" position during this morning hug, but I would have it no other way.<br />
<br />
And then, after the eye rub a sigh and a little snuggle my day is started in the perfect fashion.<br />
<br />
"I love you Mum"Trinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13423689847418432025noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2775582287121178939.post-16431503738077128722011-10-12T04:22:00.000-07:002011-10-12T04:22:19.435-07:00My friend MichelleEvening y'all!<br />
<br />
I've been a bit quiet on the blogging front - there are several entries at draft level, and I have a few wonderful people lined up as <strong>guest bloggers</strong><strong> </strong>who will appear in a wee while sharing part of their stories and the turns their lives have taken since their little miracles appeared. Which brings me to this - you are all most welcome to guest blog here at any point if you feel you have something appropriate to share...please feel free to contact me, I am more than happy to get your stories/causes out there. <br />
<br />
In fact, I'm part way through listing support groups and services that I've discovered due to this project and if anyone has anything that has helped them that they wish to share please either comment here or email me and I'll add it to the list. Because lets be honest, when you really need support - is when you have the least energy and care to be able to find it - so lets make this easy for everyone!<br />
<br />
Tonight though, I just wanted to share with you part of an email I received from a friend of mine after she'd been off touring Europe with her two teenagers (yes, I too hated her for a while)<br />
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Michelle has been a great support to me, with this project, and generally. I haven't known her a great deal of time, but we have much in common - life.... has been busy throwing us both curveball after curveball... she has amazing inner strength that to be honest, I have no idea where she pulls it from at times... sometimes, on her behalf I would like to hide under a rock for a while.<br />
<br />
I knew that Michelle was going to be writing a piece for my book, I had told her (as you all) that there was no hurry - no time limit, and it could wait until she had a quiet moment. Well, I certainly didn't think she would pick a "quiet moment" on her holiday but here is a portion of an email I got upon her arrival back on our island.<br />
<br />
Shared with permission from Michelle of course.....<br />
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<em>"I wanted to let you know , I have written a piece I want to polish up for you for your book. I wrote it on one of the many train trips across Europe ( a surreal moment for me to be re-living the moment in my life that I found out my son may die when he was born)...but it made me feel like I had come full circle, a type of cathartic moment really. So, I want to thank you for giving me the opportunity to write about this event in my life ( in which I have had many challenges, like yourself). I love your blog, it is going so well---just as I thought it would. I know you were nervous and a little doubtful when you started, but it's blossoming into a lovely place to read and share.....good on you for having the courage to begin it. I hope to have the article written up for you soon--just need a little sleep and peace right now lol....<br />
xo"</em><br />
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To Michelle, THANKYOU!<br />
<br />
Sometimes, I assess my life and how incredibly busy I am and I feel like a fool for adding to that craziness by taking on such a huge, emotional and time consuming project. Then I get an email like this, or I talk to someone who tells me they think what I'm doing IS worthwhile and again, I'm feeling like I did when I first voiced my dream. <br />
<br />
Sleep well everyone. <br />
Hold your loved ones close.<br />
Trine xxx<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdhUR_OzqvpcuOsoUyg9HdZpY90ignQS6pCpuIiXyaNVAsT70HYyCWBih_uaPAfM_rYXgjvFXVLjbQTuWcruTZz2zeqsl8ZOyhfrJYkmrIF33E7votyX7rzjgNsW1uWWfL1pxDN2_j62e0/s1600/IMG_1222.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" oda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdhUR_OzqvpcuOsoUyg9HdZpY90ignQS6pCpuIiXyaNVAsT70HYyCWBih_uaPAfM_rYXgjvFXVLjbQTuWcruTZz2zeqsl8ZOyhfrJYkmrIF33E7votyX7rzjgNsW1uWWfL1pxDN2_j62e0/s640/IMG_1222.JPG" width="476" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My little family, on a spring picnic - such a perfect day :)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Trinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13423689847418432025noreply@blogger.com4