RMH family goodie bags UPDATE

Friends! I couldn't wait to share this update. In the last 48 hrs, I am pumped to share we have raised more money (and more is still coming) than we have ever raised at Christmas time for the KC RMH families. My heart could EXPLODE! There are 177 families at the Cincy home so we had our work cut out for us with this project and we are DOING IT! Not there yet but I am not stopping till we get all the families covered. Thank you to everyone who has helped and also shared about this! I just want each of you to know YOU ARE MAKING A DIFFERENCE. I still remember the day I came back to the house from a HARD day at the hopsital with P and I saw a goodie bag in my mailbox. It had a little note saying "we have been in your shoes and you are not alone on your journey." The products were a hand cream, lip balm and full hand pampering set and I teared up and never forgot it. Tim even used that lip balm till it was gone. Seems so small to package up a few pampering items and include a note but the solidarity it offers and impact is FOREVER. 

More to come as I continue to update from this blog. I want to be sure those off social media can follow along. Wanted to share for those who have reached out to me and shared they are praying on 4/15 for our road safety, we have decided we need to leave 4/14 instead of 4/15 for a myriad of reasons. 

Thank you friends for all you are doing to support and lift us up and also help spread JOY when we arrive! 

XOXOLorna

Time to spread JOY to families at Cincy's Ronald McDonald House - turning pain into purpose

First off, the support and love Tim and I have felt pour over us in the last 24 hours has been unreal. THANK YOU never feels adequate. We are so deeply touched.

Secondly, I am determined to find a way to spread JOY and turn our pain into purpose for this trip. It is not lost on me many families do not have anywhere near the circle of support we have. Some have next to nothing. We have witnessed this many times over with each stay we encounter. This idea came to me tonight and I can't let more time pass. We have decided to show up with goodie bags for each family mailbox when we arrive. Time to spread JOY in the midst of our crappy situation. WHO IS WITH ME? It's the largest RMH in the country. We need all the help we can get!!!

I plan to buy everything once we have money collected by 4/10. Message me for our address if you want to deliver things to us. We are driving and will make room to pack our SUV full!

Let's spread the JOY and show Cincy's RMH some KC love!!!!!!!

Facing reality.....life is unpredictable

Life is so unpredictable. Tim and I have sat on a medical update and recent news till I felt in my gut the time was right. Preston is now 12. So much of his story as he gets older is his to share on his own. The question of do I still publicly share or stay quiet has been a tough one to answer. I believe our circle of support has been the most steadfast prayer warriors I have ever witnessed any time we need support coming our way. When this memory popped up, it became apparent to me that today is the most appropriate time to open up and ask for prayers. With Preston's permission, I am sharing we are heading back to Cincinnati in a few weeks. It's been a worrisome winter with many health challenges we haven't been able to clear up. We know what the possibilities are and honestly, I can't imagine a 3rd full airway recontruction surgery for him. I am asking for prayers that Preston is spared this invasive surgery and something else can be done to fix his ongoing airway complications. Ignorance of 'what could be' was truly such bliss when he was a baby (1st airway surgery) and little boy (2nd airway surgery). Preston will see his airway team, pulmonologist, undergo tests, a bronchoscopy in the O.R. We are fearful for the answers we are eager to receive. Such a strange feeling. We will be gone the full week of 4/15 and covet any prayers you are able and willing to send up for us. It would mean the world. P will be in the O.R. on the afternoon of 4/18 (I will update this as we find out more details so we can have prayers that day while he is under). While the road to Cincinnati Childrens is one we have traveled many times, it is full of firsts for our family and especially for the boys this time around. Reid will experience seeing Preston wheeled away and also recovering. He will be with Tim and me as we consult with the doctors post op and hear their findings. He wants to be there for his brother and support him and I know this will be a core memory in his life. Preston will have Reid by his side for all of this. He feels so much comfort in that. Lastly, we received news of acceptance into the Ronald McDonald House for the whole week which is such a blessing. Our 'home away from home' continues to bless us! SO grateful!!!!! Reid will experience this magical and special place for the first time too and Preston can't wait to see all of the updates since its massive renovation. I will be sure and keep everyone up to speed and can't thank everyone enough for praying in advance. That is my motivation for being so vulnerable and sharing so much. I know prayer works!! I want nothing more than to come on here soon with great news!!!

March 27, 2019 Last time he will ever be in recovery @cincychildrens RELEASED FOR LIFE To God be the Glory!!!!