BooBoos

So, my 5 year old decides to start a conversation: “How did she (her sister) get a booboo on her brain?” Well, I say that she was just born with it. She says, “I feel sorry for her.”
So, I suck it up and proceed to explain how happy she is... That she loves her brother and sister... that they make her so happy... and that we are getting a special dog for her...

Thanks for the diversion!! It worked!

Our "Trip"

When my daughter was diagnosed, almost 11 years ago (wow), a well meaning friend sent me “Welcome to Holland” poem from Chicken Soup for the Mother’s Soul. I am sure that all special needs parents have read it at some time in their child’s life. For those that aren’t familiar with it, it metaphorically compares being a special needs parent to planning a trip to fabulous Italy and ending up in Holland. It explains that, for the unexpected trip to Holland, you need to “buy new guidebooks”, “learn a new language” and “you will meet a whole new group of people you would have never met”. So, my time in “Holland” isn’t so bad. It has brought such a different perspective on life. I have a genuine appreciation of everything... even the simple things. (A day without seizures really ranks!) We are so lucky... Grant it, it’s not always easy…. I’m still looking for the perfect guidebook. But, hey it’s a trip and this “whole new group of people” I now call friends!!

So, now we are on a planned trip… The North Star Express!! I can’t explain to you the feeling that I have right now… It’s like looking forward to a Disney vacation… Disney is a lot of work especially with three kids but it is so much fun… I now have my own metaphor… and, more importantly, I have the feeling that I can’t go wrong with a Disney trip or our North Star dog!

It's Official?

Okay, so now I'm a blogger? It's still a little wierd for me. However, it has been great to connect with others. I have met some wonderful new 'friends' via this forum. More importantly, by sharing our experience, I hope that you may see the joy from North Star.

Hope you're having a great day!

What's In a Name?

We're looking for name suggestions for our pup... Maybe something that can be abbreviated and easy for our daughter to 'say'.. So far, at the top of the list is "Amigo" or "Amiga" i.e. "Moe" or "MeMe" for short. This name would represent all those whose love and generosity made a North Star Dog possible for us.

We don't know the sex of the pup that we'll get.. Suggestions are welcome..

The "Cats" Out of the Bag

Well, we couldn't control our excitement. We told our other two children (ages 5 & 7) about our impending family member "Rosie Jr." They are very excited. Honestly, even I can't remember being this excited since my last pregnancy (LOL). Maybe it's the hope that the dog represents(?) Maybe it's the companion that she so deserves (?)

A New Journey

Our eldest daughter, age 10, is a sweet, happy, alert little girl who loves dogs. She also has a neurological disorder that has left her without speech, non-ambulatory, and daily seizures. How do we know that she loves dogs when she hasn't been able to tell us? Well, you can see it in her eyes. She lights up with such joy.

We had been on a quest to get her dog. A loyal companion... A friend that she couldn't make on her own. Through much research, we found North Star. In speaking with Patty, North Star's founder, she really understood our needs. I was so impressed with the fundamentals of North Star... the 'big' picture. I heard compassion in her voice and hope in her words.

We knew in our hearts that North Star was the place for us. I had forwarded the information to a friend to get his opinion. We never imagined what would take place next. A group of dear, dear friends decided to sponsor the dog for our daughter. We are truly overwhelmed by their love, generosity and compassion. Honestly, I don't know what excites us more: knowing that we are getting a special friend for our daughter or that we have such dear friends rallying around us. On our darkest days, we will remember Patty's email to us confirming that we were on the list for a "Rosie puppy".

We are so excited.... Thank you North Star… Thank you dear, dear friends!!!!!