Merry Christmas!2011 has been another year full of blessings and good health for Holden and our family.
After the journey we've been on, we wanted to find a way to "give back" and this felt like the perfect time. We decided to collect toys and contributions for the kids at Children's Healthcare of Atlanta. Our friends and family were incredibly generous. Together with the Newman family, we were able to donate hundreds of toys, Christmas cards and goodies - in Holden and Lily's name!
It was amazing to see the number of packages left at our doorstep the past couple of weeks. Such a reminder of what big hearts people have! I was proud of Holden for getting into the "giving" spirit and understanding that the presents were not for him. Holden came up with the idea of dressing up like Santa Claus to deliver the presents to the children. It was the perfect touch...and he took his Santa responsibilities pretty seriously for an almost 4-year old!
The staff greeted us with hugs and smiles. It was the first time Reece, Holden and I had been back to the Cardiac Floor (as a family) since Holden was a patient there. The emotions I felt were overwhelming. It was a reminder of how far our Holden has come! And a reminder that miracles do happen!
Holden was able to personally give gifts to two heart patients. It warmed my heart to watch the excitement on the little girls face as Holden handed her her new "Sing-a-magig". Because of our donation, the hospital had enough presents to give gifts to all their cardiac patients AND have extras to put in the patient playrooms. The staff was grateful for the pastries and goodie bags we brought. And I received an email yesterday for one of the parents who said her son loved the presents! It is so true....giving is better than receiving!
I have always struggled with why some of our children have to endure challenges at such a young age. I can't say I have the answer, but I have to believe that in some way they are here to inspire the rest of us. They are a reminder to us to make the most of every day. The reality is, none of us knows how long we have here. There are no real guarantees in life. So we need to count our blessings and enjoy the moments...big and small!
