There’s been a host of things that I’ve been into. All of them are requiring different things of me. Some have to do with work, some have to do with creative side projects, and one is personal.
The most personal of those things, I blogged at The Guilty Parent once or twice before. I never really thought of blogging it here because well, I thought you might be reading both of my blogs.
Turns out, some of you aren’t! (Whoulda thunk it?)
Long story short, my niece, who is six, is a very sick little girl. She has congestive heart failure and is waiting for a new heart at The Cleveland Clinic. Since getting the news that she won’t be coming home until a heart comes, I jumped to action trying to figure out how to help my sister. We started by setting up a Benevolent Fund in her name at a local bank, then I created a paypal account for anyone who wanted to donate online. We are also hosting a benefit dinner and silent auction to help her mom (my sister) and her dad offset the costs. Both of them are trying to hold down full time jobs, my sister is still attending classes at college, though she’s lightened her load, and they are making sure that my niece, Zoe, isn’t left at the hospital by herself; that someone is always there to stay with her. So you can imagine the total on the hospital bill before the heart comes, not to mention paying household bills when really, no one is even living there.
The last thing I did was create a website for my sister so that information about Zoe, her condition, updates, and benefit information can all be done from one place. It’s called Zoes’ Heart, and I’d love it if you’d visit her. Now is not the time for being shy so I’d love it even more if you’d give a little to her or if you have a product that you can donate to the silent auction. All the information is posted there and if you have questions, all you have to do is ask me.
I can’t tell you what this little girl means to us. When we visit my dad’s house and it’s a family get together, I am asked if their cousins will be there (Zoe has a big brother as well). She lights up a room, is quick witted, smart, sassy, wise for her age, and so much more. She has blond hair, big blue eyes, and has recently joined the “All I want for Christmas is my two front teeth” club, only in her case, she wants all four of her front teeth.
Zoe’s situation has brought out the best and worst in my family. Some people aren’t able to see that sometimes what the best thing to do is to all work together, to set aside differences so that this little gem in our family can shine her brightest and get her strength from us. It’s been a strain on my sister that I can’t imagine dealing with. Just knowing what another family has to be willing to give so that we can keep Zoe here with us, breaks my heart into a million pieces. You all know my house is overrun with children so helping my sister through this has forced me to ask myself some hard questions; Would I be able to give a piece of my child?
I’m glad to say that the answer is yes. I believe I would. I know that when you’re gone; it’s just the body that remains. If a heart, lung, liver, kidney can give someone else a longer life with the ones they love and who love them, so be it. The spirit and true soul of a person is always with us. Zoe has shown us her true spirit and soul every day through this. She’s shown us that even as sick as she is, she’s still six. She likes to play, she wants to have fun, and being in bed all day is BOORING.
My next move is to get my sister and Zoes’ dad hooked up with a national organization that can help us plan benefits and fundraisers better. They will hold the funds for us and keep us organized. I can’t wait to get started on this and I’m sure once it’s in place it will help immensely.
If you want to stay updated on Zoe, my advice is to visit the website. Bookmark it in your favorites. My sister updates nearly every day. Visit, if for no other reason than to meet someone new and be touched by their strength.
I’m in tears here, Nikki. My heart goes out to your family right now. I’ve already put the widget on my site and I will encourage others to visit and learn about Zoe.
Hugs, doll.
Thank you Lori. I can’t say much else other than thank you – you are simply all around wonderful!
Just lent my blogging space to the cause as well. And I continue to keep all of you in my prayers.
Nikki, I was just at Zoe’s blog and I saw your update – congratulations on the wonderful news! I cried. I couldn’t help it. I’m one of many who’ve adopted this kid in our hearts and who put our energies into praying for the little punkin to get better.
God has blessed her, and all of you. I’m beaming.
))
You all are so very strong and are in my thoughts. I will visit Zoe’s site and intend to add info to my blog.