tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35748159359229458562024-03-13T19:54:49.913-07:00Messages From MeisynStefanihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13752548157803647281noreply@blogger.comBlogger53125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3574815935922945856.post-27963562609242703892014-01-04T11:58:00.001-08:002014-01-04T16:46:03.871-08:00FIGHT, FLIGHT or FREEZE<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">When stress soaks the brain with adrenaline, we have been taught that people fight or flee. Example, when being chased by a wild animal it is time to fight it or flee from it. There is one more that isn't talked about much and that is FREEZE, "an act of holding or being held at a fixed level or in a fixed state."</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">This is where I, Meisyn's mother, find myself. I have sat down to type at this blog multiple times. I have thoughts run through my mind of what to post. I just can't do it. Just can't. I am frozen.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">I know the 5 stages of grief, DENIAL, ANGER, BARGAINING, DEPRESSION and ACCEPTANCE. Where is FROZEN? Where am I?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">I have heard of post holiday depression, post MAKE A WISH trip sadness, but I didn't understand that it doesn't just affect the sick. It affects all those in their circle.</span><br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-O9ZZNznqfH0/Ushm_5v0QFI/AAAAAAAAEXw/-tMrz0sAepg/s1600/Meisyn+in+butterfly.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-O9ZZNznqfH0/Ushm_5v0QFI/AAAAAAAAEXw/-tMrz0sAepg/s320/Meisyn+in+butterfly.JPG" width="213" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DlawStAilzA/UshnGCSn-JI/AAAAAAAAEX4/5E2dHyJcCAs/s1600/Meisyn+sitting+butterfly.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DlawStAilzA/UshnGCSn-JI/AAAAAAAAEX4/5E2dHyJcCAs/s320/Meisyn+sitting+butterfly.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Today is Meisyn's 8th birthday. In all likelihood this IS actually her true date of birth as of all my 7 adopted from China, she was the only one left with a birth note. Here we are. We had tremendous worry earlier this year that we wouldn't see this day. We worried we wouldn't make it to Disneyworld. Then to Christmas. Next to her birthday. It is as if there is nothing for me to hang on to now. I am in a fixed state of paralysis.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Meisyn is happy. Meisyn is cheerful. Meisyn is also tired. She doesn't leave her power chair at school. She doesn't attempt the stairs. She wearies from dragging herself even to her bedroom now. She has pretty much stopped drawing. She is too tired and distracted to complete a full task and sharing her heart through art seems too much. Her short term memory is getting ever shorter. She doesn't recall what you have just discussed with her. She continues to slip and I am helpless to catch her.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Meisyn is going to have to help us know how to move from here. The problem is that the cold still bothers me. How do I LET IT GO?</span></div>
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<br />Stefanihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13752548157803647281noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3574815935922945856.post-46994319894588948242014-01-03T09:22:00.001-08:002014-01-03T09:22:37.193-08:00Christmas 2013This post is currently under constructionStefanihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13752548157803647281noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3574815935922945856.post-64090264215165755062014-01-03T09:20:00.000-08:002014-01-03T09:20:52.346-08:00The Magic of Make A WishTHIS POST IS STILL UNDER CONSTRUCTIONStefanihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13752548157803647281noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3574815935922945856.post-41146577782438710712013-10-29T08:42:00.003-07:002013-10-31T09:11:14.188-07:00MISSING!!! The Memory Keeper<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Oh there is panic in the Ellison household. Miss Meisyn cannot find her Ipod. This is a coming tragedy. The Ipod was on her Sand Bucket List and was donated by a group of very loving moms. Here is a reminder of that joyous day.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><a href="http://youtu.be/2wEwWqnBbSg" target="_blank">http://youtu.be/2wEwWqnBbSg</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Its not just an entertainment device. It is her Memory Keeper. Something she is adamant goes to heaven with her so she remember the joys of her life. (I recommend a tissue before you follow the next link.)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><a href="http://messagesfrommeisyn.blogspot.com/2013/07/the-memory-keeper.html" target="_blank">http://messagesfrommeisyn.blogspot.com/2013/07/the-memory-keeper.html</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">We leave for our MAKE A WISH trip to Disneyworld ONE WEEK from today. We need the Memory Keeper! Last night Meisyn began bartering Jesus for help, LOL! She brought me a drawing and asked if I could mail it to Jesus.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Me: Wow Meisyn. You and Jesus are having so much fun.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Meisyn: We were just talking and playing. I told Him I would draw a picture to him.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Me: You wouldn't be wanting Him to tell you where your Ipod is hiding would you?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Meisyn: Yep! He will know.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Okay Jesus, help us find it. I know You can too. And I have lots of friends that I am confident will help us ask you too. By the way, I have never seen You in a necktie. Makes me smile.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xyb6a_TwN58/Um_WgsrjCiI/AAAAAAAADUA/Q-pMFxIGXGU/s1600/Dear+Jesus+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xyb6a_TwN58/Um_WgsrjCiI/AAAAAAAADUA/Q-pMFxIGXGU/s400/Dear+Jesus+2.jpg" width="308" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">******** UPDATE 10/31/2013 *********</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span class="userContent" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}">THE
LOST HAS BEEN FOUND!! The frantic searching has ended and the Memory
Keeper has been recovered. With Ammie and Liyah hiding treasures,
missing precious things could be anywhere. But it was not them at all.
Meisyn knows she needs to keep the Memory Keeper safe from the Littles
but her memory is not what is used to be. One of the bummers of the
progression of her condition. She said that her mind told her to look
behind a wooden quote we have leaning against the front of the stairway.
Sure enough, there is was, tucked where she had put it. We would not
have found it until we decorated for Christmas. THANK YOU for the
whisper in her ear that jogged the memory.</span></span></div>
Stefanihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13752548157803647281noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3574815935922945856.post-8658177826918318802013-10-20T12:54:00.002-07:002013-10-20T13:12:16.528-07:00"The Little Girl" a story by Meisyn<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Thank you Lizzie B. for helping Meisyn write this gem during your play date. Who do you imagine is the new friend? Never once has Meisyn drawn herself sitting or in a wheelchair. She is always, standing, dancing, or playing tag. That is the way she longs to be.</span></div>
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<br />Stefanihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13752548157803647281noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3574815935922945856.post-80578716805375195342013-10-16T15:16:00.005-07:002013-10-16T19:52:19.918-07:00Jaeya, Meisyn's Constant<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Meisyn has gone from her birth family, to orphanage, to adoptive family. She doesn't remember much of the past as she is only 7 years old. But there is one person who remembers for her. One who has been her constant. This is her sister Jaeya. Biologically they are likely not related, but in every other way the are as true as real sisters can be.</span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3QNzcQ6fje0/Ul7_a6WwHrI/AAAAAAAAC44/aQ8FoItMdWY/s1600/Jayea+and+Meisyn+smiles.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3QNzcQ6fje0/Ul7_a6WwHrI/AAAAAAAAC44/aQ8FoItMdWY/s320/Jayea+and+Meisyn+smiles.jpg" width="320" /> </a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Jaeya has her own physical struggles. She was born with osteo-genesis imperfecta (OI). Most have heard of it as brittle bone disease. At 13 years old, she weighs 35 lbs, is 3 feet 4 inches tall and cannot straighten her elbows or knees due to multiple broken bones. Jaeya arrived at the orphanage 6.5 years before Meisyn...and she remembers.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Last night we stopped to have dinner at the Chinese market on the way home from Jaeya's medical treatments at Shriner's Hospital. The food brought the conversation to China, then to life in the orphanage, then to the night that Meisyn arrived there. Due to Jaeya's fragility, the staff kept her in the baby room her whole life. They worried that ambulatory children would crush her, which indeed they did on multiple occasions. As a side note, when the caregivers were tired and babies cried in the night, Jaeya was called into nursemaid duty. This teeny, tiny girl was in charge of changing diapers and holding baby bottles to fussing lips. She thinks she should have been paid, LOL!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Jaeya: "Hey, I remember when Meisyn came to the our house. I was 6, or 7, or 8, something like that. We were getting ready to bed and the police man came to say there be new baby coming. Then he went out. I look out the window and see police car. Then door open and baby took out. Took out a baby car (stroller) too and put baby in it. Then come inside. Baby was crying and had short pants and little bit of clothes. It was the hot time. She had a water bottle and somethings." According to the official reports and the explanation from her director, this is very consistent with her circumstances.</span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Meisyn in the winter of 2007</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Meisyn and Jaeya kept growing. As the two children in the facility who could not walk, they were relegated to life together. Not something they always enjoyed, like real sisters.</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-poAr6yjaqjo/Ul8KjE0XcXI/AAAAAAAAC5U/zNzeziStv7A/s1600/Meisyn+baby.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-poAr6yjaqjo/Ul8KjE0XcXI/AAAAAAAAC5U/zNzeziStv7A/s320/Meisyn+baby.jpg" width="218" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Referral picture 2009</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> As an adoption professional I saw this referral picture for nearly 2 years as she kept getting passed over for placement. I never had an inkling that she was my child.</span><br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--Zyzblu1y6c/Ul8RmqclF4I/AAAAAAAAC50/-uTKh92e_Mw/s1600/Meisyn+at+swi+2010.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--Zyzblu1y6c/Ul8RmqclF4I/AAAAAAAAC50/-uTKh92e_Mw/s1600/Meisyn+at+swi+2010.jpg" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> I followed her on Love Without Boundaries who was trying to advocate as well with the privacy name Rochell.<a href="http://www.lwbstories.com/?p=4775" target="_blank">http://www.lwbstories.com/?p=4775</a></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WXuuOsvhYyA/Ul8KnsCdHDI/AAAAAAAAC5c/Y03DihE7ruU/s1600/Meisyn+baby+(2).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WXuuOsvhYyA/Ul8KnsCdHDI/AAAAAAAAC5c/Y03DihE7ruU/s320/Meisyn+baby+(2).jpg" width="229" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Passport picture winter 2012</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Ultimately, It was Jaeya to lead us to Meisyn. After advocating for her with no success, we realized that she would be an Ellison. What we didn't know is that she would bring Meisyn with her. It was the following article posted to Love Without Boundaries right after we decided to move forward with Jaeya that hit us in the heart. We knew there was no way to separate friends. Jaeya, Meisyn's constant, must remain so. It was the wisdom of Winnie the Pooh and the potential sorrow of separation that kept them together.</span> <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> What none of us understood is that there will come a separation that we can't control. At that time, we will depend again upon the advice of a boy and his beloved Pooh </span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-O2J6b-Ygr5M/Ul8KoBP_omI/AAAAAAAAC5k/xuafTVmIZ-M/s1600/Meisyn+baby+(3).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="222" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-O2J6b-Ygr5M/Ul8KoBP_omI/AAAAAAAAC5k/xuafTVmIZ-M/s320/Meisyn+baby+(3).jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jaeya left, and Meisyn right, on medical trip to Shanghai 2011</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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<a href="http://www.lwbstories.com/?p=7773" target="_blank">http://www.lwbstories.com/?p=7773</a> <br />
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<a href="http://www.lwbcommunity.org/pamela-and-rochelle-friends-forever" rel="bookmark" title="Pamela and Rochelle: Friends Forever!">Pamela and Rochelle: Friends Forever!</a></h2>
<i>It is more fun to talk with someone who doesn’t use long, difficult words but rather short, easy words like, “What about lunch?”</i> – <i><b>Winnie the Pooh</b></i><br />
<a href="http://www.lwbcommunity.org/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/Pamela-and-Rochelle2.jpg"><img alt="" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-7777" height="261" src="http://www.lwbcommunity.org/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/Pamela-and-Rochelle2.jpg" title="Pamela and Rochelle2" width="400" /></a><br />
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><a href="http://www.lwbcommunity.org/rochelle-the-budding-artist" target="_blank">Rochelle</a> and <a href="http://www.lwbcommunity.org/positively-pamela" target="_blank">Pamela</a>
recently hung out together at the hospital where they were having their
exams done. Neither girl can walk, and both use a wheelchair or walker
to get around. Pamela (wearing the yellow jacket) has a bone disease
called osteogenesis imperfecta and is said to be a very smart little
girl. Rochelle’s diagnosis is not as clear, but she is not able to walk
independently as her legs are not strong enough. Rochelle is a
creative little girl with artistic talent many of us wish we had.</span><br />
<a href="http://www.lwbcommunity.org/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/Pamela-and-Rochelle.jpg"><img alt="" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-7776" height="259" src="http://www.lwbcommunity.org/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/Pamela-and-Rochelle.jpg" title="Pamela and Rochelle" width="400" /></a><br />
Aren’t we all curious what these two are chatting about? Seeing
these two girl enjoying the sweet smiles and giggles of childhood is so
touching. Both girls are on the shared list and are available for
adoption now. We hope that we can spread the word about these two
friends to help their families find them so that their unique abilities
can be fostered for life.<br />
<br />
<i>If ever there is tomorrow when we’re not together.. there is
something you must always remember. you are braver than you believe,
stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think. but the most
important thing is, even if we’re apart…I’ll always be with you.</i> –<i><b>Winnie the Pooh </b></i><br />
<br />
<i><i>Love Without Boundaries proudly advocates for adoption but is not an adoption agency. We invite you to contact </i><a href="mailto:adoptionassistance@lwbmail.com" target="_blank"><i>adoptionassistance@lwbmail.com</i></a><i>
with questions about a child we have featured and encourage you to
contact your local adoption agency for more information about China’s
Waiting Child Program.</i></i></div>
Stefanihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13752548157803647281noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3574815935922945856.post-32940929924313842912013-10-16T10:19:00.005-07:002013-10-31T09:10:43.670-07:00" If She Be Died She Be Perfect"<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-iPBuQbirFWs/Ul7QpXM31iI/AAAAAAAAC4Q/cOXNBKi0PSc/s1600/Meisyn+at+creek.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-iPBuQbirFWs/Ul7QpXM31iI/AAAAAAAAC4Q/cOXNBKi0PSc/s320/Meisyn+at+creek.jpg" width="320" /></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-z_z2vQ7ZM1g/Ul7QpsdboqI/AAAAAAAAC4U/6fzt6jh3Awg/s1600/all+kids+side+view.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-z_z2vQ7ZM1g/Ul7QpsdboqI/AAAAAAAAC4U/6fzt6jh3Awg/s320/all+kids+side+view.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Zombies, ghosts, the restless dead...these are the creatures of Halloween. To Meisyn, they are most confusing. More than most 7 year old children, she has had death on her mind. She must address it in a real and direct way. We as adults can't figure it out, and frankly don't wish to dwell on it. Halloween in the air, the falling of the autumn leaves, the maturing of her mind, and even the return to school, all combine to make for complicated questions. (The first week back, a friend at school seriously asked, "Meisyn, why are you here? You are supposed to be dead". Meisyn asked me then, "Why I not be died yet Mom?" )</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Watching an animated Halloween movie from Redbox, this became the conversation:</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Meisyn: Mom, why she be died but not in her sparkly body? Why she walk like that, like a robot? If she be died she be perfect. Right mom? Right?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Mom: Well, she is a zombie. Zombies don't get a...zombies well, zombies are just pretend.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-einynElaGfo/Ul7NU-k2oOI/AAAAAAAAC34/2HUIBP_ZVoI/s1600/meisyn+wedding+portrait+%25282%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-einynElaGfo/Ul7NU-k2oOI/AAAAAAAAC34/2HUIBP_ZVoI/s320/meisyn+wedding+portrait+%25282%2529.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">How do you explain this??? How do you assure a little girl she will not get stuck as a zombie or lost ghost? I can't do that. The world cannot do that. For her, for us, it has been to rely upon the Savior and the deep testimony we have that He has risen and through that, Meisyn will too. The rising will be in a perfect and sparkly body. Meisyn will not end when the muscular atrophy causes her twisted and tired body to stop breathing. How can I prove this? I can't. But there is no way my soul can begin to embrace that death is the end of spiritual matter. The body yes, the spirit no. My soul, Meisyn's soul, embrace me with the knowledge that there is more, much, much more.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1kSxqavOLvQ/Ul7NdtKfacI/AAAAAAAAC4E/5w2QfbIDmKU/s1600/(16+of+85).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1kSxqavOLvQ/Ul7NdtKfacI/AAAAAAAAC4E/5w2QfbIDmKU/s320/(16+of+85).jpg" width="320" /></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7R0pY0obSWA/Ul7Nao3jXqI/AAAAAAAAC38/XCJ2lU9PwaM/s1600/(19+of+85)+(800x532).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7R0pY0obSWA/Ul7Nao3jXqI/AAAAAAAAC38/XCJ2lU9PwaM/s320/(19+of+85)+(800x532).jpg" width="320" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Meisyn, you are right, when it is time, "IF SHE BE DIED SHE BE PERFECT".</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span class="userContent">“I bear witness of that day when loved ones whom we knew to have disabilities in mortality, will stand before us glorified and grand. Breathtakingly perfect in body and mind. What a thrilling moment that will be. I do not know whether we wi<span class="text_exposed_show">ll be happier for ourselves that we have witnessed such a miracle or happier for them that they are fully perfect and finally free at last. Until that hour when Christ's consummate gift is evident to us all may we live by faith, hold fast to hope, and show compassion one to another.” Elder Jeffrey R. Holland, Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, October 5, 2013</span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/eYypFeIHawQ?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></span><br />
<br />Stefanihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13752548157803647281noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3574815935922945856.post-62600959315062986202013-09-26T12:58:00.001-07:002013-09-26T13:06:31.598-07:00Family Is Deeper Than Blood<a href="http://bspphotography.blogspot.com/2013/09/family-is-deeper-than-blood.html"></a>Brandon is my nephew. He is also my buddy. Thank you for recognizing, understanding and recording what really matters.<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7HrpeOBsE3E/UkSTiLjak_I/AAAAAAAAC3E/MuYMENJw2Ew/s1600/Meisyn+at+chair.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7HrpeOBsE3E/UkSTiLjak_I/AAAAAAAAC3E/MuYMENJw2Ew/s320/Meisyn+at+chair.jpg" width="251" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-B9sRh8CEHf0/UkSTr5TQqfI/AAAAAAAAC3M/msc7vqAH8N0/s1600/Meisyn+in+swing.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="187" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-B9sRh8CEHf0/UkSTr5TQqfI/AAAAAAAAC3M/msc7vqAH8N0/s320/Meisyn+in+swing.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://bspphotography.blogspot.com/2013/09/family-is-deeper-than-blood.html" target="_blank">http://bspphotography.blogspot.com/2013/09/family-is-deeper-than-blood.html</a><br />
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Love, Aunt StefaniStefanihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13752548157803647281noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3574815935922945856.post-70626346048500949352013-09-12T12:08:00.000-07:002013-09-12T12:21:53.159-07:00MAKE A WISH TRIP SCHEDULED :)<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_EAlAPYl90A/UjIKcGnL1GI/AAAAAAAAC2A/blaHrCyhXVU/s1600/Lins+MAW.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="120" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_EAlAPYl90A/UjIKcGnL1GI/AAAAAAAAC2A/blaHrCyhXVU/s400/Lins+MAW.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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To all of you who have ever donated to Make A Wish Foundation or will in the future, we give you our deepest thanks. Hearty thumbs up to our local Lin's Market for giving the community an opportunity to grant wishes to Utah children.<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-THmJg8KkzQo/UjISPakndgI/AAAAAAAAC20/a14yxLGHiA8/s1600/(12+of+85).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-THmJg8KkzQo/UjISPakndgI/AAAAAAAAC20/a14yxLGHiA8/s320/(12+of+85).jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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The FAIRIES have landed and bestowed a wish to Meisyn and our family. We will leave from Las Vegas to WALT DISNEY WORLD on November 6, and stay until November 12, 2013. We will visit Disneyworld to fly with the fairies, Sea World to play with Meisyn's favorite animal (dolphin) and then on to Universal Studios. </div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pZwqTmQvoEs/UjIKLHFq5eI/AAAAAAAAC18/uOqQoDh7Te8/s1600/Disnesy+castle.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="128" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pZwqTmQvoEs/UjIKLHFq5eI/AAAAAAAAC18/uOqQoDh7Te8/s320/Disnesy+castle.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Xlm0H-laeFw/UjIKLOa3rUI/AAAAAAAAC14/AJwqhVeykas/s1600/Mickey+and+minnie.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Xlm0H-laeFw/UjIKLOa3rUI/AAAAAAAAC14/AJwqhVeykas/s320/Mickey+and+minnie.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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We will stay at Give the Kids the World Village where I hear you can order ICE CREAM for BREAKFAST at the especially kid friendly restaurant. Oh my! Close to Heaven.</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rSEHWQQAWTY/UjIN2tqvIdI/AAAAAAAAC2Y/VDmFcMOzSa0/s1600/gkw+restaurant.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rSEHWQQAWTY/UjIN2tqvIdI/AAAAAAAAC2Y/VDmFcMOzSa0/s320/gkw+restaurant.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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We will swim in the pool, ride the train and spend 5 days concentrating on childhood and the dreams and wishes that its brings, even to children who have grown up kind of worries.</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-UhGvzpwY4rY/UjIN2ZvRRdI/AAAAAAAAC2c/MVbYVky-pHQ/s1600/gkw+pool.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-UhGvzpwY4rY/UjIN2ZvRRdI/AAAAAAAAC2c/MVbYVky-pHQ/s320/gkw+pool.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pzlE_LyTQis/UjIN2BYPqYI/AAAAAAAAC2U/R1z2YgSgPMk/s1600/gkw+amberville.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pzlE_LyTQis/UjIN2BYPqYI/AAAAAAAAC2U/R1z2YgSgPMk/s320/gkw+amberville.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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We are ecstatic to know we will be Making Meisyn's Wish at the VERY SAME TIME as Finnley Smith and her family make their wish. She is another CHI China child who came home just after Meisyn and who has also unexpectedly tested positive for Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA). We will be taking 13 children and they will be taking their 14 children and together we will turn central Florida on its head.</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-y5EqlTIW6vU/UjIPswUCRnI/AAAAAAAAC2o/wLGsM0AqPZc/s1600/Smith+Finnley+and+Meisyn+home+10+weeks.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-y5EqlTIW6vU/UjIPswUCRnI/AAAAAAAAC2o/wLGsM0AqPZc/s320/Smith+Finnley+and+Meisyn+home+10+weeks.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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We have also learned that our dear friends the Millenders will be at Disneyworld too this very same time. Won't it be amazing to get us all together?? How can the Happiest Place On Earth have so much joy awaiting us? We can't wait to find out.</div>
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<br />Stefanihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13752548157803647281noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3574815935922945856.post-51410479057908168442013-09-11T10:59:00.003-07:002013-09-11T11:02:01.714-07:00Because You Never Know...and You Deserve toDo more than you think you can. Be stronger than you think you are. <i><b>Because you never know. </b></i>However, YOU DESERVE to know and so do THEY. Who is better from the adoption? Meisyn? Me? Every person who meets her? No answer necessary. So glad WE KNOW.<br />
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<h1 class="entry-title">
Because You Never Know</h1>
<div class="post-info">
by <span class="author vcard"><span class="fn"><a class="fn n" href="http://www.jeremystatton.com/author/jostatton" rel="author" title="Jeremy Statton">Jeremy Statton</a></span></span> | <span class="post-comments"><span class="post-comments"><a href="http://www.jeremystatton.com/know#comments"><span class="dsq-postid" rel="4066 http://www.jeremystatton.com/?p=4066">15 Comments</span></a></span></span> </div>
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Why
should you reach out to those who are less fortunate you? Why should
you sacrifice and give to others? Why should you let go of the things
you enjoy so that you can give more of yourself and time and money to
those without?<br />
<strong><em>Because you never know.</em></strong><br />
I have heard a well known preacher say over and over again that you
simply don’t know what hangs in the balance. The decisions we make and
the good we try to do seem insignificant. Maybe even pointless.<br />
His point is that the surface we can see may not be the limit of our
words and actions. Even the smallest sacrifices can have a huge
influence. The smallest bit of good we do may end up having an effect
well beyond ourselves.<br />
When my wife and I chose to adopt our son, it didn’t seem like a
simple one. I now know that it is. The question of “Why would we do
this?” easily turned into, “Why wouldn’t we do this?”<br />
A simple act, but one that carried more consequence than we could have imagined.<br />
Knowing what I know now, I would do it a thousand times over. I would
do it as much I could. I would do it until there was nothing left of
me.<br />
<div class="wp-caption aligncenter" id="attachment_4069" style="width: 610px;">
<a href="http://www.jeremystatton.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/photo-121.jpg"><img alt="My son. Two days after we met him. Before we knew." class="size-full wp-image-4069" height="448" src="http://www.jeremystatton.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/photo-121.jpg" width="600" /></a><div class="wp-caption-text">
My son. Two days after we met him. Before we knew.</div>
</div>
<h3>
What We Did Know</h3>
Before we adopted him we knew that he had some health issues. This is
the reason he was an orphan. We believe he was abandoned because his
parents did not have the resources to get him the medical care he
needed.<br />
This is the reason we get to be his parents.<br />
Once we arrived home we began the process of doctor visits and
diagnostic tests and decision making. Last December he underwent a
surgery to correct and repair. To restore.<br />
During the surgery tissue was removed. Tissue that wasn’t necessarily
abnormal, but wasn’t necessarily okay. There was no immediate concern,
just precaution. As a routine process, the tissue was sent to the
pathologist. We received the final report 2 weeks after the surgery.<br />
<strong><em>It was cancer.</em></strong><br />
Nobody knew or suspected he had cancer. Yes, the doctors told us it
was possible, but we also felt it was unlikely. When the surgeon
skillfully used his scalpel to remove it, he did not necessarily suspect
it. He was as surprised by the outcome as us.<br />
I’ve written about the adoption process, specifically our struggles
to adjust, with vulnerability and openness. But I have yet to tell you
about our son’s cancer because I didn’t know what to say. At times it is
too much to process.<br />
His prognosis is excellent. All of the cancer, as far as modern
medical science can tell, was completely removed. There is no further
need for surgery or chemotherapy or radiation. The plan is to obtain
yearly tumor marker studies. A simple blood test.<br />
Our doctors reassure us that there is no reason to think the cancer will ever come back.<br />
<h3>
What If?</h3>
I can’t help but think through all of the things that happened and
all of the decisions that were made that could have led to a different
outcome.<br />
What if he hadn’t had an obvious medical problem? Would he have been
abandoned? Did his biologic parents realize they weren’t simply getting
him medical care, but saving his life?<br />
What if the best surgeon in the world for his kind of problem didn’t
work two hours away? Would we have gotten such excellent, experienced
care? Would the cancer have even been discovered?<br />
<strong><em>What if the surgeon had decided that the tissue looked okay and left it?</em></strong><br />
What if there had been a delay? What if he hadn’t been adopted until
he was four or five? Would the cancer have started spreading?<br />
What if we had been scared away by what we did know? What if we had
felt his medical problems were too much and we had passed on adopting
him?<br />
<h3>
What I Didn’t Know</h3>
There is another question I ask myself, one that hits me hard in the
very core of my being about who I am and what is important in life.<br />
<strong><em>What if I had kept saying no to adoption?</em></strong><br />
Because initially I did.<br />
When my wife first proposed the idea I did say no. I resisted. I
avoided the subject. I came up with reasons why it should be somebody
else. Smart, careful, reasons. Ones full of discretion and sound logic
and wisdom.<br />
I came up with reasons why I could never do that.<br />
We already had four kids. More interfere with our ability to parent them. We were already busy. How much more could we do?<br />
When we adopted we were only beginning to get to a place in life that
was a little easier for us. Our children were getting bigger and less
demanding of our time and energy. My job was beginning to pay better and
give me more free time.<br />
And I kept saying no to adoption because I knew it would ruin what
was beginning to be good. I knew adoption would be messy. I knew it
would make life harder. I knew it would force me to put things I wanted
on hold for a time, if not forever.<br />
I knew adoption would hurt, but I didn’t know how much. It is easily the hardest thing I have done.<br />
And I almost let what I knew prevent me from doing something good.<br />
Of course if I had known about Jude’s cancer, I would have said yes
immediately. If I had now how incredible he would be, I would have raced
to be the first in line. If I had known how much I love him, I would
have done everything.<br />
<strong><em>But I didn’t know. </em></strong><br />
And because I didn’t know, I tried my hardest to say no. And we
almost didn’t get to his parents. And we almost didn’t get to be a part
of his story and his life. A story of an orphan who now has a family. A
story of a child who is cured of cancer.<br />
<h3>
Because You Never Know</h3>
You don’t know either. None of us do. No one can predict what will
happen. No one can understand the potential consequences of their
decisions.<br />
<ul>
<li>Why should you do hard things?</li>
<li>Why should you sacrifice?</li>
<li>Why should you give your life to something good, even when you know it will come at a cost?</li>
<li>Why should you love?</li>
</ul>
Because you never know.<br />
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<a href="http://www.jeremystatton.com/know"></a>Stefanihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13752548157803647281noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3574815935922945856.post-34679487115438683632013-08-27T09:51:00.004-07:002013-08-29T19:46:38.675-07:00Meisyn Slideshow 8/26/2013Meisyn's older sister Jaeya fractured her neck. The good news it is just the C6 vertebrae that is broken with no spinal cord involvement. So, we are a bit wrapped up in keeping Jaeya wrapped up right now. <br />
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jGWLtgZikbA/Uh4Wio2l7XI/AAAAAAAAC1U/mQqt_yWmRdI/s1600/jaeya+broken+neck+8+2013.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jGWLtgZikbA/Uh4Wio2l7XI/AAAAAAAAC1U/mQqt_yWmRdI/s400/jaeya+broken+neck+8+2013.jpg" /></a><br />
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Talented big sister Shayna put together a sweet slideshow of Meisyn. Enjoy seeing her smile through the last year!!!<br />
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<iframe width="420" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/3f8NqM2g_ag" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>Stefanihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13752548157803647281noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3574815935922945856.post-17505485850048184442013-08-13T12:40:00.004-07:002013-08-13T13:01:11.480-07:00 HAPPY!!! BACK TO SCHOOL<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bY4MvwZyLS8/UgqLgJtR9RI/AAAAAAAAC0Y/iS0mhJBnh_s/s1600/img018.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bY4MvwZyLS8/UgqLgJtR9RI/AAAAAAAAC0Y/iS0mhJBnh_s/s1600/img018.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bY4MvwZyLS8/UgqLgJtR9RI/AAAAAAAAC0Y/iS0mhJBnh_s/s320/img018.jpg" width="246" /></a></div>
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HyJqsUEa-LA/UgqLgHcqEnI/AAAAAAAAC0c/nWyR-g-GVwo/s1600/img019.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HyJqsUEa-LA/UgqLgHcqEnI/AAAAAAAAC0c/nWyR-g-GVwo/s200/img019.jpg" width="154" /></a><br />
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<i><span style="color: #674ea7;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>NEW SCHOOL YEAR HAS STARTED!! </b></span></span></span></i></div>
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<i><span style="color: #674ea7;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="font-size: small;">TEACHERS GOT NEW DRAWINGS DECLARING MEISYN IS HAPPY. WE WEREN'T SURE WE WOULD EVER SEE HER BACK TO SCHOOL. CLAP ALONG!!</span> </b></span></span></span></i></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-a6dCsk0wJhI/UgqNfZSNn8I/AAAAAAAAC0w/4UgPrUW8dbI/s1600/happy+quote.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-a6dCsk0wJhI/UgqNfZSNn8I/AAAAAAAAC0w/4UgPrUW8dbI/s1600/happy+quote.jpg" /></a></span></b></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zm08Y_8dWXk/UgqQc7i31fI/AAAAAAAAC1E/ErvwwXWjkTA/s1600/first+day+of+school+2013.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zm08Y_8dWXk/UgqQc7i31fI/AAAAAAAAC1E/ErvwwXWjkTA/s320/first+day+of+school+2013.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<br />Stefanihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13752548157803647281noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3574815935922945856.post-37873825664633100292013-08-08T14:40:00.000-07:002013-08-10T10:11:55.987-07:00We Can CHOOSE to DANCE!<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BQ56f-5P-K8/UgPmIjAjGGI/AAAAAAAACzA/t16gP45RIuU/s1600/sit+it+out+quote.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="223" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BQ56f-5P-K8/UgPmIjAjGGI/AAAAAAAACzA/t16gP45RIuU/s400/sit+it+out+quote.png" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Life is hard. Its complicated. Its disappointing. Somehow a little girl who has never been able to stand has learned how to make her spirit continually dance. In the hundreds of portraits she has drawn of herself she is always upright .</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="userContent">She has never drawn herself with legs that
cannot stand or cannot walk. In her latest portrait she is dancing.
Dance my girl...DANCE!</span></span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vzMsfzp1y20/UgZ0R3EAC4I/AAAAAAAAC0I/epOG4GtOv94/s1600/img017.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vzMsfzp1y20/UgZ0R3EAC4I/AAAAAAAAC0I/epOG4GtOv94/s200/img017.jpg" width="144" /></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fTlBdq91Yzw/UgQTS3qSADI/AAAAAAAACz4/VJWgQET3wqM/s1600/Meisyn+dancing.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fTlBdq91Yzw/UgQTS3qSADI/AAAAAAAACz4/VJWgQET3wqM/s320/Meisyn+dancing.jpg" width="196" /></a><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="userContent">So when I am tempted to feel sorry for myself, be disappointed that at middle age some of my dreams didn't "come true", be weary that every day is a struggle to parent children, to feed my soul, I can CHOOSE to dance. It is not my body, my environment, my bad luck that determines the happiness of my soul. IT IS MY CHOICE. Meisyn embodies this truth. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="userContent"><i><b>CAN YOU CHOOSE BETTER TOO?</b></i></span></span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yZU5JnuuA1M/UgQS_D05SUI/AAAAAAAACz0/K40iD2rpdbc/s1600/i+hope+you+dance+quote.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yZU5JnuuA1M/UgQS_D05SUI/AAAAAAAACz0/K40iD2rpdbc/s400/i+hope+you+dance+quote.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Stefanihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13752548157803647281noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3574815935922945856.post-75856185037864891232013-08-01T21:20:00.001-07:002013-08-02T09:21:03.369-07:00Meisyn's Beach Bucket Blessing July 2013<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Before you view, please find the pause button on the SCM Music Player link at the top of the blog. If you don't, you will have competing songs and frazzled nerves.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">This is our "THANK YOU" from the Ellison's to all those who allowed Meisyn and our family to take a heart picture. We will carry this memory with such happy reflection. You have left your footprints on our family.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><b>Have you ever wondered how Miss Meisyn gets around with legs that she cannot move voluntarily? She has devised a way to get where she wants to go....dragging her legs by hooking them over her hands. Take a minute and watch her as she is determined to make it to the ocean of her own accord. She feels the surf for the first time in her life. Notice she leaves a MUCH BIGGER footprint in the sand than most people. The same way she leaves her footprints on people's hearts.</b>.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3wf5kqfbQNI/UfvcCpfw97I/AAAAAAAACyg/4dI-fZ9k4RA/s1600/leona-lewis-footprints-in-the-sand-source.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="95" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3wf5kqfbQNI/UfvcCpfw97I/AAAAAAAACyg/4dI-fZ9k4RA/s320/leona-lewis-footprints-in-the-sand-source.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> <a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-G4E09R7DNL0/UfvcPEQevzI/AAAAAAAACyw/8F00UEZbV-Y/s1600/meisyn+footprints.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-G4E09R7DNL0/UfvcPEQevzI/AAAAAAAACyw/8F00UEZbV-Y/s320/meisyn+footprints.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></div>
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="360" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/jOh8qb4OdgE?feature=player_detailpage" width="640"></iframe>Stefanihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13752548157803647281noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3574815935922945856.post-13889340463051678642013-07-31T13:31:00.001-07:002013-07-31T15:04:56.657-07:00 MEISYN, 7-year-old girl with rare disease, visits San Diego Zoo - San Diego, California News Station - KFMB Channel 8 - cbs8.com<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xS8Kd5JSCok/Ufl1BQoPExI/AAAAAAAACn0/7NrcWmSqTf4/s1600/meisyn+news+article.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xS8Kd5JSCok/Ufl1BQoPExI/AAAAAAAACn0/7NrcWmSqTf4/s320/meisyn+news+article.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.cbs8.com/story/22921245/7-year-old-girl-with-rare-disease-visits-san-diego-zoo?fb_action_ids=10151748900519216&fb_action_types=og.recommends&fb_aggregation_id=288381481237582#.Ufl0Bq9fqIV.blogger">7-year-old girl with rare disease visits San Diego Zoo - San Diego, California News Station - KFMB Channel 8 - cbs8.com</a><br />
CLICK ON THE LINK TO VIEW THE VIDEO<br />
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<i><b>SAN DIEGO (CBS 8) - "A special little girl crosses off an item on her bucket list at the San Diego Zoo. Seven-year-old Meisyn Ellison was adopted from China last year and
has been diagnosed with a rare and terminal form of muscular dystrophy.</b></i><br />
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<i><b>Among the things she wanted to do was travel from her home in Utah to
San Diego to see the animals at the zoo. Her wish came true Tuesday and
she even got to help feed the elephants.
</b></i><br />
<i><b>Meisyn is capturing and saving all her memories on her iPod and her mother is documenting her experiences on a blog. <a href="http://messagesfrommeisyn.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Click here</a> to visit her blog."</b></i><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Yes, Meisyn was able to check off "Help Zoo Animals" on her Sand Bucket List!!! We were overwhelmingly blessed by donations from many friends to get Meisyn and 13 SIBLINGS and nephew to Southern California where they serve carne asada french fry plates the size of your head. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2ePvIJoIECs/UfmEHk4zy1I/AAAAAAAACo0/5wGxOxnYeWo/s1600/carne+asada+fries.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2ePvIJoIECs/UfmEHk4zy1I/AAAAAAAACo0/5wGxOxnYeWo/s320/carne+asada+fries.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">There they were greeted by the staff at the Otay Best Western in Chula Vista who donated a room for two nights and kindly reduced the rates for the other rooms. In the breakfast room was a banner welcoming MEISYN and the ELLISON FAMILY to their hotel. Huge thanks to manager Victor and special Meisyn auntie Melissa Baldwin for providing this.</span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RVs1u0UOv6s/UfmDzlFeFlI/AAAAAAAACos/gXt0EJYQYOE/s1600/otay+hotel.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RVs1u0UOv6s/UfmDzlFeFlI/AAAAAAAACos/gXt0EJYQYOE/s320/otay+hotel.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Meisyn could hardly wait to get to the zoo but then was knocked giddy to learn that she would be followed by a local news crew. Being on TV was a Sand Bucket Item she had never even thought of but got to experience!! The day got even better as she was able to join Krissy, Shaba the elephant's trainer, in the feeding pen. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Meisyn was stunned to learn that taking care of animals could be a JOB....a REAL JOB. She clapped her hands and queried the trainer, "IF I grow up, can I come back and have a job with you?" I believe the "IF" instead of "WHEN" caught Krissy off guard but she regained her composure and gave Meisyn a hearty, "Of course!! You come help me any time". Kisses to Shaba were blown in the wind and Mama's heart took a picture.</span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-AGDarJEKN6I/Ufl6tAF_aWI/AAAAAAAACoM/z_qHQ_M_exU/s1600/IMG_0943.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-AGDarJEKN6I/Ufl6tAF_aWI/AAAAAAAACoM/z_qHQ_M_exU/s320/IMG_0943.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> Auntie Melissa and Meisyn enjoyed the Sky Ride. They are close buddies now. Can't wait for Ben to get home to join his Mama Melissa and family. We have so much fun waiting ahead of us together.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">One, Two, WE LOVED THE ZOO!!</span></div>
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Stefanihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13752548157803647281noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3574815935922945856.post-62728705745486192622013-07-20T18:12:00.002-07:002013-07-20T18:33:46.495-07:00Beauty of the Broken Butterfly<div style="text-align: center;">
Meisyn officially asked Make A Wish last week to "FLY WITH THE FAIRIES". She longs to be part of the girls in Pixie Hollow and be best friends with beloved Tinkerbell. As if to give her a wink that this was indeed meant to be, a YELLOW butterfly with PURPLE markings crawled into Meisyn's hands this week. Not just any magnificent butterfly, but a magnificent BROKEN butterfly who could no longer fly. Perhaps a symbol of the union of a yellow haired fairy and a purple loving little girl whose wings have also been clipped? (Note: it is the PURPLE part that is broken)</div>
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Meisyn was afraid to touch the butterfly. So fragile. So delicate. So outside her comfort zone. Frankly, so scary. Sometimes this is how people feel about Meisyn and her broken body too. They are nervous to touch her when they first meet. Tentatively she reached out with her weak and crippled fingers and let it tiptoe up her hands.</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fcntCEqUeKM/UesyRluhyBI/AAAAAAAACnQ/5BPdz0sMFjQ/s1600/butterfly+will+try.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fcntCEqUeKM/UesyRluhyBI/AAAAAAAACnQ/5BPdz0sMFjQ/s320/butterfly+will+try.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5Uo0t2GOl98/UesyZ-jHQhI/AAAAAAAACnY/BD4BfUeBm8A/s1600/butterfly+almost.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5Uo0t2GOl98/UesyZ-jHQhI/AAAAAAAACnY/BD4BfUeBm8A/s320/butterfly+almost.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-y6K_RMsc8-M/UesygJ7jTUI/AAAAAAAACng/XeCkkrIVQJM/s1600/butterfly+i+did+it.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-y6K_RMsc8-M/UesygJ7jTUI/AAAAAAAACng/XeCkkrIVQJM/s320/butterfly+i+did+it.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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My dear Meisyn, may you continue to be brave, to try new things, to look for the symbols of hope around you. Continue to value and cherish the broken things and teach the rest of us to do the same. May you get that wish to FLY WITH TINKERBELL AND THE FAIRIES. <b><i>"It's in the moment your wings grow and you'll let go when you fly with me. Let your heart believe dreams can take you anywhere if you just set them free when you're true to who you are. You will always find your star. All the wonders you will see when you fly with me."</i></b></div>
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Full lyrics of FLY WITH ME from Tinkerbell</div>
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There is magic everywhere
<br />
In the air you breathe
<br />
It's true for every living thing
<br />
Why flowers bloom and all birds sing
<br />
It's in the voice that guides you on
<br />
The light that leads you home
<br />
It's in the moment your wings grow
<br />
And you'll let go
<br />
<br />
When you fly with me
<br />
Let your heart believe
<br />
Dreams can take you anywhere
<br />
If you just set them free
<br />
When you're true to who you are
<br />
You will always find your star
<br />
All the wonders you will see
<br />
When you fly with me
<br />
<br />
Paint a rainbow in the sky
<br />
Dance on every cloud
<br />
The world below is beautiful
<br />
Keep it like a precious jewel
<br />
Put a smile upon the sun
<br />
it shines for everyone
<br />
Sing the moon a lullabye every night
<br />
<br />
When you fly with me
<br />
Let your heart believe
<br />
Dreams can take you anywhere
<br />
If you just set them free
<br />
When you're true to who you are
<br />
You will always find your star
<br />
All the wonders you will see
<br />
When you fly with me
<br />
<br />
You'll find your place
<br />
Just take a leap of faith
<br />
<br />
When you fly with me
<br />
Let your heart believe
<br />
Dreams can take you anywhere
<br />
If you just set them free
<br />
When you're true to who you are
<br />
You will always find your star
<br />
All the wonders you will see
<br />
When you fly with me
<br />
Wonders will never cease when you fly with me</div>
<br /></div>
Stefanihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13752548157803647281noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3574815935922945856.post-61583945595355896682013-07-19T20:54:00.003-07:002013-07-19T20:54:53.403-07:00I'm Sorry Sister Lan<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MRKCkUQJMxI/UeoJUPSYQII/AAAAAAAACmQ/e3VIVnFIUDM/s1600/img016.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="247" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MRKCkUQJMxI/UeoJUPSYQII/AAAAAAAACmQ/e3VIVnFIUDM/s320/img016.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">When "I'm sorry" doesn't make it better, Meisyn resorts to love notes</span></div>
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Stefanihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13752548157803647281noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3574815935922945856.post-91447503797827752242013-07-13T14:25:00.000-07:002013-07-13T14:42:52.207-07:00The Memory Keeper<br />
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<span class="userContent" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1domBT6V6J0/UeHHgG1YQgI/AAAAAAAACl0/5nxhYijINLs/s1600/IMG_0406.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1domBT6V6J0/UeHHgG1YQgI/AAAAAAAACl0/5nxhYijINLs/s320/IMG_0406.JPG" width="320" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span class="userContent" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}">Meisyn brings up conversations with me that throw me scampering for answers. Sometimes when I begin the conversation it takes me a while to find out the WHY. This week it was:</span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span class="userContent" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span class="userContent" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}">Meisyn: Mom, where does my Ipod go when I die?<br /> Mom: Um, well, I guess you can decide who you want to give it to. Maybe you could give it to Jaeya.<br /> Meisyn: No, I will need it. Make sure you put it in my box (casket) and don't forget the charger<br /> Mom: Do you really think you will need an Ipod in heaven Meis?<br /> Meisyn: Yes, I love my Ipod. I will need it. Don't forget. Put the charger in my purple sparkly box (casket) too.<br /> Mom: ??????</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span class="userContent" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}"> </span><span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" data-reactid=".r[2nwiu].[1][4][1]{comment10151715606724216_27249399}.[0].[right].[0].[left].[0].[0].[0][2]"><span data-reactid=".r[2nwiu].[1][4][1]{comment10151715606724216_27249399}.[0].[right].[0].[left].[0].[0].[0][2].[0]"><span data-reactid=".r[2nwiu].[1][4][1]{comment10151715606724216_27249399}.[0].[right].[0].[left].[0].[0].[0][2].[0].[0]">This
conversation was just as natural as, "What should I pack to go visit Grandma.?". Later Meisyn was talking again about her magic Make A Wish
key and I said, "Jaeya and Lan are so excited for your wish, but I think
maybe just a tiny bit jealous of all the things you get." Both girls
nodded and admitted they are a tiny bit jealous. Meisyn wrapped her
arms around Jaeya and said, "Oh sorry! You can have my Ipod.... AFTER
I die then." The girls were then on to another conversation. </span></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" data-reactid=".r[2nwiu].[1][4][1]{comment10151715606724216_27249399}.[0].[right].[0].[left].[0].[0].[0][2]"><span data-reactid=".r[2nwiu].[1][4][1]{comment10151715606724216_27249399}.[0].[right].[0].[left].[0].[0].[0][2].[0]"><span data-reactid=".r[2nwiu].[1][4][1]{comment10151715606724216_27249399}.[0].[right].[0].[left].[0].[0].[0][2].[0].[0]">Yesterday, the Ipod conversation continued as Meisyn was once again scanning the picture gallery on her treasured device. She takes pictures of people and things she really loves. She is very picky about what she chooses. Lately she has begun to label the pictures. I assumed it was her delight in learning how to spell. </span></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" data-reactid=".r[2nwiu].[1][4][1]{comment10151715606724216_27249399}.[0].[right].[0].[left].[0].[0].[0][2]"><span data-reactid=".r[2nwiu].[1][4][1]{comment10151715606724216_27249399}.[0].[right].[0].[left].[0].[0].[0][2].[0]"><span data-reactid=".r[2nwiu].[1][4][1]{comment10151715606724216_27249399}.[0].[right].[0].[left].[0].[0].[0][2].[0].[0]">Meiysn: Mom, I decided not to give my Ipod to Jaeya after I die.</span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" data-reactid=".r[2nwiu].[1][4][1]{comment10151715606724216_27249399}.[0].[right].[0].[left].[0].[0].[0][2]"><span data-reactid=".r[2nwiu].[1][4][1]{comment10151715606724216_27249399}.[0].[right].[0].[left].[0].[0].[0][2].[0]"><span data-reactid=".r[2nwiu].[1][4][1]{comment10151715606724216_27249399}.[0].[right].[0].[left].[0].[0].[0][2].[0].[0]">Mom: Its your Ipod. You can decide what to do with it. But, Meis, why will you need it? </span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" data-reactid=".r[2nwiu].[1][4][1]{comment10151715606724216_27249399}.[0].[right].[0].[left].[0].[0].[0][2]"><span data-reactid=".r[2nwiu].[1][4][1]{comment10151715606724216_27249399}.[0].[right].[0].[left].[0].[0].[0][2].[0]"><span data-reactid=".r[2nwiu].[1][4][1]{comment10151715606724216_27249399}.[0].[right].[0].[left].[0].[0].[0][2].[0].[0]">Meisyn: So I can remember.</span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" data-reactid=".r[2nwiu].[1][4][1]{comment10151715606724216_27249399}.[0].[right].[0].[left].[0].[0].[0][2]"><span data-reactid=".r[2nwiu].[1][4][1]{comment10151715606724216_27249399}.[0].[right].[0].[left].[0].[0].[0][2].[0]"><span data-reactid=".r[2nwiu].[1][4][1]{comment10151715606724216_27249399}.[0].[right].[0].[left].[0].[0].[0][2].[0].[0]">Mom: Remember? Remember what Meis?</span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" data-reactid=".r[2nwiu].[1][4][1]{comment10151715606724216_27249399}.[0].[right].[0].[left].[0].[0].[0][2]"><span data-reactid=".r[2nwiu].[1][4][1]{comment10151715606724216_27249399}.[0].[right].[0].[left].[0].[0].[0][2].[0]"><span data-reactid=".r[2nwiu].[1][4][1]{comment10151715606724216_27249399}.[0].[right].[0].[left].[0].[0].[0][2].[0].[0]">Meisyn: Remember what you look like. Remember to everything my special.</span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" data-reactid=".r[2nwiu].[1][4][1]{comment10151715606724216_27249399}.[0].[right].[0].[left].[0].[0].[0][2]"><span data-reactid=".r[2nwiu].[1][4][1]{comment10151715606724216_27249399}.[0].[right].[0].[left].[0].[0].[0][2].[0]"><span data-reactid=".r[2nwiu].[1][4][1]{comment10151715606724216_27249399}.[0].[right].[0].[left].[0].[0].[0][2].[0].[0]">Mom: Meisyn, you will remember everything! You will remember all your life from when you were a baby. About all of China. About our family. You will take every memory with you.</span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" data-reactid=".r[2nwiu].[1][4][1]{comment10151715606724216_27249399}.[0].[right].[0].[left].[0].[0].[0][2]"><span data-reactid=".r[2nwiu].[1][4][1]{comment10151715606724216_27249399}.[0].[right].[0].[left].[0].[0].[0][2].[0]"><span data-reactid=".r[2nwiu].[1][4][1]{comment10151715606724216_27249399}.[0].[right].[0].[left].[0].[0].[0][2].[0].[0]">Meisyn: Really?? Really, really? But I get a new sparkly body. My remembers will stay with my old broken body.</span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" data-reactid=".r[2nwiu].[1][4][1]{comment10151715606724216_27249399}.[0].[right].[0].[left].[0].[0].[0][2]"><span data-reactid=".r[2nwiu].[1][4][1]{comment10151715606724216_27249399}.[0].[right].[0].[left].[0].[0].[0][2].[0]"><span data-reactid=".r[2nwiu].[1][4][1]{comment10151715606724216_27249399}.[0].[right].[0].[left].[0].[0].[0][2].[0].[0]">Mom: <b> BAM!! </b> <b>REALIZATION.</b> <i><b>Light bulb moment.</b></i> OH DEAR MERCY!! Meisyn believed she would lose her memories. She needed her Ipod to teach her new body, her new memory, who we were. She wants to hold all the treasures she wanted to remember and take with her. She has been labeling them all IN HER IPOD so she knew what they were and why they were special. </span></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" data-reactid=".r[2nwiu].[1][4][1]{comment10151715606724216_27249399}.[0].[right].[0].[left].[0].[0].[0][2]"><span data-reactid=".r[2nwiu].[1][4][1]{comment10151715606724216_27249399}.[0].[right].[0].[left].[0].[0].[0][2].[0]"><span data-reactid=".r[2nwiu].[1][4][1]{comment10151715606724216_27249399}.[0].[right].[0].[left].[0].[0].[0][2].[0].[0]">Oh my dear, sweet girl. You will remember. You will take it all but if you need your Ipod to make sure you don't forget, it will go with you in your purple sparkly box. Treasures such as you have gathered now mean so very much more as I finally understand. You are making sure you remember who YOU WERE. Who we ARE. We will not forget. EVER. EVER. </span></span></span></span><br />
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<span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" data-reactid=".r[2nwiu].[1][4][1]{comment10151715606724216_27249399}.[0].[right].[0].[left].[0].[0].[0][2]"><span data-reactid=".r[2nwiu].[1][4][1]{comment10151715606724216_27249399}.[0].[right].[0].[left].[0].[0].[0][2].[0]"><span data-reactid=".r[2nwiu].[1][4][1]{comment10151715606724216_27249399}.[0].[right].[0].[left].[0].[0].[0][2].[0].[0]"><br /></span></span></span>Stefanihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13752548157803647281noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3574815935922945856.post-84727105488089441072013-07-06T15:59:00.004-07:002013-07-06T18:25:24.925-07:00Find Joy and Jump in the Rain<div style="text-align: center;">
Today Teresa is buried in her tiny pink casket. It is a grey day through and through for so many of our hearts. I sat down to organize and file papers from my desk and found a drawing Meisyn made while she was waiting with me at the bank. Once again Meisyn teaches us that life is meant to be loved, even on the stormiest of days. Here Meisyn enjoys the downpour under her umbrella. Her smiling reflection is found in the puddle below. This little girl who has never stood, never jumped a day in her life, believes you don't need working legs to make your heart, your soul, JUMP. This drawing, even only in grey, has still found a way to sparkle. <span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" data-reactid=".r[4ufl7].[1]{comment10151711479564216_27227110}.[2:0].[5:0:right].[4:1].[5:0:left].[2:1].[2:0].[2:0:2]"><span data-reactid=".r[4ufl7].[1]{comment10151711479564216_27227110}.[2:0].[5:0:right].[4:1].[5:0:left].[2:1].[2:0].[2:0:2].[3:0]"><span data-reactid=".r[4ufl7].[1]{comment10151711479564216_27227110}.[2:0].[5:0:right].[4:1].[5:0:left].[2:1].[2:0].[2:0:2].[3:0].[4:0:0]">These children living in the storm surely teach us that without the rain, there could be no rainbow.</span></span></span> Thanks for this message today Meis.</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rnrSnHNjXYE/UdigO5MNu7I/AAAAAAAACjs/XPfO_n226WQ/s1600/meisyn+jump+in+the+rain.jpg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rnrSnHNjXYE/UdigO5MNu7I/AAAAAAAACjs/XPfO_n226WQ/s400/meisyn+jump+in+the+rain.jpg.jpg" width="307" /></a></div>
<i><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></i>
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<i><span style="font-size: large;">So, here is my message back to you my joyful girl,</span></i></div>
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You teach me, and all you touch, to use your life to <b><i>MAKE A SPLASH</i></b> to <b><i>FIND JOY</i></b> and <b><i>JUMP IN THE RAIN</i></b></div>
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<br />Stefanihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13752548157803647281noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3574815935922945856.post-79371532616616940252013-07-05T22:39:00.002-07:002013-07-06T18:27:20.274-07:00Meisyn's Magical Make A Wish Key<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">“You can wish for anything.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>We will work to give you ANYTHING your heart desires”, so began Meisyn’s
assigned Wish Granters on their official Make A Wish visit Tuesday night, July
2, 2013.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“To help know what you really want
we will ask you to answer 3 questions.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>1.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Who do you want to meet?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>2.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What
do you want to do?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>3.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What do you want to get?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>First then Meisyn, if you could meet ANYONE
in the world, who would it be?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">Meisyn’s eyes lit up and she shouted out, “My
birthmother!!!”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Uncomfortable looks from
the Wish Granters and I step in to say, “Meisyn, some wishes are too big for
this earth.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Jesus has to make those
wishes come true.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Okay then,
Rapunzel!” Meisyn responds.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">The Wish Granters continue, “Alright.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If you could do anything, ANYTHING in the
world, what would you want to do?’<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Quick
as lightning she exclaims, “WALK!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I want
to WALK!”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Once again the Wish Granters
squirm and I save them <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>with, “Meis,
that’s another Jesus wish”.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">The night continues with the Wish Granters so kindly
allowing Meisyn to dream of all the possibilities open to her.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When it came right down to it, she just
couldn’t choose between “Be a Popstar” and “Fly with the Fairies at
Disneyland”. Where in heaven’s name did the Popstar come from?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She has been talking endlessly and for months
about the Disney Princesses. That would be the video she watched that morning
opened up new possibilities, thanks so much purple haired Barbie. In the end,
after much deliberation, she decided seeing the princesses, and the fairies AND
the dolphins at Sea World was where her heart’s wish still really was.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">We were very surprised to learn that while Disneyland is a 7
hour drive down the highway, Make A Wish sends their families to
Disneyworld.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Say what??<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So it will go before the board to see if a huge
family like ours can be approved for Disneyworld.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It will also likely be September or October
before they can get the wish prepared.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>We are still in shock that they would even consider this wish for our whole
family.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">We had been planning a trip to San Diego to visit with many
friends the end of July hoping we could tag that on to the Make A Wish
trip.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We are now trying to figure out
how we can make that happen so the children over 18 years old can experience a
family trip before college starts again for them in August.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Always needing a plan X, Y, or Z at our house
but oh doesn’t that make for an exciting adventure.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">We are humbled to be considered by the Make A Wish
Foundation.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We are completely
grateful.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But, at the same time, it was
a sobering experience, bittersweet for sure.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">There is magic in every step of this process.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Today a spectacular skeleton key arrived with
Meisyn’s name on it. Remarkably, it will OPEN the Wish Door in the Wishing
Tower.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>CAN YOU IMAGINE??<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Watch Meisyn’s response as she experiences
this part of the magic.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">http://youtu.be/LHnZS4sKjR4</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;"><br /><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />Stefanihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13752548157803647281noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3574815935922945856.post-83535313484351346572013-07-02T23:29:00.002-07:002013-07-02T23:29:06.740-07:00Teresa, ride like the windTeresa fought with every ounce of energy and determination her little body could hold. Ultimately her little heart could do no more. She rode her princess bike to Jesus on July 1, 2013.<br />
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<span class="userContent" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}">How, how, how do we walk on when our children are left behind? How do we leave their little vacant bodies and walk away when the last thing we feel we can survive is unclenching our fists that hold them to us? The only way I can survive this is to review the messages that Meisyn has been sharing with us about her own impending death. These messages are meant for me because without them to hold <span class="text_exposed_hide">...</span><span class="text_exposed_show">me up I fear I will drown in my despair. We have tried to deny that this will happen to my daughter She steadfastly urges us to prepare. She understands the joy that awaits her. What she does not, is the utter and wrenching pain that awaits those of us who must stay after she has gone. Ann Bartlinski I am so very pained to know there is silence in your home and in your heart. The picture of that thick black pony tail cascading over Ann's elbow just spiraled me into near devastation. May there be messages and memories that carry you through this black hole.<br /><br /><a href="http://ourplacecalledhome.blogspot.com/" rel="nofollow nofollow" target="_blank"><span>http://</span><wbr></wbr><span class="word_break"></span><span>ourplacecalledhome.blogspot.com</span><wbr></wbr><span class="word_break"></span>/</a></span></span></div>
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My dear little one. Ride that bike. Ride like the wind. Ride until your hair flies straight up so we can see those beautiful new pierced ears. Well done Teresa. Well, well done. You have earned those angel wings and will keep heaven o<span class="text_exposed_hide">...</span><span class="text_exposed_show">n its toes. Maybe you will soon meet our little friend Li Zan. He had a broken heart too and by now has explored heaven inside and out and can show you all the best places for hide and seek. My Meisyn adores this game. Can you make sure when she arrives you include her too? We here are sad to say so long. "The only way to take the sorrow out of death is to take the love out of life" Author Unknown. You were deeply and completely loved. Now just fly, fly dragonfly. We love you too.</span> </div>
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Stefanihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13752548157803647281noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3574815935922945856.post-23266056175143987322013-06-30T22:53:00.000-07:002013-06-30T23:03:02.390-07:00Just Fly, Fly, Dragonfly<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">We
saw a dragonfly.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Not just any one dragonfly
but<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>a soft swarm of bright bluish/purple
fliers.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Meisyn is instinctively terrified
of bugs.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Her reaction to the dragonflies
was at first fear and repulsion.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As we
grew quiet sitting along the bank of the lake, Meisyn began to allow the
dancing creatures to flit around her hands.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Caden found one lying still in the grass, <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>bent and broken, dead.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1AroZIkMtlE/UdERi2CgLZI/AAAAAAAACe8/bwz_uWZpZqQ/s1600/20130629_171035.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1AroZIkMtlE/UdERi2CgLZI/AAAAAAAACe8/bwz_uWZpZqQ/s320/20130629_171035.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">Meisyn’s
heart was fuller with compassion than with fear and she asked to touch it while
I held it in the palm of my hand.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She
traced its intricate wings and bowed head with her quivering finger.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She expressed her sadness that the dragonfly
was without its family.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She worried if
it was scared and lonely.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We talked how
all creatures return to heaven, go back to the loving God that gave them life.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> It would find her family. </span>She expressed her relief that the dragonfly
was free and could once again fly.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She
envied those dragonflies.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>More than
anything, Meisyn desires to fly.</span> </div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">Perhaps
you have seen a Mormon structure with spires that rise towards heaven. It’s not
a church.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is more.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is a temple.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Within the temple covenants are made to bind
families together for eternity.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Not just
for this earth life are we bound together, but forever.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">On June 29, 2013, Meisyn and Jaeya were sealed to our family
for eternity.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There dressed in the symbolic
white of heaven and purity they exercised what they so often sing in their
Sunday classes<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
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“I love to see the temple. I'll go inside someday.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I'll cov'nant with my Father; I'll promise to
obey. For the temple is a holy place, Where we are sealed together. As a child
of God, I've learned this truth: A fam'ly is forever.” </div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">What takes place in a temple is sacred and tender.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We were warmly welcomed by escorts in white
who cheerfully told us they had been expecting us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>None of us were ever alone.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We were told what would happen at each new
step.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In the sealing room siblings grandparents,
aunts, uncles and cousins were together and together we were all able to
symbolicly look into forever. “there are the temple mirrors—one mirror on this
side, one mirror on that side. Together the temple mirrors reflect back and
forth images that stretch seemingly into eternity.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">Temple mirrors of eternity remind us that each human being
has “divine nature and destiny”; that “sacred ordinances and covenants
available in holy temples make it possible for individuals to return to the
presence of God and for families to be united eternally”; and that, growing
together in love and faithfulness, we can give children roots and wings.” <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Elder Gerritt Gong</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">I share this because it was a tremendous and touching
teaching moment.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Inside that room,
together as a family, we discussed forever.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>We discussed death.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Meisyn could
visualize “forever” in the reflection of herself and her family in those
mirrors.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We spoke of the feeling of
safely, love, beauty, and peace that was within that room.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She asked many questions, comparing those
feelings to what she might feel in heaven.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Meisyn felt peace.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She understood
she would be met at the other side of death’s door by kind escorts who would also
be expecting her.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She will be surrounded
by all inclusive love and acceptance.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>She will have left behind her broken and bent body, but will take with
her the love, experiences and memories she had made while in that body. She
understood she will <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>rise like the
dragonfly.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She will soar freely in the
spiritual realms. SHE WILL FLY.</span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-K6PPMOW5wT0/UdEY80d_kJI/AAAAAAAAChE/j5uHa-ztnDo/s960/Meisyn's+Manti+sunset.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-K6PPMOW5wT0/UdEY80d_kJI/AAAAAAAAChE/j5uHa-ztnDo/s320/Meisyn's+Manti+sunset.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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Stefanihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13752548157803647281noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3574815935922945856.post-1400264567078858452013-06-28T15:18:00.001-07:002013-06-28T15:21:29.570-07:00The Ultimate PRINCESS PROJECT bestowed by Kasie Pullan<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-f-b1bvRnZB4/Uc4KVLGG-lI/AAAAAAAACeo/OuwlHyhq_Pc/s1600/IMG_1779.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="238" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-f-b1bvRnZB4/Uc4KVLGG-lI/AAAAAAAACeo/OuwlHyhq_Pc/s320/IMG_1779.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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The ULTIMATE PRINCESS PROJECT!! Miss Kasie Pullan, Meisyn's extra special cousin, took upon herself the project to have EVERY Disney Princess sign a special backpack for Meisyn. The results were one spectacular backpack, happy tears and unending adoration from one little enamored cousin to the other. <br />
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Kasie was able to spend January to May 2013 interning at Disney Parks in Florida. She is an expert at not only all things Disney but how to tickle the heart and imagination of a wanna be princess. Can you count all the royalty that took the time to write special wishes for Meisyn? Follow the link below and see them ALL! Absolutely one of the best examples of love and mentoring. We love you so much KASIE PULLAN!<br />
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<a href="http://files.photosnack.com/iframejs/embed.html?hash=phpieput&t=1370557474"><span style="color: #bc348a;">http://files.photosnack.com/iframejs/embed.html?hash=phpieput&t=1370557474</span></a><br />
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<span style="color: #bc348a;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-aQeTum53Ewc/Uc4IueIxh7I/AAAAAAAACeQ/aKlRVED5BO8/s640/Belle+and+Kasie.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-aQeTum53Ewc/Uc4IueIxh7I/AAAAAAAACeQ/aKlRVED5BO8/s320/Belle+and+Kasie.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></div>
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<br />Stefanihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13752548157803647281noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3574815935922945856.post-27589965860265839372013-06-23T19:35:00.001-07:002013-06-23T19:39:29.223-07:00SAND BUCKET LIST ITEM 7 CELEBRATED!!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LEWbD4KPZQo/UceoOqpfFeI/AAAAAAAACc8/xE-TatOzNlU/s1600/tangled+quote+window.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="201" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LEWbD4KPZQo/UceoOqpfFeI/AAAAAAAACc8/xE-TatOzNlU/s320/tangled+quote+window.png" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">“I Want To See the World, But Not From A Window” Rapunzel<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">Meisyn has a tight and caring community making sure that
this part of her life is more than just looking out the window as it was in the
orphanage.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>With her physical condition
it makes it harder to involve her.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>To
move away from the window and participate in the world she needs those who will
carry her, buckle her, push her, protect her, etc.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">The older girls from Meisyn’s school went even further.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They planned a PURPLE PRINCESS SLUMBER PARTY,
They celebrated <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Sand Bucket List Item 7
together on Friday night.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Miranda organized
and hosted the party where at least 13 giggly girls gobbled down <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>pizza, purple cake and many other gorgeous goodies.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Then there were movies (Tangled and Ice
Princess), fingernail painting and all kinds of reasons for <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>girl squeals.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>She had the time of her life.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">I don’t know, I think this might rank as the most awesome
sleepover in the history of Cedar City.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Thank you little friends. And thank you big sisters Kara and Lan who went too so that Jaeya and Meisyn could stay the night. YOU ARE THE BOMBS!!!</span></div>
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Stefanihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13752548157803647281noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3574815935922945856.post-40656151338012811912013-06-20T10:52:00.000-07:002013-06-20T13:48:48.439-07:00Competition SHINING for the Princesses<br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">Oh, we have some competition here!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Meisyn saw her first 3D movie and is
smitten.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was pure magic for her.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The Croods made it to the second run theater
and we went not realizing how much fun this was truly going to be. She felt like SHE was running, dancing, chasing, catching, swimming, and LIVING with working legs. The dreaming she did do, and did so very well.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">Meisyn has a new theme song which is quite appropriate and
so very Meisyn worthy!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is Shine Your
Way from The Croods soundtrack.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Take a
watch and a listen and GO SHINE YOUR WAY TOOl!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;"><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hi1r55txkA8">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hi1r55txkA8</a></span><br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JJKl9oRqfDM/UcNC4BbHOkI/AAAAAAAACcY/Y1L6PfJHw0o/s1600/The+Croods+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JJKl9oRqfDM/UcNC4BbHOkI/AAAAAAAACcY/Y1L6PfJHw0o/s320/The+Croods+1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;"><o:p></o:p></span> </div>
Stefanihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13752548157803647281noreply@blogger.com0