My Bubby...

I rarely talk much about London on this blog and its more for privacy than anything else. I so treasure these baby and toddler moments that I just like to keep them locked in my heart and let them marinade.

But, this time I wanted to share my little Bubby with you all. I know I am probably somewhat totally snowed over by the love for this child that it seems like he can do no wrong but in all reality he has his moments.

London, my love, you are truly the apple of my eye. I love how you like to be quiet and reserved and then the next minute talk my ear off. I love that you like to cuddle and give lots of hugs and kisses. I will always buy you all the nuggets and apple dippers your little heart desires. I'll never forget the bedtime moments of kissing every one of your stuffed animals you like to sleep with...elmo, big bird, cookie monster, grover, baby mumble and your blankie and your doggie blankie and then lastly your sweet litttle head. I love the way you look at everything like a present that hasn't been opened yet and your excitement that shoots to my core. I'll never forget your little skip and hop when you dance. Your clapping off beat. Chasing your naked little butt around the house after bathtime. Sinking battleships and bathing Leo and Rocket in the tub. I love the innocent sparkle in your eyes, like your spirit is still untouched by the world.

London, may you never lose your innocence, quirkiness, spirit or excitement in those things unknown. May you always be kept and lead by you heavenly Father. May you always know His voice more than any others. I love you.

National Donate Life Month

I can still…
I can still smell your fragrance…not just that of your perfume, but of gooey butter cake, red clay mud pies, daffodils, & cheesecake.
Still see you sitting in your big chair drinking a hot cup of red rose tea and listening to Barbara Streisand or working in your flower beds on a sunny day.
Still hear the continual creek of the rocking chair while held in your arms and you singing me to sleep to “I love you Lord”.
Still feel the softness of the skin on the back of your hand and your presence in everyday things.
Still know the deep roots of faith you planted in us, the confident women you raised us to be & the love that showed no limitation of strength, endurance, & determination.You were an incredible woman. Always defeating the worst of odds and still walking away smiling. Always trusting in the Lord that through no matter what storm, He would provide and you would awake even better than the day before. You taught us more than anyone that His grace is sufficient, His portion enough, & His love is greater than all others.

This month is one that will also ring in my mind and will never be forgotten. It is National Donate Life Month! My mom didn't get the opportunity to receive a transplant but their are thousands out their that are healthy enough to receive a transplant...they're waiting on a donor. They're waiting on a donor to maybe have 5 more minutes with their families - husbands, daughters, sons, and grandchildren. One more hug, kiss, conversation over tea or shopping and thats just the things that are obvious. How about walking without a wheelchair, climbing stairs, taking a shower without help or even writing a letter. With my mothers passing, it is more than just her passing that you have to get over. Everyday I look at London and think of all the moments they would have had together and the things she's going to miss. He know his gramma by a picture but will never remember her by the memories they had together or ones that would have come. It's the holidays and birthdays that traditions will bring up her fragrance and make me feel the void. Donors don't have to give their vital organs to make a difference and no donation is too small!

APRIL IS NATIONAL DONATE LIFE MONTH

• Almost 100,000 men, women and children currently need life-saving organ transplants.


• Every 12 minutes another name is added to the national organ transplant waiting list.


• An average of 18 people die each day from the lack of available organs for transplant.


• In 2005, there were 7,593 deceased organ donors and 6,895 living organ donors resulting in 28,108 organ transplants.


• In 2005, 44,000 grafts were made available for transplant by eye banks within the United States.


• Approximately 1,000,000 tissue transplants are performed annually.


• According to research, 98% of all adults have heard about organ donation and 86% have heard of tissue donation.


• 90% of Americans say they support donation, but only 30% know the essential steps to take to be a donor.