Aislinn's Treasures Heroes

There are many things I have not experienced in life.  They are both good and bad.  I do think that with each new life experience a piece of me has the chance to grow or be bitter about life. 

This week was full of challenges.   Aislinn's sleep pattern was off again.  Seizures and muscle spasms were more frequent and painful.    Mother Nature sprinkled record snow fall (18 inches) in my town which caused reduced nursing and brought in the loving support of my neighbors.  In my time of need, different neighbors aided in transportation to and from the airport.  Collectively, this is a whole day favor for me. Another neighbor shoveled my driveway and ramp in the event Aislinn required emergency medical attention.  I was reduced to tears wondering how to repay these acts of kindness.  

My biggest supporters were sailing the seas.  Aislinn's sister and daddy were off on an adventure on a Disney Cruise. There was a year of careful planning, prayers for no hospital stays, hoarding time off from work, and two year's of saving to make the Disney Cruise possible.  The videos, pictures, and texts came in over seas unveiling a fabulous time on the ship. No doubt it  was living up to its slogan of being "the happiest place on earth".  Look for yourself....

Modern technology offered encouragement that helped me make it through the days and nights alone.   I began to chant to myself "I think I can, I think I can."

I really feel this week was a rare chance to see a different part of life. A life where it would be me and Aislinn against this world.  A test of my strength.  Aislinn had no worries in my abilities.  In the end, she was just happy to have me for herself and to sport her new shirt from the Bahamas!  

I know I grew out of the experience.  It enriched my life. How couldn't I? 

It brought to light the scary what ifs, a close encounter of my worst fears, and HAPPY memories belonging to a trip of a lifetime.

I have a new personal hero due to my recent experience.  This hero faces similar challenges every day seemingly without effort. 

Who is this hero I speak of?  This hero is cloaked in humble clothing, an endless well of love and strenghth .  My forever hero is...the single parent of a special needs child.  

Much love,

Michelle D.  Voss-Shelley

(Mom to nine year old Aislinn with a GRIN1 mutation)

(butterflyicebaby@gmail.com)

Aislinn's Treasures POOF!

In a blink of an eye life can change.  It may be for the better or not so much. 

I remember preparing for the birth of Aislinn ten years ago.  She would be my second daughter, a little sister to Alexis, the second granddaughter and second great-granddaughter.  So much to do to get her Looney Tunes room ready.  Murals to paint...a crib to assemble...picking out the outfit to bring her home in...diapers to purchase...and Poof she arrives.

What I thought to be a prefect pregnancy would soon reveal my true journey with Aislinn.  The  my second daughter, a little sister to Alexis, the second granddaughter and second great-granddaughter certainly would keep me busy with specialists, numerous tests, surgeries, and illnesses.  Much to my surprise my idea of sibling rivalry and all that comes with a four person family would ...poof...go up in smoke.

Above photo by Palmer Photography

But like with any crackling fire, the smoke clears and the amber from its energy begin to glow with hope. Hope of delicious s'mores, hot chocolate, or a crispy hot-dog or a circle of heart warming stories.  Poof...life becomes rich and full again with the laughter while sledding or a cherished friendly snow ball fight with neighborhood friends.  

The opportunities open up for a new normal.  I love spring with the renewal of life, butterflies, bumble bees and flower gardens.  It chases away the cold and dark days of winter still leaving behind its fun.  Wait I am beginning to sound like a BELOVED Disney movie...poof...poof...POOF!!!  

Aaaaaaahhhhhhhh there it is Spring Break and loved ones are in the most magical place on earth...home.

Much love,

Michelle D.  Voss-Shelley

(Mom to nine year old Aislinn with a GRIN1 mutation)

(butterflyicebaby@gmail.com)