Sunday, June 21, 2009

Happy Father's Day

Happy Father's Day to all you fathers out there!

Bella blessed me by SLEEPING IN this morning. Not only did she sleep through the night, but she slept right up to her 8:30 feeding. But her gift was when she started cooing this morning in her cradle. The only noises we usually hear from her are shouts, screams, and cries, but this morning, we got a little gift. I wish I could have video'd it. I'd watch it over and over again to remind myself there is a happy soul inside that angry body right now.

Blisters continue to heel, though a couple have returned exactly in the shape they had just finished healing. Bella has a new one on the back of her right middle finger that JUST healed...and now the whole process starts anew. Another three weeks of wrapping. However, Bella's face and mouth look better than EVER, and she EATS like there's no tomorrow. This is very important for an RDEB baby. Malnutrition is one of the big killers.

My thoughts on Father's Day take me back to my little country church, St. Patrick Church in Redding, CT. Every Father's Day, our Pastor, Fr. John Conlisk, would give his annual Father's Day sermon. I'll never forget his last line, "...because while any man can be a father, not every man is a daddy." (or something to that effect) For me, while yes I am a "father," next to being a husband, being a daddy is the best job of my life. The fun, the connection, the sense of purpose, the every day miracles...watching them develop and unfold before your very eyes...the wonder and awe of it all...awesome.

I also think about Father in Heaven today and the unending love, patience, abundance, forgiveness, and guidance He provides to all who are willing to listen no matter how many times they have ignored. I think about my own finite patience, and I marvel at His ability to endure all and still shower love and abundance with joy upon all who ask for it. God is my hero.

Growing up, I remember stories about "Manna from Heaven" and thought that God gave us gifts right out of the sky. Since then, I've learned to recognize that God gives us gifts through each other, through every day faces and people. There is no choir of angels announcing the arrival of more of God's gifts. Just a phone call, or an email, or a chance meeting in public, or a card in the mail. We are being fed (literally) by so many different people, including family, friends, our entire church, and Ang's work team, that we barely have enough room in the fridge and won't need to make a dinner (or lunch) for the next month. THAT is MANNA FROM HEAVEN.

Watch Bella's video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VZ9MXSCfMzw

Purchase her song or make a donation above.

God bless each of you for your love and support. You are healing our daughter. Thank you.

1 comment:

  1. Comments from Care Pages Site:

    Posted Jun 22, 2009 5:15pm
    by terri wiener

    How wonderful to hear that cooing! Happy Father's Day, Tim
    Posted Jun 22, 2009 12:46pm
    by Conde Rogers

    Daddy's Day is meant to honor men like you - you are so extraordinary! Love, Conde
    Posted Jun 22, 2009 12:45pm
    by Jackie Gardella

    Hi Tim: Sent an email your way as well. Lisa Wilson was so kind to fill me in on the news about baby Bella this morning. I'm so glad she told me. If there is anything I can do at all for you guys, please let me know. My heart and prayers go out to your family and oodles of good karma! Ang is one of my all time favorite people :-) Please tell her hello and you guys have my support in anyway I can lend it.

    I'm glad you had a good Daddy's Day :-) Warm regards,

    Jackie
    Posted Jun 22, 2009 9:56am
    by Lynne Boschee

    Happy Daddy's Day, Tim. We love you.
    Posted Jun 22, 2009 12:28am
    by Albert Alva

    Thanks for sharing your life with us. You are helping us as well, by reminding us of how preciuous life is. Thank you!
    Posted Jun 21, 2009 9:01pm
    by Angela Ostermann

    Happy Father's Day Tim! I think you are a wonderful father and as much of a gift to those two girls as they are to you.
    Posted Jun 21, 2009 5:15pm
    by Sheila Marchetta

    Happy Father's Day to an exceptional Daddy!!!
    Prowd to be your Mom.
    Lots of love to all,
    Mom
    Posted Jun 21, 2009 3:15pm
    by Kathleen Tillman

    I must believe, Tim, that God chooses extraordinary men to be the fathers of his exceptional children. God bless you today and always.
    Posted Jun 21, 2009 2:56pm
    by Russ Baldwin

    Happy Daddy's Day Tim. Goooo Bella, good to hear of your healthy appetite. Comment to your previous posting, it's great being hippies and now we don't even have to have long hair. Angelique and Ali you are both amazing. Love & Prayers.
    Russ & Jen
    Posted Jun 21, 2009 2:39pm
    by Becky Stone

    Thank you for sharing your heart, Tim. It has been an encouragement to see God working in your lives over the past week, especially the visitor from DeBRA. Happy Father's Day!
    Becky

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