Tuesday, August 12, 2008

Deirdre

Ode to Deirdre
I would be remiss if I didn’t take the opportunity to thank my Aunt Deirdre. For the last month or so Charlie has had numerous therapy appointments of all varieties w/ any number of healthcare professionals but perhaps the therapy that serves him best is his twice, yes folks twice, daily visits by his Great Aunt Deirdre. When Charlie first came home from the hospital we knew the bulk of his therapy needs would fall on our shoulders or perhaps more honestly Angel’s shoulders since she decided to marry an inept, inane and oft times invisible Lion of Leo J. Muir. So for the first few weeks home my dear sweet and super hot wife was undergoing stress of epic proportions and on the top of her list was the hours of therapy that Charlie wasn’t getting. Largely because as a partially single parent she was raising a chronically ill little boy and a green ranger who has soccer, tumbling, craft camp and swimming lessons and there just weren’t enough hours in the day. Thanks for saving my wife’s sanity.

Editors Note: Rod is Deirdre’s hubby and one of the few people left in the world that I genuinely fear. He’s an old fart but could easily pound me to dust. Gammy is my Grandma who has left us for the hereafter. She is most directly responsible for the way our family operates and the catalyst for my zealous following of BYU football. She loved the Cougars, a good Coke (in the bottle) and a proper constitutional. We all miss her.


Rob you said that Merilee was the only family member to respond well here you go ready or not:

I remember stopping at the house the day before Charlie went into the hospital. He was sleeping in his car seat and I thought at that time what a beautiful baby he was and that there was something special about him, couldn't put my finger on it at that time, but now I know. When I heard about Charlie I was sick, I literally felt sick to my stomach and thought how can this happen to him. When Rod and I came into the hospital that first Monday that you were there and I saw Charlie my heart just broke. But I was so impressed by you and Angel that I thought if they can do this so can I. I remember the blessings that were given to you and Angel and I felt the peace and comfort of a loving Heavenly Father and I knew then that you would not walk through this alone, that our Saviour would be there to help and carry you through. I felt Gammy there with her love and support as only Gammy could give. I believe that she has been there on many occasions to hold Charlie when we could not. I felt the heartache of both of your mom's for this sweet grandchild and to a small extent I felt the same thing almost as he was a part of mine grandchildren as well. During the 2nd week in the hospital I don't think that was a day go by that I did not cry as I read the blog several times a day. But as I visited with you and Angel and Jared one day, I saw the faith that you had and that you were willing to trust in the Lord and do whatever it took to take of Charlie. I wished that I could have had your faith and your courage. As the weeks dragged on I know that you had some hard days but we did not see those, all we saw the strength and the courage to go forward. I knew life had not dealt you a great hand, but to go forward and to show us how to cope was amazing.

I was amazed as I am sure that you were at the number of comments left on the blog from people all over the world. I said to Rod, how do they find it? But I realized that as you shared your trial with us as a family that you also shared Charlie with many others who have been touched by his story and your courage.

I am BLESSED with the opportunity to see Charlie on a daily basis and to feel of his spirit. He is a giant in a tiny body. He has taught me to continue to keep on keeping on even when trials are placed before us. As I leave your house each day I am a better person because of Charlie, there is something about him that boosts my spirit and makes me want to try harder to do things that I am suppose to do. I love him as if he were one of my own and quite often I tell him that grandma D is very proud of him and that I love him. I love to see the progress that he making.

I too am grateful for a family that will rally and support us in our trials. I know that Gammy would be proud of you and her family as we continue to try and do as she has taught us to do. I want you and Angel to know that I love you both and your sweet boys, it has been an honor for me to be in your home and see the love that you have for each other and for Britt and Charlie. Know that I am willing to do whatever I can to help and that you and your family our in our prayers on daily.

Thank you for allowing me to be part of your lives.
Love,Deirdre

18 comments:

Amanda said...

Aunt DIerdre, you don't know me- I'm a friend of Rob and Angel's, but what a moving and powerful testament of your faith, your love, and your support of this family. It buoys my soul to read the words of those who have stared trials in the face but have embraced them with the gift of the Lord's strength. I see that in the faces of Rob and Angel whenever Iim around them, but hearing it from people outside the immediate family gives me hope that as mine come, I too can perhaps be such a person.

Amanda said...

Aunt DIerdre, you don't know me- I'm a friend of Rob and Angel's, but what a moving and powerful testament of your faith, your love, and your support of this family. It buoys my soul to read the words of those who have stared trials in the face but have embraced them with the gift of the Lord's strength. I see that in the faces of Rob and Angel whenever Iim around them, but hearing it from people outside the immediate family gives me hope that as mine come, I too can perhaps be such a person.

Amanda said...

Aunt DIerdre, you don't know me- I'm a friend of Rob and Angel's, but what a moving and powerful testament of your faith, your love, and your support of this family. It buoys my soul to read the words of those who have stared trials in the face but have embraced them with the gift of the Lord's strength. I see that in the faces of Rob and Angel whenever Iim around them, but hearing it from people outside the immediate family gives me hope that as mine come, I too can perhaps be such a person.

Marilee said...

Deidre, when I heard of your commitment I was overwhelmed by your generosity. I remember when our girls were born not far apart. Besides being p o'd that you came home from the hospital in you jeans ( pre-baby JEANS!!!), I was glad you were there to commiserate with. Your gift is that you have always loved babies. Charlie is a child for which your special gift is a blessing.

Anonymous said...

You are right, Marilee. Deirdre does have a special gift in caring for babies. It's the gift of unconditional love and acceptance and the babies all know she loves them. Many years ago she cared for Jared while I was in school. He still knows she is there for him and he loves her too.
Thanks for sharing your gift with our angel baby, Charlie - I know he loves you too.

Anonymous said...

O this wonderful blog just keeps me going. I love reading it each day. It makes me think how lucky we are to have the gospel and our families forever. We just have to make it through this crazy world together. Keep up the great work little man.

Love,

Bountiful Family

whit said...

It is so amazing that Charlie has touched so many, without even trying, and makes us all feel better in spite of the trial. Deirdre, I felt the same way about Rob and Angel whenever I went to see Charlie in the hospital, and even more so now. I am so many things for having them in my life, the least of which is blessed. You do amazing things for Charlie, it is inspiring. Thank you.

Meghan said...

oh dede you make me cry. you are a gem. i've been annoyed at gammy for not being here lately but know that luckily she is in a place where she can watch over char and his family... and you know how proud she was of her family and their friends the night "love" finished rob's house.. she was wagging her finger and weeping i am sure.

i know you are an answer to many prayers for charlie's progress and healing and movement forward. i believe you filled a gap for rob and ang and have allowed angel to breathe easy and not worry constantly about therapy. you truly are a gem.

Jay said...

Strong work Dede. Coop I to have been able to see her twice a day for a good part of my life the best part is most of the time she brought a candy bar and a coke, It didn't hurt that she always takes my side over Rob's. Rod and Deirdre you guys are great Thanks for always being there for us.

Anonymous said...

Just checkin' in...what a neat lady Deidre is. Thank you for sharing this. As always, my eyes are wet, my heart is softened, and I have a new resolve to do a little better...thank you for your examples.

Anonymous said...

I am speechless at the generosity that Diedre is giving the entire family. You are all working together to give Charlie a great life and to help Rob and Angel have a little less worry. I have been in Asia for over a month and now that I have returned I feel so blessed to be able to check the blog everyday! I only was able to log on a couple of times and I continue to be impressed with your love of family and your committment to each other. I tried to send an e-mail from China about my experience with Charlie's bracelet, but I doubt it got to you. I shared Charlie's story with many people this summer as I wore his bracelet. It is now on the arm of a mother in China who lost her home and 2 children in the earthquake. She loved the story so much and it gave her hope to make Charlie Steps too! Charlie's story is a shining example to many of strength and faith. Thank you for continuing to share that strength with me.
Connie Woodland

Roxey said...

Those are some powerful comments, as always, that are evoked by such a powerful little spirit. I love you guys so much, and can't ever tell you in words or deeds how much your friendship, support, and strength means to me in my life.

Anonymous said...

Wow, I needed that! We love you guys so much and are so grateful to have you in our lives. We need to get together as soon as we can get Jada's EBV under control (we may be starting a rejection bout today=( ). We always love being with your amazing family and love the spirit we feel from you (kinda selfish of us huh? Sorry!), and excellent work Diedra, you are incredible! What an inspiration!

Anonymous said...

how lucky charlie is to have his aunt deidre! what sweet pictures of the two of them together :) we all hope to be a little more like aunt deidre after hearing her wonderful story.

Anonymous said...

I would love a Charlie update when you get a chance. If not, then no worries! I am praying daily for your sweet little boy.

Anonymous said...

I would love a Charlie update when you get a chance. If not, then no worries! I am praying daily for your sweet little boy.

Anonymous said...

I would love a Charlie update when you get a chance. If not, then no worries! I am praying daily for your sweet little boy.

Anonymous said...

Char, what a family you have!! Love, Ms. Shyls