This blog is an uncensored look into my soul. I am writing this as part of my healing process, but am leaving it public so others can follow me through my journey.

If you'd like to start from the beginning, click on the beautiful, adorable picture of Hailey on the right hand column.

You can also email me at: haileyshalo@yahoo.com

Tuesday, February 9, 2010

Halo #1: The Roland Family

From - The Grandmother
(This is the letter the grandmother wrote to their family.)

Dear Family,

Miracles . . .Sara's and Zach's twins are now home. It's a full house with 3 generations living there, two dogs, and daily pediatric nurse specialists.

The twins have only hoodies and blankets to keep them warm when we take them to Hershey for frequent examinations.  It's getting much colder now.  If any of you have access to: 2 gently-used winter buntings that can be altered and snapped at the legs to be able to accommodate the car seats belts, it would be a big help.  I'm going to start looking at the Goodwill and Salvation Army stores by next week.  Also, Sara has only one crib.  She had bought a cradle last week for Connor, so Riley could use the large crib with all the monitors.  Connor moves and hits the bars in the cradle and is very fussy in it since the 'switch'.  If anyone knows of a crib for loan, or affordably priced, please let me know soon.  We appreciate any and all offers, and all your prayers and love.  God bless all. . have a wonderful Thanksgiving.  See you soon!

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From - The Grandmother
(Sean's mother asked us if we had any extra blankets for them, but we decided to give them a Hailey's Halo instead!)

Dear Sean and Wendy,

God bless your dear and eternal family!   Please know I'm still surprised and astonished at your generosity!  When I spoke to Sara this evening, she didn't believe me.  Forgive me, it's hard for me to find better words than "thank you".  Yes, your sweet Hailey is continuing to touch hearts with God's love.  That's her mission forever.  I'm better right now as I feel her presence in the love of God.  Thank you for helping Hailey to bless my posterity, too.
   
Love Forever

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From - The Grandmother
(A letter written to Sean's mother.) 

How do we say "Thank you"?  Words can't convey what's in my heart, and Sara's and Zach's!  Sara didn't believe me when I told her about the call from Wendy and Sean.  We're all very humbled and grateful.  God bless your 'gifting' on behalf of beau'ful Hailey.  She's busy, and will remain so.  The veil is so thin.  I'm grateful for that!

Riley went by helicopter to Hershey on Sunday evening, for his 4th emergency shunt operation; seems better at this time again, and might be home next week.  Sara and Zach are back and forth daily to Hershey and Mohrsville (because of Connor).  Zach's mom is a nurse and helps a lot, also the pediatric nurse is at the house daily.  When I'm not caring for my parents or tending other grandies; I'm with Sara whenever she calls for me.

I love you.

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From - Mom

Thank you so much for the generous gift! When my mom told me, I was speechless and wanted to cry, but then of course the pessimistic side of me kicked in and I didn't believe it. I read Hailey's story while holding a sleeping Connor, the littlest twin...and couldn't hold back my tears. We are so grateful for the gift. I'm glad that your family will be able to bless people's lives.

So many times different doctors would come up to us and explain how we had a 'very important decision to make', after we had already made our intentions perfectly clear. We were not going to give our babies up- they made it into this world, they deserved a chance at life.

Our twin boys were born at 24 weeks gestation. Riley came first at 1 lb 8 oz, 12 1/4 inches long. Connor followed weighing 1 lb 6 oz and 11 1/2 inches. Both were diagnosed with level IV Intraventricular Hemorrhaging (bleeding in the brain). They went through many complications and surgeries. Connor made it home in October needing only a Gastrostomy Tube (feeding tube). Riley came home in November with a Gastrostomy Tube, Shunt, Tracheotomy, and needing monitors. Both are at high risk for cerebral palsy but only time can tell. We're so happy to finally have our little ones home where we can watch them grow and give them all the love and care they need.

Since being home they both have progressed so fast! It's amazing what positive reinforcement and love can do. I'm grateful everyday for the little miracles we've been entrusted with. Riley now weighs 14 lbs 10 oz and Connor is at 10 lbs 8 oz and still growing. We've waited 7 months to have our boys home from the hospital, and now it seems like they've always been with us.

I'm working on sending you some newer photographs. Thank you so much for the donation. It touched us so much. It helped our little family. I think about you and yours and hope all is going well. I hope you have lots of support.

~Sarah





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 From - Me :)

I honestly cannot even begin to thank you all enough for making this amazing donation possible.  We have made it known to all these people that this money was not ours, but that of so many people who love Hailey and us.  I hope that you will all be blessed for your love, compassion, and generosity.  

Our sweet Hailey lives on through you!

3 comments:

  1. Wendy, even though I know you have been "gifting" money, this touched me deeply. To read the words of a mother, who cannot be affected? Hailey's mission to bring happiness and sunshine to this world (even from the next) continues. What a blessing to know about it and be able to participate in it. Hugs.

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  2. You guys constantly amaze me and I think about you guys often. Next time Step and I take a trip to the zoo I would love for you to join us. Thanks for sharing their story with us.

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  3. What an amazing story of true faith. I love that Hailey's Halo is always with this family and others. What a great way to be a part of her halo and foundation. Always thinking of you and can be there if you need me.

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