Presley comes home tomorrow! YES, YES! I feel like there should be a parade or something!! I can hardly believe that this part of our journey will finally come to an end. However, it can't end without my expressing something very sincerely.
"I have learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel."
Maya Angelou
When I read this quote the other day it spoke to my heart! Mike and I can't even begin to thank all the people we need to thank. Our families, our amazing families, our friends, old and new. And every one of you out there, that said a prayer for our butterfly, who sent Mike or I a text, a message, an email, a blog comment, card, a gesture of any kind... know, KNOW, that Mike and I will never forget how you made us feel. We felt so embraced through this whole ordeal and we can not thank you enough! The only thing we know to do to show our gratitude, is to pay it forward. And we will, we promise. We will.
Much love and gratitude,
Kele
Presley's story...
Hello, my name is Presley & I was born February 19th,2008. My mommy was having a difficult pregnancy due to increased amniotic fluid so at 28 weeks she went to see a specialist who told her I had something called duodenal atresia. Due to this intestinal problem it was certain that I would have to have surgery after birth. The specialist also said this condition indicated that there was a possibility that I could have Down syndrome & that mommy should have a test to be sure, which she did. One week later mommy started contracting & bleeding and went to the hospital. That morning mommy's doctor confirmed that I did have Down syndrome. This scared & saddened my parents. Later that evening I was born, washing away much of the sadness. The next day they looked at my heart & said I had a heart conditon, common to Down syndrome babies & that I would require yet another surgery to correct this. Mommy & Daddy got sad again. Since then, the 1st 6 and a half months of my life were spent in the hospital, along with three surgeries, a ton of prayers, alot of tears, plenty of smiles & more blessings than my parents could of ever imagined. You see, at first all anyone could see were the diagnosis & all the fears that they entailed. BUT NOW!?! Now they see me! And well, I don't wanta brag or nothin' but it is kinda hard to think of bad stuff when you look at me!!
Mommy's story...
Hello, my name is Kele & I am the proud mother of this little butterfly. Presley told the story pretty accurately. However, I choose to share some of the more personal emotions & thoughts in regards to this journey the Lord has felt to put me on. When we initially received the news of Presley having Down syndrome, I truly felt as if my life, as I had known it, 'perfect' & uncomplicated, was over. I mourned the loss of this 'perfect' life for weeks. This whole idea of having a 'special needs' child threw me into the darkest & saddest place I have ever been. I would wake in the middle of the night only to realize it wasn't a bad dream...it was my reality. I have never cried more tears in my life. To be brutally honest, there were many times that it wasn't even about my sweet Presley & her well being at all, it was just about the fact that this messed up MY idea of MY life!! You see, my life was supposed to look like that Estee Lauder ad, where this beautiful, perfect family all lay on the beach in matching wool sweaters. Have you ever seen that ad? LOL! I mean, it was all pretty wonderful so far. I was lucky enough to be a stay home mom, 2 adorable, healthy children, married to a hottie, great family, good friends, nice home...seriously, all I needed were the wool sweaters. In some of my darkest times I would go online. I wouldn't necessarily search for medical things regarding Ds but more personal things. I stumbled in to the world of 'blogs'. Looking into the lives of families that also had children with 'special needs' & I found myself saying "wait a minute, this family is adorable" & "Wow! what a cool family". Every night, for several hours, I would do this - visit these family blogs, I was truly addicted. It was then that I realized that so many of these families were amazing, beautiful, 'perfect' families and most times, not in spite of their 'special needs' child, but often times because of that child. The stories on their blogs were touching & profound, the siblings were usually wonderful & amazing. Then I realized...maybe this 'perfect' life I have dreamed about doesn't have a damn thing to do with those wool sweaters...I mean, I live in Texas for God's sake!! Maybe it has everything to do with this little girl...this new little butterfly who has fluttered her way into our hearts. She has already taught me so much since the day the clouds parted for her arrival into our lives. I have no doubt the best is yet to come & that is why I created these two blogs, PresleyandT21.blogspot.com to chronicle Presley's journey. And as for our family blog? Well, where as I certainly invite you to join the fun & would feel honored if it inspires someone in need, as I was, it is truly a site created for me. In case there is ever a night in which I am doubting that my life is any thing less than amazing, incredible, full and yes....'perfect', I won't have far to go... Gilesfamilyof5.blogspot.com
WELCOME ALL...
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17 comments:
The Wommacks said...
YEAH!!! I am so happy for your family. I check your blog daily and literally tears of joy came to my eyes. I have admired how candid and honest you have been throughout the last months. I will continue to keep checking your blog to see how your family is doing! Congratulations!!!
September 1, 2008 1:12 PM
Mia hat eins mehr said...
Kele, I am so happy for you and your familiy. I was on holiday a few days and did not have any possibility to check your site. You were in my thoughts and I hoped everything went well, so did it! Enjoy the days after this big, big journey you all made.
Love
Claudia
September 1, 2008 2:36 PM
Cleo said...
Congratulations!!! Happy for your family and now to enjoy many HAPPY TIMES with your sweet Presley :)
September 1, 2008 3:00 PM
Stephanie said...
Congratulations!!
September 1, 2008 4:03 PM
Reagan Leigh said...
How amazing is that!?!? Another answer to prayers! I am so happy for you! Enjoy your time at home with that little princess!
September 1, 2008 4:32 PM
Aunt Kim said...
Kele and Mike--I said all I have to say (to Kele, please share with Mike).....now there are only tears of joy and prayers of gratitude.
Kim
September 1, 2008 5:28 PM
Janet Womack said...
God is so good!! I hope you don't mind, but I copied your blog today and sent it to our church list. Lots of people have been praying for Presley here in Bronte, TX.
September 1, 2008 6:20 PM
Heather said...
Although you will never forget what it took to get you to this amazing day,very soon the hard stuff will fall to the wayside and quickly be replaced by magical moments and unforgettable memories.You will look at your beautiful daughter daily and see the strength and courage and determination held within one tiny soul.Her fighting spirit.Her will to be here.You are taking your baby home!!!It must seem like a dream.We are so thrilled for you.We thank God for this day. For the gift of life. For Presley.For a little butterfly that slowly but surely,bit by bit,broke through her cocoon and his flying home!!
"Just living is not enough,said the butterfly,"one must have sunshine,freedom,and a little flower."
September 1, 2008 6:47 PM
Cheri said...
When I clicked on your blog to check in on you....and saw your post, it took my breath away for a second...and then a loud YESSSSSS spilled out!!!! I am so happy for you all!!!! What sweet words, "Presley is coming home..."
September 1, 2008 7:09 PM
Sophie Belle's Mom said...
What joyous news! Good luck sleeping tonight - you'll need it for the days ahead but probably find it next to impossible to really sleep while your mind keeps shouting "She's coming home! She's coming home!"
September 1, 2008 8:01 PM
Jeanette said...
How wonderful. Praise God that you all can be home together. What a fabulous homecoming it will be. I am so very happy for you all. Thanks for the message on our blog. We will be keeping up with your family as well. They are so precious. God bless you all. Way to go Presley!!!
September 1, 2008 8:54 PM
Shannon @ Gabi's World said...
Wow...WOW...W O W!!!!!!!
(standing cheers and whistles)
I am so happy to hear your fantastic news! I can't wait to see pictures of Presley from HOME!!!!
September 1, 2008 9:33 PM
Sue said...
This is absolutely wonderful. This afternoon I was showing my sister-in-law and my neighbor my blog and had to tell them about you. It's amazing how someone who you have never met in person is a friend who you really care about...I'll be waiting to see pictures.
September 1, 2008 9:52 PM
Amy said...
YAY! I always love a parade. A parade? Yes, a parade! Tomorrow is the HOMECOMING parade and Presley is the Queen! My mom just called me and said, "Presley is coming home tomorrow." I was like, "What the heck? TOMORROW?" How funny is that that way over in Alabama people that you've never even MET are calling and sharing your great news! :) I am thrilled and ecstatic for you all! I can't WAIT to see pics of you and your sweet girl AT HOME! GREAT NEWS! Love and hugs from Alabama! AMY:)
September 1, 2008 9:54 PM
sheree said...
WOOHOO! I am SO happy for you and your family! What a relief. Enjoy having your sweet girl at home with you...I know you will!
September 1, 2008 11:47 PM
Pam said...
Okay, we will totally have a mini parade here!! I am so excited for you guys!!
Things are going to be good. Really good, I just know it.
You made it, and you are going to continue to do it.
I wish I could be there to give you the big hug that I want to, but know that we love you guys and are thinking of you.
We will be waiting for coming home pictures!!!
Rhett sends lots of hugs to his girl!!
September 2, 2008 1:19 AM
Allen Family said...
Yeah! I've been out of town and just saw this post!!! I am so happy that your family is all home together at last!!!
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