We feel the love…

…we really, really do.

As the offers of help keep rolling in, we can’t help but be overwhelmed – but in such a fantastically, wonderful way. If we haven’t answered you directly, we will. Just hang tight. There are a few things we’d love for you to help the family, if you’re able. Some are big, some are small, some require an outing, others not, but each is equally important in Luke’s world.

So, here goes…

1. Letters for Luke. They say that imitation is the highest form of flattery. Andrew / Cheryl – thanks for the great idea (Annabel’s letter is forthcoming). While Luke is a tender 18 days old, he has forever marked our lives with great joy. I still can’t imagine what we did without him! We are beyond amazed at the outpouring of help and love we’ve received. It’s just impossible to accurately describe how your support has affected our relationship with God and one another. If you have a minute shoot us an email, make a comment here on the blog, send a card, post something on fb. Whatever it may be, we’d love to include your note to Luke in his baby book. Oh, and no it’s not done, but it is all designed on my computer 🙂 Graphic designer habits die hard, you know.

2. Blood donation. Several of you have asked if Luke needs blood via a blood transfusion. Yes and no. Yes, he received three blood transfusions upon his admittance at Dell Children’s. However, to donate you have to be O negative, CMV negative. That’s the only type blood they give babies. And, it takes two weeks to screen your blood. While he’s not slated for any more transfusions, he will likely get another one or two when the surgeons reattach his stoma in about 6 weeks. I’m a little blood naive when it comes to the actual donation part. So, I suggest you click here and follow up with the Blood and Tissue Center here in Austin. Even if you aren’t O neg, consider giving blood. I received a plasma transfusion when I had my back surgery and it saved my life. There’s nothing quite as noble as giving blood. Think about it.

3. Eucharistic Hour of Adoration. For those of you who read the blog that are Catholic, consider offering up an hour of prayer in the presence of the Eucharist. I know there are several parishes here in Austin that have Perpetual Adoration chapels – St. Helen in G-town, St. William in RR and St. Louis in Austin. I had the honor of being a perpetual adorer when living in Carmel, Indiana and it changed my week, every week. Luke would be honored, I know.

4. Keep the prayers coming. While Luke has made really great progress, we still have so much more ground to cover. Those cute pictures on fb can be deceiving 🙂 I won’t go into all the details, but I suspect it’s still a few weeks out before Master Luke will get the green light to consider coming home. Yes, that’s a long time for this mom.

Your update for today is forthcoming…promise.