Thursday, February 27, 2014

It Takes A Village

How can I thank you all enough for your tremendous loving comments about My Little Buddy?  You are all so amazing, so gracious and kind. I am overwhelmed by the loving support you have shown about the journey we are taking.  I have always told you I thought bloggers are the best, but I am truly astonished at your loving words, prayers and support.

I don't want you to think we are all that special.  My Little Buddy is the special one.  You see he is a bit of a miracle and his miracle started with the first Doctors and Nurses who saw him and brought him back to life.  The incredible staff in the NICU that watched his every breath, and treated him like a piece of fragile glass so he would not break.  They watched for signs he was in distress and got him the help he needed right away.  For the therapist's, the Neurosurgeon, the eye specialists and the lovely caring people who came to clean around him so that his environment would be germ free and a safe place for him to grow and thrive.  The volunteer's who came to hold him and rock him so he would have loving human contact and begin to thrive. These people are the miracles.  

And when he was ready to be discharged God knew the exact family to put him with. This family is so full of love it is astonishing.  They loved him like he was their very own and still do. They were the ones day in and day out that spent every minute with him, holding him, loving him and helping him to grow.  They had all of us therapist's telling them things to do, about a million appointments to get him to and they did it all with a love that is frankly miraculous.  They are the ones that helped him to thrive.  And they are the ones that will help this little one attach to us because he has been loved.  A child that has been loved in a great capacity will be able to love and receive love, it is that simple.  In their care My Little Buddy grew and thrived.  He reached milestone after milestone and still is.  It may be slow, but the progress is steady.

It takes a village to raise a child, we have all heard this before but it is true.  And for My Little Buddy his village is very big.  It has shifted from his medical foster home into ours.  It has shifted from that huge extended family, school and church to my big family and friends.  Some of the therapist's have changed, and even the doctor's, but what remains is the love that he has been given.  This love has permeated every cell of his little body and will always be there.  His medical foster family will always be a part of his life, they hear about everything he is doing and are still fighting for him when questions arise about this and that.  They will be more like an Aunt and Uncle and cousins now, as opposed to Mommy and Daddy, but their love for him will not waiver, nor ever diminish.  The start they have given him is the miracle.


I don't want you to think this will be easy, we have big, big mountains to climb.

We have big shoes to fill, his care has been exceptional, but we are ready to take on the responsibility and the love. It takes a village and I am glad you are all here to come along on the journey with me.  You will cheer him on and love him from afar.


Because when it comes down to it, love is the thing that matters the most in this world.  It is that simple.

If you want to read the most loving post ever, please visit my sister at Mockingbird Hill Cottage.  This post is about My Little Buddy and is by far the best thing she has ever written.  Grab your tissues, you are going to need them.

43 comments:

Bridget said...

He is soooo cute! (I love little kids in glasses!)

I hope that he and Max will continue to be best buds.

Joy said...

Sweet Little Buddy - what can be said dear Meredith - I marvel at what has taken place in your lives - it must have been meant to be - you've been there from the word go and each step of this little darling's life has been leading to you and your wonderful family and I know this dear little boy is going to continue to have the very best and the most loving home anyone could wish for him! Bless you all, much love, Joy xoxo

Pradeepa said...

Meredith, I missed your previous post and read it only now. I really don't have words to say. Both of you are lucky and truly blessed to have each other. He is such an adorable little boy.

Stins said...

Dear Meredith, I'm so touched by your story, it's so full of love!!! It is so great to hear that so many people care for this cute boy who had such a difficult start in life....
Lots of love for you and your boys, Mirjam.

Suzan said...

LOVE, LOVE, LOVE!!

Stitchy Mc Floss said...

Children are always a blessing from God! He is adorable and you can see in his face that he is happy. I know he will be well loved by you and your family...his potential is limitless because he is surrounded by love!

((hugs))

Unknown said...

That is beautiful and so true. I believe in love and the power it has. Your little boy being surrounded by it will only make him stronger. It is a truly wonderful family and you all working together is beautiful. Lots of love to you all and thank you for including us on your journey x

linda said...

Congratulations dear Meredith, how wonderful! I have just read your last post my eyes are streaming, I already used up a box of tissues this week, looks like I'm going to need another haha. He is one special little boy and he has a new very special family, it was definitely meant to be! I'm so happy for you all.:) xxxxxx

Anonymous said...

Little Z will never be able to grasp how BIG his village is. He has his IRL village and a whole cyber-village rooting him on! You will do great things Little Z.

I can't wait to meet you IRL.

cockney blonde said...

Hopped over to your Sister's blog and managed to lose my comment and link????? Just wanted to say what a wonderful message she posted and I know that you and your family will be well supported by the love and care of your extended family. Loving the photo with the shoes, lol, x

RedSetter said...

He is so truly cute and those big brown eyes are heartmelting. I am so looking forward to following his life with you and think with the big strides he'll be helped to make with you championing his care it wont be long before he is wearing those shoe-shaped handwarmers!

Kris said...

I am just so overjoyed for you!!!!!
xoxoxox

byhooks4u said...

Faith, Hope and Love...these three gifts..aren't they wonderful. Many blessings, smiles and hugs I know are coming your way.

Betsy said...

As Vicki said "Faith, Hope and Love...and the greatest of these is Love." Obviously your little guy has love in huge amounts. I read Claudia's blog when she posted it and you're right, I used several tissues when I was reading. This little guy has been blessed with the forever family that has welcomed him into it. Although it sounds as though his medical foster family is amazing too. I'm so HAPPY for people like you, your family and all of the people you talked about in your post who open their hearts to the littlest among us. May God bless you each and every day as you live your life loving this little guy.
Blessings my friend,
Betsy

Anonymous said...

Through this child so many have learned the true meaning of life...unconditional love. May all of you be richly blessed on this journey.

Annie Cholewa said...

I can't say it better than Denise above.

Your entire family is an inspiration x

mynestofyarnandbuttons said...

Sweet Meredith, You say it all so beautifully, you do have a stunning way with words. You are in my loving thoughts and "little Buddy" too.
xo,Robin

Gillian Roe said...

Meredith, you and your family are an inspiration, and even more so because of the way you've put Little Buddy at the centre of everything. I am looking forward to sharing in your journey and send you lots of love. Also - how cute is he?? What a gorgeous little boy. x

Lulu said...

he is adorable...

Jennifer Hays said...

He is such a lovely little boy. I know you will provide the most loving and nurturing home for him.

CJ said...

I'm sniffing again. I'm rooting for that little guy, you are so lucky to have found each other. How wonderful that his foster carers will still be in his life as well.

forgetmenotsblue said...

AW bless him. He looks like such lovely little fella.
Your posts are always so heart felt x

Crafty in the Med said...

Dear Meredith
I've read this and the previous post and it has captivated me. There really aren't enough words to describe what a wonderful feeling reading all this produces. How lucky little buddy is to be surrounded by so much love and I am sure it is reciprocal! You know what i'm thinking is the even more wonderful thing is this little lad will grow up knowing what love and loving others is all about it and he will pass it on!

keep well

Amanda x

elns said...

You know, I get busy for a few days Mere and you and your love and loving family go on and take over the world again, huh? ;) Yes, the village is fantastic and the village will cheer you on, but no doubt about it, you are amazing and fantastic and his story and your family's story is going to continue to wow us. Thank you for sharing.

Andrea Ostapovitch said...

Gosh, he's adorable.
I'm not sure I can define any one thing in life with the word 'easy'.
'Worth it', yes. But not 'easy'.

kathy b said...

Zach is adorbes!!!!!!!! I want to hug him!

kristieinbc said...

It is going to be a joy sharing this beautiful little boy's journey with you through your blog. I can't wait to see how he grows and changes and responds to all that love you have to give him. What an incredible journey all of you are on!

Teresa Kasner said...

Mere.. I'm in love with your little buddy too. I think this is going to be neat to follow along while he grows and thrives with you and your family. I wish your sister could come and visit you and get those auntie hugs going. ((hugs)), Teresa :-)

Joyful said...

He is soooooo adorable. Thankfully there are many amazing people who loved him to this stage in life, and more like you who will continue to love him. Hugs. xox

Annette T. said...

He is just too cute for words. I think he'll be filling those shoes before you know it! We all have challenges in life, his might be a little more difficult, but with your love and support I just know he will thrive beyond belief.

soyfrano said...

Να το χαίρεστε το αστέρι σας!
Τα ματάκια του λάμπουν από την αγάπη που του δίνετε,είναι το ωραιότερο δώρο που κάνατε στον ίδιο,αλλά και στην οικογένεια σας!Εύχομαι να είστε πάντα καλά,να είστε υγιείς και να απολαμβάνετε τις χαρές που θα σας χαρίζει!

Heldasland said...

Unconditional love. He is so cute

EMMA said...

Already used a big pile of tissues!!
and what to say... what a story, he's amazing, you are amazing, your family...
Congratulations on your new arrival, he's perfect.
It's a pleasure to know you (would love to meet you in person) via your blog and like all the other who have left comments, I am so excited to see more of Little Buddy as he grows with his new family.
Lots of love from the Alps.
Emma

RURAL said...

Meredith, he is looking so happy and content. I'm just thrilled for you guys...what a journey of love.

Jen

RURAL said...

Meredith, he is looking so happy and content. I'm just thrilled for you guys...what a journey of love.

Jen

Unknown said...

Your journey with your Little Buddy gives me such hope in the world, knowing that there are still villages of people caring, sharing, selflessly giving every ounce of love they have to another soul. Inspirational! Chrissie x

sweetpea family said...

Meredith you are amazing and so are your family and of course your little buddy. Much love to you all.Sue xxx

moonstruckcreations said...

I am so so pleased for you all this is going to be the most amazing and love-filled journey. He looks adorable, he really does, and he is obviously so happy to be with you and your wonderful family.

I have read your sisters blog and yes, it is a tear-iducing read, but in a totally positive way!

Love to you all, Helenxx

Hannapat said...

It is so lovely to see your little buddy, he looks so sweet and I am sure he will get all the love he will ever need with your family and friends. It sounds like he was so fortunate to land in the hands of good people and it seems like all his angels are watching over him. This is definitely not going to be easy, but we are all here for you sweet Meredith, you are not alone in this xoxo

Vicki Boster said...

Meredith- what a blessing you are to this child-- I think it was Gods plan all along that this little child come into the loving arms of your family. What a wonderful and precious gift you are giving to this little one-- bless you all for the life and love you give to this child,
Vicki

Rose Red said...

I forgot to say in my previous comment what a cutie he is! I can see why he captured your hearts.

Tammy@T's Daily Treasures said...

What a blessing! Hugs, Tammy

Liz said...

Little buddy is soooo cute. Your sister's post was great. It really does take a village. He's a loved little boy:)
Liz