CRAZY NICE PEOPLE

Before I tell you about the crazy, nice people

I must first tell you that we came home from Fl. on Friday the 23rd. The next morning was community clean up day. Lisa and I helped plant two tree at McKinley where our kids attend. Then we got a bunch of kids together from the neighborhood and picked up trash. Soon after, Marc and I took Zaachi, Alex and Maggie to a kids race down town. We were all so tired that we abandoned cooking and ate Chinese together.

Sunday came and our friend Jessica Brock was running a 1/2 marathon for Zaachi. We headed the two little ones out at 8am and hunted her down on her course. We got to see her twice and Zaachi got to give her a high five. She ran with his pictures on her shirt and the scripture he has stood on, Jeremiah 29:11. She said that she started praying for Zaachi every time she would train and God ended up transforming her in the process as well. Isn't is beautiful how prayer can happen anywhere. She said she doesn't need any music while running because God always has a song in her head when she runs. She ran with an injury and still did between 7 and 8 min. miles. She text me that she was going to visit soon and give Zaachi her medal.

After hunting her down, we went to church and Lisa, Mercy and Alex (Zaachi's best buddy) came to be with us when our church laid hands on Zaachi to pray for him before his big surgery.

Pastor Rob spoke an awesome message and then had Zaachi come up for prayer. I think we had been good at putting all the reality of what lies ahead, out of our mind, while we were gone, but during that prayer it all came rushing in. When we concluded the prayer, Zaachi said, "Susie, I heard you crying." I told him that it's ok to cry. He looked a little scared and told us, "I wish this never happened to me." None of us really knew what to say, but someone asked him to sing. He sang, I know the plan by Martha Munizzi and he really ministered to the congregation. I stood there thinking, Lord, if you heal him, I think he will end up being a preacher". Today, Rob emailed me that so many people were moved and touched by God through his song. He told Lori, his Sunday School teacher that he didn't want to die. Marc and I were blessed, there was a time when he had lost his fight and he wanted to die. It is good to see that he wants to live and that he is finally able to enjoy life again. He has been a happier kid than I have ever know him to be these last two months. God is doing a work in his little heart and I also believe, in his body.

On Monday we went to Philly and got ready for surgery, blood work, MRI and so on. We met to Dr. Dorman's, our surgeon and he was floored by how well Zaachi was doing. He said that when he had seen him a month ago , he really didn't think he would be able to save his leg. After looking at him on Monday he felt confident that he could save it.

We met up with Jay and Xavier at Aunt Joie's house and we had dinner together. Aunt Joie is my cousin's aunt but she lives in Philly and we have gotten really close over the years. She and her friends always bring us great joy. Then, we traveled to Luis and Kirsten's house in Ben Salem to spend the night. Luis and Kirsten pastor in North East Philly now but we become friends at City Limits Church, where they used to be on staff. We left the kids with them while we took Zaachi in for surgery on Tuesday morning. We were at the hospital at 9:45, ready to go but the Dr. didn't come in till 3:30pm. We noticed a rash and brought it to his attention and he thought it would be best to wait, do CHEMO to keep the cancer from growing, while we treated the rash and then do surgery in about 3 weeks. We all felt very anxious after it was canceled because we had prepared for so long for the surgery. We relaxed with Kirsten and Luis and enjoyed some good food. We got home late, then went in for Chemo by noon on Wed.

Today is Friday and this is where I talk about the CRAZY NICE PEOPLE. We have had the wonderful blessing of many friends coming by to work on our yard. Our neighbor and new friend, Lisa started a project. She saw how much Zaachi and Maggie loved the back yard, but it was a big dirt pit. She asked her friend Christian Brown to look at it and give us some suggestions. After looking at it he made up plans for the yard and thought he could get much of the supplies donated. We were floored by all the kindness. Lisa took it from there and I don't even know who all are involved, but I am blessed. Tonight they got the last of the pavers in and most of the wall is done. It was even on the fox 69 news. To all who were involved, I think Zaachi, Maggie, Jayden and Xavier will spend much of their summer out there, it is an oasis and we thank you for giving.

I feel a bit frazzled and unfocused by all the events of the last two weeks. I could write several pages of amazing things that have happened. I am overjoyed and feel loved and supported, Thank You Friends. I must 'hit the hey', I have to get up at 6am and do Jayden's hair for Upward Bound. Xavier has a wrestling Tournament at Deiruff High School at 11am and then at 1 we are going to a bone marrow drive for our new friend Derek. Plus, Zaachi is still in the hospital getting CHEMO. Not sure how it will all play out but it will be an eventful day, I am sure.

Hello from Rainy Fl.!
We arrived in Fl. on Sat. afternoon and enjoyed our first evening at our resort, Give Kids The World. This place is amazing, they have 8,000 volunteers and wonderful amenities. This place is vacation in and of it's self. They drop off gifts each morning for the kids, have ice cream from 7:30 am - 9pm, they have horse back riding and the characters come and meet and greet each morning. They will even have two characters, Mayor Clayton and his wife come to your villa and tuck your kids in at night. We are overwhelmed with joy and excitement.

On Sunday we headed out to the Animal Kingdom and went on a Safari, saw lots of animals and then headed up Mt. Everest to face the Yeti. We have laughed and cried in joy. Last night we went to the Magic Kingdom and saw the fireworks and light parade. We were there till after 11pm and Marc and I didn't get to bed till around 2am. So this morning we slept in till around 10. The kids really needed it. Then we ate lunch and went to the Magic Kingdom. We watched the princesses dance, we rode lots of rides and then on our way through the castle we were talking about the restaurants inside and we decided to try and see if we could get in. I had tried to make reservations but there were no openings online. We took a chance and just asked. THEY HAD AN OPENING! We all got to dine a the THE ROYAL TABLE, we had our own personal photo shoot with Cinderella and then four other princesses came around to our tables and spent time talking with the kids and taking pictures. Zaachi didn't want to wash his face tonight because he had red lips on his cheek from Snow White. Xavier was disappointed he didn't get a kiss, he only got a side hug. LOL!
So many people have gone over and above for Zaachi, it blows my mind. Xavier said today that he was amazed at how many nice people there are.
Speaking of nice people, many of you have helped with our backyard and some even gave funds for extra money for the trip and we are at a loss for words. I can't express how we feel but we really feel, LOVED and SUPPORTED! Thank you for pouring love on our little man and ALL of our kids. Sins of others has made life difficult for our kids, not to mention the reality of our mortality that we experience with Zaachi each day, but God has not allowed the circumstances to overwhelm or destroy them, he has help them through it and made them even stronger and more reliant on him. God has used each of you to help do that. It takes a community to raise a child and we are so glad you are a part of ours.

Susie

LOVE ya all:)

More miracles!

Today we received a gift from Patti Vasick's Sunday School class at Trinity A/G in Fairmont WV. I attended Trinity when I was in college and was involved alot during that time.
I am overwhelmed with the generosity that this class showed to us. I don't even know what to say, but "miracles do happen". I try to write them in my blog as they come, but these days I can hardly keep up. We leave on Saturday and Zaachi is doing better than EVER emotionally, he is feeling the best he has felt since Aug. 2008. When I look at him it is hard to believe that he is so sick, but maybe he isn't. God could be doing a healing work inside of him that we won't see till more scans and tests are taken.
God bless you! God bless everyone what was involved in this wonderful gift.

Last night we went to the Opening Game of the Iron Pigs. The kids had a blast. Actually it is a little past 10am now and both Mag and Zaachi are still asleep. Going to the game was also a miracle. We couldn't have afforded that, but someone gave us tickets and invited us. All around us we are seeing God's hand at work.

Miracles are happening!

I am so excitted to inform everyone that Christian Brown, a landscaper, looked at our back yard and has drawn up plans to make it amazing. Zaachi has been really enjoying the back yard but it is muddy when it rains and in need of some modifications. Christian has gathered rescources to be able to do a renovation as a blessing from our community. Lisa Pawlowski introduced us to Christian and is also taking part in the project. She wanted me to let everyone know what is happening and see if anyone else would like to help by getting involved. Christian asked Marc and I yesterday if he could do the work while we are gone for the next couple of week. This would provide Zaachi with a space to enjoy when he gets back from his leg surgery in erly May. This is such a miracle, because as all of you know we are not in any finacial place to do such an amazing thing. If you want to be involved you can contact Lisa Pawlowski on this site for information.

Also, I took Jayden and Xavier to the Dr. yesterday and they are going to do a few more tests on Xavier but said that the blood results were not alarming to them. Jayden just needs to take iron pills and she should be getting better. PRAISE THE LORD!

As for Marc, he is working now and is feeling much better.Zaachi had blood work done and his counts are great for the trip.

Love you all! Thanks for the Prayers!

Need more prayer...

I feel like the neediest person alive. I am always asking for prayer.....but I need it. Is this normal? Is this a season? I hope so because seasons eventually change. Xavier's immune system appears shot after looking at a recent blood test. Jayden is anemic and her white blood count is low as well. I am taking them both to the Dr. on Tuesday. Marc is on his back with back spasms that not even heavy meds are taking care of. Zaachi......well we need a miracle. We leave on Saturday for Disney! I have so much to do since Marc can't really help me out much.

We have a lot of finace stuff we are trying to work out since Marc will be without work of 6 weeks. The good news is that when he returns to work, he will be full time, with benefits. My wonderful friend Jessica is going to pick up Maggie at noon tomorrow and take her to their house to play. Then we are gonna hang out with them over dinner and also pick their brains concerning planning for Disney. So much to do, so little time....God will provide....He always does. I just need to continue to remind myself that he is taking care of things (you would have thought I would have learned this by now). Zaachi started looking through a Disney planning book tonight, he decided that he definitely wants to eat a Turkey Leg and some Dino place and he wants to have blue Italian ice from Italy and poop blue. Maggie wants to dine with the princesses. I think our only frustration will be a lack of time to do all that we want to do. God is so good. If anyone would want to watch Maggie for a few hours this week, I would appreciate it. I get so much more done when I am not distracted. I think I have Adult ADD, so if I am distracted it takes me forever to do things.

Thanks for all the Prayers,

Susie

Water does a world of good.

Zaachi has had an amazing few days. I would say that these last few days or so may have been the Happiest days ever since we have had Zaachi in our care. He has played Nerf guns with neighborhood friends, he has roasted Marshmallows and hot dogs, he has gone to the Zoo and walked around in the stream skipping rocks. It has been wonderful. I went yesterday to the Chemo Circus at the clinic with Mag and Zaachi. He had blood work done and I found that his hemoglobin was 7.7. He needs a transfusion (we go in Friday morning for that). Normally he would sleep all day in this condition, but something is different. Zaachi is on fluids all through the night to help him stay hydrated and Marc and I have been pushing fluids all through the day (he forgets to drink). He has been a different kid, he has had soooo much energy. It is amazing what some water can do. Same with us, we need water and we need water from the well that doesn't run dry. So, today I will drink more water, less coffee and seek God more. I think I will be off to a great start.

Drink UP!

Please Pray for Marc, he is at the ER now with horrible muscle spasms in his back.

One more thing...

A few days ago I sat at the computer looking at our bank account and cried. Marc started doing taxes and was so upset, but by the end of the day we weren't over-drafted after all and we actually will get a tax return. WHY DO I EVER WORRY? God is in control. I grabbed my honey, made him look me in the eyes and I showed him my engagement ring (which was a miracle) . I remember driving back from the jewelers 7 years ago and Marc said that my engagement ring would serve as a reminder that God provides and we must trust and obey, he will take care of the rest. So, we reviewed our lives....Are we in God's will?.....Are we sacrificing our lives to further his kingdom?......Are we growing?.......Yes we may fail at many parts of our walk with Christ....but we are still trying. God has been and will always be faithful!

So, once again I remind myself that worry and fear is a lack of faith and probably a sin, I choose to trust, trust that he sees the big picture, he sees the forest, while I may only see the trees. Sometimes I should close my eyes and stop looking obstacle and allow God to show me the BIG PICTURE and how he will be glorified in all my obstacle. Without an impossible situation, one can't see a miracle.