We've had tremendous support so far and family and friends asking how they can help. First of all, I have been in your shoes before. A good friend lost her baby about 4 years ago. My heart broke for her and her family. I felt helpless and wasn't sure what to say because I thought nothing I could say or due could ease her pain. I was wrong though....my support made a difference. She actually lost some of her friends because they stopped calling her or talking to her not knowing what to say. I appreciate your support! I appreciate hugs, chats about Ryder and what’s going on in your life too!!!! I always appreciate a good laugh:) Please don't worry about saying anything to upset me--I just need to know you are still my friend and I can lean on you. That being said----here are some ideas that would help us out....leave a comment if you would like to help w/one of these—maybe a way for others to contact you too so everyone is in the loop! I am spending my time bringing Ryder to doctors, working on his development, teaching Noah (preschool) and enjoying my family. I may not be able to help w/fundrasiers or talk on the phone like I used to---but I still LOVE YA:) I'd love it if we can make this a site where all Ryder's followers can work together and figure this out with us.
1. Meals for our family…Lori Finto has set something up at Sousa
2. Raffle at Seton Reunion—talk to Renee Rosner
3. And fundraiser would be greatly appreciated
4. I won’t be able to afford clothes/toys for kiddos or us---if you or kids outgrow stuff, we could use it! Tyler size 7, 2 in shoes, Noah size 5 or 12 in shoes, Ryder 12mo
5. Visits or playgroups---I’ll get bored
6. Research (Leukodystrophy/ specialist, financial support, insurance) I’m getting a lot of helpful ideas---please keep them coming!!!
7. We are really trying to keep the boys lives as normal as possible. Les would like to get a bunch of kids together to play sports. Since we can’t afford putting them on a team Les is willing to coach and I am sure some of you might be willing to also. If we get enough kids together it would help all of us----kids playing sports, interacting, getting exercise—FREE for us ALL!!! Some ideas…soccer, tee-ball, flag football---and anything else out there (I’m sure Les can coach it and other parents help and take turns this will be fun We can include all ages and if we get enough kids we can have practice and games)
8. Occasional babysitting. For example—we need to take Noah out of Toybox/preschool. When I have appointments, it would be great if someone could watch Noah for me. I know Amy and Carrie have offered this. If I get a list of people willing, I can have backups.
9. Any side jobs I can look into for extra income
10. CHEAP/SAFE place to rent……On a very personal note: Our house is up for short sale (offer is being processed and should clear soon). I have had 6+ surgeries including a hysterectomy last year. That all really made us sink financially as you could imagine. We are in the final stages of declaring bankruptcy We were planning on renting after we have to move---but me not working anymore is going to put a damper on that as well. Any housing ideas would be appreciated.
11. PRAYERS
12. We’re open to any ideas you guys have as well!
Just want to give a HUGE THANKS for all the help so far!
Please include yourself as a follower on this sight.
ReplyDeleteAnd----please comment so I know people are reading these :)
ReplyDeleteHi Denise,
ReplyDeleteDo you have an address you can give out for people to send you things? A family member that you see often perhaps?
We're praying for you.
Erica
Denise, you've created a wonderful blog & have some terrific ideas. Love your positive attitude!
ReplyDeleteThis is actually Kim Taylor I am using my daughters account.
ReplyDeleteI have some clothes that Alex just grew out of size 5 and 6 shorts and jeans plus some shoes that are barely used since he hated anything but flipflops. If you are interested in them still let me know. Also a friend of mine is involved with someone who set up a paypal account for their medical expenses. I can ask her how it was done if you don't have someone doing it already for you. I am happy to do anything I can for you.
We will all try to chip in and help if we can and the ideas you have so far are great. Love ya, Donna
ReplyDeleteEchoing Erica's post -- where can we send stuff? I'm reaching out to Renee re: raffle/silent auction. I've worked on several and am happy to help. Lots and lots of prayers to you and your family. xoxox
ReplyDeleteamy
Denise, Seth just outgrew all his 12 month stuff and I would be happy to bring it to you. I wouldn't mind bringing Seth over to visit if you don't mind. I pretty much sit at home all day and would love some adult conversation. I could watch Noah for you as well.
ReplyDeleteI think Luke (5) would love to do some type of sport and you never know the twins might like it too.
Prayers are being said every day for all of you.
You know I"m here if you need a backup sitter at anytime. We may consider putting Caden on a sports team.
ReplyDeletePlease let me know where to bring food, Denise. I can help babysit too. And of course always prayers.
ReplyDeleteI have some clothes that Drew has grown out of that I will bring to Ryder's party.who do I contact to get on the meal list? Ryder is very lucky to have you! Keeping you guys in our thoughts and prayers!
ReplyDeleteles/denise...please view my website at www.homelovers.com for all of my available rentals homes. also, call me anytime with questions about them, or any other rentals you need help with 602-525-2545. also, i coach flag football, and will approach the owners of the league about any fundraising opportunities. noel
ReplyDeleteEquity Residential is a rental company that has great places all over the valley. 3 bedroom apartment at $900 in the Islands of Gilbert. That's where we are. We had a short sale too in 2007. So, the $900 was much better than our morgage of $1850. However, I bet you could rent a house pretty cheap and even cheaper. Anyway, the reason we like the apartment over a house is that we have a workout room, a catch-n-release lake off our patio, 2 pools, hot tub, cheap SRP bill, soooo many friends we met here, etc. Email me if you need more information. leahmilleraz@yahoo.com
ReplyDeleteRemember that "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me" Have faith in the Lord and he will carry your burden.
ReplyDeleteMay the lord Jesus Christ bless and watch over your family.
My family is keeping all of you in our prayers. For some reason I have kept all of Joseph's outgrown 12 & 18 month clothes. Now I know why. I will go through them all this weekend. Many of them are going to be great for fall/winter. Let me know the best way to get them to you.
ReplyDeleteJennifer
Les, Denise and kids,
ReplyDeleteThis blog is a great idea and will help to keep everyone informed and able to support you in any way they can. Brent and I are constantly thinking of you and will keep you in our prayers. We'll keep in touch with ideas and resources.
Love,
Amber, Brent, and Family
This is Mike's account, but its actually me (Brenda), who do i contact for the meal list. As you know I only have girls, BUT i will talk to the girls at work and ask them for their handy me downs, and this week when i go trade in the girls clothes at Once Upon A Child, I will pick up the boys some clothes with what i get back. Let me know where I can drop it off at. Also, i know after Mike's banko, and all Paity's medical bills, it was hard for us to qualify for a rental through a company, we had to go through "Rent by Owners" HOWEVER, I have met some VERY nice, good, and honest landlords. Tomorrow, I will contact them and see if they have any homes available for rent. I will send you any and all info i get. MOST OF ALL, YOU ARE IN OUR PRAYERS!!!!!!!
ReplyDeleteDear Ones,
ReplyDeleteI'm in the D.C. area. A prayer request reached me through a relative in Mesa. I visit the Shrine of our Lady of Lourdes in Emmitsburg, MD regularly to pray for the healing of those in need. I will certainly pray for you and little Ryder. Miracles DO happen. BELIEVE IT. God bless you.