He REALLY hears!

  Hey y'all! I have some crazy exciting news...I've been humbled to tears. When everything in life seems to be going to hell in a hand basket here He comes.  I am so, so glad that He loves even me.  I have done nothing, especially lately, to truly seek His face. Much of that comes from just being mad to be honest. As many of you know, our girls attend a private, faith based school that also happens to be our current church home. It has been a blessing when dealing with the neutropenia and school aspects. This year is very different for all involved in Brelan and Mileigh's education. Mileigh started first grade...did I just say that out loud?! Wow... Anyway, first grade means no naps.  It also means, crap just got real!
 
  I wasn't quite sure how to go about everything that neutropenia entails with these changes aside from what we already had in place.  We do chronic illness letters, pull them both if illness presents in their peers, provide clorox wipes and hand soap, etc...  So far, things have gone very smooth and communication has been above par from their teachers and school staff.  I spoke with their headmaster shortly before school started because I wanted his opinion on how to go about these changes for both of them but especially for Mileigh.  He was aware that we'd been to the family conference this summer and I filled him in on that trip as well as Mileigh's recent bone marrow biopsy.  Part of that conversation led to us discussing Team JoMi tshirts.  That tshirt fundraiser is what made that conference possible for my girls and I.  He asked for a flier with info on them.  We continued the conversation about Mileigh and where to go from here and decided a meeting with all staff involved would be appropriate.

  Last week after school one day we had that meeting.  Mileigh's teacher, Brelan's teacher, P.E. Coach, and Headmaster all in one room with one purpose...to keep Mileigh safe. In preperation for this meeting I thought I'd be intimidated...I wasn't.  He heard there too! We gathered in Mileigh's classroom and there things became surreal.  Here I was telling these people, who care about my little girls, about neutropenia!  IMAGINE THAT! For so long, I've just wanted someone, anyone to just hear.  Just hear what this is and how this affects our lives and how maybe just by knowing changes can happen. I have no doubt in my mind that those teachers and staff were divinely placed in my life and in the life of my girls. They listened to everything I had to say, even the hard parts. They asked questions on how they could help and even made suggestions. Essentially, our situation has now created a situation for them and some might say a more complicated one at that. They didn't seem to mind. They just cared. That's all we've wanted from the start.

  I know you're wanting to hear the exciting news...I'm getting there! In this meeting Joeli was obviously discussed. Joeli's Song was heard. She is taking care of her baby sisters in a way that I cannot. I am so proud of my little girl! It was nearing the end of our meeting and the headmaster began to speak. He'd taken that Team JoMi flier before the board of education for our school. You see, each month our school focuses on one mission.  October is breast cancer awareness, November is a food drive, December is metro ministries, etc...you get the idea.  They teach our kids to love across the board.  The headmaster and I had not discussed specifics on Joeli's death but many of you are aware that she left my arms in January of 2007.  Guess what January is for my girls' school?!  TEAM JOMI month!  You heard me...it's true...my girl is being heard and it's all because of people like you!  So...in preps for January each student will receive a newsletter in December with this blog address and information.  In January students will be given the opportunity to order Team JoMi tshirts for themselves and also given the opportunity to wear them in awareness for my Joeli, my Brelan, my Mileigh and for everyone affected by any form of neutropenia.  How about that for God huh?!  I am in awe of the work that He continues to do with even a mess like me. 

  I am so thankful for the folks that have been strategically placed in the lives of my girls and in my life. He REALLY hears...even when we think He doesn't.  So often I don't have the words and the words I do have fail but I believe He understands my heart even when it's not in the best of places.

  I don't know why you're here, on this page, reading these words.  I don't know if you have neutropenia or if you love a neutropenic.  I don't know much but I know this...He loves you and He loves me and we don't deserve it but oh to see!  Thank you for all you do.  Thank you for supporting me in whatever way you can.  Thank you for raising awareness and for helping this mama make a song heard that others meant to silence.  He hears, He is able, and He is bigger!  Be Blessed!  Sing Loud!