I Can Do All Things
Posted by HeartsofHope at 6/16/2009 2:52 PM 
Categories: 2009 June
Tags: Mended Hearts Knoxville Mended Little Angels Knoxville
Categories: 2009 June
Tags: Mended Hearts Knoxville Mended Little Angels Knoxville
Looking back upon the past 3 months, this scripture automatically comes to mind: "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me." Outside of that explanation, I'm at a loss for words.
I know it's unbecoming to brag, but I do so today in hope that someone else in our situation can see hope beyond whatever circumstance is at hand. (and too because I am ecstatic!)
Five weeks ago, I went back to school, and I took on a full schedule (12 credit hours in a 5 week term). I finished my finals today and am thrilled to have completed the term with a 4.0 GPA. I actually managed to finish with a 99 average in one course (this is the bragging part) and a 100 average in my other two courses. I have two weeks off before the next quarter begins. School has somehow been a source of healing for me, and I am so thankful to have a wonderful husband supporting me.
I just picked up something really special from Scrapbooks & More. As a special project, the store adopted our family (Tucker)as a scrapbooking project. They invited employees and people from the community to contribute pages to the book. The response was so great that it took THREE large scrapbooks to contain the contributions. People we've never met put such thought and such love into the project, and it is absolutely beautiful. I was overwhelmed by the way they captured so many details that were such a great part of Tucker's life; it paints a beautiful picture of life with our precious boy from beginning to end. Lightning McQueen has a special spread, of course. Thank you Scrapbooks & More for giving our family a timeless, priceless treasure.
Life is precious. I love the gift of being able to reflect on days gone by; however,I wish we all could possess the ability to savor the moments as we live them.
Weeks gone by have been filled with amazing moments. We had breakfast with Anna Dewdney, author of the Howard Family favorite, "Llama Llama" series. She was AWESOME, though I think my kids may have been a little surprised that she didn't look like a llama at all. We actually delivered her to the event a little late, because she was intently listening to Ethan read his favorite book...in it's entirety. 
Last week, Nancy Cole (heart mom to cp: AnnaWren)and I went to Orlando for training in preparation for starting the new Knoxville Chapter of Mended Little Hearts and Mended Little Angels. We will be providing support to other families and are so excited to be a part of this amazing organization. I have to share something special that happened in Orlando. I just happened to be sitting at a table with group of other group leaders, and we were getting acquainted. I am always careful in choosing my words when I talk to other CHD moms, limiting the information I volunteer unless asked a specific question; I then try to lay the foundation that Tucker was the exception, not the rule. There's just not any way around the question, "How is he doing?" Please don't misunderstand, I am an open book when it comes to Tucker, but because the enormity of his life is impossible to convey, there is always a risk of scaring another parent. That's why Nancy and I are working together to provide a support system in Knoxville; we each bring a unique dynamic for unique situations. ANYWAY, the question came and I got about one sentence out of my mouth before a mom at my table said, "Oh my gosh are you Tucker's mom??? I love Tucker!" and in tears, she came to hug me. She was from the DC area and had followed his story. I cannot express the feeling I get when I am reminded of the love that people, some who we've never met, have shown for my child. I'm in awe.
We took our first hike of the year a couple weeks ago. We were greeted along our hike by a mama bear and her two cubs, and we are happy to say that contrary to the sign posted at the BEGINNING of the trail which read "WARNING BEARS HAVE ATTACKED ON THIS TRAIL", which we obviously missed on the way up but saw on the way down, we did make it out safely. Hmmm...maybe we had a guardian angel. lol. Party of Five that day.
Love!
Candy and Monty
Candy and Monty
You are an amazing woman!!! Thank you for keeping us updated, it is so wonderful to hear how your family is doing! I hope you will let me know if there is anything I can do to help with the Mended Little Hearts/Angels.
In Christ, Julie Inman
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Candy, your scores are absolutely great ! you go girl! I'm so proud of anyone that can do that with such high scores.
I know there was alot of work went into that scrapbook and it is and will be a cherished set of books now and in the years to come. It's so nice of them to do that for you .
I have been wondering how you all are doing and what's been happening, we have missed you at church.
take care and all our love to you and the family , but beware of bears !
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I still come out here to check on Tucker's family and your post brought tears to my eyes! I am so proud of you - as difficult this time has been for you and your family you are doing GREAT! I'm sure you have a very special little angel sitting there on your shoulder whispering into your ear and watching out for you!!!
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hey girl....
congrats on your 4.0 wow!!!what a woman.
still think of you and pray for you guys. we love you. the redmons
see you at the next gathering..(jozi loved playing w/u..
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We also have a son named Tucker, who was born on September 26, 2007, with a congenital heart defect (Pulmonary atresia, tetralogy of fallot). He has had 3 open-heart surgeries and spent a week on life support when he was a week old. He will be 2 this September, and is doing really well, but will require more surgeries as he grows.
I just wanted to tell you thank you for sharing Tucker's story. As a CHD mom, I learn a lot from reading about other families coping with CHD. Each child is so different, and with hearts it's always up and down. You are a wonderful example of the peace of God in trying times!
We will be praying for your family.
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Just wanted you to know I was thinking about you! Hope you both and the kids are having a wonderful summer. Candy I am sure you are busy with school. I am so happy for you taking this jump. You will be so wonderful in the medical field. Thoughts and prayers with you!
the jersey's in NC
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