On the Night You Were Born

"On the night you were born, 

the moon smiled with such wonder

that the stars peeked in to see you

and the night wind whispered, 

Life will never be the same.

For never before in story or rhyme

(not even once upon a time)

has the world ever known a you, my friend, 

and it never will, not ever again . . . 

Heaven blew every trumpet

and played every horn

on the wonderful, marvelous

night you were born."

- On the Night You Were Born by Nancy Tillman

On that beautiful Sunday night in December, when Elizabeth Kathleen McLaughlin was born, I knew it was a magical night.  It was special in so many ways; breathtaking, really.  In those moments, as I held her for the first time, I knew my world, my life, had changed.  I didn't know however, that the entire world would never be the same.  What a privilege I've been given in being Ellie Kate's Mother!  And this year, maybe more than ever, I am reminded of how God uses Ellie Kate to touch the lives of others.  Other than knowing Christ, what greater thing could we ask for as parents than for our children to be safe, to feel loved, and for them to make a positive impact on the world around them?  All three things are true for My Daughter.  

Yesterday was truly one of PEACE.  I laid in bed yesterday morning thinking of the peace I felt, grateful for it, and thanking God for each person who has been praying for me to experience His peace on Ellie's birthday. Your prayers do not go un-noticed.

Mike and I arrived at OU Children's like giddy little children yesterday afternoon, ready to hop out and distribute all of the wonderful gifts that you have given.  We met up with Cara from Child Life, who so graciously allows us to do this in honor of Ellie Kate.  Cara is a minister to these families, although that title isn't in her official job description.

We had two giant carts, full to the brim with gifts.  Books, toys, puzzles, games . . . your donations this year were incredible! The entire time we were there last night, Mike and I kept looking at each other and saying, "I can't believe we get to do this!".  The truth is, we wouldn't be able to do it on our own.  We don't have the money to buy nice gifts for so many children.  On our own, we don't have the energy to go up to the hospital, see those same Christmas decorations and walk those same
halls.

our silly candid shot - can you tell we are excited?!

This year we were able to go to three floors, and oh what a joy it was to see those sweet families and those precious children!  Their eyes popped open as they saw the extravagant gifts that they were able to choose from. These aren't second-hand gifts, they are new, amazing gifts and many of these children don't have the opportunity to open new gifts very often.

Some of our favorites were the kids who didn't have family there, either because of difficult circumstances or because they lived out of town or had other children to care for.  These children especially lit up with delight as they chose their gifts.  We were able to remind families that they are loved.  We told them that we were so sorry they were in the hospital at this time of year, and that we know how difficult it can be.  If we hadn't been through life with EK, we never would have been able to have that experience to share with other families.  Without our own journey, we wouldn't be able to tell them that they aren't alone and that they can and will survive this season in their lives.

All of the families and children were special, but a few of them really stood out.  The sweet mom who came back around to find us just so she could give me a hug and say "thank you" one more time, with tears in her eyes.  "H"'s mommy, who was tired and weary from being inpatient with her son for months at a time.  Because of the Lord and HIS strength, we were able to speak life to her and encourage her in ways that only parents of "the club" would really understand (we pray that she will come to Hope Link soon and get connected with other mommas in similar situations!).

We wrapped the night off on the 10th floor in the Transplant Unit.  That's a hard place, ya'll.  Kids can't leave their unit, so their families set up "home" there in their hospital room, glass doors and all.  Our favorite family on this floor was that of Bennett Hanneman.  Bennett is a brave little man with an infectious laugh and gorgeous smile.  He has been through so much in his little life, and now he is preparing for a bone-marrow transplant.  Aimee Hanneman, Bennett's mommy, is one of my very good friends and also a fellow Hope Link mommy.  This family has been in the hospital for several months and they have several more months to go (and that is if all goes as planned).  Would you pray for Aimee, Ben, little Bennett and big sister Adeline as they live in the chaos of hospital life and serious illness?  Pleases also pray that God would restore and preserve Bennett's life. Oh, Father, a part of my heart was left in Bennett's room!

After the hospital, we headed to my parent's house for a little family birthday celebration for Ellie Kate.  I started crying as I walked in the door and saw pictures of our Princess lining the mantle and tables.  It was decorated so sweetly and seeing those beautiful photos, along with our family gathered together . . . it just moved me in such a strong way.  We ate pizza on Hello Kitty plates, just as we did that last birthday up in the hospital with Ellie.  We sat around and talked about her - about our favorite memories, our favorite stories and about what we miss the most.  Mike's parents, My Parents and my sister, will never know how much last night meant to me.  I heard how much they all love Ellie.  To have us all at the table together, talking about Our Girl and how special she STILL IS to us . . . it was a night to remember.  

Friends, thank you for allowing us the opportunity to go and love families like ours.  We do not take your sacrifice, love and gifts lightly.  We carry each one of you in our hearts as we go and meet these families in Ellie's honor.  You help make what could be a very hard day, an incredibly special and life-giving day that we will always look forward to.  How very grateful we are.

I also want to make sure everyone ALWAYS knows that this is NOT about us.  Who knows what you and your family would be doing in this situation?  Who's to say you wouldn't be doing the same thing, or even more?!  God has given us this opportunity.  And though I don't exactly like the way He allowed things to happen, I'm sure glad that He did!  Your prayers, cards, letters, emails, texts, meals, AND gifts for these children, allow us to go out and do things like this in our Daughter's name.  It is because of JESUS and because of His work in YOU.  It will never be about us in any way, shape or form, but rather about Him and His people coming together to love the world around them.

My Dearest Ellie Kate, on the night you were born, the Heavens opened and the Angels did sing!  The Father knew He was placing a very important little person into our hands, and I'm forever thankful that He entrusted you to us. I'm overwhelmed at the gift of YOU and that He gave you to two broken people like me and Daddy. 

You, Little Love, continue to touch the world around you in big and valiant ways.  Because of you, families feel loved and they know that they aren't alone.  Children feel special, remembered and cared-for,  no matter what their outward appearance might be!  Because of your life Sweet One, thousands of people are now open to special needs children, to sick children and their families.  

You have helped others recognize the importance of loving and serving those who are forgotten.  Jesus doesn't forget people who are sick, who are hurting and who are left behind - He runs to them, and your life teaches us to do the same! You made such a difference in the short seven years you lived on this earth, Sister Sue.  You will continue to make a difference in the lives of others forever more.  Because of you Ellie Kate, life will never be the same.