The Human Beauty of Our Christmas Season (UPDATED X2)

Oh, My Friends!  We have been so very blessed by the outpouring of reckless love shown over the last few days!  I am PROUD to say, ALL of the needs AND wants of our adopted Hope Link Families have been fulfilled this Christmas!  

It brings me overwhelming peace knowing collectively, we've loved these families so well.  You've even given us the privilege of playing, "Santa" and with each gift I've placed into their grateful hands, I have most truly thought of each you who've given, donated and supported us in these efforts.

"Ellie Kate's Wish" by NKH Crusaders,

is the last major act of 

Reckless Love for this month.  

There are just a couple of wishes to cover, 
those making wishes are extremely dear to our hearts.  

These people are part of our NKH Family,

and the gifts requested will be delivered directly to their homes.  

Both of these friends have the most severe form of NKH - 

they are unable to move around like Lucy,

and also suffer more seizures and other ailments.  
*Each family was chosen because of the degree of need and the level of which the needs and wants are well-deserved, especially for their Sweet Children.  

If you've wanted to purchase gifts, but haven't been able to until now, would you consider fulfilling one of these "Ellie Kate's Wishes" for our NKH Friends (to see their needs, simply click on the links below in PURPLE). 

Ellie Kate's Wish - NKH Family 1

Ellie Kate's Wish - NKH Family 2

Ellie Kate's Wish - NKH Family 3 (Extra Special!)

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If you are looking for end-of-year giving or ways to receive those all-important tax write-offs, we would love for you to consider giving to the following: 

• OKC Hope Link
• McLaughlin Medical Fund 
• NKH Crusaders 

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As for our family, we are surviving this difficult Season and truthfully, I'm sad it's going by so quickly . . . I truly enjoy focusing on Our Ellie Kate for an entire month, knowing her name is being said, that it's being typed out, that shes' being remembered and thought of.  It's something a Mother longs for - her child's life and legacy to live on and for their name to be remembered and said, especially out loud.  Thank you for doing all of those things this Holiday Season.  

We've had some very sweet and even fun times as a family - Toby Keith and his sweet Wife came over to spend time with Lucy, and she just ate up the attention.  It was incredibly kind of Mr. Keith to do this during his "downtime", even though he is still oh-so-busy.  

We' were even able to meet Santa as a family, along with our Hope Link friends, which ended up being a precious experience for Lucy.  She stayed awake the entire time, which was HUGE for her and on the way home, she giggled and giggled as we talked about Santa and how he knows her name and knows her friends; how he made a special trip to Evan's house just to see them!  It's been precious, but we also know, after meeting with doctors, our days with Lucy are short and at this point, she's mostly sleeping.  

Lucy tremors and seizes in her sleep; I often wonder if her thoughts and dreams are full of fear or of peace.  I pray and hope the Father has sent Angels to minister to her during this time.  I know He did for Ellie Kate and I believe that for Lucy too.  When Lucy IS awake, there are many times of pain, especially as we try to feed her and keep her hydrated.  Full Comfort Care is on the horizon, but we want one more Christmas, which we didn't have with Sister.  

Mike and I have always sought "quality of life" for both Ellie Kate and now for Lucy Belle.  We've always told both Girls that we will fight for them, and fight HARD, in every way - we will do this for Lucy as long as she shows us she's still in the fight and still wills to live, just as we did with Ellie Kate.  For us, God was good in that once the hospice decision was made for Ellie, she was with Him in a mere three days, so it was blatantly clear her precious body was finished fighting here on earth and she was truly ready for her new life in Heaven!  Rest assured, as Lucy's parents, we are doing what we feel is best for her and we are doing what we feel the Holy Spirit is leading us to do.  We will continue to do this, always.  

There are so many people around us struggling, suffering, many even pleading for the lives of their children because of accidents and disease.  I encourage you this Christmas, to rise above the temptation to feel "down" or weary because of worries  -  wearies which likely pale in comparison to true struggles to most around the world.  
Leave behind the temptation to get upset because you couldn't find that "perfect gift", or temptation to "freak" because your caterer is just too booked to help with your Christmas desserts or meal.  Leave behind the temptation to pout or sulk over gifts which may not arrive on time from Amazon, J.Crew, etc. 

 Rise above.  Think of others.  Focus on others.

PRAY for others - not only for families like ours but for others around the world who are hurting and suffering.  

DO something tangible, practical - RECKLESSLY LOVE the world around you by giving and serving with your body and mind, 
with your talents and finances.  
I PROMISE - you will NOT be disappointed in sacrificially giving and serving, offering hope and love this Christmas Season.  

After all, this Holiday Season exists because of Jesus Christ, 

the Savior of the World, who came to us as a tiny, human babe.  

Jesus left riches and His perfectly royal, heavenly home, 
all because He LOVES US - 

He loves EACH and every person living on this earth, 
equally and entirely, no matter what! 

God created each person for His glory;

He longs for hearts to come to Him, completely and entirely.  

Truly, the Holy Spirit moves in the hearts of people, 

drawing them to Jesus Christ and God the Father, 

BUT it's through OUR LOVE, 

OUR EXAMPLE, OUR Sacrifice and RECKLESS LOVE - 

the same Reckless Love God lavishly pours out upon us individually - 
where which the Precious Souls of this world are drawn to HIM.  

The MOST BEAUTIFUL thing Believers can do this Christmas is to Recklessly Love the world around them, 
bringing the HOPE of Christ to everyone they encounter, 

introducing them to God's unconditional love, showing them the

Innocent, Perfect Babe lying in a manger that first Christmas.

What could be more reckless or loving, 
then to introduce others to the HOLY Baby, 
the KING who CHOSE to come to this broken earth, 

choosing to experience every heartache himself;  
this God-Man, who dedicated His life, 

who GAVE His life in the most literal way, 

in order for every human to be united with Him in body, mind and spirit.

May we follow the example of our Father-God, sacrificing His most prized, precious possession on our behalf - Jesus, His Only Son.  

May we follow the example of Jesus, 

giving all that we have and all that we are; 

sacrificing in this life so that others may have what they need so that others will feel loved, 

cherished and at peace.

May we boldly proclaim the sane Reckless Love 

Our Father, Son and Spirit long to show every person on this earth.

May WE be the ONES - the Bearers of that Reckless Love, all for His Glory.  

For, THIS;  This is the Human Beauty of the Season. 

With Love and the Human Beauty of this Season, 

Ryan

HOPE - Hope Link Christmas Adoptions!

December - the Month of Reckless Love

True, Reckless Love reveals itself in sacrificial service;

and giving will ALWAYS bless the Giver, 

molding their hearts in radical ways.

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In case you have a few questions

about our Hope Link Christmas Adoption . . .

What is Hope Link? 

OKC Hope Link is the 501c3, 

which started in 2007 in honor of Ellie Kate McLaughlin.  

Hope Link serves families of children with rare, 

serious and undiagnosed disorders. 

We also reach out to families who’ve already 

lost a child to a medical disease or circumstance.  

This Organization is made up of families who love their children fiercely 

and fight intensely for the livelihood and happiness of their family. 

Being a Special Needs care-giver or parent to a medically-fragile child 

can be excruciatingly difficult – 

heartbreaking, watching your child suffer and fight through their disease; 

frustrating, as you watch your other children and partner 

as they so often feel tossed-aside 

in light of the heaviness of their sibling’s diagnosis; 

and disheartening, as you work so hard to provide,

 all to see your hard work seemingly 

melt away with endless bills to be paid.  

For more on Hope Link, CLICK HERE:  OKC Hope Link

Just a few of our Hope Link Mommas!

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 Who are the adopted, Hope Link Families?

 Hope Link Family, T: This sweet family has four children, 

with one now living in Heaven, healed and whole 

from the disease with which he was born – 

Non-Ketotic Hyperglycenemia (What Is NKH?).  

Family T is one of the three Oklahoma families affected by this disorder. 

This family has two healthy girls in the home, 

along with another little boy, also affected by the most severe form of NKH. 

Baby Braxston, Now in Heaven

This Hope Link Cutie has a trach and 

is unable to make purposeful movements.  

He’s non-verbal (he does not speak) and like Lucy, cannot eat by mouth, 

receiving all nutrients through a feeding tube. 

 He does not sit up or roll, although he is very-well loved and cared-for. 

He also suffers from seizures and other cruel symptoms, which NKH brings.

        Both sisters are typical, loving everything “girlie” – 

dress-up, Barbie and pink!  

As with our other Hope Link families, these sisters often take a backseat, 

especially when it comes to attention, 

only because brother needs hands-on, constant care. 

Mom and Dad are both Military Veterans with a strong love for Country.  

Because of Bubba’s disease, Mom is no longer able to work, 

which has added financial stress.  

Family “T” lives outside of the Metro area, 

so attending Hope Link meetings and events can be a financial burden too. 

Although they qualify for home health nursing, 

there are no nurses willing to drive outside of the City to work in their home.

*needs for this family are especially important

 To fulfill the wishes and needs of Family “L”, click HERE: 

Hope Link Family, "T"

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 Hope Link Family, V:  This family is very near and dear to us, 

being close to our family for many years.  

The momma is an RN and has served in our home during the night,

 caring for Lucy and serving as our home health nurse.  

Family V has four children, three of whom currently live in the home.

 

The main diagnosis for this little Hope Link Man 

is Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy, are and terminal form of the disease. 
What Is Duchenne?

Other diagnoses including autism, OCD and severe anxiety.   

Duchenne MD is progressive, meaning it gets worse, 

spreading throughout this Little Man’s body, 

eventually affecting every muscle, including the heart.  

Things that used to be so easy to do, 

are now physically impossible because of the disease.  

Recently, he’s become non-ambulatory (cannot walk on his own), 

and is the safest when in his wheelchair.  

He is non-verbal, but will tell you what he likes and doesn’t, 

communicating especially well with his family, whom he adores. 

Mom and Dad are both extremely hard working – 

momma works in healthcare and dad is a creative genius, 

painting murals around the State, producing unmatchable artwork 

and building many things, including a handicap-accessible bunk bed for his sons. 

To fulfill the wishes and needs of Family “V”, click HERE: 

Hope Link Family, "V"

  (this link will take you directly to the family’s Amazon Wish List) 

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 Hope Link Family, L:  This Hope Link little girl is, Gorgeous, sweet 

and perfect in every way”, according to her adoring momma.  

She was born with a genetic mutation – 
specifically, a mutation in gene Genetic Mutation SZT2

This Hope Link Beauty is non-ambulatory, non-verbal and suffers from seizures, 

although she WILL let you know what she likes and what she doesn’t.  

Big Sister is outgoing and intelligent, 

she too adores her little sister and tenderly cares for her as well. 

Their bond is a precious thing to behold. . 

These Special Parents are both extremely hard working - 

momma has even worked all hours of the day and night 

to help provide for their family. 

  It’s such a GIFT, showing Reckless Love to this Sweet Family 
so dedicated to their children and Faith!

To fulfill the wishes and needs of Family “L”, click HERE: 

Hope Link Family, "L"

(this link will take you directly to the family’s Amazon Wish List) 

Be watching for more updates on our Hope Link adoptions.
THANK YOU for joining us in showing the world some
 "Reckless Love", bringing HOPE to those who have none.

Ellie Kate's Month of Reckless Love - Christmas Adoption and More!

It’s DECEMBER 3rd, and we can officially kick-off,

“Ellie Kate’s Month of Reckless Love”!!!

It's the Most Wonderful Time of Year for Our Family - 

the month we’ve dedicated to Ellie Kate McLaughlin, 

our Eldest Daughter, born to us December 4, 2005, 

taking her last breaths in our arms, December 23, 2012. 

To us, December belongs to Ellie Kate.

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There are so many aspects of Ellie Kate’s journey,

countless things we’ve gleaned from her life.  

Chiefly, God has opened our hearts to the those within the special needs and medically-fragile communities,

as well as those dealing first-hand, with child loss. 

To be honest, we wouldn’t have chosen this specific ministry for ourselves

OR for our family and yet, it is more precious to us

than anything we could have chosen on our own accord.

Ellie Kate's Last Christmas, taken at OU Children's Dec 2012

It’s through this ministry and calling, God has clearly defined for us, what “Reckless Love” means:

Taking intentional, thoughtful action, in order to benefit the life of another, doing so without worry of consequence,

even if it brings personal sacrifice.

"Love"-  a verb; a deliberate action; it's not just a feeling, because our feelings can quickly pass and even fail us.  

"Reckless" - to be unconcerned with the consequences of an action; to test the limits, not worrying about what might happen as a result.

·          

Love is giving, even when it doesn't make sense - 

ESPECIALLY when it doesn't make sense. 

Love is giving, even when it takes away from 

our own needs and desires.          

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This anniversary marks FIVE years since we last saw Ellie Kate, since we last drew in her sweet scent, last touched her soft skin, and last touched her silky curls.  We know some of you don’t know Ellie Kate, with many joining Our Journey since Ellie’s death. 

No matter when you’ve come alongside us in this Journey, we ask you to join us in honoring EKM and in celebrating her life this month. 

In fact, we’d love for you to change your Facebook profile to celebrate this Great Month with us!

To celebrate Ellie Kate in years past, we’ve gathered books and gifts for OU Children’s Hospital, where Ellie spent her last birthday and so many days of her life.  Last year, we adopted one single family.  

This year, we’re adopting three, 

precious Hope Link Families, 

all so very well-deserving of some reckless love! 

Also in celebration, we’ll be blessing fellow NKH Families from around the world by taking part in, 

“Ellie’s Wish”, a program dedicated 

in EK’s honor, through NKH Crusaders.  

Only NKH Families are encouraged to apply for one “wish”, which is an actual need for their child, and we have the joy of fulfilling a few of those needs!

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Honestly, we NEED you to play a part in fulfilling the many wishes and needs of these Precious Families this year, all whom we know and love.   

When the participation stops, 
a part of Ellie Kate stops.

Even if you aren’t able to purchase or provide 
a gift from the Amazon Wish Lists, 

there are still MANY ways you can honor Ellie Kate 
AND show some Reckless Love 
to the hurting world around you this month . . .

Ways to Participate in Ellie’s Month of Reckless Love:

·         December 1-20^th:  Help us show MAJOR, RECKLESS LOVE as we adopt THREE Hope Link families in Ellie Kate’s honor! An Amazon “Wish List” has been created for each family; items are listed extensively and according to need.  Gifts are NOT limited to the Amazon Wish Lists; other gifts are very much welcome, and can be mailed to us directly (if you would like other gift ideas, sizes or needs, please let me know). All gifts will be wrapped and given to the Hope Link families for Christmas morning . . .

HOPE LINK CHRISTMAS ADOPTIONS:  

Giving can be easy and quick, as each Hope Link Family has an Amazon Wish List Made in their honor.  Needs vary among each family, and the lists beautifully reflect those differences . . .

·         Click on a Hope Link Family’s Amazon Needs/Wish List 
*click on links listed below in BLUE to make your purchase

·         Choose an item on the list to purchase/donate

·         Purchase the item via Amazon

·         The item will be mailed directly to us

·         With volunteers, we will be wrapping all gifts and delivering them to our Hope Link Families before December 20^th. 

1. Hope Link Family, "V"

2. Hope Link Family, "L"

3. Hope Link Family, "T"

“ELLIE’S WISH” through NKH CRUSADERS: Giving is easy and quick, each family choosing only ONE item through Amazon.com.  Needs vary among each child, and the lists beautifully reflect those differences.  

·         Click on the “Ellie’s Wish” Amazon Needs/Wish List

·         Choose which item to purchase

·         Purchase the item via Amazon

·         Each item will be mailed directly to the NKH Family, who will be able to wrap the gift for their own child, preparing it for them as they wish. 

*ADDITIONAL DETAILS AND LISTS WILL SOON BE AVAILABLE

·         December 4^th (Ellie Kate’s Birthday):  Go out and love, serve, encourage, or GIVE to one of the following . . .

·        Serve families around you who also have a special-needs child. Bring a meal, bake a cake, send a balloon, or gift card; ask the family to get together or provide a date night for the parents/caregivers – recklessly anything uplifting, letting the family know they are loved and not forgotten

·        Tangibly Bless a family who has a lost a child.  Bring a meal, bake a cake, send a balloon or card, even give an unexpected gift - anything to let the family know they are loved and not forgotten, and that their child who has died, is ALSO not forgotten. 

·        Share Ellie's story with someone! If you never met Ellie Kate or don’t know much of her story, share about Lucy Belle or about what God has done through their lives! Post and let us know about your encounter! 

·        Share your favorite Ellie Kate memory on our FB page or Twitter, OR share with us how Ellie Kate’s Legacy has impacted your life!

·         December 15-20^th: We will gather to wrap each gift and deliver to our adopted Hope Link families before December 20^th.  If you’d like to be part of wrapping or delivering gifts, simply text me at 405-923-8562.  We would absolutely love for you to serve in this way!

·         December 23rd: Ellie's Heaven Day! Post pictures of balloon releases in Ellie Kate's honor. Be creative – maybe even send messages to Heaven with your balloons!  This is a real way to show our family that you remember our Sweet Girl. Be sure to share your balloon-release videos and photos on social media!

·           December 24-31^st:

·        Love Your People with reckless-abandon, as if this were your last holiday on earth.

·        If you are looking for an end-of-year tax write-off, please pray about donating to one of the following reputable ministries:

§   OKC Hope Link – Reaching families whose children suffer from rare, serious and undiagnosed disorders, through fellowship, friendship and prayer.  Seeking to serve the entire family, Hope Link offers events throughout the year for its members, including Date Nights, a monthly Support Group for moms, and an annual Mom’s Retreat. 

     Click HERE to donate to OKC Hope Link

§   The “Ellie Kate Memorial Fund” through Helping Hands Ministry –a charity with immense character, Helping Hands holds this specific fund in our family’s honor.  It is used solely for our medical expenses. 

     Click HERE to donate to the McLaughlin Helping Hands Medical Account

Ellie Kate's Magical Christmas Tree, 2017

Friends, THANK YOU for remembering Ellie Kate and for honoring her life in the specific ways listed here on the blog.  I cannot wait to see what GOD will do through you for these families so greatly in need!  

You are a blessing, an inspiration and encouragement in more ways than you know.  
I look forward to posting updates on "Ellie's Month" again soon!