Happy Thanksgiving! Sam wanted it to be today. He wanted me to call Aunt Whitney and have her go ahead and get the food ready! He has talked about how Indians helped the Pilgrims and is trying to fit the whole Tweetsie scenario into what he has been learning at school! I have always told him there were good cowboys and bad cowboys as well as good Indians and bad Indians. At least he has a more realistic view now that he has studied things more!
Sam looks cute with his new haircut. He looks a little like Kate on Kate Plus Eight! He cut his hair in the back all of the way up to his crown! He cut quite a bit, but it won't be more noticeable until it grows a little bit!
Andrew and Peter are running the Foot Locker race in Charlotte this weekend! Peter ran a PR in the Two Mile Tune-up in Charlotte on Saturday - a 9:51. Andrew did not go. Hoping both have a great race! They have worked so hard, and it will be good to end cross country on a high note!
We had three boys get flu vaccines today. We waited for Peter's race to be over. But we could not take a chance with Andrew and Sam. Will sniffed his - he wimped out! We do NOT want to see the flu in this family again this year!
Happy Thanksgiving! This is such a special time to count blessings and thank God for His goodness and what He has done for us! Everything may not be perfect, but do we expect it to be in this world? I am thanking Him and praising Him because of Who He is!
Tuesday, November 23, 2010
Friday, November 19, 2010
Happy 19th Birthday to precious little Katelyn
I can remember it like it was just last week. I arrived at Forsyth Hospital in Winston where my sister was in labor with her first baby. She had found out about a month before that the baby was not growing and developing. We knew some of what could be, but we did not know much. I found her watching Little House on the Prairie while nurses hovered nearby and lots of doctors were readying to attend the birth. Because Katelyn was my sister's first baby, they really wanted to do everything they could for her and my sister. My dad would check on Whitney periodically, but he would turn a greenish color and have to leave. My aunt was begging my uncle for a cigarette, but he kept reminding her calmly that she had stopped smoking. I remember arriving, checking on Whitney and Dwayne, going to the Hanes Mall to eat (and not even being tempted to shop!) while we waited...and waited.
Then I fast forward to sitting in the hall straight up against a cinder block wall. Katelyn was there, and Whitney was fine. The doctors did not think that tiny baby would make it through the night. One of her pediatricians had mercy on Russell and me and invited us to say hi to Katelyn before they took her to Baptist just a little bit away. She was as long as a newborn because she was term, but she weighed less than three pounds. I remember yellow. Her hair or her skin. And I remember loving her with everything I had. And I remember how my arms ached so badly to hold her. Now I can grab one of the other children to hold when I feel that ache, but then there was no baby to hold. And we could not hold her. I am sure Russell and I prayed for her and over her. And that was one of the only times I was within an arm's length in her whole five weeks.
In the NICU, there are very strict rules with very good reason. Still, I drove to Stuart, VA, every weekend to spend time with Whitney and go with her to the hospital even though it meant sitting on the outside. I got a couple of glimpses, and Dwayne took some pictures. No digital cameras back then! And there is a video. I ached to hold this baby, see her, and get to know her. And somehow through the wall, I was able to do just that - get to know her through pieces of information and pictures.
She was supposed to have only part of a kidney. She had more than they thought. She scooted in her tiny bassinet. She scrunched her face and tried to hide from Santa Claus visiting the sick babies. In her little life, she did have personality and fight and determination. And oh was she loved.
My grandparents arrived one day to see her. My grandmother announced to my grandfather that she was going to see the baby - whether he took her or not. They totaled their very large (enormous really) Cadillac on the way to see her - in Cana, VA. It was a multi-car accident where one car stopped suddenly and several cars bumped into the back of each other. My grandparents had to rent a car half the size of theirs and continue on the trip. They got to go in and see her - because they were great grandparents and not just aunts. My grandmother came out and said of my sister, "Well, she has herself a real live baby doll." That meant so much to my sister.
Whitney and I would stop at Little Caesar's in Winston to treat ourselves to Crazy Bread before returning to their home way out in the country. Dwayne worked the night shift a lot, so Whitney appreciated the time I could come. While I was there one weekend with another friend, one of their two dogs came back shot. The other never returned. We searched all over the area where they lived and realized that no one cared if they shot someone else's dog - especially someone with a dying baby. It was a bleak, sad time. I was in charge of cleaning the bathroom when I was there. I put myself in that job. I cleaned that tub so much it's a wonder the finish did not come off. It's hard to know what to do with the energy and feelings and aches sometimes.
Dwayne and Whitney came to Bristol on Christmas Eve in 1991, intending to spend a little time with family and return to the hospital and Katelyn on Christmas Day. I remember the phone ringing in the wee hours of the morning. It was the hospital - no cell phones back then. They cared enough to know where to find them. Dwayne and Whitney rushed to Baptist. By the time we got there a little later, Katelyn was gone. I still remember every Christmas how that felt. Again, I can grab a child now and hold him or her; and for that, I am so thankful. I try to go and visit her grave on Christmas Eve so I can tell her I love her - even though I know she is not there. It's just a quiet place for reflection and to thank God for what He has given our family and blessed us with.
That time was a hard time in my life too. I took time off from my life the next few months and returned to school to start on a second degree. Thankfully, God worked out my own situation; and I returned to North Carolina and my own life that had seemed suspended for a few months. I remember people being so kind and helpful and thoughtful and supportive. And I still remember times of being so hurt by something someone said that I did not feel I could stand it. Sometimes I remember to keep my mouth closed. I would not want to cause that same pain and confusion for someone else. I appreciate those who quietly prayed for all of us and were there when we needed them - not just pretending to care but allowing God to use them to minister to and sustain our family.
I know one of God's tiniest angels. She slipped into our lives one cold night not meant to stay for long. And when it was time to go, she slipped out again. But she left us with something so hard to explain. In her short little life, she made such a huge impact. I cannot wait to see her again and hold her. I don't know what she will look like in Heaven, and I don't have to know. I just know I will see her, and I will know who she is!
Happy 19th Birthday to Katelyn Elizabeth Ball. Thank you for affecting my life in such a wonderful and loving way - even though it is not empty of hurt and pain. I love you so much, and I am so happy to know you are with the One Who loves us the most.
Then I fast forward to sitting in the hall straight up against a cinder block wall. Katelyn was there, and Whitney was fine. The doctors did not think that tiny baby would make it through the night. One of her pediatricians had mercy on Russell and me and invited us to say hi to Katelyn before they took her to Baptist just a little bit away. She was as long as a newborn because she was term, but she weighed less than three pounds. I remember yellow. Her hair or her skin. And I remember loving her with everything I had. And I remember how my arms ached so badly to hold her. Now I can grab one of the other children to hold when I feel that ache, but then there was no baby to hold. And we could not hold her. I am sure Russell and I prayed for her and over her. And that was one of the only times I was within an arm's length in her whole five weeks.
In the NICU, there are very strict rules with very good reason. Still, I drove to Stuart, VA, every weekend to spend time with Whitney and go with her to the hospital even though it meant sitting on the outside. I got a couple of glimpses, and Dwayne took some pictures. No digital cameras back then! And there is a video. I ached to hold this baby, see her, and get to know her. And somehow through the wall, I was able to do just that - get to know her through pieces of information and pictures.
She was supposed to have only part of a kidney. She had more than they thought. She scooted in her tiny bassinet. She scrunched her face and tried to hide from Santa Claus visiting the sick babies. In her little life, she did have personality and fight and determination. And oh was she loved.
My grandparents arrived one day to see her. My grandmother announced to my grandfather that she was going to see the baby - whether he took her or not. They totaled their very large (enormous really) Cadillac on the way to see her - in Cana, VA. It was a multi-car accident where one car stopped suddenly and several cars bumped into the back of each other. My grandparents had to rent a car half the size of theirs and continue on the trip. They got to go in and see her - because they were great grandparents and not just aunts. My grandmother came out and said of my sister, "Well, she has herself a real live baby doll." That meant so much to my sister.
Whitney and I would stop at Little Caesar's in Winston to treat ourselves to Crazy Bread before returning to their home way out in the country. Dwayne worked the night shift a lot, so Whitney appreciated the time I could come. While I was there one weekend with another friend, one of their two dogs came back shot. The other never returned. We searched all over the area where they lived and realized that no one cared if they shot someone else's dog - especially someone with a dying baby. It was a bleak, sad time. I was in charge of cleaning the bathroom when I was there. I put myself in that job. I cleaned that tub so much it's a wonder the finish did not come off. It's hard to know what to do with the energy and feelings and aches sometimes.
Dwayne and Whitney came to Bristol on Christmas Eve in 1991, intending to spend a little time with family and return to the hospital and Katelyn on Christmas Day. I remember the phone ringing in the wee hours of the morning. It was the hospital - no cell phones back then. They cared enough to know where to find them. Dwayne and Whitney rushed to Baptist. By the time we got there a little later, Katelyn was gone. I still remember every Christmas how that felt. Again, I can grab a child now and hold him or her; and for that, I am so thankful. I try to go and visit her grave on Christmas Eve so I can tell her I love her - even though I know she is not there. It's just a quiet place for reflection and to thank God for what He has given our family and blessed us with.
That time was a hard time in my life too. I took time off from my life the next few months and returned to school to start on a second degree. Thankfully, God worked out my own situation; and I returned to North Carolina and my own life that had seemed suspended for a few months. I remember people being so kind and helpful and thoughtful and supportive. And I still remember times of being so hurt by something someone said that I did not feel I could stand it. Sometimes I remember to keep my mouth closed. I would not want to cause that same pain and confusion for someone else. I appreciate those who quietly prayed for all of us and were there when we needed them - not just pretending to care but allowing God to use them to minister to and sustain our family.
I know one of God's tiniest angels. She slipped into our lives one cold night not meant to stay for long. And when it was time to go, she slipped out again. But she left us with something so hard to explain. In her short little life, she made such a huge impact. I cannot wait to see her again and hold her. I don't know what she will look like in Heaven, and I don't have to know. I just know I will see her, and I will know who she is!
Happy 19th Birthday to Katelyn Elizabeth Ball. Thank you for affecting my life in such a wonderful and loving way - even though it is not empty of hurt and pain. I love you so much, and I am so happy to know you are with the One Who loves us the most.
Tuesday, November 9, 2010
A Great Meet!
The boys ran in the 4A North Carolina State Meet in Kernersville on Saturday. Peter was 17th and the first sophomore to come in. Andrew was in 70th but seemed satisfied with his race. My last email talked about how he seemed good, but I was not. I will cut and paste it here.
Sam gave himself a haircut on Sunday. You cannot tell until you look at the back of his hair, and there is quite a bit sticking straight up! It is funny, and it will probably look funnier as it grows out. But it's just hair, but I admit I am thankful he did not cut the front! He told me Peter did it! So we had to talk about telling the truth...again. Peter gets blamed for a lot!
Here is my last email update. I plan to move to updates on this blog and not send out as many emails! Everyone is so busy, and I don't want to clog up their inboxes!!!!
Sent on Tuesday, November 9, 2010 (the day before Lisa's birthday!!!!)
Sam gave himself a haircut on Sunday. You cannot tell until you look at the back of his hair, and there is quite a bit sticking straight up! It is funny, and it will probably look funnier as it grows out. But it's just hair, but I admit I am thankful he did not cut the front! He told me Peter did it! So we had to talk about telling the truth...again. Peter gets blamed for a lot!
Here is my last email update. I plan to move to updates on this blog and not send out as many emails! Everyone is so busy, and I don't want to clog up their inboxes!!!!
Sent on Tuesday, November 9, 2010 (the day before Lisa's birthday!!!!)
The state meet went well on Saturday. I am sorry I am just now sending this! Pete just went out of town for the week, and we have been busy since we got back! It snowed a little, but it was not enough to hinder travel. And it was cold down in Kernersville!!!! That was a little advantage for the Boone runners who have already had a taste of cold weather.
The boys finished 8th overall - better than expected. Peter was the first sophomore in the 4A race and was 17th. We had one in the top 10 and another in the 30's (I think). Andrew struggled a little bit but held his own and was 70th. I struggle myself - wishing he could be up there where his hard work would reward him more. But he seemed happy with his race, and so who am I to not be? I told Dr. Adams (our pediatrician) that I heard his voice over the weekend when I thought about Andrew. I heard him saying something like, "He can run." Yes, that is enough. Dr. Adams was talking to a visiting doctor a few months ago and proceeded to tell him about Andrew's history - chronologically. First of all, I was amazed at how much he remembered in order, and then I realized that Andrew is so blessed to go through what he has and be doing what he is doing. He is special (as one teacher constantly reminds me), and all of these things are for some reason. I want more for him because I know what he puts into everything - his running, his studies, his life. But that is when my focus is not on what God has for him. Nothing surprises God, and I know one prayer I prayed when Andrew was little - to show me when I needed to get something checked out for him - has been answered over and over again. It is amazing to know why he went to certain places and who all played a part in getting him where he needed to be. All of these things came together because God orchestrated them. I certainly did not!
I have also struggled with some other concerns with the other boys. Sam's stuff may seem obvious, but it's not. But you know, I talked to just the right person who has helped me with one particular concern so much over the past couple of weeks. And I feel so much better about it. And some of the other concerns I have had have been better the last day or so. God has truly shown me in way that not even I could miss that He is right here with us. I have been there when I don't see any change or light for quite a while, so I am extra thankful when I don't have to wait too long or any longer than I have to see that light! My older boys were all so small at the same time, and now they are all teenagers. I feel like I need to be right where they need me, and God has allowed a way for me to be with them much more than even a year ago!
Thanks for the prayers for our boys. It's an amazing feeling to know that so many people care and pray. Andrew goes to the neurologist Monday, and we are beyond happy and relieved that he has not had a seizure at all in many many months. He does take a lot of medicine still, but he always has and it did not work as well. His breathing is great, and his foot is not bothering him at all right now!
Our regular cross country season is over, but the boys are still training for Foot Locker (or for those older like me, the Kinney Meet!). Pete and I both ran that course. We were talking about it the other day on the way to the state meet. I will never forget riding in the back of Coach Smith's Vega station wagon (the very back) with all of the luggage while three boys sat in the back, and Whitney and Arlene shared the front passenger seat! Those were the days!!!! We were there to see some of the best runners there ever were - and still hold records. I am so happy our boys are making such great memories - and some of them in the very same places!
We were also able to see some of Pete's Appalachian teammates we have not seen in many years. It was so great to see them!
Thanks again! If you want to check out our blog periodically, it's sixvandenbergs.blogspot.com.
Love,
Wendi
Psalm 92 (If you have a Max Lucado version, read the quote from A.W. Tozer about how God is sufficient!)
Monday, November 1, 2010
Wow! Snow is in the forecast!
I am not ready for snow! I have things to do - get my car ready, stock the pantry (which I do every few days anyway), clean more in the basement, clean up the yard, etc. But it will come when it comes! We have a basement full of wood and a great wood stove, so that is a blessing!
The boys have been busy. Will continues to help Sam A LOT at school which helps me EVEN MORE! Will was third in the 8th grade boys' cross country race. We were very proud of him!
Andrew and Peter are on their way to the state meet Saturday. They worked so hard for this. Andrew has overcome his breathing problems, sickness, and most recently a possibly fractured foot from someone stepping on him in a race! We are proud of him running his best and hardest. Peter broke 16 minutes and ran a 15:58 on the McAlpine course. He is so excited. And Andrew is excited for him too!
My goal is to post more on this blog and send fewer emails. Everyone is so busy that I want to make my emails fewer - especially since there are so many on the list. It is hard to get so many! I will do better keeping up with this blog. I may even add pictures!
Happy "Possible" Snow Week! Ready or not!!!!!
The boys have been busy. Will continues to help Sam A LOT at school which helps me EVEN MORE! Will was third in the 8th grade boys' cross country race. We were very proud of him!
Andrew and Peter are on their way to the state meet Saturday. They worked so hard for this. Andrew has overcome his breathing problems, sickness, and most recently a possibly fractured foot from someone stepping on him in a race! We are proud of him running his best and hardest. Peter broke 16 minutes and ran a 15:58 on the McAlpine course. He is so excited. And Andrew is excited for him too!
My goal is to post more on this blog and send fewer emails. Everyone is so busy that I want to make my emails fewer - especially since there are so many on the list. It is hard to get so many! I will do better keeping up with this blog. I may even add pictures!
Happy "Possible" Snow Week! Ready or not!!!!!
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