A Big Thank You to MIDWEST AIRLINES

http://www.midwestairlines.com/

I just got an amazing email from BJ Dreifke - Public Relations Assistant at MIDWEST AIRLINES, and they have volunteered to take care of Kristi's, Jessie's, and my air travel needs between Dallas Fort Worth and Baltimore for Jessie's surgery, when we know a date.

I can't tell you how overwhelmed we were when we got this email. BJ was so nice and explained everything and made it all sound so easy. She understood that we probably wouldn't know when we were leaving from or returning to DFW, but that wasn't a problem.

In a time of high fuel costs and a very competitive market, BJ and MIDWEST AIRLINES really came through for the Hall family during a time of crisis. Thank You!!

Cris, Kristi, Matt, Jake, Josh, and Jessie

http://jessiekelley.blogspot.com/

Faith, Hope, and Love

03/04/2008

Over the past few weeks, we have received so many prayers, words of encouragement, and commitments of faith. It has been amazing. Faith is our foundation and gets us through these tough times. Kristi, Jessie, the boys, and I appreciate all of the letters, cards, phone calls, and emails so much. The support has been overwhelming and helps us to realize how much Jessie and our whole family is loved on so many different levels. Thank You friends and family.

Today's post, however, is about Hope. Hope is our anchor in life. It stabilizes us and keeps this rocky ship from drifting out of control. Hope allows us to look to the future.

This may be one of the most important posts that you read. I believe that it will help you truly believe that Jessie will be OK and that she has a real future and can grow up to live a productive and happy life. Kristi and I believe that with all of our hearts.

Meet Cameron. She is 7 years-old and a real cutie. She is in school and doing well and likes to do things that normal 7-year old girls do, like play dress-up and celebrate birthdays, and hang out with her friends and family. Cameron had a hemispherectomy at Johns Hopkins in June of 2007 (nine months ago). Her story is here http://www.blogger.com/profile/09618184310533248537 .

Cameron's story is not the only story of miracles and hope and faith and love either. Although the Rasmussen and Hemispherectomy community is small, it is strong. There are stories like Brandi Binder who had her surgery in the 80's, who is now a professional artist. And Jody, who is about to graduate from high school and dances three times a week, and working on choosing a college. And the stories go on and on. We are going to meet her and her family this weekend.

I hope that this post gives you Hope for Jessie and some peace of mind for all of you who care so much. Please join us in our Hope for the future.

Cris

http://jessiekelley.blogspot.com/

Go Sidewinders!

Jessie had a rough morning with several seizures but powered through them and got ready for her t-ball team's scrimmage this afternoon. She had a great time!

http://jessiekelley.blogspot.com/

Family Housing Near Johns Hopkins

McElderry House Lodging
http://www.mcelderryhouse.com/
info@mcelderryhouse.com
2000 McElderry Street
Baltimore, MD 21205
1-800-295-4131
McElderry House Lodging is a very special place that provides lodging to the patients of Johns Hopkins Hospital and their families. We offer seventeen fully furnished, fully equipped townhouses, all within two blocks of the Hospital

Children’s House
1915 McElderry Street, Baltimore, Maryland, 21205 · (410) 614-2560 Fax: 410-744-1984
http://www.believeintomorrow.org/housing_hopkins.html
info@believeintomorrow.org
The Children’s House at Johns Hopkins is part of the hospital housing program of the Believe In Tomorrow National Children’s Foundation. This facility offers affordable housing for families of pediatric patients who visit the Johns Hopkins Children’s Center.

Rondald McDonald Charities of Baltimore
http://www.rmhbaltimore.com/help/contact.html

Family Coordinator/Hospital LiaisonSusan Salt(410) 528-1010, Ext. 101E-mail: susan@rmhbaltimore.com
House phone is (410) 528-1010.Fax number is (410) 727-6177.

Hackerman Patz House – Cancer Patients

Map of Hospital Area
http://www.mcelderryhouse.com/map.htm
http://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/directions/JHH_Campus_Guide_old.pdf

http://jessiekelley.blogspot.com/

On Fighting Denial

03/01/2008

I warn you up front, that this post is a bit philosophical. So if you're not into that kinda thing, don't read this, but enjoy the pictures.

Each day as I watch Jessie grow and learn new things, I find myself drifting dangerously back into denial of the disease. I'm a reasonable intelligent man (although Kristi might argue that one ;-0), and I know that Jessie has RE, and I know that she will have to have a hemispherectomy. My mind plays tricks on my heart and visa versa.

I'm not sure if "denial" is an emotion or just a saftety mechanism that keeps us from all ending up in straight jackets. I think that the intent of denial is for our own mental health. However, with RE, it's just one giant mental anomaly that can't be resolved, no mater how much you read, think, and pray.

On the one hand, I know that the earlier that Jessie has the operation, the better off she will be in her recovery, while on the other hand, I watch her play outside, and I am confounded beyond resolution.

A good friend of mine, Greg, gave me some good advice around Christmas time. It is really just now making sense to me. This was the time during the disease that I was VERY angry at God for doing this to my daughter. He told me that God was trying to bring me closer to Him. Well, it is working, but why does it have to be so hard on everyone?

Here are some pictures that I took of Jessie today. Cris







http://jessiekelley.blogspot.com/