The Little Engine That Could

Last night as Andy and I read his favorite book, "Mouse Town", he asked me what my favorite book was when I was a little girl.I told without even thinking it was, "The Little Engine That Could". You know the one where the little engine says,"I think I can, I think I can". I use to make my Mom read that one over and over. I guess that sentiment has kind of stuck with me over the years.

It reminds me that although I might not have great beauty, or intellect, I do have great tenacity, and sometimes that is what is needed. This has been a hard week, I've been sick and at the same time struggling with our school to get not just the services Will needs but to improve services that Caitlyn and Andy already have.

I think I hear my Mom whispering in my ear,"I think I can, I think I can..........."

There's a Miracle in Heaven tonight

Folks that know us personally know we have 2 special service dogs. The first one is a German Shepard named Niko. We applied and received Niko from a wonderful service dog organization called, 4 Paws for Ability. We had applied to many agencies before finding 4 Paws, but other groups said Chris didn't qualify because he was too disabled or he had too many disabilities and couldn't take care of his dog without assistance, only Karen Shirk the founder of 4 paws was willing to try working with us to get a dog that perfectly fit Chris's need. A year later we were matched with Niko who was trained in search and rescue (Chris has Autism and can wander off)and to alert when Chris suffered a seizure.

But our friends at 4 Paws weren't done yet! When they heard we adopted kids with special needs, they offered a service dog for our other kids too. Our beautiful little dog was a rescue. She and her 9 puppies had been dumped, but where others saw worthlessness, 4 Paws saw potential. After being trained as a service dog by prison inmates, our little Lady was ready to come home. We named our girl"Miracle", because to us she will always be our little 4 Paws miracle.

Miracle went the kids to Scouts, Little League games, many doctor, therapy and doctor appointments, even the hospital. Miracle was a first class nursing assistant, the only dog I know of allowed in the recovery room!

Sadly after 6 wonderful years, we discovered this week our Baby Boo had a large mass in her belly. She had developed a severe heart mummer and all her blood work was abnormal. It was terrible to have to let go but we know she's up in doggy heaven chasing all those possums and coons we wouldn't let her chase down here. It was hard on everyone but particularly hard on little Andy. I don't call him my, "Little Guy with a big heart" for nothing. Poor thing, he just sobbed and sobbed! We always joked that Miracle thought she was her pup. Andy asked, "Did Miracle tell you to take good care of her pup?" We will Miracle, we will. I have to stop now because I'm crying all over my keyboard.

Old friends and new

Today we meet the Dzrick family for a late lunch/early dinner. Linn, pictured with Will, knew him from when they both lived in The Shanghai Children's Institute. Will was happy when I wrote him we would meet his old friend, but when we got ready to go, he got very quiet. At McDonald's he practically hid under the table when they arrived! After about a 1/2 hour of that I finally just took off his boots and sent him off to the Play Place. Fortunately that seemed to do they trick, soon he was laughing and of course didn't want to leave when it was time to go. When Linn got in the Play Place with him they had a little talk. Will is certainly the strong, silent type!

The youngest girl is Linn's sister, Ruby, also from China.