Please take a look at the following link.  It is a story of a 4 year old boy
from Vermont that was diagnosed with a life threatening illness.  His parents
have pledged to live every day to its fullest.  That is a reminder to each of us
on how she should look at life.  This little boy is impacting many people around
the country take a look and see if you can helpCole scratch off an item on his
bucket list.  I encourage all parents to sit down with your children and create
a bucket list of things they would like to accomplish.  Tomorrow is not a
guarantee so we need to start enjoying all those moments that usually we would
take for granted.  www.colescause.com

I find it very interesting at how easily we all become creatures of habit.  This notion was confirmed even more so yesterday.  Ayden had an appointment with his neurologist at St Vincents for his 6 month check up.  His doctor took him off of a medicine called sodium bicarb, they feel that he is gaining weight well and growing and staying on HIS curve.  This medicine is added ao Ayden's food in a pill form.  He has been taking this medicine and a pancreatic enzyeme since he was 9 months old.  We just realized last night that dinner was the first time in almost 3 years that Ayden has had food without medicine and he will be able to truly taste the wonders of food. A very small think that most of us take for granted.  Initially when Ayden was put on these 2 pills i tasted them just to see how much they altered his food.  Lets just say that I feel for him.  That is part of the wonder that is Ayden. Not once has he even complained about taking any of his medicines. Doctors are amazed and at the same time we are saddened becasue he just accepts it. Last night as we were about to eat spaghetti, Ayden says to mom, "Mommy you forgot my pill." We were overjoyed to remind him that he no longer has to take that pill, but also reminded of just how much of an impact medicine has been on Ayden. I am so happy to not have to crush up any more pills and sprinkle it in his food. We are truly blessed to have such a wonderful little guy that accepts that he has a disease and that certian things will be different for him and never complains.  As a parent that makes it so much easier to help him get better. The doctor was so thrilled for Ayden.  He said that he looked amazing and he is beginning to develop some muscle tone.  He has always been so soft and we have noticed so much more strength and definition in his legs, but we see him everyday and we are always looking for improvement.  to hear it from the doctor was very reassuring.  He was also happy that Ayden has stayed on his curve even through a hospital stay and 2 bouts of Pneumonia recently. Dr Escobar told us 3 years ago that when Ayden is 4 or 5 you will look at him and not have any idea that there is anything out of the ordinary with him.  He told Becky yesterday that Ayden looks and act like a happy 4 year old.  GOD is just so amaizing!! We have been through so much but we are so thankful. We know that metal and fire strengthens metal and we as a family are getting stronger everyday.
I would like to share a touching but sad story that I have been tracking.  Baby Avery caught the attention of millions with her bucket list of things to do.  In my Leadership class we do a bucket list project and kids are taught to take a very close look at death and dying.  The way that the Canahuati family handled the news of their daughter being terminally ill has been an inspiration to me. I must admit they are much stronger than I.  Please take the time to look at the following link and read a little about this little ANGLE AVERY!! averycan.blogspot.com
AS a favor to me and to all parents with children that have chronic illness, go give your kids a hug no matter how old they are, tell them you love them with all of your heart, tell them you love them to the moon and back or for miles and miles and then continue to treat them that way every day.  I am as guilt as everyone out there, life gets in the way of allowing us to show those around us how we feel all the time.  I am trying to be more patient and not allow the little things to get me upset especially with my children.  After reading Avery's story and living with what Ayden goes through every day it is the little things that make life so wonderful.

Thank you for allowing me to share some thoughts with you today.  Just 10 more days til the benefit and I am getting really stressed. Our on line portion of the silent auction is currently up and running. Lots of great  items on there and we continue to update the list of items for the event as well.  We have lots of items from our local vendors that may not be on the on line portion of the auction. Check the benefit 2012 page for updates. May 12th will be a great day and one to remember as those who care for, love and support Ayden will be there to show him that support.  Please take a look at the auction site and if you want feel free to bid early and often.  Thank you all and GOD BLESS!!
http://www.32auctions.com/organizations/3655/auctions/4059