Monday, January 16, 2006
Mary Catherine one of Corbin's wonderful nurses came for the weekend. We had a great time. Did lots of shopping, decorated the boys room finally, and spent lots of time playing with boys. The boys really love Mary Catherine and love all her visits. Brodie asks every day when she is coming back to play some more. Thank you Mary Catherine for the great visit. We love you!
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2 comments:
yeah! i had a blast with all those boys (and you too, terri)! miss you guys lots!
I am a good friend of a young Miami, Florida couple that welcomed an HLHS newborn into the world in November 2005. The diagnoses came only about one month before birth and as you might expect has been a shock to this very nice family and their friends. Thankfully our prayers were answered and the baby did survive the Norwood and is doing as well as can be reasonably expected at this point, although everything is touch-and-go and fragile at all times, as I am sure you are aware. The couple has one other child, a five-year old son.
We, being the family and friends of the couple, are trying to find HLHS parents who would be willing to spare a small amount of time in their very busy schedule in order to assist this family with an extraordinary extenuating factor that is threatening their ability to care for their HLHS newborn. A few months ago I posted a similar letter to the community, through various discussion boards, and there were many positive responses and we very much appreciate that and hope to have more help as we are quickly nearing a final deadline for such help to be received.
Seriously complicating matters for this very nice couple is the fact that the husband, who otherwise has a spotless record without even a speeding ticket, is facing sentencing for an alleged white-collar fraud crime against a bank, regarding a complex loan for his family business that went bad a number of years ago. The judge in the case would appreciate any letters from parents of HLHS children that would explain to him what my friend and his wife will be facing from an emotional, physical and financial standpoint over the coming years. The judge already has letters from doctors regarding the technical aspects of HLHS and the need for two parents to be able to physically, emotionally and financially support an HLHS child in a constant fashion.
The court must consider the newborn’s best interests before passing a sentence in a case such as this and in particular whether to sentence my friend to prison or home arrest so that he can care for his son. The sentencing is scheduled for February 15-16, after being postponed from last December, due to my friend’s son still being in the hospital.
The judge in this case is an extremely compassionate and honorable man who is just being introduced to HLHS for the first time, just like everyone else involved in the case.
Of course, the doctors’ opinions are very important and useful for the judge. But it is only HLHS parents who know first hand the experiences of dealing with their HLHS child on an every day basis, in between the various medical procedures and appointments.
Thus, if you would not mind taking the time to speak to me for a few minutes by phone, or if you would rather only communicate by email is fine, we would be extremely grateful.
I very much appreciate your time. Please understand that I am writing, rather than the parents themselves, because of the fact that they are so consumed with the care of their HLHS newborn and also preparing for the sentencing. Further, it would be improper for
the husband or his wife to personally contact persons that could potentially write a letter to the court because such potential letters could provide a tremendous influence to the judge, regarding what is in the best interests of my friends’ new baby.
Please do not, at first impression, think that my friend’s supporters are using the HLHS diagnosis to his advantage. I know that my friend’s family would do anything to make their child healthy, if it were possible, as I am sure you would as well. I know that my friend would give his life for the well being of his children and I can honestly say that I have never met a man more committed to his family.
A simple letter explaining what it is like to be an HLHS parent would be extremely helpful to the court and all parties involved and also could really make a difference in the life and well being of my friend’s newborn, which is our only primary concern.
I can be reached at evanjowers@yahoo.com or (917) 292-8657 if you would be so kind as to take some minutes out of your busy schedule to help us with a short letter.
Best wishes,
Evan Jowers
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