To Our Family

A HUGE Thank You to all of our family who came together to show Scott, Cyann, and me, all of their love and support during those 'dark days' at the hospital. Especially Grandma and Grandpa (Jones), Grammy (Scott's Mom), and Papa John and Grandma Connie, who spent each and every day at the hospital with us, from beginning to end. Thank goodness you were all there to keep track of what each doctor had to say, each time they came in. Lord knows we weren't thinking straight enough to remember anything for ourselves. And thanks to Brad & Stacy, for still making time to come to the hospital, even when you were so busy getting ready to move into the new house, and getting ready for Cedar to arrive. It was really nice to have everyone together, both sides of the family, to get through this with. (although I would have wished for some other reason.) And when Cyann was able to go home on Christmas Eve, we obviously never got around to do any Christmas shopping. But that never mattered. I don't think anyone even missed the presents that they didn't get from us. I don't think I've ever felt the true Christmas Spirit as much as I did for Cyann's 1st Christmas.

To Our Friends

Thank you to all of our friends, old and new, who cared so much to call and come by the hospital during those dark 10 days. A special thank you from me to Sharon Edens, Sharon Ward, Valerie Kirk, Linnea Carroll, Liz Giedraitis, and Mary Ruddick, for all of the love, support, and prayers. Not only during Cyann's sick time, but even still today.

And also, to Valerie Kirk, my friend since we were 14 years old, ...I know it was a very hard time for you before, during, and after the layoff decision. But I know you made the best decision, not only for the company, but for me, too, as it turned out. I see those 3 months that I was unemployed as a "gift", because I was able to really get to know Cyann, and be her mommy, for the first time since she was born. Everyone knew that I was so burnt out, but I think I had to be 'forced' to stop. And then thank you, and Sharon Ward, for allowing me to come back when I was ready.

To Carrie Shubert

Thank you so much for becoming what you called my "lifeline" during those days at the hospital! It's funny how on that first night when Cyann was admitted to Phoenix Childrens Hospital and everything was so scary, it popped into my head to call you. Only because of the reading we had done when Cyann was only 3 weeks old, and you mentioned how you saw her as an adult. In the hospital, the doctors were so unsure of what was going on with Cyann, they were testing for so many things that if found, would've meant she wasn't going to get to become an adult. I know that doctors are supposed to be as straightforward as possible, but each day was so hard to find some ray of hope when they would come up with something new to test for. You were my "ray of hope". You told me (and Scott) that it would be a long process, but that she is going to be fine. And considering your accuracy on so many other things you have told us in the past, these words are what I held on to. Even though, I had to call just about every day to be reassured after each latest possible diagnosis.

There are a lot of people out there that do not believe in psychics, and that is their choice. In speaking for myself, I use the analogy of a psychic reading being like a road map. When I take a drive to someplace I've never been before, I could either check the directions on a map to have some idea of where I'm headed, or I could just simply get in the car and take my chances. But even if I look at a map, it does not take away from the actual trip. I still take in all of the scenery and experiences from point A to point B. But I am also on the lookout for signs that I am on the right track to get to where I want to be. And along the way, there is still the option to take any shortcuts or wrong turns, as well. Just because someone told you signs to lookout for, that same person has no way to guarantee you will make it to your destination. Who knows which road will be closed for construction?! (meaning, there could be a detour here and there.)

Scott & I consider you more than just a psychic; we consider you a friend. Someone who has a way of giving us a sense of peace during our most stressful moments.

Anyone who would like to contact Carrie Shubert, you can check out all of her info on her website: www.carrieshubert.com.

She comes highly recommended from Scott and I, and "Little Queenie".

To Dr. Haws

Although we had a 'team' of doctors while Cyann was in the hospital, it was you that we remember the most. You saw us at our weakest and, although you didn't 'sugarcoat' anything, you still gave us hope by keeping us so updated on everything that was going on. Even though Cyann always cried whenever she saw you, I think she liked you--deep down! Most of all, a HUGE thank you for connecting me with Haleigh's and Avery's families!! I only wish I would've asked you sooner. We wish you and your family well in Wisconsin, but we sure are going to miss you!! Thank you so much for all that you have done for our family.

To Haleigh's Family

You have became such an inspiration for me and my family! I don't know why I never thought to ask Dr. Haws before about connecting us with other families. (Or even why I thought to do it at exactly the time I finally did.) It must just be 'the right time' right now, since we got to meet Haleigh just before her kidney removal surgery. Thank you for allowing us to share and learn from all of your experiences of what you have gone and will go through. Although having a child with ARPKD is still scary for us, by your example, we have more hope and optimism than before we met you. And when we talked on the phone that very first time, it was great to talk to someone who had the same story of being laid off and having to deal with the 'pre-existing condition' insurance stuff. For the first time since Cyann's diagnosis, I felt like I had FINALLY found someone who knew EXACTLY what I was going through. I hope that as Cyann grows, and her already-enlarged organs outgrow her as well, that she will become as strong and self-assured as Haleigh seems to be. She is such a brave little girl! Please know that you guys are always in our prayers.

To Avery's Family

Thank you for allowing me into your home and your lives. I was so happy to find out that you lived so close to my father-in-law, and that you wanted to meet with me as much as I did you. I really admire you, Adrian, for jumping right in to learn as much as you can, just as soon as you knew of the diagnosis. As you know, my denial delayed my urge to face this disease and learn about it. You have inspired me to become more informed and proactive when it comes to ARPKD. It seems we are both just learning how to live as parents of a child with ARPKD, but knowing there is someone else out there close by that knows what that feels like, really does help. Please call if ever you need anything, or even just to talk. Know that we keep your family in our prayers.