update

My mom had a feeding tube put in on Thursday. It was a tough week. We all knew this would have to be done eventually. Everything went well. Her oxygen level was low and so she stayed in the hospital an extra night. But she is now home and recovering. We all luv her so so much! I went out to spend the 2 days before her surgery with her. She was still smiling. We are making the most of every day that we have with her. We consider every day a blessing! Pics coming soon:) jen

chickadee story from mom

In October of last year I lost my dear friend, Ann. She was brave and good and always upbeat. I loved her like a sister. We spent lots of time together the last five years. We loved to knit together at a little knit shop in Pagosa. We would share a sandwich every Tuesday. We played Canansta and Tien Lien once a month. She was a big part of my life. She lived everyday like it was the last. She taught me perseverance, patience, and that everything would be alright- not to worry about things you can't change.

She left this world with grace and dignity. I hope I learned this lesson well and can do the same. I do believe I spent so much time with her the last year of her life to prepare me for my future... "Thanks Ann!" About a week after Ann past away, a little mountain chickadee came to visit me at my window in the bedroom of the cabin. We had talked about how I loved chickadees and she loved blue birds. I asked her if she was afraid to die. She said "No way, why would I be?" I told her that I was. She asked, "of what and why?" I told her, "I guess the unknown." Ann said she would somehow let me know she was okay...

About a week after Ann passed, a little chickadee came to my window. It would fly up and down at the door window. I would walk to the screen and the little bird would stay there going up and down, then it would land on the railing for a while. This went on for weeks. One day it was gone.. I did feel like this little chickadee was a message that Ann is fine and to be happy. Four months later, I was diagnosed with ALS. This is a journey I was not ready for. It has been very hard on me and my family.

It is now fall, and life goes on, and in some ways it is easier. The shock of it all is less. The disease continues to progress. We all have our moments, they are hard and sad, but we continue on with life and days come and go until the next moment.

I was having one of those moments about a month ago. I prayed very hard that I could feel better, not so sad, prayed for comfort...fell asleep crying...

In the morning, a very fun surprise came back to me. I was out feeding my birds-lots of different kinds. I was standing on the deck, all the bird houses filled with seed. I sat watching the birds eat. I wondered if the birds might eat out of my hand. I held it out with seed and in a few minutes the chickadee landed on my hand. I really couldn't believe it. Every day, I go out and feed the little chickadee. I think truly this little bird is a sign to me that my Heavenly Father knows me and what my family and I are going through. It is a comfort and somehow makes me feel better.

I love that my grandchildren have visited Richard and I at the cabin and experienced feeding the chickadees.

wild birds

Here are some pics of s and l feeding the wild birds with grandma:))




We had so much fun. It was the best Thanksgiving ever!!!

Sorry it took so long to update...

Hi Everyone, I haven't really felt like updating "not good news"...I am sure everyone has been worried, and wondering how my mom is doing and how all of her appointments these last few weeks went.. Well she is progressing...Her speech, swallowing, and breathing are worse. She visited her pulmonary doctor last week who did a number of breathing test while being monitored..Also they tested her while she was sleeping. They have ordered her a Bipap (something to help with her oxygen- breathing machine) which she'll have in the next few days...Sadly it wasn't good news...My mom and dad are still doing very well, staying strong, and looking forward to the holidays..They are so amazing......I love you mom!!!

I am having such a wonderful time with my mom. She stayed with me after the fundraiser. She has a doctor appointment on the 15th. I am alittle concerned for this one...I know her illness has really progressed since her last visit....I'll update later on..

Jaime

a letter from vicki

Dear Kirk Family

You are taking a horrific situation and turning it into something beautiful. You are an inspiration to me and to the other people who are making this journey with you. Thank you so much for inviting us to join you. It is an honor to be included among your friends.

I realize that all of you wanted “Hope”. I don’t know how I happened to win that raffle because I rarely do. “Hope” is amazing, Linda - she is one of your best. I don’t know how you did it. I am including a photo of me in my Blue Shirt, holding “Hope”. I promise to take very good care of her. She is precious.

The second photo is of Hope’s Hug, made up of Linda Bears that I have collected through the years. Do they look familiar? I have several more Linda Bears that couldn’t be included in this photo. Linda, you are still my very favorite Teddy Bear Artist.

This letter and photos may be added to your “Hope For Linda” website, if you chose to include them.

Thank you Kirk Family.

Love and Hugs,

Vicki Dewbre

Thank You!

Thank you for everyones help, donations, and support on this fundraiser..It was such a wonderful day for our family...Hope will go to one of my moms close friends in TX, Vicki D. And my oldest brother, Richard bid the highest on my moms little bear, AnneLee...They will both have good homes..Love, Jaime