Blossom

OK, I know that I just published my "Waiting Kids" post on Wednesday but I have gotten some new info on precious, sweet Blossom and I just felt moved to give her a post all to herself. 

You see, Lizzie attends the IEP class at the boys' school where she gets her speech therapy and OT and it is WONDERFUL!  I know how blessed we are with her teachers because I have heard horror stories about some IEP's! 

Anyway, there is the cutest, sweetest child in Lizzie's class who has severe CP.  She cannot speak but can communicate.  She cannot speak but can light up the room with her smile!  She cannot sit up but can learn about the world around her from her wheelchair - her wheelchair.

This child is a bright ray of sunshine every time I see her, every time I say hello and she flashes me that adorable smile, my heart melts!  Every time I see her, she just radiates warmth and love and life. 

Why am I telling you about this precious child in Lizzie's class?

I am telling you about her because I received an email about Blossom yesterday.

This email...

"As far as Blossom goes, her CP is severe. She is not mobile, needs assistance with all self-help (feeding, diapering, tooth brushing, etc.)."

"She was nonverbal when we were there in July 2009. However, she does communicate through smiles, eye gaze, and expressions. She is a beautiful, sweet, sensitive little girl who just melts a person's heart when they come in contact with her. I have a cousin who is the same age as Blossom and has severe CP so I can compare the two somewhat. Blossom is VERY easy going and not bothered by noise, activity, etc. She is able to consume her calories through her mouth with assistance (unlike many kiddos with severe CP). She is very aware of her surroundings and just so very sweet."
 

 
"She is obviously not mobile and cannot sit up independently. She love love loves music, stories, and attention. Harmony does an amazing job working with her. We were there for a 10 hour shift and she was worked with (PT) at least 3 times while we were there for at least 15-20 minutes each time. She is adored. She actually slept in a crib next to our little Bella and Bella loved to talk to her and entertain her."
 
Sound familiar??? 
 
When I read that email, I knew I had to step up my advocacy for this sweet child - who now had become very real to me.  Blossom is the precious child in Lizzie's classroom and I have to do something more for her.  So...
 
I am still appealing to any family out there who might be willing to take that big leap of faith, that leap of faith that would change this precious child's life forever!  I am appealing to any family out there who may be thinking about adopting again, may be praying about a child out there somewhere who they know is waiting for them - for the love of their family. 
 
To put it bluntly, I am appealing for a family for sweet, precious Blossom, because I see her future in the eyes of the beautiful child in Lizzie's class and I know her future if she stays in China.
 

Now, as much as I pray that the Lord leads Blossom's family to her, I am also appealing for something a bit more practical for Blossom.  Practical but essential, not essential for life but essential for quality of life. 
 
I am appealing for this after receiving another email yesterday about beautiful Blossom. 
 
This email...
 
Hi Annie

She is very sweet. I do believe she understands what is said to her. I asked my husband and my daughter and they both felt the same. My daughter was reminding me how much Blossom could express herself nonverbally- again with her eyes, her grin, her expressions.

I really have a hard time knowing if additional care here would get her sitting up independently. I know for sure that if she had a special wheelchair and could be upright, the learning that could occur in the world would improve immensely. Immensely. Receptively she understands. And I believe she is capable of learning. Social is definitely her strength.

Have you figured it out???  Yep, I would love to be able to get a wheelchair donated to this beautiful child, this child who if not being held, sees the world from a prone position but who if given the chance could maybe be more independent and definitely more social (which she loves) and part of the world around her! 

So, I am asking for help and am stepping out in faith cause I don't really know how to go about getting a wheelchair donated much less getting one shipped over but maybe you do?  Maybe your family or some other family that you know has a child with CP who has outgrown their chair and could donate it to help another sweet soul.  Maybe you know how to go about setting up a fundraiser and could give me some pointers, cause I am clueless!  Heh!  Maybe you are a family who might be traveling soon and could help in the transport of this donated wheelchair? 

Please, if you have any suggestions or want to help in any way or want to get more info on sweet Blossom, email me at 5puppies@comcast.net or simply leave a comment on this post.

Thank you!