tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14767789391339046842024-02-18T21:19:34.606-05:00For God's Glory and FameTara Dembowczykhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07587697872317951088noreply@blogger.comBlogger219125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1476778939133904684.post-4447465413187862012016-03-03T15:08:00.002-05:002016-03-03T15:08:27.207-05:00New BeginningI'd be honored if you continued following my journey at <a href="http://asteadfastlife.weebly.com/" target="_blank">asteadfastlife.weebly.com</a>Tara Dembowczykhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07587697872317951088noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1476778939133904684.post-8749629836784150292015-11-24T22:50:00.000-05:002015-11-24T23:07:31.600-05:00She Chose Determination<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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At times my heart feels like it may burst. I want to do something, anything, to help but all I can do is watch. Watch in hope. Watch in worry. Watch in anticipation of something gone wrong or in anticipation of something beautiful.</div>
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This photo does not do justice to the watching in worry and anticipation I experienced as Hannah fought with perseverance to complete a task her little legs would not allow. Her entire gymnastics class had moved on to other ways of crossing the balance beam obstacle course. Yet, Hannah fought to complete the task of walking backward across 7 balance beams of varying heights without falling off. With each time she fell, she was required to start again from the very beginning. </div>
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She fell no less than 10 times.</div>
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As everyone around her continued to move on. </div>
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My heart couldn't stand it. </div>
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I moved closer thinking that if I could just get within her eyesight, she would stay the course in courage and perseverance. </div>
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Yet, she never looked my direction. Her focus was razor sharp. Her determination, without fail. Her courage, ever present. Her perseverance, never ceasing.</div>
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She never once complained or asked her coach if she could just move on. She never once let the falls rob her determination. </div>
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And she never did complete the task of walking backward across all seven balance beams....today. Not being able to feel the balance beam with both feet poses a problem. Her knees don't quite have the stability she needs. Her little foot so narrow and her ankle a bit weak. </div>
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But she did more today than walk across balance beams.</div>
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She chose courage. She chose determination. She chose perseverance. </div>
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I watched with worry and anticipation of determination lost. </div>
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But, by God's grace alone, I left with something beautiful.</div>
Tara Dembowczykhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07587697872317951088noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1476778939133904684.post-39201851969788032142015-10-02T10:52:00.000-04:002015-10-02T10:52:02.469-04:00Amputee Blade Runners Fundraiser<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqioh4gLatwRxYMn1CB5z_dnDxK3XVQVqxOF_IrBBVBeHAbUV53Qgu4-e_LDCnx_mikyBpRD1rJ9Ps1gWJ6v6mjC_JdOFC54dyYZU-7v4lZi7_ctXRzvg25L3vGPE-6ydiqBPvxRITwcI/s1600/DSC_5088.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqioh4gLatwRxYMn1CB5z_dnDxK3XVQVqxOF_IrBBVBeHAbUV53Qgu4-e_LDCnx_mikyBpRD1rJ9Ps1gWJ6v6mjC_JdOFC54dyYZU-7v4lZi7_ctXRzvg25L3vGPE-6ydiqBPvxRITwcI/s320/DSC_5088.jpg" width="211" /></a></div>
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In years past, Hannah would get so frustrated running with her
friends. She could never keep up, and instead would just quit and it
inevitably ended in tears.<br />
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Since receiving this amazing blade leg
from Amputee Blade Runners, she has been all smiles when running! She
can now run more naturally and with more ease. (These photos are from a
recent school fundraiser).<br />
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Amputee Blade Runners (ABR), a non profit organization, has gone above and beyond in getting Hannah up and runnin<span class="text_exposed_show">g
with ease. They want to see her excel just as much as we do. Will you
join us in raising money for ABR so they can help other children and
adults excel?</span><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNH55Wea8XoAHc673OSSUQGQUJTTHtYGNpuAOoKk35Hk8zGF3MIXlQLgEmr1g7QE3jMwRLsFC1B0lp-B0hZMuJYWGJjy3-yefp6Gp1imr6aJSEwvxSDGcGEs8P18ApBVhSV-dPGSyUla4/s1600/DSC_5098.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNH55Wea8XoAHc673OSSUQGQUJTTHtYGNpuAOoKk35Hk8zGF3MIXlQLgEmr1g7QE3jMwRLsFC1B0lp-B0hZMuJYWGJjy3-yefp6Gp1imr6aJSEwvxSDGcGEs8P18ApBVhSV-dPGSyUla4/s320/DSC_5098.jpg" width="176" /></a> By purchasing
one $15 bag of local, hand roasted coffee from FairHope Coffee Co., $5
will go directly to ABR. If you purchase two or more bags, you will also
receive an ABR wrist band thanking you for your support. All orders
will be filled mid-November to ensure FRESHness.<br />
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Thirty bags have already been ordered! Thank you!! Help us reach our goal of selling 100 bags! <br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWXn0kdfrZ3i0A-T9oMAiQrCQ1r2V4YF9Tv9t988HDhO00kCun9BCh2xWwSHUtjLQGCR2yQIdZR2VTZMglZg7tfU0rxTU1qZH7oatV1uymEAkMtILXyVmKh1hzh9a3-cPBTKsKvLqT7I0/s1600/DSC_5105.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWXn0kdfrZ3i0A-T9oMAiQrCQ1r2V4YF9Tv9t988HDhO00kCun9BCh2xWwSHUtjLQGCR2yQIdZR2VTZMglZg7tfU0rxTU1qZH7oatV1uymEAkMtILXyVmKh1hzh9a3-cPBTKsKvLqT7I0/s320/DSC_5105.jpg" width="212" /></a> Click on this <a href="http://goo.gl/forms/gEvKBs2W62" target="_blank">Coffee Order Form</a> for more information and to place your order! Please help us help others! <br />
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Keep the goal in mind. Run with purpose and perseverance that
God may be glorified. Don't give up. (1 Corinthians 9:24-27)<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMlbZEB9t-ZCqp0hCIayM3MyfqCIMR7UwRGF30tYUoFxVtJYSd5q1IIZ7wSne48JzpJWOB2o-g7Elppbmf5zE2uIRaYvOrNLjYtmdgfBATOk73J4tEZjJ0o8WXhT5dTxEbyReAlqPrGa8/s1600/DSC_5130.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMlbZEB9t-ZCqp0hCIayM3MyfqCIMR7UwRGF30tYUoFxVtJYSd5q1IIZ7wSne48JzpJWOB2o-g7Elppbmf5zE2uIRaYvOrNLjYtmdgfBATOk73J4tEZjJ0o8WXhT5dTxEbyReAlqPrGa8/s320/DSC_5130.jpg" width="212" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Finish Strong!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhp6NtCBLMmRHPYmtS3MxKV66FoCgRbuuE6e44jBt15udApH0enntKIoAxIYCMzHXLAODUBbaH9C6aSE74n7KToJsdK4OP_cXbSEuczLmCcThVQ_AVzs-Te3XEXJ92cQPozEy_EXaQ-FOQ/s1600/DSC_5133.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="299" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhp6NtCBLMmRHPYmtS3MxKV66FoCgRbuuE6e44jBt15udApH0enntKIoAxIYCMzHXLAODUBbaH9C6aSE74n7KToJsdK4OP_cXbSEuczLmCcThVQ_AVzs-Te3XEXJ92cQPozEy_EXaQ-FOQ/s320/DSC_5133.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="fbPhotosPhotoCaption" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" id="fbPhotoSnowliftCaption" tabindex="0"><span class="hasCaption">I had to just throw this photo in here as well :)<i class="_4-k1 img sp_fM-mz8spZ1b sx_5371b4"><u></u></i>.
Joshua has inflamed growth plates in his feet and is now wearing
special shoe inserts. YET, he finished 18 laps in 45 minutes! Proud Mom.</span></span></td></tr>
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<br />Tara Dembowczykhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07587697872317951088noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1476778939133904684.post-91690116663459260822015-09-24T21:32:00.001-04:002015-09-24T22:07:57.327-04:00"That Would Be My Dream Come True"I'm not quite sure where to start. My heart has been torn so much between joy and pain. Isn't that so true about life in general? Some days our hearts so easily praise God for the beautiful and undeserved blessings He so richly bestows upon us, and some days our hearts cry out in pain and wonderings of why God may have us going through a specific situation.<br />
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Watching our daughter strive to fully embrace and understand her differences has brought me this joy yet, at the same time, this heartbreaking pain.<br />
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Her questions and wonderings seem to always come when I least expect them. As I'm brushing her hair, sitting contently together at the pool, doing cartwheels on the front lawn. I guess a mama's heart is never truly ready to hear a child verbalize her pain. <br />
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"I would really like two legs. That would be my dream come true."<br />
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"Mama, I hate having a hard leg. It hurts people when it accidently hits them." (With quiet tears running down her face)<br />
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"Why can't I be normal?" (With more tears)<br />
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"I don't want to go to Occupational Therapy or Speech Therapy or have a prosthetic leg. I just want to be normal." (She has Occupational Therapy for Sensory Processing Disorder)<br />
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Yet, how wonderful that she feels secure to tell me the areas where her sweet heart breaks. <br />
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Regardless of how often I tell her of her beauty and how perfect God has made her for His glory, regardless of how much I explain to her the differences (seen and unseen) of those around her that also must struggle in life, regardless of how much I tell her how thankful I am God has given her to me....<br />
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...these questions, these tears, and this pain always seem to find their way into her tender little heart.<br />
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And sometimes, the only words I can offer are, "I know, Sweetheart. I know." Because sometimes when the pain is so intense, no amount of reasoning can help one work through the heartache.<br />
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And my heart breaks with each question.<br />
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My heart crumbles with each wondering she chooses to verbalize.<br />
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YET, so often I've seen God's beautiful blessings, love, encouragement, and faithfulness come in the most difficult of life's circumstances. Through the most painful places in life, God draws us nearer to Himself in a way that only pain can facilitate.<br />
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Read through Job in the Bible. Horrible pain. Beautiful redemption.<br />
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I ask with earnest that God do the same in my daughter's heart. To take those places of pain and confusion and redeem them for His glory and fame.<br />
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O Holy God, heal our hearts. May Your glory be known.Tara Dembowczykhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07587697872317951088noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1476778939133904684.post-4126322474286592192015-08-10T13:29:00.001-04:002015-08-10T22:00:02.906-04:00The Weaving of God's HandsThe beauty of the events this past weekend has not at all been lost on me. The sovereignty of God and how gorgeously He works in our lives to bring Himself glory first and foremost, and also to encourage those that love Him has been at the forefront of my mind.<br />
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A few years ago, I had the pleasure of getting to know the B. family online whose daughter was also born with Fibular Hemimelia and has a prosthetic leg. Seven-year-old Leah is a beautiful, courageous, and extremely talented young lady. One can see the determination and perseverance in her eyes simply by glancing at a photo of her running or playing softball. She gives everything all she has and, by God's grace, she succeeds.<br />
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Two years ago, this sweet family traveled through Tampa (where we lived at the time) stopping to see us. Approximately, one year after meeting the B. family in person, Leah had the amazing opportunity of receiving a prosthetic running blade through an organization called Amputee Blade Runners. Over the phone, Leah's mom joyfully shared with me about this amazing organization and how wonderful Leah was doing with her new leg. However, I never imagined the direction God would take us - continuing a beautiful story I could only dream would be written.<br />
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The intricate weaving of God's sovereignty is not lost - His delicate and deliberate attention to each small detail of this little story He continues to write. From meeting the B. family online, to meeting in person, to them informing us of Amputee Blade Runners (ABR), to God using difficult circumstances to graciously move our family to Nashville, TN (where ABR is located!), to the B. family getting us in touch with those at ABR. Ultimately, all this leading our family to a team of extremely talented individuals who graciously work with our daughter giving her legs that allow her to run and walk with ease and to truly skip for the first time in her life. What a journey.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi03MLhU94pH9bTNnJsvquf_cLRRow8IDRYBTVLfpBLl8Lso0IjMe8DYpKgcTTmMv_Ry1srUhlLLO_5Uic8tWd5zPFviEoi1aYZyBBCuU4LlNN_C4NERLMBNCFHUJ-q1QRcXib4n4b3OBY/s1600/DSC_4894.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi03MLhU94pH9bTNnJsvquf_cLRRow8IDRYBTVLfpBLl8Lso0IjMe8DYpKgcTTmMv_Ry1srUhlLLO_5Uic8tWd5zPFviEoi1aYZyBBCuU4LlNN_C4NERLMBNCFHUJ-q1QRcXib4n4b3OBY/s320/DSC_4894.jpg" width="285" /></a>But this story is not over. This past weekend, Leah and her mom stayed with us so Leah could get her new running and walking legs. The B. family lives in Illinois, and various circumstances make staying in a hotel difficult for them at this time. Yet through God's great sovereignty, we now live in the Nashville area allowing them to stay in our home while Leah gets fitted for new legs.<br />
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Seeing the intricate weaving of God's holy hands through this story is one of beauty and amazement. I stand in awe of His care, His timing, His love and grace despite our sin. All for His beautiful glory and fame. I wait in anticipation to see how God continues writing this story.<br />
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<br />Tara Dembowczykhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07587697872317951088noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1476778939133904684.post-60498772824958756942015-07-15T13:10:00.002-04:002015-07-15T13:25:30.759-04:00Genuine Love<br />
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Some days God's encouragement is more subtle - through the slight breeze in the air, the beautiful sunset, a hug from a dear friend, the laughter of young children. Other days, God graciously encourages us in such tangible ways that we must take a step back and breathe as our hearts try to understand the amazing love of our Savior.<br />
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Swimming with my children at the community center last week, I had one of those moments when God completely showered me with that love and grace I am so undeserving to receive.<br />
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Hannah has grown tremendously this summer in the area of confidence regarding her differences. She is not quite as self conscious about others seeing her without her prosthetic leg. Seeing her grow in this area while at the pool has been beautiful.<br />
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As we swam last week, we befriended a little girl around Hannah's age. She was a very outgoing young one, which is good for Hannah since she, herself, is so timid. As the girl played with Hannah, she suddenly noticed Hannah was missing her right leg. She turned to me asking what happened to which I simply responded that Hannah was born without her leg. I had been sitting on the edge of the pool during this exchange, and few seconds later, the young girl hopped out of the pool and sat next to me. She was very quiet. Something was obviously on her mind and heart.<br />
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"Are you okay?" I asked.<br />
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"Yes. I just feel so sorry for her," the young girl replied.<br />
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My heart truly melted seeing her love and concern for my daughter.<br />
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"Oh, please don't feel sorry. Hannah can run and swim just like you! She even takes gymnastics. She is very happy," I gently replied.<br />
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The young girl silently nodded her head while watching Hannah play in the water. She was trying so hard to grasp something which she had never before encountered.<br />
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As I watched her try to wrap her heart around what she was hearing, Hannah agreed to let me show this young girl her prosthetic leg. I quickly showed her Elsa which is painted on Hannah's prosthesis and that seemed to calm her heart just a bit. I explained to the young girl how the prosthetic fits on Hannah's limb as she silently listened. <br />
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A few moments later, the young girl went to play with a few other friends and word quickly spread about my little girl missing her limb. A young teenage boy along with an elementary age boy then came to me and so kindly and gently said, "I am so sorry to hear about what happened to her. Is she okay?"<br />
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Melt my heart. <br />
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My heart was full of gratitude for the words and actions of these children. Skin color, age, nor gender took precedence. It was the the love and concern they had for another human being who, they understood even at their young age, had been through so much in her young life - THAT fueled their actions. THAT is genuine love. A love that is only present in this world because of the selfless actions of our Lord, Jesus Christ on the cross. A love I pray these children know and believe.<br />
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<br />Tara Dembowczykhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07587697872317951088noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1476778939133904684.post-65972102749865176612015-04-09T10:58:00.001-04:002015-07-15T11:00:22.513-04:00Big Step for Our Little GirlWith tears and fear Hannah took a gigantic step today.<br />
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Since we moved to Tennessee in the winter, Hannah has worn pants everyday to her new school. This turned out to be a blessing. Hannah's classmates were able to get to know her for who she is instead of how she is different.<br />
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Now that warmer weather has moved in, she has been getting hot wearing pants to school but has been extremely nervous about wearing shorts or a skirt. The many stares and questions of others cause her much anxiety. In past years, she has never wanted me to speak with her class about her differences. She does not do well when attention is thrust upon her. However, this week, she warmed up to the idea of me speaking with her class - eventually agreeing that this would be the best way for her classmates to get out all their questions and stares. She even showed quite a bit of excitement about me coming and sharing with the class.<br />
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This morning, Hannah walked into her school wearing a skirt for the first time - ready for the day and ready for me to share with her class about her prosthetic leg. However, as we approached her classroom, her tears began to flow and her anxiety was very apparent. She reluctantly went into her classroom but then hid in an adjoining room terrified of the stares.<br />
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I was determined not to let her back out of this presentation today. She needed to get through this. Her teacher and I knew she would feel better once it was done. I prayed with her and did my best to comfort her, but her hiding spot was her comfort zone.<br />
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After about 15 minutes and after the school's morning announcements, I was finally able to pry Hannah away from her hiding place. Her classmates sat on the floor, Hannah stood in the back of the room with her teacher, and I sat in the front of the room excited to teach her friends something special about my little girl.<br />
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Let me just say that her classmates are amazing and so accepting. One by one I showed them Hannah's previous prosthetic legs and began the story of our journey. I reminded them how their parents will buy them new pants when they grow - when their pants get too short or when they don't feel good around the waist. I explained that this is the same for Hannah but she not only gets new pants, she also gets a new prosthetic leg!<br />
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I shared about the beautiful day she got to give Winter a present and was able to meet Winter's sister, Hope. I shared about the time she was invited to be in the movie, Dolphin Tale 2, but then we found out she was too young :(.<br />
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I shared how she has met some super cool football players.<br />
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I shared how she has taken karate (so the boys better watch out. Ha!), loves to run, go canoeing, and loves gymnastics.<br />
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I then gave them each the opportunity to design their own prosthetic leg! (Yesterday, I traced one of Hannah's old legs and made copies for her classmates.)<br />
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One of her classmates said that he wants to be a doctor so he can make legs for Hannah. (Pure sweetness!)<br />
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And when I shared about how Hannah gets sad and nervous when others stare at her leg for too long or ask her a lot of questions, a young boy said he would like to introduce Hannah to his grandmother because his grandmother is really good at making people feel comfortable. (Melt my heart!)<br />
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It was such a sweet experience. Hannah was still nervous as I left, but her tears were all dry. She is concerned about being in the lunchroom and on the playground with so many other children who don't know about her leg. But she was so brave. I am extremely proud of this step she took today - such a bold step for a shy, anxious little girl - and I am so comforted to see how beautiful the hearts are of those in her class.<br />
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God's grace is something of which we are immensely undeserving, yet He freely gives. His grace was very apparent this morning. Thankful. Tara Dembowczykhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07587697872317951088noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1476778939133904684.post-53966520598911618812015-03-19T12:54:00.003-04:002015-03-19T12:54:41.968-04:00I love ya, Tomorrow......<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Some would say that Hannah watching the original movie, Annie, for the first time this week was quite timely.<br />
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I believe it's God's grace.<br />
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She has been singing this song ever since with constant joy despite the pain. She is even singing it while wearing her new leg. <br />
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"When I'm stuck with a day that's gray and lonely. I just stick out my chin and grain and say......" <br />
<br />Tara Dembowczykhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07587697872317951088noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1476778939133904684.post-50929284494036048132015-03-17T19:45:00.003-04:002015-03-17T22:43:24.077-04:00Mama Bear<i>Warning: This is a vent post. </i> <br />
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After watching Hannah go through such a rough week last week regarding her new prosthesis, this was the last thing I wanted to hear. I had just tried encouraging Hannah to wear her new prosthesis during gymnastics but she was very clear (in a gentle, kind way) that that was not going to happen. I assumed it was because it causes her pain when she wears it (the pain is something we are working on - another post for another time) but I decided to ask her why anyway. She paused and then very quietly said,<br />
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"Last week when I wore it to gymnastics, I heard two girls in class say my leg was scarey."<br />
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What!!!!!??!<br />
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<i>Confession: I did not do a very good job of stopping my lips before all my thoughts came bursting out.</i><br />
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You have got to be kidding me. After the rough week Hannah had - the pain, the tears - she did not need others saying hurtful things. And it saddened my heart that she did not share this with me last week. She held it in for an entire week. She thought about those words for an entire week!<br />
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And after an entire week, those words continued to pierce her heart. I can't help but wonder how often those words came to her mind. <br />
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Needless to say, Hannah did not wear her new leg to gymnastics. Saying I was livid is an understatement. I could feel my blood boiling and my ears getting hot as we walked into the building. I was ready to pounce like a mama bear protecting her cub. Let me at them! Where are they? I'll give them a good talking to!<br />
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After I encouraged Hannah in how beautiful God has made her, I quickly found a seat as to not be tempted to pounce. Hannah's class all went to the floor and sat down together before stretching. My eyes trying to pierce each and every soul out there to see who may have said such a hurtful thing. And then, I noticed a little girl sit down by Hannah, look at Hannah's leg, and then this little girl GOT UP to find another seat AWAY from my daughter.<br />
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My heart. <br />
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My heart just breaks.<br />
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After gymnastics (and after I had time to cool down and pray), I attempted to redo my initial response to what these girls said about my daughter. I told Hannah how sorry I was they said such a hurtful thing and tried to remind her that the girls had probably never seen a prosthetic leg. I encouraged Hannah to be their teacher next time and, trying to make her laugh, I suggested "Next time, say 'Oh, this isn't scarey! Come gather round and let me tell you about this cool leg!'"<br />
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To which Hannah responded, "Or I can just show them my leg to scare them and they will all run away."<br />
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Ha!<br />
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Joshua piped in, "And don't forget to bring Caleb and me down there."<br />
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When I inquired why he and Caleb would be down there, Joshua replied, "In case they want to fight. Duh."<br />
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And to be honest, I did not speak against the fighting. I was so proud to hear my son talk about how he wanted to stand up for his sister. I could not have been prouder. So instead of speaking against fighting, I chose to encourage the attitude of sticking together as a family. I shared with them about a time in my life when a group of people were saying horribly awful things about me and how when I shared this with my brother, he got very upset wanting to stand up for me, his sister. I told them how loved it made me feel knowing my brother loved me so much he was angry about hurtful things being said about me. <br />
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I'm still <strike>busting at the seams livid</strike> angry regarding what was said about my beautiful, courageous, loving daughter. I hate knowing she has carried those hurtful words around with her. I'm sure the girls just need to be educated on what a prosthetic leg is - but even knowing that they just need to be taught still doesn't take away the pain. <br />
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Yet, Hannah said she is just going to try to throw those words away.<br />
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I pray she can. <br />
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My beautiful girl.Tara Dembowczykhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07587697872317951088noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1476778939133904684.post-76105507681691719212015-03-12T22:40:00.002-04:002015-07-15T10:52:50.624-04:00New Leg, New Day, New Struggles<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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This morning, I turned the corner and there was this amazing sunrise. The sky in a pink glow with clouds placed perfectly in position. It was a stark contrast to the rainy, cold days we had been experiencing this week and certainly a stark contrast to the discouragement and sadness that had been in my heart.<br />
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Let me take you back a few days prior. We were thrilled to hear Hannah's new prosthesis was ready for us to pick up Monday. I'll spare you the details but after 10 hours, 3/4 of a tank of gas, one doctor appointment for Joshua, one visit to an airbrush artist to thank him in person for Hannah's beautiful leg (!) and to give him a picture Hannah drew for him, two stops by the prosthetist's office, and one stop to see daddy at his video shoot to show him Hannah's prosthesis, we were finally home with Hannah's new leg! (Immensley thankful my parents came in to help that day! Phew!)<br />
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But the day did not come without discouragement amidst the joy. <br />
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Hannah was limping. Hannah was having pain. This type of leg is a completely different fit than anything she has ever worn. So the discomfort in some areas of the leg is something that should get better with a little time. However, the pain at the end of her limb (where she has been having problems for the last year) is something we knew may need to be addressed.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq-tJCN808AUyHOccmFqREhXhGv90yyS6lGmn66Oti73wxrta1ROE8V8wO3pkSAy2VOHR0g2uyNP4ulSsJZIOGmKBobTwOKAvs_QE_e3vvIWWz2hGUgtIAAZ93uUDquuGBVjkJVK8A6ao/s1600/DSC_4524.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="181" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq-tJCN808AUyHOccmFqREhXhGv90yyS6lGmn66Oti73wxrta1ROE8V8wO3pkSAy2VOHR0g2uyNP4ulSsJZIOGmKBobTwOKAvs_QE_e3vvIWWz2hGUgtIAAZ93uUDquuGBVjkJVK8A6ao/s320/DSC_4524.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">(Joshua was suppose to be following Hannah and Caleb but he likes to <strike>drive his mom crazy </strike>go against the flow.)</td></tr>
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<br />Bringing you back to today - today is the first day this week I have not received multiple calls from the school nurse, teacher, or front office telling me of Hannah's pain. It has been an extremely difficult week physically and emotionally. I cannot begin to fathom how much greater the difficultly has been for Hannah.<br />
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One of the multiple times I was at the school yesterday, I had taken Hannah into a private room to take off her prosthesis to give her a little break. Caleb went gently over to his sister and kissed her little limb. It was an amazingly sweet moment of him understanding that Hannah was in pain. Hannah was able to make it back to class for a bit, only for me to get a text from her teacher not long after saying Hannah had tears in her eyes. I quickly made my way back to school to find that Hannah had clearly been crying and even shaking. This was more than my mama's heart could handle. <br />
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(The school staff and nurse have been more than helpful and amazingly supportive. They've seen me at some very low times this week and have been nothing but encouraging and understanding. Thank you, Overall Creek Elementary.)<br />
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Thankfully, I believe last night I may have finally remedied a portion of the pain. I only received one text from her teacher today and that was to tell me she was doing so much better! Sweet music to my ears. Hannah said she had to readjust her leg a couple times during the day today to help with pain, but she made it through an entire day of school!<br />
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We will be looking further into the area of pain at the end of her limb. Her prosthetist is amazingly encouraging and patient. His goal is to get her to where she should be. Hannah should be able to put direct pressure on her limb without pain. She is not yet there. He will be taking xrays of both of Hannah's legs with an advanced imaging system to get a better look at her anatomy. This will also help him determine how much weight Hannah should be able to put on her right limb. He has also started the process of making her a new prosthesis to try to bridge that gap.<br />
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<br />
She loves this prosthesis so much. She loves how she can run. She loves how she can jump. She keeps saying it feels like she's on a trampoline. This is the first leg in which she has been more focused with its functionality, not it's beauty.<br />
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At times, I catch her standing in one place just bouncing on that prosthetic leg - a sensation she has never, ever experienced with that right leg. A sensation she longs to continue to have. It is beautiful seeing her still enjoy this the prosthesis despite the tears and the pain. She has a glimpse of what this leg can afford her and she is refusing to give it up. <br />
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Tonight she told me she can't wait for the day when she can run and jump without her leg hurting. We are praying that day comes very soon. I am amazed by her perseverance and strength.<br />
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I am amazed by God's grace.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Running with joy despite the pain and discomfort. Something I need to learn in life.</td></tr>
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<br />Tara Dembowczykhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07587697872317951088noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1476778939133904684.post-43243462817091593402015-02-16T22:23:00.000-05:002015-07-15T11:06:46.960-04:00Sneak Peek<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Here is a sneak peek of Hannah's new leg! This is how the prosthesis looks before they beautify it. However, based on Hannah's reaction to putting this leg on for the first time, I believe it is beautiful just the way it is. <br />
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This type of leg is inspired by the running blade prosthetic (which we may try next time!). This will give Hannah the ability to run faster than she's ever run and jump in ways she has never jumped. Be still my heart.<br />
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Amputee Blade Runners is an exceptional organization. They help children and adults from all walks of life fulfill their full potential physically despite the physical limitations they may have. We were thrilled to have the opportunity to see what they may be able to offer Hannah, yet we were not prepared for the care Hannah and our family would receive emotionally from them as well. Knowing Hannah can have a lot of anxiety, they were extremely careful, cautious, and loving as they worked with her. They also introduced us to families with children just like Hannah. Hannah has had the opportunity to meet two amazing young girls just like her. This alone has made a world of difference in Hannah's little heart. Due to their care, concern, and love - and seeing what these young girls can do in their new legs - it did not take long for Hannah to be ready to give this leg a try. <br />
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One beautiful aspect of Amputee Blade Runners is that many of their employees have prosthetic legs themselves. I believe this has made a huge difference in Hannah's comfort level. No longer is her prosthetist someone who is just trying to help her, but he is now someone who understands. He understands what the prosthetic leg should feel like. He understands what the pain may mean. It is beautiful seeing these two together. Mr. Jerod is able to take off his prosthetic leg and show us what he is talking about instead of simply trying to describe what it is supposed to be. I can't help but think of a mentor / mentee relationship when I look at these photos. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixrqG05NezFspmUdCIKoqIqWL4qHP1DhW2hm4ErrKKnxeglI8hRxRv4KRqDw1__RLiegdXtX_I4XeDiONetJQ7RNiTWcNWS-U0Xok6dhKEzSxWu3wldi6PqI_10pM6-DFclvbwQRB72d4/s1600/DSC_4259.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixrqG05NezFspmUdCIKoqIqWL4qHP1DhW2hm4ErrKKnxeglI8hRxRv4KRqDw1__RLiegdXtX_I4XeDiONetJQ7RNiTWcNWS-U0Xok6dhKEzSxWu3wldi6PqI_10pM6-DFclvbwQRB72d4/s320/DSC_4259.jpg" width="212" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Learning how to take the leg on and off.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCqEZ2WVjrqa9spO94IRJNabm1_siwoMMejLYi4X0G5R2K54h1Dq4xIlDtmgJO8uDiyCPCW9p360kZ4jgZh-Cjm21Q4adcirS8r8svLAQrwnmEYFwvN-ZPtSASeSuNkweNOraJ_L20jh0/s1600/DSC_4252.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCqEZ2WVjrqa9spO94IRJNabm1_siwoMMejLYi4X0G5R2K54h1Dq4xIlDtmgJO8uDiyCPCW9p360kZ4jgZh-Cjm21Q4adcirS8r8svLAQrwnmEYFwvN-ZPtSASeSuNkweNOraJ_L20jh0/s320/DSC_4252.jpg" width="212" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mr. Jerod helping Hannah bend her knee in this prosthesis.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJkNtM9Mt3CE-p6KzSI8MIaNkZ1i8qrit9K1uABp_HAFfbEKtIuQbVTTOyxUcYHOEr4_nOl4_TnEp1Xg5ntzDkfavUc8iL63oP0VK76ZRTbKq0pEJeyBx1QqwSXOp2ab3vY9259AzJ8GY/s1600/DSC_4257.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJkNtM9Mt3CE-p6KzSI8MIaNkZ1i8qrit9K1uABp_HAFfbEKtIuQbVTTOyxUcYHOEr4_nOl4_TnEp1Xg5ntzDkfavUc8iL63oP0VK76ZRTbKq0pEJeyBx1QqwSXOp2ab3vY9259AzJ8GY/s320/DSC_4257.jpg" width="205" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Running like Phoebe from Friends. Remember that episode?! One of my
favorite! (No, I don't let me my children watch Friends. She just
happened to be running like Phoebe. Ha!)</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirxI_82y0M1VYyt9tOA0WzuxrsNxBLKKmYZyiRKg6RDXseDpCRSZkMke8EW_wW-vxPXmEUb57Pz5pVPLzzwyrTwB3HIiBRL8sHb8qhFQNkl0UvbqMEt1Nc0hiIv5hbPYPTDsc9ZTDoIHs/s1600/DSC_4281.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirxI_82y0M1VYyt9tOA0WzuxrsNxBLKKmYZyiRKg6RDXseDpCRSZkMke8EW_wW-vxPXmEUb57Pz5pVPLzzwyrTwB3HIiBRL8sHb8qhFQNkl0UvbqMEt1Nc0hiIv5hbPYPTDsc9ZTDoIHs/s1600/DSC_4281.jpg" width="274" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Once Hannah realized how if felt to run in this leg, she did not want to slow down. It was such a beautiful and unexplainable joy. In past years, every time Hannah tried on a new leg, she would cry and refuse to walk. It goes without saying that I had sweet tears of joy when I saw this particular response!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWr0a4QiNqd6opdy1X1JQTTpPQsfPFZcpJuuCxHdhosUp2GpInkMGjaZyog_G76z3fm0qLEUTUHe3WOr48jN0bnLjqwIq7O4HNRJjVVNaZXTWAlEa-XWFJEDtcRd1lxnv-EtgfX3uHX34/s1600/H+leg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWr0a4QiNqd6opdy1X1JQTTpPQsfPFZcpJuuCxHdhosUp2GpInkMGjaZyog_G76z3fm0qLEUTUHe3WOr48jN0bnLjqwIq7O4HNRJjVVNaZXTWAlEa-XWFJEDtcRd1lxnv-EtgfX3uHX34/s320/H+leg.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">So this will be Hannah's new leg. The next time you see it, it may look a bit more girly.</td></tr>
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Many of you have walked this journey with us from the very beginning - before Hannah was even born. I was beautifully reminded of all of you after I posted the photo on Facebook of Hannah running in her new leg. You each hold such a special place in our hearts. We hope to one day take our kiddos to South Africa for Hannah to meet those across the globe who began praying for her when she was still in my womb. Your many words of encouragement and prayers mean more than our family will ever be able to express. Many of you sat with us in our grief when this journey began. It is by God's grace that you may now sit with us in our joy. Thank you.<br />
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(Soon, I will be posting an opportunity to help this amazing organization give other children and adults the ability to run faster than they've ever run. Please consider joining us in this endeavor.)Tara Dembowczykhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07587697872317951088noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1476778939133904684.post-10225781718174472062015-01-30T22:04:00.001-05:002015-01-30T23:26:28.265-05:00To My SonTo My Oldest Son, <br />
<br />
I sit humbled as I think of your servant's heart today. For holding your sister's arm as we walked to the car ensuring she wouldn't fall since she nearly fainted 10 minutes prior. For carrying your brother's and sister's shoes as I spoke with the nurses and tried to corral Caleb into the doctor's room. For trying to help calm Caleb down as he screamed and flailed in the doctor's office. For lovingly giving your sister her blanket and LeapPad and putting on
her favorite TV show as she lay feeling sick on the couch (without being asked
by me to do any of those things).<br />
<br />
I know many weeks it seems I'm dragging you to another appointment for your brother or sister. It's difficult having a sibling with special needs. Yet, you sit patiently and quietly waiting for the appointments to be over. You rarely complain. But even when you do, it's just a few words of frustration. Which I totally get.<br />
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I want you to know that you are not forgotten.<br />
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I see you.<br />
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I love you.<br />
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And I am continually amazed by you.<br />
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Tonight, as I thanked you for your amazing acts of servanthood, your response was, "You're an amazing mom."<br />
<br />
No, my son. You are the amazing one. You are the one who continually watches out for your little brother trying to keep him from getting hurt. You are the one who studies super hard in school and gets superb grades. (Tonight I discovered that you are WAAAYYY smarter than me in math. :) You are the one who encourages your sister by saying her legs are super cool. You are the one who makes me laugh with your wit. You are the one who sees my tears and quietly walks over to give me a hug. You are the one who makes your sister smile when she is sad, reminding her that when she gets to Heaven she will have two perfect legs so she can run fast. <br />
<br />
YOU, my son, are the one who is amazing.<br />
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I could think of 100 ways in which you are amazing and that would still not do it justice.<br />
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I pray during those times when I'm focused on disciplining your little brother or running back and forth between doctor appointments and therapies or learning about new legs for Hannah or getting Hannah involved in new activities that will help her physically and emotionally - during those busy times when you may feel like my focus is on everyone else but you - I pray you know how much I love you.<br />
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I pray you know how proud I am to be your mom.<br />
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I pray you know how my tears flow easily with joy as I think of your beautiful heart. <br />
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I pray you know how amazing God has created you to be.<br />
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I love you, my son.<br />
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Forever.<br />
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<br />Tara Dembowczykhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07587697872317951088noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1476778939133904684.post-71363263585501709382015-01-20T22:23:00.000-05:002015-01-20T22:36:49.850-05:00Walking the Trail<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Our move to Tennessee has proven immensely fruitful. The evenings and weekends spent together have been more meaningful than I ever imagined. Our children are continuing to thrive and adjust to all the changes with a mature perseverance and strength. <br />
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With this January weather being so beautiful the last couple of days, we ventured out to the nearby Civil War battlefield. The history behind it all is amazing and so humbling. Brian and Joshua could have spent most of the day reading and studying its history. Hannah and Caleb, however, were more excited about the adventure of what would be around the next corner or the next rock we could find to climb.<br />
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We had just walked away from one of those "adventures" in which one of the children proclaimed, "This is the best day ever!" Yet, not five minutes after that proclamation, as we walked the peaceful trail that was lacking "adventure," came from those exact same lips and tired little body, "This is the worst day!"<br />
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I found myself explaining that you have to walk in order to reach the adventure.<br />
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You have to persevere through tired legs in order to reach the spot that seems more enjoyable.<br />
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While walking the trail may seem uneventful, tiring, and at times boring, that is the only way to reach the areas that bring the adventure, awe, and laughter.<br />
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This brought me to something I have been working through in my personal life. I want to prove faithful in the daily, mundane tasks of life (walking the trail). While the daily grind of transporting the kids back and forth to school, making lunches, giving baths, disciplining the kids, wrestling on the floor, doing laundry, building Legos, tying shoes, painting little fingernails, helping with homework.... may seem monotonous and uneventful, it is through the faithful perseverance of these seemingly unimportant tasks (to the glory of God) that I may prove faithful in the things in which I have been entrusted.<br />
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"There is an appointed time for everything. And there is a time for every event under heaven...." Ecclesiastes 3:1.<br />
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There is a time for adventure and there is a time to remain faithful through the seemingly mundane tasks of the day. May I remain faithful in these tasks that seem unimportant.<br />
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Because in all reality, these are things that will forever shape three little lives in which God has entrusted me. <br />
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Blessed.<br />
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Tara Dembowczykhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07587697872317951088noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1476778939133904684.post-45397281759302532012014-12-13T10:01:00.001-05:002014-12-13T11:27:21.020-05:00As Iron Sharpens Iron<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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As Brian and I spoke with one of our children regarding an
area of needed improvement, we did our best to share that we were not seeking
to cause pain or sadness or shame but we were there to help. Just as iron
sharpens iron so that each of the tools can perform to their best ability, God
has given us the responsibility of sharpening each other, encouraging one
another, and challenging one another through life. Just as we are to sharpen
our children in this way, God sharpens, encourages, challenges, and teaches Brian and me through these same<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>children.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
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<br /></div>
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This is one thing I appreciate about the church we have been
visiting in Murfreesboro, TN. The pastors
and elders seek accountability with one another sharpening one anther through
God’s Word. The church seeks accountability with each other through community
groups throughout the week in which members must be involved. And the pastors
and elders step in when needed to add additional support and accountability to
individual covenant (church) members. Many churches say they practice accountability but it's difficult finding one that truly follows through in action. I had the opportunity to briefly sit down with this pastor last Sunday and he gave me examples of where they as pastors, elders, and covenant members have tangibly followed through with this process of accountability.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
But there is one big catch, in order to have this kind of accountability, we must be
real and raw with one another – letting one another in to know our hardships and
tearing down the barriers we build to keep people out.<br />
<br />
On the walls of this plain,
no frills converted warehouse-of-a-church building are framed posters. Among these posters lining
the wall are two posters that always strike me. One poster is of a covenant member
sharing his struggle with pornography. Another is of a covenant member sharing
her pain in divorce. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i>Raw transparency</i>. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Sharing innermost struggles and pain that many believers
would dare to share for fear of what other believers may think or say behind
their backs (most likely because they've been burned in this way before).</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i>Sincerity</i>.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Their smile is not hiding the sin or the pain.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i>Humbleness and courage</i>.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Knowing other believers will walk beside them, keep them
accountable, encourage them, and challenge them. We are all sinners and
we all need someone to keep us accountable to the Gospel of Jesus Christ so we
can then go out into the world day after day telling others of this Good News.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i>As iron sharpens iron</i>. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
As our child leaned toward me for one last hug before
falling asleep (a couple hours after this initial conversation), I whispered,</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>“I will always love you.”</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
And true to this child’s form was a sweet whisper back,</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>“And I will love you more.”</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Just as my soul cries out to God through the heartache and
shame of my own sin and my own disobedience saying,</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>“But God, I will always love you.”</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
His Holy Spirit reminds me of the everlasting Truth of His Word,</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>“And I will love you more.” </b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Proverbs 27:17</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another.” </div>
Tara Dembowczykhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07587697872317951088noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1476778939133904684.post-77783006949048459662014-12-04T21:34:00.000-05:002014-12-04T22:03:04.229-05:00New Prosthetic TeamOnce again I find myself at a loss for words - in awe of God's grace and mercy. So undeserving of even the smallest morsel.<br />
<br />
Due to Hannah's constant skin issues associated with her prosthetic legs, we have decided that it is in her best interest to find a local prosthetist for her care instead of driving four hours to the nearest Shriners Hospital. This was a difficult decision as Shriners Hospital has meant so much to our family over the last 7 years. I truly don't know where we would be without them. However, based on the difficulties Hannah continues to have with her skin, finding someone in Nashville to care for her is the best option.<br />
<br />
Yesterday evening, we met with what will become Hannah's new prosthetic team - Aaron Fitzsimmons of Nashville Prosthetics and the Amputee Blade Runners family. We spoke with them for two hours discussing Hannah's condition and the various options they are making available to her. We feel so humbled and honored to have this team of experts advocating for our daughter not just physically but emotionally as well.<br />
<br />
For the majority of the visit, Hannah hid behind a wall only giving a few quick glances as we discussed her past and our hopes for her future. When she did sit in a chair allowing them to examine her right leg, she hid behind an iphone or put her hands in front of her face. At the time, I tried making light of her actions attempting to get her to smile or glance up, but my heart is broken seeing her fear play out.<br />
<br />
However, Brian and I were so encouraged seeing how much this team showed concern for Hannah emotionally. They understand Hannah will need time - time to be comfortable with them and time to be more comfortable with how God has designed her, but they seem to be in this for the long haul longing to see her feel free. They desire for her own desires to be active and have fun to outweigh her fears and anxieties (which is something her occupational therapist in Tampa was working toward as well).<br />
<br />
<br />
Brian and I are thrilled with the amount of education we received in these two short hours we met with the team as well as the number of possibilities afforded to Hannah through this amazing group. We did learn that Hannah is more than likely missing ligaments (and possibly her ACL) in her right knee. Aaron moved her lower leg at the knee in ways that made my skin curl, yet Hannah sat there perfectly still hiding behind the iphone.<br />
<br />
Soon, Hannah will be seeing a doctor in the surgical group in which this prosthetic team is associated. This physician will write a prescription for a new leg as she is still having skin issues. From my understanding, while we will pay to see the physician who will write the prescription for her legs, the prosthetic group itself will not bill us for her prosthetic legs and care.<br />
<br />
Again, I find myself speechless.<br />
<br />
This evening, I received an email from Aaron welcoming us "home" and introducing us to other families they work with who have children going through similar journeys as our Hannah. This email brought tears to my eyes. We are looking forward to building a new support group as we walk this path God has laid before us. Please continue praying for Hannah as this prosthetic group does things differently than that which she is familiar. Getting a new leg has always brought on new anxieties for Hannah and adding to that a different process of getting the leg will compound those anxieties. However, this new process and these new possibilities will be so good for her. We just need to take it one step at a time.<br />
<br />
Thank you for walking this journey with us.<br />
<br />
<img alt="Photo: #WaysToHelp" class="scaledImageFitHeight img" height="325" src="https://fbcdn-sphotos-h-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xap1/v/t1.0-9/s600x600/1512849_744905075598548_5692843212262866192_n.jpg?oh=349b9ff54103b3ea78469750f9b150b3&oe=550B023E&__gda__=1426971159_59fc6e19811deba77e9ed21447c6f7b6" style="left: 0px;" width="503" /> Tara Dembowczykhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07587697872317951088noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1476778939133904684.post-10323787040493859372014-11-20T11:11:00.002-05:002014-11-20T12:34:41.604-05:00Response To Abortion CommentI was having a beautiful morning snuggling with my sick little one when I opened my email to find a new comment left on a blog post I had written long ago. The blog post addresses comments MSNBC's host, Toure, made regarding why he chose abortion. You may read my blog post <a href="http://yourfame.blogspot.com/2013/01/abortion-it-wasnt-choice.html" target="_blank">HERE</a>. The comment this person wrote reads as follows (she begins with a quote pulled from my blog):<br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
<b> **This baby has a beating heart keeping him/her alive in the womb at only 4</b></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<b> weeks post conception.**</b></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<b></b></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<b></b></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<b><br /> No,
no. Sorry, but no. If the 'baby's beating heart' were keeping him or
her </b></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<b> alive, we could clamp off the blood vessels leading to the uterus,
and the baby </b></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<b> would be fine.<br /><br /> Can we do that? No. There is no
'baby', it is an embryo. It's 'beating heart' isn't</b></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<b> keeping it alive,
the mother's body is keeping it alive while it steals nutrients and </b></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<b> shits in her bloodstream. ""</b></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<br />
Wow. Harsh much? If I may, with hopes that she will read this, I would like to publicly address this individual since she publicly left this comment with her name on my public blog.<br />
<br />
Dear Ms. Morgan,<br />
I'm so thankful you had the opportunity to read my blog. We all have experiences in life that mold our hearts and minds making us the individuals we are today. Sadly, it appears you have quite a bit of bitterness and anger in your own heart. I am so sorry for the experiences you have had leading to that hard heart. With that said, I would like to address the quote you mentioned from my blog just to clear a few things up.<br />
<br />
You pulled the following quote: "<b>This baby has a beating heart keeping him/her alive in the womb at only 4 weeks post conception." </b>This quote comes from the Mayo Clinic, a world-renown leader in the medical field. Notice the quote is clear in saying that the baby's heart is "keeping him/her alive <i>IN</i> the womb at only 4 weeks post conception." (italics and caps mine)<b> </b>This quote does not say that the baby can sustain life outside the womb at 4 weeks post conception simply due to his own heartbeat.<br />
<br />
Your main arguement is that nutrients from the baby's mother are keeping the baby alive inside the mother's womb - not the baby's heartbeat - therefore the baby is not a human being but rather (I would assume you believe) simply a glob of cells. It is true that the mother's own health and nutrients are helping to keep the sweet baby alive while growing safely in the mother's womb. It is also true that the baby's heartbeat is keeping him/her alive while in the womb. The innocent child needs both the mother's love of eating right and caring for her own body to help keep the baby safe as well as the grace of our Heavenly Father to keep the baby's heart beating in order to stay alive and well.<br />
<br />
Sadly, many mothers choose not to give this innocent child the protection, love, care he/she needs in order to survive, and instead mothers choose to kill their own children in the womb. Many of these mothers are heartbroken after they've chosen such a decision. In many Pregnancy Help Clinics you'll see images such as tiny baby shoes mothers have donated. Attached to these tiny newborn shoes are notes written by mothers who chose to abort a baby and they are written to the innocent child they aborted telling their child how much he/she is loved, how sorry they are for their decision to abort, and how much they miss their child. These images bring tears to even the hardest of hearts.<br />
<br />
I wish you could experience a warm and tender heart while reading those tiny newborn notes. I realize this response is not focused on the medical reasons that this is a baby in the womb, not an embryo, but I feel you wouldn't believe those facts anyway. My hunch is that you have experienced many things in life that have closed you off to love, grace, and truth. My prayer is that God will soften your heart to His love, forgiveness, and grace as you live each day thanks to the mother who chose life for you.<br />
<br />
Sincerely,<br />
Tara<br />
Mom of 3Tara Dembowczykhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07587697872317951088noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1476778939133904684.post-88978158404133014322014-10-24T19:50:00.000-04:002014-10-24T19:56:49.249-04:00Goodbye, Shriners Hospital - Tampa :(Many "goodbyes" will be extremely difficult in the coming days. Saying goodbye to Hannah's prosthetist and encouraging support group at Shriners Hospital here in Tampa proved to be one of them. It's difficult saying goodbye to those who care for our daughter in a way that enables her to live a life full of running and dancing. It's difficult saying goodby to those who support our family emotionally and financially as we walk a journey that we had no knowledge of prior to Hannah's birth.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqPQ_V7Rq-7CruCQvuHS5hXnMY7IGAMdlrSFuLfPS6WUG1_IKsW26Azy-LMhVSnzN1XEFZqKskUNPL5cmI0u5Wi9nOR3slHEBR1o1wWfHRsD0gx9P5WIdQhvQiLWdkjhDv8k_OOCAnZ74/s1600/IMG_1125.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqPQ_V7Rq-7CruCQvuHS5hXnMY7IGAMdlrSFuLfPS6WUG1_IKsW26Azy-LMhVSnzN1XEFZqKskUNPL5cmI0u5Wi9nOR3slHEBR1o1wWfHRsD0gx9P5WIdQhvQiLWdkjhDv8k_OOCAnZ74/s1600/IMG_1125.jpg" height="320" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hannah's amazing prosthetist</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiImuItGCHTWLRbPD9Aj6A0IDXwmhy8LeIsEP09BVkMTSW1gnPZHcbN67HUU43sYTDZyF5bK012Xg6dl9aEbNwI9ev-UEnxtllfcRcDBhvIitFHyrcRjb9A-UL8cloOlRyleMfv46yEWMg/s1600/IMG_1121.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiImuItGCHTWLRbPD9Aj6A0IDXwmhy8LeIsEP09BVkMTSW1gnPZHcbN67HUU43sYTDZyF5bK012Xg6dl9aEbNwI9ev-UEnxtllfcRcDBhvIitFHyrcRjb9A-UL8cloOlRyleMfv46yEWMg/s1600/IMG_1121.jpg" height="320" width="231" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">He truly gets her and has a way of drawing her out of her shell</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-__DH-GJdB2w/VErgv7lecII/AAAAAAAABWs/5ypsKmX5AsE/s1600/IMG_1129(1).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-__DH-GJdB2w/VErgv7lecII/AAAAAAAABWs/5ypsKmX5AsE/s1600/IMG_1129(1).jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This gift from the hospital brought me to tears. Hannah's very first American Girl doll. What an AMAZING blessing!</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Hannah's appointment went very well today. She endured her x-rays with no tears. She is having more skin issues that we need to continually monitor. Her prosthetist had to increase her height by 1/2 an inch which is a huge difference. I need to keep a better eye on that. So thankful she is growing.<br />
<br />
Please pray for wisdom and guidance as we begin a new search for doctors, prosthetists, and orthotics in the Nashville area. Due to Hannah's skin issues, we may be unable to travel the four hours it will take to get to the nearest Shriners Hospital. But then again, we may not be able to financially afford finding these specialists nearby.<br />
<br />
Words will never be enough to express my gratitude to these amazing individuals at Shriners Hospital - Tampa, nor my pain and heartache in leaving.<br />
<br />Tara Dembowczykhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07587697872317951088noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1476778939133904684.post-35838027967396551882014-09-24T12:07:00.003-04:002014-09-24T21:12:42.924-04:00A Big MoveWe have moved quite a few times throughout our 13 years of marriage. While some of the moves proved quite difficult, we can peacefully look back and see valuable things God taught us. When we moved to Tampa, we planned on staying here for many, many years. We quickly fell in love with our neighbors, our doctors, our childrens' school. We did our best to be active in our neighbors' lives to share God's Truth with them. And now that our time here has come to end, my heart aches that I didn't reach out to them more.<br />
<br />
As we look back on the circumstances that have led to this upcoming move, we see God's undearing grace throughout each turn. Although we longed to keep our family firmly planted in our current community, we have chosen to make one more move praying earnestly that God is continually directing these paths. My husband was offered an amazing opportunity to work for Lifeway Christian Resources in Nashville, TN where he will be the Team Leader for the Gospel Project for Kids Curriculum. <br />
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While many aspects of this decision were incredibly easy, many aspects were also incredibly difficult. Most notably, our children's tender little hearts. Our oldest son has had a very difficult time accepting the reality of this move. He has such an amazing group of friends at school and has rightly earned a reputation amongst the school staff of being very respectful and a hard worker. He feels at home there and the thought of leaving his dear friends and starting over has proved extremely difficult for him. While our daughter is handling the "thought" of moving very well, the past has proven that the reality of change becomes extremely difficult for her. She has made tremendous strides in occupational therapy regarding her sensory processing concerns, yet with big changes such as moving often come even larger steps back in her progress. We ask that you pray for these tender little hearts. Our prayer has been that God will begin preparing the hearts of their new friends to develop quick and lasting friendships.<br />
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However, when we weigh the difficult with the positive, the positive has continually won out. I am thrilled that Bri will have the opportunity to ensure children have theologically sound material being taught to them in churches across the nation. What an amazing opportunity!<br />
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This move will afford us the opportunity to finally be near our family there in Nashville as well as extremely close to our family in KY and eastern TN. We will also have the opportunity to attend church together as a family which we are so excited about. Along those same lines, this move will afford us to be a family again at home. I am looking forward to some of Brian's amazing home cooked meals! (And I know the kids will be thankful to have food that is not burned:).<br />
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Pastoral ministry can be a very trying and exhausting profession. Brian has been in full time pastoral ministry for over 16 years. It finally came to the point where our family could no longer sustain the need of the ministry. This became very clear when Joshua would talk to Brian on the phone (while Bri was in the office) and Joshua would end the conversation with saying "I'll see you tomorrow." Most weeks (if not all), the kids would go 2-3 days without having their daddy home during waking hours. Our family could no longer sustain that need, and I am confident there are many pastoral families in similar situations. I implore you to encourage your pastors to go home. This means more church members will need to step up and work alongside their pastors as a team. Families need their husbands and daddys home when possible. I realize this is easier said than done, but it is a wonderful goal in which to strive.<br />
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Last night we received an offer on our FL home. Having sold many homes, we know things can fall through so we pray the bumps in the process of this buyer purchasing our home are very minimal and things fall into place very smoothly. If all goes as planned, we will close on the sale of our home near the end of Oct or beginning of Nov. Brian begins work at Lifeway on Oct. 16th so the kids and I will stay behind for a few weeks until our FL home officially sells. We are praying earnestly that everything falls into place and that we trust our Savior through the process.<br />
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Tara Dembowczykhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07587697872317951088noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1476778939133904684.post-67323234951354199772014-09-08T20:35:00.001-04:002014-09-08T21:14:11.139-04:00Despite Me (Part II)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I overheard a beautiful conversation tonight as the kids ate donuts and frozen yogurt. (They twisted my arm for those treats tonight. Okay, maybe they didn't r..e..a..l..l..y twist, but instead I simply offered it to them. Same difference.;) ) As they sat eating their special treats, Joshua and Hannah began talking about Heaven, Hell, knowing Jesus, and the need to believe that Jesus is God's Son. My heart held their words near as I listened to this sweet conversation. I didn't hear how the conversation began, but I did indeed hear how it ended. "Joshua, have I told you today that I love you? I love you." Hannah said.<br />
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It was a moment I wanted to last forever. A moment I wanted frozen in time. Sweet little voices sharing the depth and faith of their sweet little hearts. Worship of tender souls in our living room while watching TV and eating donuts and frozen yogurt. Talking of Godly things while "you sit in your house and when you walk along the road and when you lie down and when you rise up." (Deuteronomy 6:6)<br />
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Somehow despite me - despite the fact that I haven't made family Bible study a priority this week, despite my own sinful heart - somehow God continues to impress His Word on these little hearts in which He has entrusted me.<br />
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I am humbled and unworthy.<br />
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<br />Tara Dembowczykhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07587697872317951088noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1476778939133904684.post-64724016556079830702014-08-06T22:28:00.001-04:002014-08-06T22:50:31.269-04:00Despite Me<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Many days I feel like a failure as a mom of these three sweet and amazing kiddos. My patience runs thin. <strike>I scream</strike> My voice increases in volume. My youngest child screams us right out of Publix to the point that I may never be able to show my face in there again. And if I hear someone say "Mom!" one more time, I may just completely lose it (even more so than I already have).<br />
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I fail to focus on their math and reading as much as I had planned to do during the summer months. I wait until the very last possible second to get our youngest out of bed in the morning because I know that once I walk into his room, <strike>he</strike> I won't stop for h..o..u..r..s. <br />
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I fail to pray for my children as much as I long to. My exhaustion seems to take precedence over that longing. I fail to weave in much Truth from God's Word throughout our day (Deuteronomy 6:4-9). If I stop long enough to breathe, it occurs to me that I didn't even take the time to really look into my daughter's eyes that day, I didn't give my youngest a hug, and I failed to fully listen to what my oldest was trying to tell me.<br />
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When it's time for our youngest to nap, I finally find time to breathe and as soon as I sit down to take a breath, I find myself napping and waking just in time to get dinner ready and on the table. Where did the time go? Why in the world did I fall asleep? Yet, I know if I had not taken that little nap, I would not have had the energy emotionally to fight the kids to the bathtub/shower, get their teeth brushed, <strike>wrestle an alligator</strike> get the youngest dressed for bed, make sure everyone had their meds for the day, and to finally focus a small amount of the day on prayer and Bible study with the kids.<br />
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Some nights, our time with the kids in Bible Study is pretty much non existent. We are all exhausted and no one is focused enough to gain any morsel of Truth from that time. And then some nights, this time with the kiddos is the sweetest moment of my day. Hearing their hearts and seeing their eyes when they finally understand a part of God's Truth is the best encouragement of all.<br />
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The last few days, we have been studying about the Ten Commandments. Our two oldest have their Bibles out reading along as we study what each commandment means and to whom God addressed the commandment. Last night was an especially sweet time with them as we talked about what it means to put no other gods before the One True God. They gave examples of what a "god" could be in their lives and they learned how the people of Thailand worship elephants still today.<br />
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As I studied my Bible this morning, our daughter came up to me and handed me a paper (pictured above) that read "You shall have no other gods befor[e] me." She had taken the time to find in her Bible the scripture from the night before and write it down with a rainbow drawn below it. In that moment, I sat in awe, speechless, simply cherishing the thought that this scripture was on my daughter's mind and heart. I went into her room a few minutes later to find her Bible still opened to the Deuteronomy 5 passage.<br />
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I am such a sinner. My heart can be full of bitterness and anger. I don't love as I should. My patience can be non existent. I don't prioritize time in God's Word and in prayer as much as I know God deserves and as much as my heart and mind need. Yet, somehow, amidst my sin, God grabs hold of the hearts of my children. Somehow, despite my failures, I see in my oldest children the fruit of having a relationship with their Savior. Somehow, despite me, my children are seeing God's Truth. May God continue to grow them in Truth and righteousness for His glory alone...despite me.Tara Dembowczykhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07587697872317951088noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1476778939133904684.post-63230868472549729302014-07-23T15:28:00.000-04:002014-07-23T15:28:53.054-04:00Update on Little ManThank you for your encouragement and prayers for our little guy. I met with Caleb's primary doctor yesterday to go over all his lab work. Most of his labs looked really good which is such a blessing. Yet, although he has had all the needed vaccines, there are a couple areas where his body has still not developed the needed antibodies to fight off infections. For example, every baby gets a Prevnar 13 vaccine that helps prevent against 13 strains of pneumococcal bacteria (which can cause ear infections, sinus infections, meningitis, pneumonia, etc...). They tested Caleb in 23 of these areas (not just the 13 strains that Prevnar helps against) and each showed very low numbers (most were 0.3 with the normal range being 2) indicating that, although he already had the vaccine, his body still does not have those needed antibodies to fight these infections. The tests also showed that although Caleb has received the Diphtheria and Tetanus vaccines, his antibodies are also low in these areas.<br />
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Due to these low numbers, Caleb received an additional Diphtheria/Tetanus vaccine as well as a different pneumococcal vaccine to help fight against the bacteria that causes sinus infections, upper respiratory infections, etc... We will go back in 4-6 weeks to have his blood redrawn to see if his antibodies have increased. If his numbers are still low, his doctor will dig a little deeper to look for an underlying problem (which I gathered may just be immune issues).<br />
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Thankfully, there is nothing serious. In fact, the original blood work that came back positive a couple months ago, in which we were most concerned about, was retested this second time and the test came back normal. This was such a relief to see.<br />
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It's so comforting having answers and knowing the direction to go regarding our son's health. I don't do well with uncertainty, and I truly don't do well with not having all the details. I guess this is why I studied those labs results with great intensity before meeting with the doctor yesterday. His doctor has come to know how much I like details so he was ready to explain what every test and number meant.<br />
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This morning, however, I was reminded that I can't put my trust in man. I can't put my trust in knowing details. I can do all the research and studying of details as humanly possible (which there is nothing wrong with - God gave us brains to use and learn), YET my faith and my trust must remain steadfast in my Savior. Otherwise, I will be like the man who built his house without any foundation (Luke 6:46-49) - shakeable, collapsible, unsteady with even the slightest wind.<br />
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Instead, may my delight be in the law of the Lord. May I meditate on His law day and night so that I may be like a tree firmly planted by streams of water. (Psalm 1:2-3) This is my prayer.<br />
Tara Dembowczykhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07587697872317951088noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1476778939133904684.post-27770368421027329892014-07-08T19:08:00.000-04:002014-07-08T23:24:07.106-04:00Pressing On - Blessings and New ConcernsWe are so blessed with such amazing doctors and therapists. This week is full of appointments, and so far, they have been nothing but encouraging.<br />
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Today was all about Hannah. We began the morning meeting with Hannah's pulmonologist. Hannah aced her asthma test! Yay! Because Hannah still has wheezing when she gets a cold or sinus infection (and her symptoms reappear when I fail to consistantly give her her inhaler - darn summer schedule) she will remain on her inhaler and we will go back for another check-up in six months. The fact that she actually took the asthma test is nothing short of a blessing given the fact that she used to completely shut down and melt down in tears when she first began taking the test last year. I was so proud of her today.<br />
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We then headed over for Hannah's Occupational Therapy appointment with her new therapist. Again, Hannah was a rock star. Hannah did everything that was asked of her and I even heard quite a few giggles. She has improved drastically since we first began therapy. She still has some benchmarks to meet (including being comfortable in crowds and swallowing some troublesome foods), but I'm confident with the pushing of her therapist that she will meet them with flying colors. Her brothers even got to have a bit of fun during therapy. All three wanted to stay all day. That's the sign of a wonderful therapy department!<br />
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And last but certainly not least, we headed over to Shriners Hospital to meet with Hannah's prosthetist. She needed a slight adjustment with her new prosthesis and I needed her prosthetist to look at some redness that is again appearing on her little limb :(. Her skin is so sensitive and tender. The appointment went very well. Her prosthetist told us that the next time he molds her for a new leg, he can make her an additional leg that she can get wet!!!! We are so thrilled with this. It's hard to live in FL and not get your legs wet!<br />
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<b>Friday is little Caleb's turn</b>. We will head over to All Children's Hospital in St. Petersburg, FL to meet with a new doctor, an Immunologist. Due to Caleb breaking out in unexplained hives and him getting frequent sinus infections, his pediatrician recently ordered blood work that came back positive for two possible disorders. There is a 5-7% chance that Caleb is just fine (which doesn't sound very promising to this mama!); however, his pediatrician believes he will fall into this category. Still yet, he has ordered further testing with an immunologist just to be safe. I don't expect to receive any answers Friday. And, only-by-the-grace-of-God-because-I-am-a-chronic-worrier-just-ask-my-husband, I am not TOO terribly worried (but that may change Friday morning!). Caleb is such a fun little guy full of so much energy (as my cousin recently said of him: "He's very dynamic") that it's difficult to imagine anything seriously wrong. Yet, with that said, we would covet your prayers for these new doctors and our little man. And please pray for our oldest son, Joshua, as he seems to be feeling a bit lost amidst all these appointments for his brother and sister.<br />
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As a family, we continue pressing on. God is teaching us much about Himself with which we are truly blessed and thankful. Thank you for walking with us.Tara Dembowczykhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07587697872317951088noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1476778939133904684.post-72307292937855727002014-06-04T10:49:00.000-04:002014-06-04T15:40:12.027-04:00Here It Is!!!! :)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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She is thrilled with it's beauty!! </div>
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Waking up yesterday morning, Hannah was still not wanting to get a new leg. She had so many worries - so many concerns. She's had her pink leg for so long that she's come to trust it. She knows it will hold her up. She knows it will help her run. Trusting in a new leg requires a lot of faith. But as soon as she put this new beauty of a leg on, she was ready to go! </div>
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While she does still have a couple concerns about the leg (the new way of getting it on and off and what she will do if someone at school pushes the button on the side which releases the prosthesis from her limb), she is very excited overall. </div>
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We stayed at Shriners for a couple hours to ensure the proper fit. At one point, noticing herself in the big, full-length mirror, she stopped mid sentence when speaking with her brother, and said, "Ooooooo, that's n..i..c..e!" :) Hearing that joy made my heart smile. She was even very eager to try her new leg out at karate, so we headed right over to karate after leaving the hospital. </div>
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I wish I could give Shriners Hospital millions of dollars for the amazing work they do. Actually, the work they do is worth far more than anything anyone could ever give. I don't know where our daughter would be without them.</div>
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Words can't express our gratitude for your encouraging words and heartfelt prayers for our family. They are making such a difference our little girl's heart. Knowing we have amazing family and friends walking this journey with us means more than you may ever know.</div>
Tara Dembowczykhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07587697872317951088noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1476778939133904684.post-34107644723093870352014-05-27T21:07:00.001-04:002014-05-28T21:34:53.748-04:00A Broken HeartI have very few photos of our last two fittings at Shriners Hospital. However, I did get this gem of a photo during a silly moment today:<br />
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Today's fitting proved to be the most difficult as Hannah is struggling to work through her emotions regarding her legs. (She received her shoe insert for her left foot today which adds to
all the change that is so difficult for her. She receives her new prosthesis next Tuesday). Hannah did not want me to take any photos today. Her emotional pain was very evident, even to her prosthetist. Words can't begin to describe my heartache as I hear my daughter say things like:<br />
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"I wish people could see that I really do have two knees."<br />
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"I wish I was Joshua or Caleb."<br />
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"If people saw [my leg without my prosthesis on], they would be scared." <br />
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"I wish I could get up in the morning and just walk out of my room."<br />
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And many, more heart-wrenching, statements and questions that are far too personal to share with the world.<br />
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The heartache I feel pales in comparison to the magnitude of pain Hannah feels. Seeing the look in her eyes and hearing her detailed thought process that is behind many of her statements is enough to bring the hardest heart to tears.<br />
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Many have asked if Hannah has seen Amy Purdy, the double amputee on Dancing With the Stars. I have attempted to show Hannah clips of how beautiful Ms. Purdy's dancing is (as well as clips of other famous amputee athletes, stars, and even friends we have met along the way), but Hannah doesn't like seeing these things. It's as if she tries incredibly hard to not make the connection between her and others that wear prosthetics. It's as if she doesn't want to see herself and these individuals as the same. That's very deep and mature thinking for a six year old.<br />
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I'm not writing this asking for advice on how to respond to Hannah's heartfelt and painful statements. In fact, as harsh as it may sound, I'd rather not hear any more advice. The simple answers that try to put a positive spin on things such as "But Joshua would LOVE to have a Star Wars Leg" or "God has a reason for this" or "God has got this" (a popular phrase these days), are no where near adequate to touch the grief her little heart bears. And answers like "But you can still do everything everyone else can do," quickly and wrongfully bury, even deeper, the pain she feels. At this point, I'm thankful she feels comfortable enough to share her heart with me. And I'm finding, many times, the most satisfying response she can receive from me is, "I know, Sweetheart. I am so sorry" followed by silence and lots of sincere snuggles. Just as I needed time to grieve when I was pregnant with this beautiful and strong little girl, she, too, needs this time to grieve. <br />
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However, I do share these things coveting prayer for Brian, Joshua, Caleb and me as we work to help Hannah through these emotions. My fear is that she will get stuck in this pain. The thought of that possibility weighs incredibly heavy on my heart. Our prayer is that God will give us wisdom, through His grace, to help Hannah work through this pain and that His Holy Spirit will guide Hannah through these emotions so that she comes out stronger, trusting her Savior.<br />
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God's glory is paramount. May God be glorified through this pain.Tara Dembowczykhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07587697872317951088noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1476778939133904684.post-77008039536656293142014-05-15T11:22:00.001-04:002014-05-15T20:16:02.346-04:00Lots of Photos and a New Site in Honor of Our Daughter<br />
We are one step closer to getting Hannah's new prosthesis! Unfortunately, it may take another 3-4 weeks of weekly appointments. We need to redo our "Check Socket" appointment using a different type of liner to ensure a proper fit. Hannah's prosthetist is truly amazing and wants nothing but the best for Hannah to be able to thrive. We are so blessed. Here are a few photos of the process!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiz-LoUWFKPRzD3uIn30gYpKjoJtbEvdmi2NmaDli6w1FcDjDHa_Da89OYjNHLgf9XTeRsZWWUMpNt7MM1KylCQhQxQEZjyqy448acLflhG3bPA8jGO-SfOoq5pshJlO0oOv6RG4dMvfb4/s1600/photo(1).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiz-LoUWFKPRzD3uIn30gYpKjoJtbEvdmi2NmaDli6w1FcDjDHa_Da89OYjNHLgf9XTeRsZWWUMpNt7MM1KylCQhQxQEZjyqy448acLflhG3bPA8jGO-SfOoq5pshJlO0oOv6RG4dMvfb4/s1600/photo(1).JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hannah's sweet little left foot was molded to make an insert for her shoe. This is something Hannah has never had. She has been having pain in the that little foot, which has also been effected by Fibular Hemimelia. I am hoping she will adjust well to this new insert. Those random holes are from us poking our fingers in there to see how it felt. :) </td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Taking lots of measurements of her left leg in order to make her prosthesis as perfect as possible.</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBOUfrNAFb7e5xZaBhMj-7WTHUOdwqOCFbAH7IYqxja81wg_77_NwmpaQw-ZjzXte6cTF54X9LY-b0we2kImoTYOF8XGe4djlGdPlvQ6tMf0NbdRRds9-yWwEwZVHrzSJIlZL9UUEkPNo/s1600/photo.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBOUfrNAFb7e5xZaBhMj-7WTHUOdwqOCFbAH7IYqxja81wg_77_NwmpaQw-ZjzXte6cTF54X9LY-b0we2kImoTYOF8XGe4djlGdPlvQ6tMf0NbdRRds9-yWwEwZVHrzSJIlZL9UUEkPNo/s1600/photo.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Measurements of her left foot to make her prosthetic foot a close match.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmUGRwKFrKfaLB5uLi-bV8dOHYiXF-yltsM-D-MsswR7Jjy6fvW5HYNV_BSf4nrg2uPm4mRiihvT_izdgido89Uw5AMOCg7oueK9loV3zaxnBLzz0g4yc6fHPoXNX9OEpMjXYUOWhPccc/s1600/photo(9).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmUGRwKFrKfaLB5uLi-bV8dOHYiXF-yltsM-D-MsswR7Jjy6fvW5HYNV_BSf4nrg2uPm4mRiihvT_izdgido89Uw5AMOCg7oueK9loV3zaxnBLzz0g4yc6fHPoXNX9OEpMjXYUOWhPccc/s1600/photo(9).JPG" height="320" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">More measurements. This green liner is the liner that caused, what appeared to be, an allergic reaction on her skin so we will not be using this one!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-U2CCpJQEpUo/U3TPX0L1yCI/AAAAAAAABTg/joDTLfzBAy4/s1600/photo(8).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-U2CCpJQEpUo/U3TPX0L1yCI/AAAAAAAABTg/joDTLfzBAy4/s1600/photo(8).JPG" height="320" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Playing with the silicone liners.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Beginning the molding process.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2YlxJdNhim4Y2ua35Sl_j3XwYqyPlvER33wbzTRAazdHqpKOODSS7OArFdgrpuOKd-_s5T8bhM5UrqILbhNCovmDPbsIple-JzR6qiT7vEzqb3O_IzjKOuapWGkJEsW0_ou67ZDs3abM/s1600/photo(3).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2YlxJdNhim4Y2ua35Sl_j3XwYqyPlvER33wbzTRAazdHqpKOODSS7OArFdgrpuOKd-_s5T8bhM5UrqILbhNCovmDPbsIple-JzR6qiT7vEzqb3O_IzjKOuapWGkJEsW0_ou67ZDs3abM/s1600/photo(3).JPG" height="320" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">What else is there to do while the plaster dries but to make funny faces at your amazing prosthetist when he's not looking? :)</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8hU3EnsCmTw7Po1Mw_7OOOYRCO3N9aEcej_4R5nvmW9JKTSRe2mVaTaAgRxpnwHx8nrgh2tJUQh5cAoRU8uY676LBSk31IwKNkT_HGjw5E_F2DDp1HgMZeCbozxzaDqwAfkA-GRWTXPM/s1600/photo(7).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8hU3EnsCmTw7Po1Mw_7OOOYRCO3N9aEcej_4R5nvmW9JKTSRe2mVaTaAgRxpnwHx8nrgh2tJUQh5cAoRU8uY676LBSk31IwKNkT_HGjw5E_F2DDp1HgMZeCbozxzaDqwAfkA-GRWTXPM/s1600/photo(7).JPG" height="320" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is what we call Hannah's "duck face."</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIsaGMD2j8rmbE0U_5EB4aGS84Es9WXpqPBthyphenhyphenjMgoVoV6calXpdI0ktNggbdzOyKhcoeVmUxbTE0LKcAWAYKMvxr-NQSctXi6VqbxxO8tHzQqtZ5MYpVRNfNRZ1OFLVu0xv-XXWNA_vk/s1600/photo(5).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIsaGMD2j8rmbE0U_5EB4aGS84Es9WXpqPBthyphenhyphenjMgoVoV6calXpdI0ktNggbdzOyKhcoeVmUxbTE0LKcAWAYKMvxr-NQSctXi6VqbxxO8tHzQqtZ5MYpVRNfNRZ1OFLVu0xv-XXWNA_vk/s1600/photo(5).JPG" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj76TVQ3jdKeRpxe-aC4hLofQW44Sdj_Wg9t31vpByRo9oZyQdHKMLTaRemOXDclD-E-I1WEhKuFoxEpV-vOsSHoByYPnALLQZt_SK-fwatbHMb8OCnBGWwrYxzH7yAAmU_kd0cQNrK5tU/s1600/photo(6).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj76TVQ3jdKeRpxe-aC4hLofQW44Sdj_Wg9t31vpByRo9oZyQdHKMLTaRemOXDclD-E-I1WEhKuFoxEpV-vOsSHoByYPnALLQZt_SK-fwatbHMb8OCnBGWwrYxzH7yAAmU_kd0cQNrK5tU/s1600/photo(6).JPG" height="320" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Her prosthetist always draws a smiley face as part of the measurements.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7HCLo4nCvgY/U3TPSMqHZgI/AAAAAAAABSs/cXkRwUOVMts/s1600/photo(13).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7HCLo4nCvgY/U3TPSMqHZgI/AAAAAAAABSs/cXkRwUOVMts/s1600/photo(13).JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is our "Check Socket" appointment. This pink liner is one option for her new silicone liner. We may end up going with a different option as her skin is so very sensitive. We go back next Tuesday for anther "check socket" appointment using the new liner. The pin sticking out the bottom of the liner is what will lock Hannah's leg directly into her prosthesis. She will need to push a button to get the prosthesis off. This type of leg is very new to us and this is what Hannah is very uncertain about. We are also anticipating our little man using this as a weapon! Ha!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-okeyZvyeavU/U3TPRFcWbHI/AAAAAAAABSo/KJsRIoPrPo4/s1600/photo%252812%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-okeyZvyeavU/U3TPRFcWbHI/AAAAAAAABSo/KJsRIoPrPo4/s1600/photo%252812%2529.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hannah is putting weight on her leg with the new liner and socket. This is done before the actual prosthesis is made to see where there may be areas of concern causing pain and/or redness. The individuals in the background are amazing staff at Shriners Hospital who work to promote the hospital. They had asked us to be part of another video that will be shown at their annual Shriners Imperial Session in Minneapolis next month where approximately 15,000 Shriners from all over the country will gather. My words could never adequately articulate how much we appreciate all they do to support us and so many other families. But through my red face, sweaty armpits, and shaky voice, I did my best. :)</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-i-LdkcCUf48/U3TPQU_0NNI/AAAAAAAABSY/O6TuKuqj3ck/s1600/photo(11).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-i-LdkcCUf48/U3TPQU_0NNI/AAAAAAAABSY/O6TuKuqj3ck/s1600/photo(11).JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The kiddos playing in one of the play areas at the Hospital. Aren't they the cutest?!</td></tr>
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As mentioned above, I wish I could more adequately express how much Shriners Hospital means to our family and so many others families in need of care. Not only do they support us from a financial standpoint, but more importantly, they are an amazing emotional support for our family. Any time I have questions or concerns, they are just a phone call away.<br />
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Staff at Shriners Hospital for Children are truly experts in the field, many times leading the way in innovative methods of care. Our family desires to do all we can to, not just be a face and a story for Shriners Hospital, but to also help raise financial support so they may continue providing this amazing care for so many families. For this reason, at the top right portion of this site, I have included a new link. Click on Hannah's photo, and you will be sent directly to a Shriners Hospital for Children web page we have created in honor of our daughter to help raise financial support for this amazing hospital. All donations go directly to Shriners Hospital for Children and you can specify that your donation go directly to the Tampa location as that is where Hannah receives her care. There is no middle man. We would be honored if you would prayerfully consider donating to Shriners Hospital for Children - Tampa as they have truly changed our lives. Thank you.Tara Dembowczykhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07587697872317951088noreply@blogger.com2