Christmas Giving, Take Them a Meal, & the story of Delaney Rose

Most of us know that the true meaning of the holiday season is to give and appreciate all that we have … but what does that really mean?  What does it mean to you?

About a year ago, I heard about a true love story (that just happened cast a boy I went to high school with as the hero).  He met a girl, they fell in love, he took her on a vacation and asked her to marry him.  She came home with more than a ring on her finger … she was pregnant and they were both ecstatic being eager to start a family.  (check out this great video)  Months later on March 22, 2011, they have a beautiful baby girl, named Delaney Rose.

The delightful story changed drastically about one month later.  The doting parents noticed that Delaney was struggling one night and rushed her to the emergency room.  At the hospital it was determined that 3 different heart defects that would require surgery.  Quickly it was determined she needed to be rushed Children’s Hospital.  During preparation for the transfer, Delaney experienced a cardiac failure and CPR was administered.  Her heart-rate returned … but devastatingly it caused massive brain trauma.

To this day Delaney and her parents, Brian and Lindsay, are suffering … and trying to treasure every moment they have together.  Unfortunately, Delaney has not gotten strong enough to endure the surgeries that she requires to fix her heart.  She requires a feeding tube because she is not able to swallow and it is unknown whether or not she is able to hear or see.  After taking months off to be with their daughter both have returned to work (Brian as a school counselor and Lindsay at a veterinary office).  They receive at-home care to assist with Delaney’s medical needs.  Friends and family have help set up a wonderful website where not only updates are posted, but that links to a great site called Take Them a Meal that organizes meal donations to families and a link that allows others to make donations towards the Delaney Rose Fund.

I know that the Flatter Family would appreciate any assistance and blessings that come their way, but if not to them … think of (or find) a family that you know personally that could use some extra help.  Maybe it’s setting up Take Them a Meal for them.  Maybe it’s picking up some extra clothes and toys to donate.  Maybe it’s giving parent(s) alone time by helping to watch the kids.  Maybe it’s running some errands or cleaning up the house or yard.  But you can do something … you can make a difference.

The other part you can do is TRULY appreciate what you have.  Enjoy these special, magical holiday moments with your children.  Stop the hussle and bussle … and remember to love each other and have fun together.  Anyone’s life, any family, can be changed forever in a matter of moments.  Treasure and cherish all that you have.

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Laura Hutchison

Laura Hutchison (aka PlayDrMom) is a chubby kid turned competitive figure skater tween turned high school pom pon girl turned MSU Spartan turned grad student turned Mrs. HutcH turned Dr. turned Mom. She adores living in the Mitten, is addicted to Diet Coke, and firmly believes that ice cream is a main food group.

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Comments
  1. TsLamb

    A wonderful post. Thank you for sharing such a wonderful and sad story that does more to show the spirit of family and christmas than all the ads.

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