Extreme rally for a family in need.

I dont usually post this late at night, but I just had to write about the most amazing experience that my family and I had this evening at the Extreme Makeover Home Edition pep rally here in Cleveland. It started with us bringing non perishable food items to the Wolstein Center at Cleveland State University. We brought 2 big bags of tons of stuff for the Cleveland food bank. Then we go in and they have tables set up with t-shirts, bandannas, wrist bands and hats...all proceeds going to the family that gets the build. Of course Tony and I got one each...Morgan and Taylor were wearing them the whole evening. We also got 3 wristbands for Tony, Sydnie and Kayleigh.
Kenny got to meet some of the Cleveland Browns players...he was actually playing with them...lol. There were cheerleaders, bands...they went all out for this pep rally. Then it got down to the nitty gritty. The builders introduced themselves...I have such a new respect for these people...WOW...they are donating their time and supplies to build a beautiful house for some very special family who probably went through a great tragedy or are struggling because of one. I honestly felt that even though we were nominated...we probably didn't get picked for one reason or another...but that is soooo OK. I really mean it. I really want to help with this build in some way...painting a wall, drawing or painting a picture, maybe even just give money...I really want to help in some way. When they were showing the videos and talking about the build...Taylor and I were sitting next to each other and we both looked at each other and...yes...we were both crying!!! HAHA! I know, lame...but it was THAT emotional. We really felt that deeply about this whole thing. There is so much that goes on behind the scenes for a build to take place...there are not other words than...amazing! Everyone in the community should help...its such a great feeling to be part of such a great thing...the gift of happiness. To make a family that has been through so much...have so little to worry about. I wish I were a millionaire, because honestly...I'd end up giving so much away.
You know, right before we went to this rally, I had Kenny at his Comprehensive care appt. where we are concerned that Kenny, even though he has this feeding tube, is not gaining weight. he is just maintaining. At that appointment. I was just looking at Kenny and the way he was acting....his typical self. opening and shutting the drawers and door to the room, yelling like he always does...not in a mean way, but the only way he knows how to communicate. He was smiling and just being cute. I asked the doctor if he sees this a lot. The way he acts. What I really wanted to ask was...is my child...um...retarded(not being politically correct here, sorry)? I know that sounds cruel...but it has run through Tony's and my head. I mean...really. I am being honest. We haven't gotten a true diagnosis...almost like the elephant in the middle of the living room thing...but is it that he is mentally disabled or is it this being a "micro preemie" thing? I see other moms of micros on their blogs writing and to me, their kids are almost normal. I mean...there are some with CP, but that is not what I was getting at. I know Kenny has some form of CP...his walk is really off and his one arm curls under when he walks...he's got tight muscles and weak muscles as well. I am talking about developmentally. He is waaay behind in this area, I see it so much because of Gina...and other kids that are Kenny's age. I want my son to be normal. I dont want him to have to deal with this the rest of his life. He's had to deal with so much in these last 3.5 years...its not fair to him. Anyhow...the doctor never gave me an answer. Do I really want that answer? ah...who knows. I know Kenny and as long as it is not bothering him...I will try my best to not let it bother me (in front of him any how), but it will always break my heart.
He is going to have to be hospitalized again if he continues to not gain weight though. The doctor wants to run several tests to rule things out as to why he's not gaining. Yes...another thing to worry about. Its almost too much after this week we've had...
So that is about all.
We had such fun at the rally...it took my mind off of his doctor appt.

So please...all of you that feel that life is getting the best of you (kinda like me)...help someone. Do something nice for a neighbor or something...or maybe even a stranger. It makes you feel so much better inside. What a beautiful thing EMHE and the builders...oh...and all the sponsors and people that donate...do for a family...just beautiful...Everyone should be so helpful and generous to strangers all the time, because honestly, no one really knows what has gone on in someone's life to make them what they are. And no one should judge!