ONE of the BIGGEST DREAMS I've ever had is FINALLY coming true!

The good news I wanted to share with you, is that one of the dreams that I've had for so many years is finally coming true. I've prayed about, hoped and have wanted to plan a retreat for moms with children that have suffered from near drowning accidents. With the generosity of the Vara Family's vacation home in Suncadia, it is finally coming true. As of right now we have 9 women flying in from all the over the USA to come to WA for our retreat November 12th - 15th. We have room for 12, so as of right now we have a place for 2 more people.

The realization that many of these mom's have never ever left their child's side since their accidents is HUGE and I really mean HUGE. I have one mom coming from Oklahoma and she has never had anyone but herself feed her daughter every single day, for the last 6 1/2 years. When she first heard about this retreat she thought there would be no way she could leave her daughter to come and then the comment from her husband about the fact that she couldn't leave didn't help matters. But after praying about it silently, her husband actually told her that he thinks she needs to come and has volunteered to learn how to feed their sweet little girl.

I have mom's coming that need this break, a time away from the stresses of taking care of their children 24/7 days a week, it takes a toll on them. If you've read this blog for long you know the stresses that I live with on a daily basis, they are anything from "little, HUGE" stresses like:

• the constant care of bathing a child who is 45 pounds, that is pure weight as he can not help hold himself up, therefore my back goes out on me at times,
  
• the constant suctioning, just to keep his airway open,
  
• the constant appointments with doctors, therapists, hospital visits,
  
• the constant nights of no sleep,
  
• the constant worries of wondering if your child could die tonight because he is on so much oxygen and you are at your wits end to figure out what else you can do for him,
  
• the constant balancing act of trying to keep a healthy marriage while you are constantly having to care for all the family along with the child that takes most of your time,
  
• the constant wondering if you are doing a good job with your other children being sure that they have enough of your attention and time,
  
• the constant feeling like there is always and I mean always more that you should be doing for this child,
  
• the constant time spent in prayer and crying out to God to give you the strength and joy to get through just one more day,
  
• the constant grieving of the child that you used to have, wishing and hoping that one day you will hear your child say "mama" again,
  
• the constant wiping away the tears because it feels like nothing you ever do is enough,
• the constant feedings and medication schedules,
  
• the constant feeling like you are ALWAYS being stared at when you take your child anywhere because he breathes to loud or yells at the wrong time,
  
• the constant feeling like you didn't want this life but now that it's been given to you, you have to find a way to keep going,
• the constant hearing people say, "I don't know how you handle all you do" and thinking to themselves I sure couldn't do it,
  
• the constant . . . . . . . You get the picture.

In all the years that we've had this blog I don't believe I've ever asked for any kind of financial help or donations, God has so blessed our family and though we have some rough times, God has always and I mean always provided all that we've needed and more. I'm actually hoping and praying that some of you will find it in your hearts to help make this weekend a time that these mom's will always be able to look back on with such amazing memories. As mentioned we have a place free of charge at a beautiful resort in Eastern Washington, this was a huge answer to prayer. I've told all the ladies the only expense they will have for this weekend is getting here, their airline tickets and spending money for our day in Seattle. Wouldn't it be wonderful for them to get here and find out that all the expenses for the day in Seattle are covered??

OKAY, so here's what I'm hoping some of you will be able to help with:

• I would love to treat these ladies to lunch down at the waterfront $120
  
• I would love to take them up in the Space Needle so they can get a beautiful view of the city $180
  
• I would love to treat them with a bag filled with goodies and souvenirs as a reminder of their time spent at the retreat $100
  
• I would love to treat them to a great dinner out that night $300
• I would love to give each of them some money to buy themselves something, as I know that these mom's sacrifice on a daily basis to keep their children healthy and alive $250
• BUNCO prizes $50
• I'm hoping to get all the food donated for the weekend, along with some friends to come help with the preparations and clean up.
  
• I'm asking people to help pick up mom's from the airport and take them back there again.

I figure it all adds up to about $1,000, I don't want anyone to feel pressured to think that you have to do this, I hope I don't offend anyone by asking. But I do know that unless you ask sometimes, there is no way for people to know the need. It is a bit overwhelming to think of all the details, but I know that with God's help it will all come together. Would you be willing to help out?? We are not a non-profit so there would be no tax deductions available, just the joy of knowing that you are helping make a special weekend for these mom's who are overworked, overstressed and who quite often feel hopeless. Just to let you know any money sent will be used for this weekend, I will distribute it equally among the mom's. If you would like to help out you can e-mail me at howslukedoing@yahoo.com and I will give you my home address to send your donations to.

Love in Christ,
Luke's Mommy Sue

PS Thank you so much for your prayers, I'm feeling sooooo much better. I know it had to be a touch from God, because the amount of pain I was experiencing just doesn't go away so quickly without a touch from Jesus. My mom had her back surgery today and she is already feeling relief from the horrible pain that she has been living with for so many months. Please continue to pray for her to have a speedy recovery and that she will regain her strength, she's been bedridden for so long and she is not very strong right now, thank you.