Gift of Warmth... Gift of Joy...

For the last three years we have started prepping for our NICU project in September for delivery right before Christmas.  It's done in honor of Viviana, and for those moms and families that are living out their holidays with the same trials and struggles we had back in '07.  It has been a collaboration and a way for us to give back.  

For us, 2010 brought its own unique challenges...  Unless I was able to get everything 100% donated, there was no way to pull it off.  Sadly, I was just not feelin' it during this year of

reduce & simplify.

My heart turned instead to my brother, Mark, and his family.  I felt a sudden impression and desire that he needed a token of our love and support for him during this difficult journey.  He took a job with a company flying planes... through a war zone.  This means he was on the other side of the world, away from all loved ones for both Thanksgiving and Christmas and into 2011 with his rotations.  Tallie had just learned she was prego with #3... and would be left behind with the two boys during this great time of sacrifice so that Mark could further his career as a pilot in the Captain's Seat since it's increasingly difficult to accomplish that in the states in today's economy.

I wrote an email to Laverty and Menzie families, asking for support in this project.  I thought about what it might feel like to be in his position... and how it might also feel to really know just how loved he is when there is no one close by that really knows him, while also yearning for very basic and simple comforts of home.  

The first thing that came to mind was a quilt... because it could accomplish bringing physical warmth, a treasure to keep, a service aspect involving many, and certainly he could feel the pure love that went into each stitch.  I asked for each family to decorate and personalize their quilt square with their personalities from their family to Mark.  My Mom made sure we could pull it off financially, and I assembled them ... as a gift of love  just for Mark.  It was well-received... miraculously everyone pulled through, and Mark was able to open it on Christmas Eve while skyping with his family.  I included Mark's remarks way below...

from Luke

A big squeeze from Hank

 from the Boston Menzies

 from the Bako Lavertys

 from the California McLaughlins

 from the Utah Menzies

 from the Seattle Lavertys

 from Tallie

 from Dad

 from Florida Menzies

 from Mom & Kelly

 pure love... pure joy... pure grace... pure laughter... 

pure excitement... pure bliss... pure happiness...

Pure & Simple

 Some of Mark's comments....

Realizing it was Christmas Eve while talking with Tallie, I pulled out a package I received last week from Shayla that read, "Open Christmas Eve." I was able to open my Christmas gift with Tallie and Hank while Skyping. (Luke was already sleeping. I know Tallie was a little frustrated that Hank was up past his bedtime but it was nice for me to see his smile and big brown eyes). 

Inside the box there was a card and a note in Shayla's handwriting. I read it out loud while on Skype with Tallie and this is what it said:

We call you Papá, Daddy, Marcos, Mark, son, brother, husband, friend, and uncle. And we ALL wanted you to feel of our great love for you while you are in a far-away land this holiday season.

Whenever you are feeling lonely, vulnerable, home-sick, or even happy and grateful... and you just need a hug from someone who cares and knows your goodness - wrap yourself up in the warmth of this quilt made especially for you and feel the love of all of us that care for you most dearly. We LOVE you, dear Mark!

Tallie, Luke, Hank, Mom, Kelly, Dad, Tami, David, Ben, Susan, Ben, Kathy, Lorea, Mikela, Saioa, Bret, Cat, Tim, Maia, Kincaid, Esme, Terra, Wayne, Becky, Christina, Thomas, Grace, Caroline, Wesley, Curt, Shayla, Brayden, McKenzie, Monson, Alexandra, Isabella, Viviana, Matthew, Heather, Mattie, Reddin, Brett, Emily, Jonas, Makai, Caysa, Kevin, Brooke.

I couldn't finish reading it out loud. A councilor told me once I suffer from Alexithymia, or the inability to express in words one's feelings. I suppose most males do, especially if your last name is Menzie. As I sit here and try to conquer my Alexithymia, I'm looking at the quilt Shayla assembled from your individual, personalized patches. The border she used on the quilt has words on it that read, 

"pure love, pure joy, pure happiness, pure bliss, pure excitement, pure elation, pure & simple."

I think I have overcome my Alexithymia. The only other feeling I would add is a useful Portuguese word that doesn't directly translate into English. "Saudade" can mean to yearn/long for something or someone, or to be homesick or lonely. 

I miss you all. I am so grateful for all of your thoughtful participation in this huge project that Shayla organized. Shayla, I'd love for you to Blog about making it - I'd love to hear how it came together and include detailed photos of the art/handy work from everyone. I've posted the pictures I took of the quilt on my facebook page if anyone would like to see them.

What you all don't know is I was just about to ask Tallie to send me another blanket. It's getting so cold at night and this quilt will be perfectly useful as well as sentimental. 

Thank you so much and Merry Christmas,

Love,

Papá, Daddy, Marcos, Mark, son, brother, husband, friend, and uncle Mark 

PS; One of my favorite things on the quilt is Luke's art and note, "I love it when you play cars and trains with me." Me too Luke!

 Tallie didn't know we made one for her too... until Christmas Morn.

Hers had a vintage feel- made with those fabrics we remember well from the 80's.  I felt like Tallie's part in the deal was equally a sacrifice and decided to make sure she had that same feeling of love and warmth.

A genuine thanks to all who donated time, fabric, funds, and encouragement for this project.  A LOT of late night hours went into both quilts... but it was well worth every minute for the joy & anticipation it brought to all involved.

 backing

 crayon rolls and coloring books for the boys

"Merry" Mary Birch Project 2009

It has been a sweet experience to carry out our end-of-year service project at the Mary Birch NICU/PSCU. This year was no different and in many ways, more rewarding as we asked for help and were richly blessed with so many extra goodies and special handmade treasures, as well as funds to help with it all from YOU.

The project itself is such a feat to organize and coordinate... this year it proved even more difficult as the social workers weren't the easiest to work with. Due to the not-so-lovely Swine Flu, procedures and policies have changed quite a bit. My heart goes out to those families struggling through their trials and experiences especially this year. The moms stuck on bedrest for sometimes a month or more can't even see their children younger than 16 years old, as they're not welcomed past the reception area of the hospital with this ongoing epidemic.

I can't even imagine.

As if their experience wasn't tough enough already!

Most days, the only thing that kept me sane and upbeat was looking forward to the semiweekly visits with my three kids that were at home (My babies were in Utah with my mom). These baskets were extra special to those moms on strict bedrest this year. Even though we couldn't deliver them to the 4th floor as we have in years past, it was a blessing to spend hours putting it all together.

A Ginormous Thank You to ALL involved.

Truly, this year, it could not have been done quite as successfully without all of the love and care you helped put into this service.

I stand humbled, amazed, and impressed with all the lovely things you sent.

Erin donated luscious lotions for the PSCU moms

& Julie donated some magazines

Tina donated some boredom busters

Becky & fam hand made creative & darling journals for the ladies...

as well as a donation to help with other goodies

Ama crocheted darling sweaters & beanies fit for a NICU princess.

Trisha made chic burp cloths & gave gift cards for the coffee cart

Amy made yummy nursing/kangaroo hold/pumping covers

I made jewelry for all the NICU & PSCU moms and bling for the babies.

hand-stamped lovlieness (yes, another new hobby for me)

"every little girl needs some bling"

Kjristi whipped up some minky lovies

I made miniature quilts for the miniature babies:)

Brooke B. donated Mary Kay treats & baby beanies...

...and she also donated homemade succulent strawberry jam.

too bad my flash wigged out.

Lee & fam donated hand dipped chocolate pretzles galore!

Ama also crocheted around minky cozies for each of the babies

(Vivie is about to adopt one of them)

The McLaughlin girls helped make mini bows for the NICU baby girls

and we purchased all sorts of other goodies

from a most generous donation given by George & Char.

We are deeply grateful.

This is the letter that adorned the baskets:

As I was walking out of the hospital, I ran into Darling Dr. Daneshmand, my amazing Perinatologist, the one that delivered Viviana, and to whom we give credit to for knowing when to say when and saving her life as well as mine when I was in danger of being septic (the human side of that at least)...

We all adore Dr. Daneshmand. He couldn't be more loving and gracious. Recently, he started a foundation called Miracle Babies and asked me if I would be part of his organization. I'm thrilled to meet with him soon and perhaps be a part of blessing other families' lives year- round.

This service was priceless to many families...

For those that would like to know details, the social workers quickly jotted down some notes detailing the family dynamics of six of the ten whom received the baskets.

* PSCU 26 y/o single mom. Lives two hours away in Brawley. Separated from her 2 & 10 year old children, having a difficult time coping. She has limited support. Her income is also limited, and since she is on bedrest she cannot work. She has about four more weeks expected on bedrest and has already been hospitalized for two weeks.

*NICU family- mother was hospitalized in the ICU for 6 weeks & delivered her baby at 30 weeks. The father is unemployed because he had to care for his severly ill wife. The mom has improved and is now home, going back and forth to the NICU to visit their baby. They are under a great deal of financial stress.

*PSCU Patient is 30 weeks along and hospitalized until delivery. She has 2 & 4 year old sons at home. Her husband lost his job recently. The patient is having difficult time coping being away from her family.

* PSCU patient is on strict bedrest, 23 weeks pregnant with twins. She has multiple complications and is at great risk for preterm delivery. They recently moved here from Colorado and are overwhelmed and just trying to get through the days.

*PSCU patient is 23 weeks and will be hospitalized until she delivers. Her water ruptured at 18 weeks. She is very sweet and appreciative of any support.

*Baby Girl born at 25 weeks + 6 days. Father has to work two jobs. They have a two boys at home (one and six years old). Due to transportation problems and visitation policy, mom can only visit baby once a week on father's day off. They have no support system and financial difficulties. They are having a difficult time emotionally.