We continue on with many more wonderful events in the month of March:
Cannon's Birthday Having a child who has Menkes makes it difficult to know how many birthdays he will have. So, we all felt so blessed when little Cannon was able to celebrate his second birthday.
I don't know if I've ever seen a little child who has to struggle every minute of his life more than little Cannon. With Menkes, he can't rub his eyes when they are tired, he can't swallow when he's choking, he can't eat anything but milk through a feeding tube, he can't let you know where he is hurting. His feet and hands lie limp like a little rag doll. You must hold his head in place, as that is limp, too. With all of these things he can't do, he has to rely on others for everything.
But, let me tell you what he can do: He can make you appreciate life and quit complaining about the petty things that go on around you. He can make you realize how your health is one of the most important necessities of life, and if you can do anything about it, do all you can to stay healthy. If you aren't born with good health, be a strong fighter like Cannon has been. Twenty-four hours a day for two years, he has struggled so valiantly so that all of us who know him can learn from him. Our lives have been blessed by having him come in to our family. Just looking at him and being near him is one of the most spiritual experiences I have ever had.
Cannon has two of the best parents a child could ever have who love him so much. No one will ever know how much time and attention he has needed for the past two years. He can never be further than about two feet away because there is always the danger of choking and the hourly feedings. But Kent and Natalie have never quit loving or helping him in every way they can. In times when I have helped out, I seriously can't see how they have done this for two years when it is absolutely so draining to have to satisfy so many needs 24-7. Sometimes he only sleeps for three hours out of 24, while the rest of the time he is requiring assistance or just comfort by holding him.
We love you, little Cannon. You are truly a Celestial spirit and we will always have such a special place in our hearts for you.
Kent and Natalie put up lanterns this year, just as they did on his birthday last year. They wanted something to symbolize the freedom of movement that little Cannon will some day have when he is not bound by this earthly body.
When Kent went to work the next day, there on the front page of their Sunnyside newspaper, was a story about strange fiery orbs that might be UFOs. See story on Natalie's blog at:
Kent and Natalie really got a chuckle out of this because the same newspaper did a whole article on them last year because they actually came to Cannon's first year birthday. Fortunately, someone called into the newspaper this year and told them about the special second year birthday of little Cannon, and they did another article this year about him, his family, and Menkes, and helped the people in the community calm down who had worries of UFO sitings.
Happy Birthday, little Cannon. You truly are our Sunshine! Someday when you are free of this body, we hope to live worthy to be where you will be.
3 comments:
What a beautiful post, Laura! We all need to "stop and smell the roses" and appreciate all of the everyday things about life that are ours. Natalie and Kent are true warriors--dedicated and loving parents all the way through. Their family, as well as you and George, are an inspiration to us all.
So touching. We think of Kent and Natalie very often and admire their great strength. Thanks for the report.
Thank you Laura for this sweet tribute. I am honored to be Cannon's mother. It's true Cannon cannot to anything for himself, but what he does for others we cannot measure. He truly is an amazing boy.
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