I heard a great analogy the other day between our lives and a painting. Just as in a painting, our lives, if you look at them closely you can see each brush stroke. In some instances you can even see the foundation sketch from beneath the paint. Up close it doesn’t seem to make much sense. It’s messy, chaotic, and clashing. But the further you step back, the more beautiful everything is. You start to see how each brush stroke (each life situation) works together to form a big picture. Were you to remove some of those brush strokes that seemed ugly close up, you would alter the image, changing it from its intended beauty. (Thanks for that neat analogy, Chris!)
God continues to place people in our lives to help us along on our journey. They too make up some of the brush strokes helping to form the great picture. I had mentioned a few days ago that I had spoken with a woman who has an adorable little girl who is now 4 years old with trisomy 18. I didn’t want to mention her by name without first asking her permission. I had the pleasure and honor of speaking with Karen Santorum over the phone, now a couple of times. My Mom shared the blog on her FB page. A few days later I was so excited to hear that she was interested in talking with me!! She has been a wealth of information, sharing her knowledge as it pertains to Bella’s care, and potentially Nora’s as well. I am so very grateful that she would take the time from her busy life to offer me much needed advice and to listen to my concerns. After my initial astonishment that I was actually on the phone with Karen Santorum, it was like I was just simply talking with a good friend! Thank you from the bottom of my heart, Karen! I look so forward to talking with you more!
Here are some pictures from today.
“MILKIES!!!!!!!!!”
Nora had another outing today to Nana & Papa’s house to wish Papa a Happy belated Birthday! She did very well on the way over and back and seemed to enjoy the love and attention from everyone. She is such a beautiful gift to all of us. God is good.
Trust in the Lord with all your heart
and lean not on your own understanding (Proverbs 3:5 NIV)
iwillcarryyou 
Please give Little Miss a kiss from the Left Coast. Right on her beautiful little cheek. What a photo that is of Guggy and her baby sister. And I’m so happy you were able to meet Karen Santorum. I am so impressed with her husband – I can imagine she must be equally as wise and wonderful. I have 2 active bluebird nests and one set of babies that just fledged. The first baby out of the current nest box will be called Nora Rose and then Guggy, Gavvie and Aleisa and William. 5 beautiful bluebird babies in honor of my favorite family! š Brenda
What a beautiful angel! Kisses sweet Nora Rose!
How sweet ….. praying for you and your family.
I live in Southern Tennessee and have driven the 6 hr drive to Cincinniti Children’s 18 times from 2/10 – 12/11. although our situation is much different, our Big God who is taking great care of Nora did the same with an entirely different groups of health professionals. So I only have that in common with you, but my heart is in love with this precious Nora. I will continue to check on you and i will continue to see if God is nudging me in a way to reach to other families that have fought Chrones and/or Ulcerative colitis. that was our reason for coming so far from family and home. But Cincinnati Children’s is where we needed to be. I will say when we were there, I would walk the floors, go to cafeteria and I would see so many sick and distraught families. Waiting for Andrew to come out of surgery, I would want to go and hold them and provide comfort. I have a special love for every child there and I will always.
I don’t want to take time to ramble. I hope God is providing rest and comfort and a beautiful day for you tomorrow. Because he lives, I can face tomorrow…….all fears are gone. Blessings dear one. Susan Payne. Ardmore TN
She is so sweet and prescious….Just try to take in every minute, every second. It is all so importantant and you can’t get a second back. My children are growing so fast. I wish I could get those sweet moments back…. just enjoy her as much as you can
I COULD NOT BELIEVE WHEN I READ YOUR BLOG TODAY. MY NIECE HAD A FAMILY GET TOGETHER TODAY, AND OF COURSE I HAD TO TELL THEM ABOUT NORA ROSE AND ALL YOUR FAMILY. I ALSO SAID THAT THE SANTORUM’S ALSO HAS A LITTLE 4 YEAR OLD GIRL THAT HAS THE SAME THING AS NORA. I THOUGHT HOW GREAT IT WOULD BE IF YOU COULD TALK TO HER, AND YOU GOT TO!!!!! GOD WORKS IN MYSTERIOUS WAYS. I AM SO HAPPY YOU GOT TO TALK TO MRS. SANTORUM, AND SHE WAS ABLE TO ANSWER A LOT OF YOUR QUESTIONS. WHEN I READ THAT I SAID “THANK YOU LORD.” LOVE THE PICTURE OF GRETA AND NORA ROSE. I CAN SEE THE LOVE IN GRETA’S EYES THAT SHE HAS FOR NORA. THANK YOU FOR ANOTHER BEAUTIFUL BLOG. GOOD NIGHT AND GOD BLESS.
It is so refreshing to hear that there are people that we know must be extremely busy, yet they have time to share their invaluable experience-I am not surprised that Karen wanted to speak with you-your blog, your faith, all an inspiration to everyone. Have a wonderful day!
That is SO awesome about Karen ! We are huge Santorum fans here. Nora is as beautiful as ever, I love that first photo š
Such a wide eyed special little Nora Rose. Each time a new picture comes up – I am so happy to see and also read how all are doing. It was wonderful that you had the chance to talk with Karen S. It had to be a very special and touching time for both of you.
You are doing an amazing job!!! Don’t forget to take a little time out for an evening out with your hubby. You both deserve it!!!
HOLY COW! that is awesome that Karen reached out to you! it just makes you realize how these children bring mother’s from everywhere together to rejoice in these little lives! AWESOME!
Aleisa, she is so perfect! I don’t always comment but I check on her daily š She is just so sweet and such an amazing inspiration to so many people š I love how she is bringing so many people together. I left you a message on facebook, I need your address to mail something to you š