Posted by Dennis D Broadbooks on 12/21/07 11:02am
Msg #227206

Update on Aven...

...I'd like to provide the board with an update on the 8 year old child named Aven who's in the terminal stages of brain cancer. He's actually fairly stable right now & I'd like to share the latest blog posting his mother wrote. I'd also ask for continued prayer for Aven & his family.

"HAPPY BIRTHDAY (Aven's father)!!! It is my husband's birthday today and we celebrate every year with Ice Cream Cake. Aven is looking forward to this. I want this entry to be more upbeat than the last as I have many things to be thankful for. First, I want to thank everyone for their kind words. I have received emails, phone calls, and guest book signings with so many wonderful words. I want to thank everyone who cared for (Aven's sister) these past two days as we know she was in good hands. We take comfort knowing she is ok and having lots of fun with people who love her. I want to thank (a good friend) who has offered to bring a baby Alpaca to our house for Aven to explore. And I want to thank all those who are helping with Operation 31 gifts this year as there are so many of you. I want everyone to know the things I am thankful for as well. I am thankful (Aven's father) and I fell in love with a house that happens to be on a road with a cemetary. Yesterday, (Aven's father) and I decided this is where Aven's final resting place will be along with our own. We are thankful that Aven has recieved a wonderful invitation to the Star Wars Lucas Arts Ranch. We plan to go sometime in January as this will fill him with much joy. I am thankful Aven will get to enjoy Christmas this year at home with all his family and friends. I am thankful that so many will be dropping by over the holiday to fill his heart with joy. So many of you have wrote in about Aven being an inspiration, please do not ever forget that you all are an inspiration to us. We can not make it through this without all of you. Everyone of you have given so much to us in many ways. Through the words of wisdom you have given, the time in your heart which is so precious, donations that have helped make Aven's final days filled with joy, and just being here keeping up on him is truely a miracle. It is a miracle we all need to see at Christmas time.

Love to all.

(Aven's mother)"

Reply by jba/fl on 12/21/07 11:32am
Msg #227225

Thanks Dennis - I have not forgotten. n/m

Reply by Stamper_WI on 12/21/07 11:41am
Msg #227229

Such a full & meaningful Christmas they are having. My prayers are with them.
I grew up in that area and it is beautiful. The original Ranch was in the hills above San Anselmo and had formally been an extention and training center for a home for disabled children. They were early proscribers for training the disabled for jobs. They had to sell when Gov Ronald Regan cut the funding for their residents and many ended up at the State Hospital near Sonoma. That is when Lucas stepped in and bought it (Much of the first Star Wars Special effects was done at the original ranch.)
I was a volunteer worker for this facility in High school and grew attached to many of the residents that had to leave. Most had been working but the support systems we take for granted today (Social services, group homes etc) just weren't in place yet. So many wasted lives. I am glad that Lucas has taken this all to heart. It will be an awesome experience for Aven and his family.

Reply by Demore on 12/21/07 2:55pm
Msg #227276

http://www.theinterviewwithgod.com/

TO A KEEPER!

, One day a mother died.
And on that clear, cold morning,
in the warmth of her bedroom,
the daughter was struck with
the pain of learning that sometimes
there isn't any more.

No more hugs, no more lucky moments to celebrate together,
no more phone calls just to chat,
No more 'just one minute.'

Sometimes, what we care about the most goes away, never to return before we can say good-bye, or say 'I Love You.'

So while we have it . . it's best we love it . . And care for it and fix it when it's broken and take good care of it when it's sick.

This is true for marriage .... and friendships ..

And children with bad report cards;
And dogs with bad hips;
And aging parents and grandparents
We keep them because they are worth it, Because we cherish them!

Some things we keep --
like a best friend who moved away
or a classmate we grew up with.
There are just some things that
make us happy, No matter what.

Life is important,
and so are the people we know .
And so, we keep them close!

I received this from someone today
who thought I was a 'KEEPER'!

Then I sent It to the people
I Think of in the same way!

Now it's your turn to send this to all those people who Are 'keepers' in your life!


Thank you very much for sharing
Merry Christmas!!!