On camera

I feel like I need to tell everyone about Williams Syndrome so that people are aware. Aware that this 1: 30,000 genetic disorder is possible and to have your baby's heart checked at birth. Though WS is genetic, the majority of heart defects in children are not. "Congenital heart defects are responsible for more deaths in the first year of life then any other defect...10,830 babies are born each day in the US, and 411 of them are born with a defect". Check out this website for more statistics on heart defects. *NOT a medical website*

So I was thrilled when a WVU student came by the McDonald house the other day asking to interview me. I have been here the second longest [the parents "in first" have been here four months] and she wanted to ask me a few questions like how I liked the McDonald house, where I would be without it, and what brought me here in the first place. What I didn't realize is that I would be on camera.
*Gulp*
I have no problem talking to people and sharing our story, but when there is a big black camera staring at you with a very bright light shining in your face...it's not so easy. She told me not to look into the camera, which didn't bother me, I would have needed sunglasses to keep from squinting. She asked me where I would be without the McDonald house:
"Either broke trying to stay in a hotel or sleep deprived sleeping in the hospital room."
"Why is this house better then a hotel?"
Now let me say, to me this was a silly question. How can I count the ways? They feed me (for free). I have my own room where family can stay with me (free), laundry (free), internet (free), game room (free)...you see the reason?
I can stay here for as long as I need, they provide everything I need from towels to toilet paper and in the end, if I can't pay the small $12/day, then they say "Ok!".
I made sure to mention Peanut's Williams Syndrome (awareness!), give a shout out to my hubby for all the driving he does, and to express my sincere appreciation for the McDonald House. I figure that even though it will be mainly silly college kids watching this video, that maybe what I say will effect one of them. That maybe one of them will decide to volunteer or donate after seeing what a help this place has been. Awareness is so important.

I never thought I would be "that parent" of a sick kid. I never dreamed that one day I would be sitting by my newborn's bedside, praying that he lives through the night. You may hear stories about other parents, about other kids, but you don't think past it. You push it aside, wave it away "oh that will never happen to me." Well let me say kids, it can happen. And it happens to thousands of people a day when they learn their kid has an illness. I'm not trying to gather pity, I'm trying to spread awareness. Be aware that you are so lucky. Your child is healthy, breathing, and thriving. Hug your child, breath in their wonderful kid smells, and thank God you are able to hold them. Be thankful that they are able to run around you house, making a mess and spilling their sippy cup. My child can't breath on his own, let alone run. He can't drink from a bottle because it literally is so hard on his heart he works up a sweat. So mothers, even just for a moment as you a tucking your baby into bed, send a prayer up and thank your lucky stars for your beautiful, messy, sticky, stubborn, and amazing baby.

Signing out,
just a mom <3