Aubrey Rose Foundation

I took Julia to an audition for an American Girl Doll fashion show. I admit, I am normally one to turn my nose up at child auditions for anything but Julia loves those dolls and the info said to have her dress normally and not wear makeup. They wanted REAL girls. This seemed okay to me. I looked up the charity that was running the event as a fundraiser. I was interested and felt they were a good organization. But I was non-committal. When we got there, we checked in and after taking Julia's measurements they guided us to an area to watch a short video and hear about what the Aubrey Rose Foundation ( www.aubreyrose.org ) was. I teared up. This couple lost their baby girl to congenital heart disease but not before traveling all over creation trying to fix her! After she passed away suddenly, they began this foundation to help families who are facing financial hardship because of an illness.

Having three children, and seeing the toll that my own father's illness has had on my family, I immediately realized just how hard it must be for a family when a child gets sick. For instance, my father is able to go to most of his appointments on his own. I only help out when he has a major procedure or health event. Families with sick children have no choice like I do. If it was really inconvenient for me to help my mother, I'd ask her to check with one of my siblings. You can't do that when it's your own child! And your other children have to be on the back-burner out of necessity at times.

I am so glad God helped put me there this morning. I needed this. I take it for granted that my kids are well. I only help my parents when my siblings can't or when it's a major event. I am looking forward to volunteering for this organization. And I will from now on, pray for families struck with an ill child.