BREAKING NEWS!!!!!

Jesus said unto him, If thou canst believe, all things [are] possible to him that believeth. Mark 9:23

Wow that is such a poignant scripture from the Bible and it moves me every time I read it. It just resonates with me the importance of faith in God. Looking back at this past year I can see how my faith has been tested and grown in numerous situations. But out of everything we've gone through this year - I have honestly been blown away by our journey fundraising for Atticus’ service dog. As I’ve mentioned before, a great deal of prayer went into making that leap of faith. We kept asking God that if this was not the right path for Him to close all of the wrong doors. We have yet to find a wrong door. 

I have been dreaming of the day when I would be able to write this post. I had thought it would be at least February or March before I could even start composing it in my mind. So here we are… a mere 5 weeks after we started fundraising to get Atticus a service dog. And I am so ecstatic but still in mild shock that WE HAVE REACHED OUR GOAL. Yes – you read that right and if you’re like me you may need a Kleenex!! As of last night we have $11,093.75. 

All of this has occurred in a matter of days. We’ve had several generous donations online and through the mail that helped boost our total. But in the last 5 days the most incredible things have occurred. First we received a $1,000 donation from a wonderful individual who wishes to remain anonymous. We were blown away by their generosity! Then a day later we received a card and check for $500 in the mail from the Dorcas Ruth Ladies Ministry at St. Paul United Methodist Church. The card said

“For your little angel. We would like to donate a portion of the amount you need to get a service dog for your son. Please accept this with the love and the prayers we send it. Your friends and family in Christ.”

This one really touched me because this is the church that I grew up in. My parents joined this church when I was an infant and they are still members. Many of these women watched me grow up and have known me for over 30 years. It really touched my heart that they thought of our family and wanted to help our little man with such a generous donation. 

The last incredible thing was like the other two – a complete surprise. We have known the Rice family for several years and think the world of Dana, Carol, Christian and Connor. Dana’s wife Carol said that he has always had great respect and admiration for service dogs. He also loves Mr. Atticus. Dana is an attorney in Gadsden and several weeks ago he contacted several of his friends and business contacts in the area. He announced that he would be pledging $250 to Atticus’ service dog fund and asked others to match his pledge. Tuesday night Carol handed me an envelope with $1,500. I was so blown away that I was crying too hard to even say thank you for several minutes. She said that Dana had taken this upon himself and hadn’t even told her what he was doing. He wanted to make sure that Atticus was able to get his dog. We are so thankful for this wonderful family.

Friends, I cannot tell you how much the last 5 weeks have impacted our lives. To see dear friends, family and even complete strangers go out of their way and give so generously to make sure that Atticus is able to get his service animal – it has been the most moving experience of our lives – Justin, myself and our parents. I mention our parents because they have been so supportive from day 1 when Atticus was diagnosed. And when we began our journey for the service dog – their response was no different, they were on board 100% - he was going to get his dog. They too have been touched by this experience. 

So Tuesday night we were ecstatic, thankful and in a little bit of disbelief! We said a prayer of thanks and I’m so glad God knows what’s on your heart because I’m not sure anyone else could understand the prayers being said through the sobs and tears of joy. 

Since we have now reached our goal, I contacted my dear friend Kora about our jewelry party fundraiser. We talked at length about canceling it. After much discussion and prayer we decided to keep the party scheduled as is for those that are already attending. Kora felt that the proceeds from the party should go toward our training camp costs when we receive the dog (7 days hotel, food and gas) as well as initial costs for getting a dog (leashes, dog bowls, vet bill, etc.). I was so torn on all of this as we have reached our goal. But – she pointed out that these women really wanted to help Atticus and even though our goal had been met that this was still helping him with his service dog. She also had the beautiful idea of donating what is left to a child at Wilderwood who is also in the fundraising process. I love this idea of paying it forward. If you have already signed up to attend the party we just want you to know how the proceeds will be used. But, these donations will not be tax deductible. What has surprised me the most though is that no one has been concerned about the tax deduction they would get – they just want to help Atticus. And Kora asked me to pass along this note: “Please still plan to attend the party. It will be a girl’s night celebration with pretty jewelry to play dress up with.” I love that girl and I am looking forward to our celebration as well. 

When we started this process we were constantly brainstorming on all of the fundraisers we could do. We thought about a chili supper and silent auction, a rummage sale, and Justin also had plans to do a 5K run. But now – FIVE weeks into the fundraising – we are finished! So, we will not be doing any future fundraisers and we no longer need any donations. But we do want to send a huge thank you to those that had offered to help with these fundraisers. And thank you everyone for your love, support and most of all your prayers. 

We had no idea that people would respond the way they have responded. Again – I cannot begin to express how amazing this has been for our family. We met our goal in FIVE WEEKS!!!!!!!! Can you believe it? We are still trying to wrap our heads around this revelation. If there was any question in anyone’s mind that it was not God’s will for Atticus to get this service dog – those doubts should be gone now.

 In our tearful prayer of thanks the night we realized we had reached our goal we thanked God for our sweet Atticus who has taught us so much and made us better people and better parents. We thanked Him for our amazing parents who made us who we are today. We thanked Him for all of the amazing friends, family and strangers who gave selflessly and with total love. We thanked Him for this amazing journey and for growing our faith and reminding us that when we give our cares to Him in total faith, He will provide. 

⁵ Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.

⁶ In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.  Proverbs 3:5-6