Thursday, September 2, 2010

Making Carol Joy Smile

Guys...I'm struggling. I have something i want to share with you, but I can't find the right words. When you have a child with special needs you instantly become a member of this club. You have an instant bond with moms you've never met. You see a child with their "extras"and you have instant love for them. My first experience with someone with special needs was my cousin, Carol Joy . At 8 years old she was diagnosed with a malignant brain tumor. The first surgery to remove the tumor left her in a comatose state for 2 months. When she woke up she was a different Carol Joy, she had become a member of "the club".

Have you ever wondered what its like to feel the Saviors love? Be in a room with Carol. Having the many disabilities including partial facial and vocal chord paralysis and the inability to walk on her own, she was a constant inspiration to others. Using her story to teach and inspire, she was a poster child for the Ronald McDonald Charities and many other organizations. No matter where she was, if there was a baby in the room it was in her arms. I'll never forget the day she came to visit Davy in the NICU.
Their spirits connected. I had never seen Davy lock eyes with someone and not break away. Davy didn't stop smiling. I'll never forget the spirit in that room.


What is the first thing you notice in a person? Is it their eyes? You know me, I've always been a
sucker for a big clefty smile. ...........

2 weeks ago Carol Joy had a surgery to help her smile again. It was just one of the many surgeries she had to endure. She came home from the hospital on her way to recovery. Unexpectedly, 4 days ago she was rushed to the hospital fighting for her life. While this surgery may not have fixed her smile here on earth I know she's smiling again in heaven!


Over the past year I've been on the receiving end of incredible amounts of service waiting for the opportunity to pay it forward. This is where you come in my blogging friends. Carol's passing was completely unexpected and came at a difficult time financially for the family. With a humble heart I'm asking for your help in their behalf. There's been a ProPay account opened in her behalf. A nickel, a dime, a dollar, a thousand :) anything you could give. Please click HERE!!!!!!!!

Carol Joy I love you. And you are officially hired as Davy's guardian angel!



10 comments:

Unknown said...

beautifully said! thanks for sharing the story and the pictures!

Georgia said...

Such a beautiful story....and what a lovely little angel Carol Joy must be.

I tried a few times to donate, and the site was having some problems. I will try again tomorrow.

Keeping your entire family in my prayers. Big hugs!

tracyjax said...

I'm so sad. I remember the day that Carol Joy went in for surgery all those years ago. She was so cute and so sweet through all of the physical challenges that followed. She was such a blessing to her family!

Caitlin said...

What a beautiful tribute. I think we relate to others "in the club" because we can understand (to a point) what it is like. Even when the issues that face our children are completely different, the emotions are the same. Thanks for reminding us of that.

Melany said...

such a sweet and sad post. davy is so lucky to be surrounded by so much loving family.

shellybellylarson said...

I totally agree with what Caitlin said. As you know, I'm the mom to a special needs 19 yr old son...who is my heart. Even though our kiddos are all "differently abled", we all share a common bond...and we are all blessed in so many ways.

Thanks for sharing the story of precious Carol Joy...an angel that has now earned her wings. ♥

as always, big hugs to you..mommy warrior...stay strong !

Cathy Woodruff said...

I am so sorry to hear about Carol Joy passing. Throughout the years I have heard you guys talk about her and I wanted to meet her so bad (I would have loved to have been her one on one aide). My prayers are with the Knapp family. I wish that I lived closer so I could help.

firefam247 said...

I worked with Carol Joy for 3 years as a one on one adie for her at her high school. She was an amazing girl who had a heart of gold. She will be deeply missed by so many. She will always have a place in my heart and will never be forgotten! I'm sure she is looking down from above with a huge smile! Carol Joy you will be missed!!!

dawnfijman said...

iam so sorry of your loss.thank you so much for your story.she is a blessing.

Jessica Crozier said...

I'm so sorry to hear of Carol Joy's passing. I am a part of "that club" too. The mom of a child with special needs, so I feel your pain. Emma's diagnosis could've come with a midline deficiency as well. Anyway, I found you from CJane and wanted to say hi from a mom who's been there (and is still a member), too.
Jessica
www.jumpingwaves.com