Saturday, May 23, 2009

Pictures of Paul

There is a nonprofit organization called Now I Lay Me Down to Sleep all over the world that takes pictures of your infants when the child has either passed away or is going to pass away. They are professional photographers that volunteer their time and their talents to families that want to remember their child. Eric and I received the photos and would like to share them with you. I think that they turned out beautiful. It is nice because Paul does not have tubes and tape all over him and he looks so cute.

We asked to take Paul off the respirator outside so that he had the opportunity to feel the sun on his face. It was such a neat experience.


Paul in his blessing outfit.


Our forever family.


His feet and hands were huge. He takes after his grandpa Steve.





He is such a beautiful boy.



Saturday, May 9, 2009

T-Ville



I remember when I went in for the job interview at Granite School District I had a good feeling about working there. But when they interviewed me at Taylorsville I told Eric if they offer me the job that I was going to tell them that I was going to think about it. But when they asked me if I wanted the job I felt like I shouted "yes". When I got in my car after the job interview I cried and cried and I remember talking to Paul while he was in my belly and saying I took this job for you. At the time I had no idea why I said yes and I was angry at myself and now that I think about it I feel like it wasn't me that said yes. After working there for the last few months I have enjoyed the people that I work with and I have a lot of fun being there. It is a whole different ball game here at Taylorsville than in California. Those of you who know me well know that I didn't have the best experience teaching special education in California.

Now when I see what Taylorsville has done for me in the last few weeks I realize why I said "yes".

This is an email from one of the teachers at Taylorsville.

In the first days after Paul was born the faculty wanted to do something for you. I had a particular sense at the time about how selfish my students had become in regards to thinking they should have to do no work from after Spring Break to the end of the school year. I also felt, that perhaps with our classroom doors across the hallway from each other that I might just be one of the people in the school that knows you the best.(at least by sight) the best. In regards to doing something for you, this little voice said to me as I looked at your classroom door, “If not you, who?” So, I walked to the office and told the administration that it would be really good for my students to take on a fund raiser in your behalf. As, I presented the idea to my students, a student in my first class, said we could call it a “McEntire Miracle.” And, that is how the “McEntire Miracle” began.

In the first days, I had faculty tell me that unless I started with something big, nothing big would happen. I quickly became overwhelmed with what everybody thought would work and would not work. Confused and overwhelmed with the idea that I should have to do one of their gigantor suggestions, I went home the first weekend and prayed until a little voice said, start it small (because physically that is what you can handle) and I will help you with the rest. It was not long until our McEntire Miracle began to take on a life of its own. My classes spent the next two days making and decorating and placing one can on every teacher’s desk and posters throughout the hallways.
For seven days, students were told your story and they began to give. My students went out during the lunch hour seeking donations and each day my fourth period class collected monies donated in each classroom. Initially, the students gave in ways; I did not think they would. After baby Paul died, I worried that the students would no longer see the need. However, that is not the case and each day faculty and students continued to be very generous. One teacher gave her stipend she received for an outstanding teacher award. A sweet ESL Vietnamese student in one of my classes, who has not said one word in class all year, shared your story with people at her sister’s work place, she alone raised $600. The cheer team donated proceeds from their Spring Variety Show. The suggested donation was $1.00 per person. One gentleman walked in and gave my student ticket takers $100. They were so excited.

Not only have people been financially generous, but they have also donated art skills, and printing needs.This morning we did a segment on the Fox 13 News about the McEntire Miracle.

It has been very good for my students. Each gaining some, based upon what they have given. We will continue to work hard from here to the end-of-the-school-year to see if we can’t make a McEntire Miracle happen.

We know that several of you have raised donations for us generously and we know that you will be blessed for your hard work. Thank you!

It suprises me everyday what the Lord blesses me with and I know Paul had a hand in this as well. I am so happy that I have such a great son and I thank my Heavenly Father everyday for him. I just can't wait for the day when I can raise him.


I found a cool mothers day poem for those who have lost their children. Here is the link