So entered school number three, a small Christian school with a ‘smaller’ tuition. A school with some wonderful believers who prayed with her and for her…and some that didn’t… A school that didn’t always understand what bullying could look like and often labeled her a ‘tattle tail’ when she accused her tormentors or those who said… ‘you are the problem, you need to stop being different’…
but she is ‘different’.
‘Different’… she is loud…she is vivacious….she is tenacious….she is funny….she is naive….she is caring…she is dramatic….she is smart…
she is ‘different’, she has a heart of gold and the inability to be mean.
School number four was a very long journey…(hence this blog)…and a response to God. A step of faith that if we moved she would have a new life…
and so she does…
The Teen has been hugging me a lot this week…. and saying to me… “Mom, we did it!”…
and so we did….I always thought we would….
but we couldn’t have done it alone…so thank you…
for the best gift you’ve given us…loving and helping those that are ‘different’
….we did it.
I am so proud to know you Ellen, and to have shared part of Laura’s journey. Love to you all. Gotta go now as I am weeping profusely.
Dearest Pat,
I remember the words you said, when you first heard about the help that was being formed to find the money to keep Laura at Frostig…. it was, “We LOVE the Newman family, of course we want to help.” Could never have done it alone…she is all of our victory! Love you friend.
Des just met her new college roommate and we were warning her that Des has been known to bite…will have to have Laura fill her in to keep her out of harm’s way! Blessed to have walked some of this journey with you and Laura…Hugs
Oh dear friend, Judy…
Thrre were days that you were the only one who could help. I appreciate you so. See you in the Pacific Northwest sometime!
What a joy to read this email. God brought Laura especially to you Ellen. What a great mom you’ve been for her. Congrats to both of you. I’m so happy to hear from you. Ann
Dear Grannie Annie,
Thank you so much dear friend!
What a joy to read your account and see the happy (and beautiful!) result of so many years of loving persistent guidance on your part and perseverance on Laura’s part. May God bless you all!
Lauren,
Thank you so much!
That is one really special picture that indeed, says it all. xoxox
Thank you dear Les. You and Shelley were one of the first to help our girl. Bless you
Thank you all! Whether you’ve been helping me from day one or just a few weeks ago, you’ve helped me reach this point. Thank you all so deeply from the bottom of my heart. Thank you for the monetary, emotional, and sometime physical support (through hugs or medical visits). You have truly touched me and my family. I will go on to shine as bright as I can so you can say “I was there!” I will never forget the village that helped me become the woman I am. Thank you all.
Your photo says it all: Joy, love, inner beauty shining through outer beauty, triumph and victory – what inspiration!
Margaux,
Thank you for your beautiful words, they mean a lot to me.
Ellen
I’ve got such a lump in my throat, Ellen! This is just a wonderful, touching, loving post. Thanks for sharing something so personal. Laura is one lucky young lady to have you for her mom.
Dear Les,
Thank you my friend…so much!
I thank God for the “village” that has surrounded all of you on this journey. Congratulations to all of you!!
Diane, thank you sweet friend.
What a wonderful picture! I got the Kleenex out as I type this. I can relate, as you well know. Congratulations on succeeding when many said it couldn’t be done. Never underestimate a tenacious mother and a kid who just never gives up!
I do know, you know! Hug your boy for me, Mims.
Oh wow ! So proud of you both and all those who helped along the way. The quilt ladies touched my heart also. To God be the glory. Kelli still has a quilt made by girls from our church, before she left for one of their overseas trips.
I hope Laura received a standing ovation. She had to work harder than all the rest. Love you both.
Thank you, sweet Grandma Diane!
Ellen! Laura! What FABULOUS news! What an accomplishment! What a lovely woman in that blue gown (and her mama, too)! Congratulations! I’m so happy for you ALL, and proud of your tenacity and positive energy! YAY!!!!!
xoxojen
Jenni,
Thanks so much…a long journey…but we did it!
Congratulations to the Teen, to you and the rest of your family who supported her along the way. You all made it happen. I wish her all the best as she moves to the next stage in her life. ZL Ellen!
Ami,
Thank you so very much!
I am in awe of both of you!!!!
Liz,
As you know, good friends liked you, helped so very much!
I love reading your posts, they always have a positive affect on my day, this was the best one yet!
So sweet!! Thank you!
So moving – that is a mothers heart in print. Nicely done and congratulations.
Thank you dear Hopesource friends. I feel like I finished marathon.
What a beautiful summary of a long, winding and rewarding road. Good for her and you! You’re making us a bit “misty” here at HopeSource with this one!
CONGRATULATIONS to all of you. What a journey life is, you have navigated it well Ellen.
Glad I haven’t put my mascara on yet! Well said mama!!!! Such a great photo of you 2!!!!!
Thank you Christa! It has been quite the journey, as you know…