"Life is not measured by the number of breaths we

take, but by the moments that take our breath

away.” Author Unknown


Saturday, September 13, 2008

Welcome to Connor's Blog!

Thank you for thinking of us and our families during this difficult week. In some ways it is so hard to believe that is has been a year since we were with our son. In other ways it already feels like it has been 50 years. We can't really even describe the feelings we have. It's tremendous. Both the loss and sorrow we feel...the memories are so real and so raw. At the same time, we feel such joy and happiness for Connor. We're so thrilled for him, for how amazing he must feel, for how wonderful it must be for him being in heaven with God. The feelings are definitely magnified right now, just as we thought they'd probably be. Please continue to lift us up in prayer as we journey through these days.


The video below was made with many smiles and many tears, as we thank God for what HE has done in and through our little boy's life. What a precious little guy, and how very, very blessed we are to be his parents.

We are so excited about this new blog and the opportunities it brings with the coming year! Connor's Blood Drive is coming up in just a few days and we know it will save lives in our community! How awesome is that? Connor would be so very excited! Some other really amazing news to bring to you today!

Introducing...CONNOR’S HOUSE

We are thrilled to share with you that we are currently working with a small team of people on the initial planning stages for ‘Connor’s House’. Many of you will wonder what kind of house this is exactly? We feel it is just the kind of place that would make Connor proud, helping children and families and meeting a huge need… Read on!

The long term goal of the Connor’s House team is to develop a Pediatric Respite and End of Life Care Facility that will provide support to children with life-limiting illnesses and their entire families as they journey throughout the stages of the child’s illness, through their death, and then as the family faces the grieving process. This is our long-term goal.

In order to help support families currently struggling with life-limiting conditions, we are actively doing the following:

  • Educating ourselves and others about Palliative Care, Respite, and End of Life Care for children with life-limiting conditions; through research, ongoing communication with professionals in these fields and hopefully through attending the Children’s Hospice International – Pediatric Palliative Care Conference this Fall in California.
  • Providing support for many families currently journeying through the challenges of providing day to day care for their children with life-limiting illnesses.
  • Working to help the medical profession better understand the needs of children and families dealing with life-limiting illnesses, through speaking engagements at local hospitals and conferences.
In order to make Connor's House a reality in the future we are also working on the following:

  • Forming a planning team and advisory board.
  • Defining our Services and Model of Care.
  • Ongoing communication with the only free-standing children’s respite and end of life facility in the US and making contact with similar homes in Canada and the UK.
  • Holding meetings with a Fundraising Consultant/Event Planner.

We need YOUR HELP to make this happen!

“I am only one, but still I am one. I cannot do everything, But still I can do something;
And because I cannot do everything I will not refuse to do the something that I can do.”

- Edward Hale

To begin to fulfill this dream, we have set up “Connor’s Fund”, where anyone can donate funds to support the efforts of Connor’s House! We’d love to start off this next year remembering our son in such an amazing way. If you’d like to give in Connor’s memory towards Connor’s House, please follow the directions below to make your tax-deductible donation:

Make your check payable to Bethlehem Church - Connor’s Fund”

Send your check to:

Connor’s Fund
c/o Bethlehem Church
758 Rt. 10

Randolph
, NJ 07869

Attn: Scott Millard

We are grateful to the Board of Bethlehem Church for their support of Connor’s House and willingness to be the sponsor and administrator of Connor’s Fund while we take the steps necessary to prepare to create an independent 501(c)(3) organization for Connor’s House. 100% of all donations will be used solely for the work of Connor’s House.

10 comments:

Anonymous said...

This video is unbelievably beautiful and inspiring--there is so much joy, and laughter and love at a time when so many people would have given up. I'm sending this link to everyone I know and getting out an envelope to send my check for Connor's House. While I can't yet give as much $ as I'd like, I will give of my heart...anything--really, anything that you need. May God Bless you today and every day! Connor chose the right parents. Michele Pierce Burns

Aimee Ashley Myers said...

I love the blog and the video was wonderful. Connor's House sounds like an exciting venture. I so much admire what you guys have done to continue Connor's legacy in ways that you can help other children and families. You are in my prayers today and always. My heart is aching today, but I am celebrating with you as you mark Connor's first year in Heaven. Love you.

Stephanie said...

Deb and Scott,
you two are so awesome!! I am sobbing and praising God for the work that you do in HIS name. What an awesome way to honor Conor.

Stephanie and Teddy

Anonymous said...

Deb and Scott,
Love the new blog. The video is a fantastic way to recall all the wonderful times with Connor!
Thank you for sharing the joy and the pain.
Love ya,
Dad

Anonymous said...

What a wonderful way to honor such a wonderful person!

Karen Owens said...

Looks Great - Love it! Our prayers are with you -- you are an amazing women who I am greatful for.

Joan Jones Family said...

This is awesome news!!! something that is very much needed in all areas...we know how hard it is not to have anyone to watch Hannah when we need a vacation even...Parents with kids on hospice need someplace safe...thanks for all the work you do....
joan & hannah grace
http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/hannahgrace95

Anonymous said...

Deb and Scott - I was beyond words when I read about connor's house. I want to help in any way I can. The video was wonderful - it really shows Connor's spirit and how special he is. It really means alot to me that I was able to share in connor's life and yours. I am so blessed to know Connor. Thanks for sharing Connor with all of us.
love, Gayle

Alison said...

Deb and Scott, what an amazing and generous gift you are giving to others, and to Connor, in the dream of Connor's House. I can't wait to hear things progress!

Anonymous said...

WOW...the video is absolutely beautiful! I am crying with you...and smiling...what a beautiful boy...what a beautiful legacy and testimony of God's love. I am blessed to have shared even just a small glimpse of it...
Thank you for sharing your amazing son with the world. His love will live on through Connor's House. May God continue to hold you close...
Love, Michelle Kiger