My mission for Hayes

Ever since I got done with college, I have prayed about what God truly wants me to do with this life he has given me. What is my calling? What is my purpose?  Is it teaching? I feel like I'm good at teaching and I love my job, but I question if this is all God wants me to do. When we lost Hayes after spending our night in the NICU, I felt a strong push to become involved with March of Dimes. It wasn't an immediate push, but I can honestly say there was a nudge here and there.

March of Dimes has a mission to help babies and families that are in the NICU. They have developed medicines that have saved countless babies lives. This organization helps moms have full term pregnancies and researches the possible problems that could threaten the health of babies. I know much of this research was used when trying to save our son's life. Other than the doctors and nurses, March of Dimes developed medicines that gave our Hayes a fighting chance. I can't imagine the feeling of hopelessness that would have overcome us if we knew that there was nothing that could be done the moment he was born.

So, Hayes has helped me find my calling. I'm going all in with supporting the March of Dimes. My Hayes is going to help me save the lives of other babies that have to spend their first days or even months in the NICU. Of course, I won't be discovering medicines or redefining any research that has already been done, but I can raise money to help this organization. By helping March of Dimes, I can share Hayes' story with millions of other families and be a source of inspiration and hope in stressful times. This is the path God chose for me and who am I to try and deny this path?

I've set up a Family team to honor our sweet baby Hayes. We're going to be called, "Hall"ing it for Hayes. There are walks all across the country that support March of Dimes. If you or someone you know has lost a precious child, please encourage them to visit the March of Dimes website. Encourage them to create a Family Team to honor their child. By participating in a March for Babies walk, a family can connect with other parents who have experienced the same loss, or share in the joys of their child being saved with the help of NICU efforts.

If you feel that "push" to find out more about March of Dimes and get involved with saving future babies, please feel free to visit their website at www.marchofdimes.com, or if you would like to find a March for Babies walk, go to www.marchforbabies.org. If you live in the Central Texas area, I can help you set up a Family Team. All of our angel babies deserve to be recognized and honored at such an amazing event.

If you feel that "nudge" to donate to my sweet baby Hayes' team, you can at
http://marchforbabies.org/team/t2110311. Even if you don't feel that nudge, please share our Hayes' story with others. He deserves for everyone to know about the good fight he fought.

Every 8th brings new joys and blessings

The 8th of every month brings so many emotions to the surface. Hayes is 5 months old on this January day. Even though it is raining and cold outside where we are, I know Hayes is enjoying a beautiful sunny day surrounded by our loved ones. I always imagine Jesus raising him high in the air, like a proud father, and saying, "This is your day little man." Although I am sad that Hayes is not here with us on this January day, I smile knowing the glory he is experiencing at this very moment. 

God continues to amaze me. Cody and I have so many family members and friends that have given us a great deal to smile about. As I look back, I am starting to realize that God does put you in certain places in your life to create bonds with the people around you. He constantly uses friends and family around us to remind us of his glory. My Baylor soccer family set up a fundraising account to raise money so we could plant a tree and plaque in Hayes' honor between the soccer and baseball fields! What a blessing for us as Hayes' parents. I send many blessings to Lori Viggiano-Jones for coming up with this extraordinary idea and putting it into action. We will have a place to go and sit with Hayes and even enjoy a game or two at the same time. :) 

My dear friend Candace Robert sent the fundraising site to all our former soccer teammates. April Wilson and her teaching colleagues created lesson plans to help raise money for Hayes' tree. I am truly thankful for all the love and support that is overflowing for my family and our sweet baby Hayes.

Hayes is showing us all his love through the love of others. Thank you to everyone who has already donated to Hayes' tree. Tears of joy have streamed down my face many times over these last few days seeing the generosity of others. Please know that Hayes is smiling down on each and every one of you! Our angel is soaring to new heights because of you all!