Ella can be very shy. Like any two-year old she likes to know the people in her life.
Over the course of the summer we have been in contact with a non-profit organization called, "Normal Moments". This is a family based business run in Naperville that finds volunteers to assist families in need.
The founder of Normal Moments is a mother. Her daughter battled cancer for a few years and in that time their family received an abundance of help from family, friends, and the community. In particular there was a friend named David. He was the type of person who would be at their doorstep at the drop of a hat. He did everything for them from lending a sympathetic ear while reserving all judgements to watching their house and pets. He was instrumental in their survival during the hardest times of their lives...and he was always, always there for them.
Sadly, the daughter passed away from the cancer. Her mother decided to reach out and give back to the community. She developed Normal Moments and finds volunteers to help families in need. She calls her volunteers, "Davids".
Our volunteer is a young woman named Erin. She is regarded as one of the most reliable, capable "Davids" that Normal Moments has ever had. We met Erin last week and set up a time for her to come and get to know Ava, Henry, and (especially) Ella. A week after our initial visit, Erin was back at our house getting an "Ella Crash Course".
We showed Erin how to hold Ella and how to get her in and out of her wheelchair. We had her place Ella in her swing and carry her around as we gave her a tour of the house. We spent time talking with her, letting her get to know our kids, and planning how she will be able to help us.
Yes, Ella was very shy at first as per usual. She did, however, take a shining to Erin and a relationship, that we hope blossoms, has begun.
We find ourselves very fortunate to have found Normal Moments and their prized "David", Erin.
Once again, we are amazed at how we are surrounded by people who truly want to help as they can.
Once again, despite how SMA tends to drag us backwards in so many ways we are making efforts to move forward in this way.
Once again, we fight the war that SMA has thrust upon us...and in this battle, our forces are now increased not only by one whose name is Erin, but by all those who volunteer and support Normal Moments.
Please watch the "Normal Moments" video...
