All are welcome to drop me a line via e-mail 
or through 'snail mail'
4-Given Ministry Through Music
7623 West Main Street, Ste. 8
Belleville, IL 62223
Please mark "atten:Caregiver"
Why a 'Care Giver's Room'?
This room was created out of the heart of a parent who walked in the role of 'Care Giver', and the need that is out there to share the joys, sorrows, ideas and resources that grow out of that type of relationship.
It is my deepest desire to have many examples here that will enspire, encourage and assist others as they walk down their care-giving path.
Before we go on to my own daughter's story, below, I'd like for you to visit DAVID
. His mother read Mariah Anne's story, and contacted me with her own precious miracle . . . after visiting, just hit the Care Givers button, and you'll come right back here.
Here is another wonderful testimony about a young boy named John
.
Mariah Anne's Story:
I have a lovely daughter, Mariah Anne, who was my 10th pregnancy, second child God allowed to be born into our family here on earth.
Our beautiful little girl was born on August 10, 1984 and instantly became a great source of joy in our lives. Her older brother (8 1/2 years old) was thrilled beyond all measure. Oh, such plans we had for our precious gift from God.
Then on December 8, 1984, after putting a smiling, giggling gal to bed, I, myself followed about 15 minutes later, only to have the Lord's prompting me to "Check Mariah!" - I struggled within my self, trying to convince myself that I'd just put her to bed, and that she was fine. The Lord, in His great mercy and kindness, continued to prompt me until I could not help but respond.
Getting up, finally, I checked on my sweet child. Instead of finding her peaceful form sleeping I discovered her gasping, struggling for even the slightest breath! I ran out to my husband, holding my 'rag-doll' child (who could no longer grab a breath), he got the car, I (breathing my breath into my child) grabbed my clothes and got in the car.
I remember it as though it were yesterday! It was a snowy weekend night, and we made the normal 20 minute trip in seven minutes only to discover a packed full emergency room - my heart sank - yet I ran in (still breathing into my little one) and stopped but a moment, tears streaming down my face, to say "My baby, she's not breathing!"
Praise be to God! They took her from my arms (despite all those waiting ahead of us) and started an air-way . . . thus we began what we call "before & after" . . .
Once the had gotten Mariah stabalized, they shipped her of to Children's Hospital. By now it was after 2 a.m., and when on the way to Children's she began throwing seizures. The doctors at the hospital did everything they knew how to try and stop her seizures, but after a number of hours and several more times of her not breathing and them having to revive her, the decided to put her into a phenobarbitol coma.
I was sure that all would be okay, once she opened up her beautiful blue eyes which wer e always so full of life. After ten days, they brought her back. When she opened up her eyes, they were still beautiful, but now empty, glazed and shallow. What was once so full of life, was just emptiness. My heart broke.
Mariah continued having seizures, but the death sleep was no longer there, however there was severe brain damage. CAT scans showed that 1/2 of her brain was now translucent, no longer there & functionable. For some reason, the brain cells were slowly dying off and we were told that she would not live to be a year old.
The whole family came to the hospital on Christmas Day to have our Christmas with our precious little girl, but were quite shocked when the nurses stated that they were ready to release her. I remember asking them "Are you sure? She is so very far from being 'stable'!" They said, "Yes." and we took her home. I can not walk as you can It takes me into shops to look Do not let me hear your snickers, I don't wish to hear your pity, All I need are friends around (c)kl 1999 - 2008
Mariah Anne is now 24 (was 15 in this photo), and loves whistle with her mommie!MARIAH'S SONG
or even run and play
but my special chair moves for me,
and carries me on my way.
at all the pretty things.
Into town, and all around,
like a bird - my chair - my wings.
or feel your angry stare.
If you've questions, please just ask,
the other hurts beyond compare.
or see a sad look in your eye.
I am a person of feelings
don't worry, I'll get by.
with many a caring face.
For with the knowledge of others love
I believe I'll win my race.