Branches on the Journey

As each day passes life is never the same again. new opportunities arise and present themselves - those who have gone before us forbears and children a like whisper call to us "Carpe Diem" - "Seize the day"- Gather the rosebuds while ye may - like the following scene from Dead Poets Society


What a reflection what a call to life, a call to live. I can hear Elijah say to me "seize the day Dad. seize the day". This is very reflective of these last 8 weeks. In short, my life has dramatically changed and it will never be the same again.

Part One. I received a text message on the 26th of November 2009. It was from a close brother I know from Church who lives in a in a seaside town 3 hours north of Christchurch. In the message he was asking for my assistance and sent me on some other texts outlining what he was asking me/inviting me to do. I was eager to know what the request was. I learned that it was a call from the Lord, the way of the cross. I was asked to contact a family L & M and their 10 month old daughter A. L had come to Christchurch to see the dr. She has some cancer (melanoma) removed from her body earlier in 2009, but after experiencing pain inher back and being put off by doctors in her town came to Christchurch to see and oncologist. In short she was told she had advanced cancer in her liver pancreas an other parts of her body, M and L learned that news and would I go and pray or at least make myself known as they did not have any family or extended family in Christchurch and so I said I would go and meet them and see from there. I went an met them an prayed with them and the journey began... one that would transform my life. On the second day I found myself saying "Lord I am not sure this is a call for me but, if you prompt me I will go and if I open my mouth, please fill it with words" Little did I know how much the Journey with Elijah was to have prepare me for this but I knew that he accompanied me on the Journey. It' late her in NZ and so I will need to continue.

Peace be with all readers of this blog and those whom they Love
Darren

Continuation the Journey Continues.

It is at the Bellabash site - www.bellabash.com that you can here Regie's song Angels wiating on wings. I was captivated the first time I heard this trak like the eyes of a stunned possum caught in the headlights. It was a preface to a DVD presentation by Dr Ed Weber from Foundation for Angelman Syndrome Theraputics FAST which was recorded in Australia earlier in the year. I watched this introduction and was touched by the wondeful smiling photos of individuals with AS that accompanied the description of Angelman Syndrome and the work of FAST . I though it was great but was quite overwhelmed when as the credits were about to roll here was a picture of my son Elijah. Tears filled my eyes as I remembered that Meagan mum of Molly from Cairns Australia, had asked me several months ago for a photo of Elijah to use in a collage. I was very blessed to see Elijah there.

The most recent project that involved Elijah was to work with Maiddy, a member of the Board of FAST
The project was to work with Maiddy to contact other Angelman Syndrome Parents whose children had died to invite them to be partof the video project. The video was shown at the FAST Gala which was held in Chicago on Dec 4th - it was attended by Regie Ham and Colin Farrell both dads of hildren with Angelman Syndrome. It was also included on a DVD given to all those who attended the Gala which raised funds for Angelman Syndrome Research. Parents photos of their children to be honoured at the end of the video a number of families did and so this was wonderful to see this come together. I hope to be soon be able to post a link to th video presentation

More to come.... Peace be with you and Yours Darren and Elijah