Hi Friends,

I wanted to update you on our day yesterday.  Sorry I wasn't able to write earlier - the last 24-48 hours have been very full!!! 

Here's a little bit about our afternoon.  We drove over to Duke in plenty of time for the event.  We were met there by Roger and some of our friends too.  As we waited for people to arrive, the children watched the fish in a large tank, played with some of the toys and enjoyed the kid-friendly environment.  Shortly after we got there, the gals from the Development office arrived.  They had brought the large check and refreshments.  We made introductions and spent some time talking while waiting for the doctors. 

Dr Carboni, Eliana's cardiologist, was there to receive the check along with the Head of Cardiology Dr. Rhodes.  Everyone was so nice and interested in talking with Rebecca about what she had done.  It was a little hard for Rebecca, but thankfully the whole affair was very low-key and comfortable.  She also warmed up as time went on and was even jokiheng with our cardiologist towards the end.

Here's a picture of Rebecca presenting the check to Dr Carboni and Dr Rhodes.  I'm in with Eliana (who they wanted in the photo). 

She did not make any formal speech - just answered questions and talked in small groups.  She was also able to set up some of her bracelets for sale on a table.  Several of the people there bought some.  One sweet moment was when a little girl came over to buy a bracelet.  She was there being treated for cancer.  Please take a moment to say a prayer for Megan - for God's healing touch to be on her body.  What an ordeal to have to go through this with a child!  I can only imagine the difficulty.

We had some refreshments afterwards - a hit with my younger boys.  LOL  We talked and laughed and just had a nice time.  I know that Rebecca enjoyed herself.  The large check is going to be displayed at Duke for awhile and then we will be given the check to keep. 

Here's a photo of our entire family on this big day!

Thank you for your prayers and good wishes.  Oh, there was no tv camera there.  Not sure what happened, but perhaps it was for the best so that Rebecca didn't feel so uncomfortable.  All in all, I'm proud of my little girl.  She was given a dream and then she followed through - something we can all learn from. 

Speaking of dreams, this song was one that I heard just a day before Rebecca made her donation.  I thought the message was a good one - and one that I need to remember for all of my children!

Mark Harris - Find Your Wings
It's only for a moment
You are mine to hold The plans that heavens has for you
Will all too soon unfold
So many different prayers I'll pray
For all that you might do
But most of all I want to know
You're walking in the truth
And if I never told you
I want you to know
That as I watch you grow

I pray that God would fill your heart with dreams
And that faith gives you the courage
To dare to do great things
I'm here for you whatever this life brings
So let my love give you roots
And help you find your wings

May passion be the wind
That leads you through your days
And may conviction keep your strong
Guide you on your way
May there be many moments
That make your life so sweet
Oh but more than memories

I pray that God would fill your heart with dreams
And that faith gives you the courage
To dare to do great things
I'm here for you whatever this life brings
So let my love give you roots
And help you find your wings

It's not living
If you don't reach for the sky
I'll have tears as you take off
But I'll cheer as you fly

I pray that God would fill your heart with dreams
And that faith gives you the courage
To dare to do great things
I'm here for you whatever this life brings
So let my love give you roots
And help you find your wings

Blessings,

Leslie