Eli's Journey

The crowd gave Elijah a standing ovation when he crossed the finish line. You'll see why...

Today was Eli's mini lap. David transformed his little push car into McQueen and Eli was pushed 3/4 of the lap and then out of his car to scoot the remaining bit. Eli received a standing ovation and lots of cheers. Eli raised $9,500!!!! Thank you to all of Eli's supporters for your gifts to this amazing school and for your continued prayers for Eli. We had SO much fun!!! Video to come very soon. Love you all! Melissa

Eli is enjoying life. Currently watching his favorite movie...Cars! Ka Chow! We are only six days before Mini Laps closes. If you haven't made your gift, please follow this link to give. Eli has already raised $4,400, so many, many thanks to his fan club for your generous help for a very worthy cause. Donations must be made by September 22. http://littlelighthouse.donordepot.com/civicrm/contribute/pcp/info?reset=1&id=52 I cannot wait to show you pictures of Eli making his lap! Second, if you are in need of something from Pampered Chef, be sure to order on my show before September 22. Click the link below, then click on "shop online" in the lower left corner and enter my name as hostess: Melissa Ramirez. Make sure to check out September's special. http://www.pamperedchef.biz/pccheftamara I love you all! Melissa

Eli's thumb! Stitches are still intact, but will soon dissolve. Yay for Eli's new thumb. I have no doubt that the brilliant people at the Little Light House will teach him how to use his new thumb in no time at all. Love, Melissa

Elijah enjoys eating (by mouth) pineapple pear baby food. So far it's the only thing he opens his mouth up for a second, third, fourth, fifth and sixth bite...sometimes even more. Just tickles me pink. We maintain our technique of putting a jar of baby food in every bottle we feed through his tube. We also try at least once a day to feed Eli the baby food before we add it to the bottle. Twice, he's chowed on pineapple pears. This is a HUGE accomplishment. He isn't gagging or spitting it out. He actually eats. Now, I know we have a really long way to go to have him eating 100% by mouth, but that is the goal and we will achieve. I've been admiring Eli's feet today right alongside visions of him running. I know I cannot have both and my choice is definitely running. I believe Eli would make the same choice if he were older. Pray for grandma Bobbie. She is really sick again. The picture is gma Bobbie and Eli last weekend watching Cars...Eli's favorite movie. He can ...

I spoke today with the care coordinator for Dr. Gates at the Shreveport Shriner's Hospital. She had talked to the good doctor about Eli who said he was intimately aware of Elijah's case and didn't need to see him again before his surgery to amputate his feet. So, with tears running down my cheeks , I scheduled the surgery for early in January. Eli will start a new year with his precious feet removed. My mom and I are working at growing our faith so that we have an easier time accepting this necessity. I will admit that it is the most difficult decision we've faced thus far...and we've had some really tough decisions. David told me he isn't sure how he'll give consent for this procedure. Part of getting accurate surgeries these days is that you have to tell the nurses exactly what is going to be done...we've done it NINE times...but the tenth won't slide off the tongue as easily. One of the good things is that we have almost four months before his su...

Our dear friend Susie remains in the hospital recovering from surgery. Continue to remember her in your prayers. Elijah is advancing. He says "this way" as he points to where he wants to go and when he doesn't get his way he throws a 2 year old's tantrum and I love it. I'm so glad that I'm finally to a point where I can look back and remember when I wasn't sure he'd be able to do the things he can do now. When Eli was tiny, I had a dream that I was holding him and he dropped his beloved pacifier and I bent down so he could reach it and said "pick it up" and he did. I remember hoping with my whole heart that would come true one day...and it has. My next dream is to see him running past through the windows to the backyard. He has figured out to let me hold him around the chest and he walks on his knees. I am certain he will be a quick learner when that time arrives. David is looking to find Sophia a voice teacher. It is the main thing she tells...