Please - spread the word and help this family!!!!

As I make my way through the blogging world, I "meet" all sorts of people. It has been so fun and interesting to read other people's stories and to get a glimpse into their lives.

I found out about LouAnn's blog through one of her real-life friends, Heather (who is the goddess behind My Husband Ate All My Ice Cream). LouAnn and her husband are trying desperately to adopt a little boy (and possibly a second child) from Eastern Europe.

Below is a message from LouAnn:

Okay, so we made the big announcement back in April. We were expecting! A few people even got a taste of their toes when they mentioned how they thought I had that 'pregnant' look. Well, as they began their "really?"'s and the "uh uh uh wow", I proceeded to tell them, 'yup, we're expecting.....a 3 year old... so just in case you're wondering that why my belly is so big.' Oh bless their hearts.

Anyway, so those who know that 2+2=4, knows that means we are adopting. So here's the kicker....a special needs child.....pause......inserted for the upcoming gasps. Now I stand with my hands folded as the mini processors compute their ammunition of questions. What? Why? How? Are you Sure? Do you realize x, y, and z?

Oh, if I could just have a $1 for every one of the questions and $2 for the duplicates.

Okay, I know I'm being just a tiny bit cynical. But, seriously, especially those who know me so well... do you really think that miss analytical, miss debater hasn't thought of all those things? I know they are just trying to help and contemplate all their own insecurities. Here's the best one though.....does David know? By the way, that's my husband of 8 years. Oh how the sarcasm begins to simmer! Nope, he doesn't know, its a surprise... I'm going to wrap it up and give it to him.

Alright, well, I feel better already. I've been trying so hard to remain positive and have swallowed so much sarcasm soup I have the squirts! Truthfully, I am uber grateful for all the generosity thus far. So I take a little immodium with a smile and hold it in.....until now. LOL!

Did I mention that this is going to cost $25,000. Yup, for real. Oh I did I mention that our family, like many who have traveled this road, fundraise nearly all of that money? Most of us who have become part of the Reece's Rainbow family have much deeper hearts than pocket books. Most of us are not first time parents who are unable to conceive and have various fertility benefits available for the adoption cost. Most of us have a deep inner calling to share the love our family has with a child who is not wanted because they are "disabled."

LouAnn's story is funny, and cynical.... but the urgency of the situation is not. Some of these differently-abled kids that are awaiting adoption are in big trouble. When they reach the age of 4 or 5, instead of continuing to be able to be adopted, they are institutionalized. Medicated, and bed-ridden for the rest of their lives with no hope of therapy, or anything to improve their quality of life. LouAnn and Dave are in a desperate race to try and bring their child, Jeremy, and possibly another little one, home as soon as possible.

Please, go to LouAnn's blog. Read their story. Donate if you can - even $1.00 will help. LouAnn has even pledged to cut off all of her beautiful hair and donate it to Locks of Love if they get a big enough donation!

They have various ways that you can donate. You can do it through the Reese's Rainbow site, you can buy some enchiladas if you're in the central Iowa area, you can participate in a raffle for a Target gift card - all of the information is on her blog.

And, if you're a blogger, you can blog about it. Spread the word, and broaden the network of people who may be willing to help out in any way possible.

Even if you're not a blogger, you can share this post. Share it on facebook, share it on twitter, even email it to a friend - just get the word out there somehow! Time is running out!

Thanks for reading!