I have mentioned several times how blessed we are to live in Marshall and tonight was yet another outstanding reminder. At 7:30 this evening at the City Park there was a beautiful candlelight prayer vigil organized by Cindy Duncan to honor all of the precious kids from the community that have been treated at different children’s hospitals. Cindy is Charley Rae’s grandmother. There were so many wonderful moments but one that was really extraordinary for our family. We had the opportunity to visit with some of the first responders from Madie’s accident. Matt’s mom was sitting in a chair holding Madie and I looked over and she had a group of Marshall Fire Department employees crowded around, all of them wearing HUGE smiles on their faces. When I finally had the opportunity to talk with them I could only say thank you and hug them because I wasn’t wearing waterproof mascara, not to mention I was afraid that if I started crying I might never stop and it was still very early in the evening. I’m sure you are all wondering why we haven’t made a trip to visit with our heroes yet but I promise we have been planning a visit to the fire department and police department since we got home in November but just haven’t got ourselves organized yet. Now that we are so close to the one year anniversary of Madie’s accident Matt and I feel like it would be really incredible to share that special occasion with all of them. Look for that update sometime in August! In an accident like Madie’s every second her little heart wasn’t beating and every second she was without oxygen is devastating. The CPR and the care she received from all of the first responders was vital to her survival and we will never be able to repay them for what they have done for our family. They have had a huge impact on our lives and I have no doubt in my mind that Madie has done the same for them.
Here are a couple of links that I have been meaning to post for almost a month now.
This is story from the Marshall News Messenger about a few great dads from Marshall, but I don’t think you’ll have any trouble figuring out which one I think is the BEST!
Here is a story from the Dallas Morning News and there is also this little video. Funny little tidbit, after doing this interview I realized that my pants had been unzipped the entire time. I told myself that there couldn’t be THAT many people that read the Dallas Morning News, but alas, it didn’t make the paper. There are few things in the story that are quite correct, but I’m pretty sure that all of you reading this know Madie’s story.
In other Skinner family news, sweet Molly Michael decided she would remove all of the cushions from our couch and then proceed to jump on said couch. After roughly 10 seconds of jumping she fell and fractured both bones in her arm. Poor girl. She just learned to swim with her floaties and that is all she wants to do. Good news is that she only has to wear her cast for 3 weeks! Hopefully July 26th will be her last day with the cast and then she get back in the pool.
I promise, promise, promise I will update in the next couple of days with an update on Madie’s progress. I have so much to tell but it is already after midnight and I am worn out!
If any of you are in Marshall and you have kids ages 6-12, please contact the Boys and Girls Club at 903-935-2030. There will a fundraiser for Anthony Herman this Saturday. From 8:00-12:00 they will host a cheer camp and from 1:00-5:00 they will host a basketball camp. If you would like to help but do not have kids I am sure that there are children would love to attend but may not have the funds to do so. Finally, please remember to pray for Jaci Mitchell. She has had a rough couple of weeks but has still managed to work hard and amaze everyone around her.
Thank you all for continuing to keep up with Madie’s journey and thank you for continue to pray for our family.
With greatest gratitude,
Kristin, Matt, Molly Michael and Madie
