August 13th is quickly approaching. I cannot believe it has almost been a year. This has been the longest year that has seemed to go by ever so quickly. In memory of Michael for his first birthday, we will be donating to Mercy NICU. I cannot speak highly enough of all the people, and their generosity, that we encountered while there. We only found out we were having a boy just a few days before we were admitted to the hospital. Our lives were pretty crazy from the time we were admitted to the hospital to the time he passed away. We had nothing for Michael, not one article of clothing, blanket, or stuffed animal. We were very fortunate that so many wonderful people donate to the NICU. Because of the generosity of others, Mercy was able to provide us with Michael’s very own BOY baby blanket and an outfit for him to be buried in after he passed away. A very special lady also makes all of the infants that pass away white robes and white baby blankets. All of these items are very precious to our family, as they are the few things we have that were Michael’s.
So, to celebrate their baby brother Michael’s first birthday and in his memory, our girls have decided to collect 100 stuffed animals. These stuffed animals will be donated to the brothers and sisters of babies in the NICU at Mercy (formally St. John’s) hospital. We ask that all donations be new and about the size of a beanie baby. The girls got the monkey in the picture after Michael passed away and they take it on family trips and put it in all the family pictures, even going so far as to name the monkey Michael. Although they know the monkey is not Michael, it gives them something tangible to remind them of him.
Also, Mike and I are donating baby bibles for Michael’s first birthday and in his memory to Mercy (formally St. John’s) hospital. These bibles will be given to the parents who have children in the NICU. The cost of the bibles is approximately $4.50 apiece. If you would like to contribute to the donation of the bibles or the stuffed animals please contact us before August 1st as we will be making the donation later in the month around Michael’s birthday.
We would like to thank everyone for their continued love, support and prayers through this past year! Mike, Jen and girls
UPDATE: I have had a couple of questions so I thought I would clarify things a little. If you are interested in donating( and don't live close to us) please send me an e-mail at -jgprosise@hotmail.com or you can message either mike or myself on facebook. We can give you our address where you can send the stuffed animals or donations. The christian bookstore by our house is going to special order the bibles for us. They are small baby bibles in pastel pink or blue (I will post a picture of one once they are in). If you prefer to send monetary donations please let us know if you want the money to go to the stuffed animals or the bibles. We appreciate everyone's help and will keep you updated with our progress to reach our goal!
