above AND beyond

A couple months ago, I received an email from my sister-in-law that brought me to tears. She was writing to let me know that her and Granny Smith were putting a team together in honor of Landon at the 2011 Walk for Children with Apraxia of Speech in Kansas City. They spent a month raising money and putting together an amazing event to honor our beautiful son along with the countless other children who have Apraxia of Speech. Granny Smith designed a Thomas the Train tent which had our pictures in the windows that allowed us to be there "in spirit". They also brought along a makeshift "Dixie" with wheels attached to symbolize Landon's horse back home. They went above and beyond anything I could have imagined and I'm SO very blessed to call them family! Thank you to all who have supported this cause that affects so many children worldwide and challenges our beautiful boy on a daily basis. We love you! 

Team "Rif Raf Raftery"!!!

Landon's medal! 

"In Your Silence"

~Sarah Grainer

In your silence I hear your fear,

Your need to have me always near,

The fear you won't be understood.

Speak my child - if only you could.

Some people don't know, they say "He'll be alright!"

They don't see the pain, the anguish and fright.

You understand all that they say and infer,

Yet you cannot respond - a pain you incur.

My love for you is simply not enough,

To get you through life, at times will be tough.

But I will help you grow with all in me,

You shall find your voice, this I guarantee.

Your voice will be strong, your words so proud.

You will one day stand tall and speak out loud.

You won't fear anymore, not being understood.

It is then that we'll know we did all that we could.

So for now in your silence I hear your fear,

Your need to have me always near.

The fear you won't be understood,

One day will be gone - it will be gone for good.