I don't know what I would do without my Shalee-Bug ...

Shalee Hope was born six years ago: she was an answer to our prayers.  Doctors said I would never bear children: God had other plans.  As a result, Shalee was brought into our lives and we couldn't be any happier.

There were, however, poroblems.  Shalee was born with special needs, so her life isn't typical.  Shalee was born with spina bifida that left her lower limbs paralyzed; she has had numerous surgeries/hospitalizations: her first surgery was performed at two days old.

Shalee is our oldest child.  We have since had two more: another girl named Sheela Renee' (4) and a little boy named McClain Patrick (he will be two come Christmas Day).  Happily, McClain and Sheela are bursting with health.

Shalee has had many struggles in her life, but her attitude remains as sunny as ever.  Nothing will ever slow her down: surgeries, hospital stays, falls, doctor's appointments, evaluations, whatever.  Shalee is the same sweet-natured little girl she has always been.  

Some people say that we are cursed with a child like Shalee, but I beg to differ:  to us, Shalee is nothing more than a blessing from God.  She is more, much more, than her wheelchair, braces, or overall health.  She is a child full of love and joy and has taught us the true meaning of faith, hope, and courage (hence, her middle name, which is, in fact, "Hope").  We don't mind the inconvenience that her disability brings upon us; we will be there for her every step of the way.  

Well, my husband wants me to get a little sleep before The Big Event In The Sky in a few hours.  There is going to be a total lunar eclipse and the moon will look much larger than normal.  The sun will also be rising, so you will have the blood-red moon on one side of the sky and the dazzlingly bright sun on the other.  It is really going to be something to see!  

Until later, this is Becky Brenner, Shalee's mother, signing off.  I thought you would like to know about my daughter and why she is so special to us, in more ways than one.  I hope you liked my story.  Anyway, take care and may God bless you as much as He's blessed us over the years!

~Love, your new friend in Oregon, Becky.  :)