Funeral for Homeless

As a bagpiper, I play many gigs. Recently I was asked by a
funeral director to play at a graveside service for a
homeless man. He had no family or friends, so the service
was to be at a pauper's cemetery in the Kentucky back
country.

As I was not familiar with the backwoods, I got lost and,
being a typical man, I didn't stop for directions. I finally
arrived an hour late and saw the funeral guy had evidently
gone and the hearse was nowhere in sight. There were only
the diggers and crew left and they were eating lunch.
I felt badly and apologized to the men for being late. I
went to the side of the grave and looked down and the vault
lid was already in place. I didn't know what else to do, so
I started to play.

The workers put down their lunches and began to gather
around. I played out my heart and soul for this man with no
family and friends. I played like I've never played
before for this homeless man. And as I played 'Amazing
Grace,' the workers began to weep. They wept, I wept, we all
wept together. When I finished I packed up my bagpipes and
started for my car. Though my head hung low, my heart was
full.

As I opened the door to my car, I heard one of the workers
say, "I never seen nothin' like that before and I've been
putting in septic tanks for twenty years."

Apparently I'm still lost....

My cousin sent this and I thought it was too funny!!

Happy Birthday Baby Girl

28 years ago I had a one day old beautiful baby girl. She was born after an emergency cesaerean section where she and I almost lost our lives. I had heavy anesthesia so the first night she was born Al had to help me hold her. She was a tiny little thing, 6 pounds and 12 ounces but she was perfect in every way! You could see from the beginning her curiosity. She has never been one to just go with the status quo, it has to make sense to her. She is my strong willed child. Even as a toddler she made decisions that were worth a butt whooping to her. During her early toddler years she had to deal with alot of illness from me. One time I told her just wait until your Dad gets home and she said "I don't care." and she didn't, it meant that much to her. She found her place in this world and no one was going to "make" her do anything that she didn't want to or that she felt was incorrect. Al's Grannie became Alanna's second Mom. Alanna would brush her hair, play stewardess for her and generally just have fun. When Al would bring her to the hospital to me she would try to take out my IVs and I could hear her screaming all the way down in the elevator. I would just lay and cry at what I was missing. Alanna is a very loving child and felt like her place in this world was in mine or Al's lap. As much as she was my baby she was just as likely to be found under the school bus with her Dad changing the oil.




She is a very intelligent young lady and decided by second grade that she was going to be Valedictorian in High School. Her second grade teacher thought that would be wonderful and asked her to remember her in her speech. Alanna was valedictorian but at her High school they didn't give a Valedictory Address.
She grew into a beautiful Christian young woman who knows her worth in Christ but I don't think she has ever really realized her earthly beauty. I know I am her mother but the girl is gorgeous and when her eyes light up, everyone melts. Her commitment to her Savior has been evident since she made it. At one time I thought she was called to women's ministry but God uses her everywhere she goes and she is open to His work.
She is now a wife and mother of her own 2 precious girls. I know that she is having some of the same feelings that I had and that warms my heart. She is an awesome mother, wife, and daughter and I thank God for blessing me with her.
I love you Alanna Kelley

Mommy Rhapsody

Mommy Rhapsody from Church on the Move on Vimeo.

Walk For Hope

Here is the link to an article from the Destin Newspaper about our Hope.
http://www.thedestinlog.com/common/printer/view.php?db=destinlog&id=13124

Donor Letter from Hope's school

Matt, Karstyn, Hope, and Alanna Traylor Christmas 2009


Dear Potential Donor:
Brilliant Minds is a nonprofit organization founded to lead the struggle against the effects of neurodevelopmental disabilities such as Autism, ADHD and Down syndrome. We implement the practices of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA)/Verbal Behavior, which scientifically is the most empirically validated, evidence based treatment known today. ABA is the science to understanding and improvement of human behavior, which focuses on objectively defining observable behaviors of social significance (Cooper, Heron & Heward, 1987). The extensive use of applying behavioral techniques in teaching children with Autism (and related disabilities) to communicate has shown significant results. There are over 550 studies published in scientific journals validating the effectiveness of ABA procedures with persons who have autism and related disabilities. Many children have made tremendous progress ... some starting therapy with no vocal language and being able to engage in full conversations nine months later! Some have even been identified as “indistinguishable” from their typical peers. There are many beautiful success stories too numerous to mention.
Brilliant Minds is a premiere agency, in which Board Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBA) develop the most effective language-based programs, as well as behavior reduction programs. Children with Autism do not develop like their typical peers, who are able to learn naturally from their environment. In our programs, children with neurodevelopmental disabilities are taught how to communicate, play, socialize, and function . . . and this is achieved through implementation of precise behavioral techniques, in which a highly trained behavior therapist utilizes specific prompting, fading, and reinforcement contingencies. We utilize the learning environment by teaching through motivation.
Such great news to share . . . but this is where your gracious assistance is extremely needed. Very few (if any in some states) provide insurance coverage for this type of intervention. It’s in our hearts at Brilliant Minds to not only help the children who come from families who can financially afford it . . . but to reach out to all of those “other” kids who are not given the chance of effective intervention because of their financial situation.
If you are a parent of a child who was typically developing, I’m sure you can only imagine what it is like to struggle everyday with a child who needs to be taught every skill through intense one-on-one teaching. Some families do not even know what it feels like to be able to verbally communicate with their child. An innocent child, who is struggling with a serious disability, deserves to have the same chance as other kids.
If you are looking to donate towards a charity, Brilliant Minds whole-heartedly encourages you to sponsor a child for therapy so that he/she can receive the valuable opportunity of being able to function and communicate in their precious life.
We are truly honored and graciously thankful to all of our sponsors. If you would like to become a sponsor for a child (whether it is someone you know or not) please contact us at (850) 837-1200. Since we are a non-profit group (501 C3), this is considered a “charitable donation,” which means it is tax deductible. Brilliant Minds humbly thanks you in advance for your superior, humane act of kindness.
Sincerely,
Gina M. Ballone, MS, BCBA Ana E. Leurinda M.D., FAAFP
Clinical Director Medical Director
Board Certified Behavior Analyst Board Certified Family Physician
Our clinic is located at:
36468 Emerald Coast Parkway
Suite 2101
Destin, Florida 32541 (850) 837-1200
www.brilliantminds.org

Donations to Hope Traylor’s Therapy can be sent to:
Brilliant Minds
c/o Hope Traylor
11 Lake Front Drive
Miramar Beach, FL 32550

Receipts will be mailed back to you for tax purposes. Thank you for your contributions and prayers. Hope's Therapy is $420.00 a week. Medical insurance will not cover ABA Therapy unless you are on Tr-care which is a US Military insurance. We know that our God will provide what is best for Hope and we Praise Him for the miracles He is showing us with Hope. She began this therapy about 6 weeks ago and has learned so very much. Thank you Jesus.

Hope Update

Alanna and Matt have been actively seeking out medical help for our granddaughter Hope. I am copying a letter that she has sent out to some friends to hopefully help those who do know Hope learn what is and has been going on with her. Hope goes to speech twice a week occupational therapy once a week and ABA therapy 3 days a week for a total of 7 hours of ABA. Hope is continuing to show improvement and we are very encouraged. We hope to do a fundraiser/awareness walk for her sometimes in March. Hope's sister Karstyn will be 1 year old on March 11 and is quite the trooper attending these sessions with Hope and family, Karstyn is a happy camper who, like Hope is a very loving child.

To check out the place where Hope receives her ABA therapy you can click on:

http://www.brilliantminds.org/

From Alanna:

Our daughter, Hope Elisabeth, turned 2 on October 10. She has been involved in the Early Steps program since the end of October. At that time her speech and language skills were rated as that of a 6-9 month old. Early Steps provides Hope with speech therapy twice a week and occupational therapy once a week. With these programs we began seeing a slow progression with Hope.

We have taken her to see several neurologists and have appointments scheduled for her gastrointestinal issues. Hope's initial diagnosis was developmental and speech delayed. It has been determined that she has several “red flags” for autism but due to her age her current diagnosis is encepathy, which means a condition of the brain.

Hope began applied behavioral therapy at Brilliant Minds on January 4, 2010. Hope has responded well and is progressing very quickly. With ABA therapy her verbal skills are progressing quicker than I ever thought possible. Prior to ABA she would become easily frustrated because she wanted to communicate and could not. Her frustration level has decreased quite substantially as she is beginning to be able to communicate. I am so proud of my daughter. She inspires me everyday. She has to work so much harder than most children her age yet she willingly does it.


Since these sorts of conditions are usually considered mental and not medical it is difficult to get support from health insurance for ABA therapy. We currently pay $60 hr and Hope attends 7 hours a week. We are in the appeals process with our insurance company trying to see if they can provide us with any kind of support but in the meantime all expenses are out of pocket. Brilliant Minds does allow child sponsorship. They are set up as a non profit organization and sponsorship funds are considered a chartiable contribution for tax purposes. Any money designated for Hope goes 100% towards Hope's therapy.

We are trusting God to provide for our family whether it be through our own finances or sponsorship. We know that God is healing our daughter and it is truly a miracle to see Him at work in her life. God is going to use Hope in a mighty and powerful way.

I have attached the Brilliant Minds sponsorship letter as well as a picture of our family. Please don't feel obligated for a financial donation, but we would like to ask you to join us in prayer for Hope.

I would ask for you to pray for:

Our darling Hope and her family
Mrs. Iris Murray and family in the loss of Mr. Elmer
Doyle Ussery - spot on his bladder
Cyndy Bennett - Mobile Al - diabetic complications
Tiffany Thomas' family 2 yrs after her passing
Everyone involved in Mardi Gras - even if it is driving down the road

Grandson # 2

A praise is lifted up for our new grandson who will be born at the end of May!!

January 12, 2010

Muffy - Denise Galat's 57 yr old aunt in hospital awaiting heart
transplant - cannot leave hospital without on - husband is Lloyd and she has
2 sons
Cleveland Brooks and Orelia - cancer treatments Cleveland
Pam Danley - Scope on Friday
Barry Roussell - MRI Tuesday morning - he is claustrophobic
Terrell Cannon - leaving for mission work in Korea on Thursday
Hope Traylor - early interventions for developmental delays - her family
Larry Tolar - rotator cuff surgery Wednesday at Laveview Regional
Chris Permenter - not feeling well
Amelya Holland 3 year old recovering from Chemo awaiting biopsy
Cathy Watts and Kelley traveling grace
Angie Rose Mother died
Johnnie Whisenhunt Dad died
Keith Williams 50 year old brother died - services Sat at Presbyterian
church in Hammond
Thomas Kuhn - triple bypass
Rick Allen's brother recovering well from 5 bypass
Billy Gordon cataract surgery Tuesday
My Julia Faith is running temperature. No other symptoms but just sleepy and temperature, please pray for her.


Mat 5:43 - 45 "You have heard that it was said, 'Love your neighbor and hate
your enemy.' But I tell you: Love your enemies and pray for those who
persecute you, that you may be sons of your Father in heaven. He causes his
sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and
the unrighteous."

It's a Boy

We found out this week that our oldest daughter is going to have another son. She has 1 som and 3 daughters, this will be her 5th child and second boy! We have seven grandchildren, including this one, we will have 5 girls and 2 boys, God is Good, All the Time! He looked healthy in his ultrasound also and his mother is feeling good too.

I am going on a cruise with my sister Russanne and my 2 daughters this week. It is a Disney Cruise but we are not taking any men or children. Yall please pray for Al, I know he will miss me. It should be a fun girly time. One night is pirate night on the cruise and Russanne and I bought costumes!

Please pray for our granddaughter Hope and her family. Hope has been diagnosed with some developmental delays so the girl has all kinds of interesting therapy to go through! Her calendar looks as busy as mine! We know that God will get the glory from this but it is a hard time for her and her family as she makes adjustments to her new schedule. It is an expensive time for her family also but our Savior provides. God has directed Alanna to the BEST in doctors, therapists, therapys etc. We pray for his continued guidance.





Here's to US!!!!


No matter what our kids and the new generation think about us,

WE ARE AWESOME !!!!

OUR LIFE IS LIVING PROOF !!!!


To Those of Us Born 1930 - 1969


At the end of this is a quote of the month by Jay Leno.. If you don't read anything else, please read what he said..
Very well stated, Mr. Leno.


TO ALL THE KIDS WHO SURVIVED THE 1930's, 40's, 50's,60's and 70's!!


First, we survived being born to mothers who smoked and/or drank while they were pregnant.

They took aspirin, ate blue cheese dressing, tuna from a can and didn't get tested for diabetes.

Then after that trauma, we were put to sleep on our tummies in baby cribs covered with bright colored lead-base paints....

We had no childproof lids on medicine bottles, locks on doors or cabinets and when we rode our bikes, we had baseball caps not helmets on our heads.

As infants & children, we would ride in cars with no car seats, no booster seats, no seat belts, no air bags, bald tires and sometimes no brakes.

Riding in the back of a pick-up truck on a warm day was always a special treat.

We drank water from the garden hose and not from a bottle.

We shared one soft drink with four friends, from one bottle and no one actually died from this.

We ate cupcakes, white bread, real butter and bacon. We drank Kool-Aid made with real white sugar. And, we weren't overweight.. WHY?

Because we were always outside playing...that' s why!

We would leave home in the morning and play all day, as long as we were back when the streetlights came on..

No one was able to reach us all day. And, we were OKAY.

We would spend hours building our go-carts out of scraps and then ride them down the hill, only to find out we forgot the brakes. After running into the bushes a few times, we learned to solve the problem

We did not have Play stations, Nintendo's and X-boxes. There were no video games, no 150 channels on cable, no video movies or DVD's, no surround-sound or CD's, no cell phones, no personal computers, no Internet and no chat rooms.

WE HAD FRIENDS and we went outside and found them!

We fell out of trees, got cut, broke bones and teeth and there were no lawsuits from these accidents.

We would get spankings with wooden spoons, switches, ping pong paddles, or just a bare hand and no one would call child services to report abuse.

We ate worms and mud pies made from dirt, and the worms did not live in us forever.

We were given BB guns for our 10th birthday, made up games with sticks and tennis balls and, although we were told it would happen, we did not put out very many eyes.

We rode bikes or walked to a friend's house and knocked on the door or rang the bell, or just walked in and talked to them.

Little League had tryouts and not everyone made the team. Those who didn't had to learn to deal with disappointment. Imagine that!!

The idea of a parent bailing us out if we broke the law was unheard of. They actually sided with the law!

These generations have produced some of the best risk-takers, problem solvers and inventors ever.

The past 50 years have been an explosion of innovation and new ideas.

We had freedom, failure, success and responsibility, and we learned how to deal with it all.

If YOU are one of them, CONGRATULATIONS!

You might want to share this with others who have had the luck to grow up as kids, before the lawyers and the government regulated so much of our lives for our own good...

While you are at it, forward it to your kids so they will know how brave and lucky their parents were..

Kind of makes you want to run through the house with scissors, doesn't it ?

~

The quote by Jay Leno:

'With hurricanes, tornados, fires out of control, mud slides, flooding, severe thunderstorms tearing up the country from one end to another, and with the threat of bird flu and terrorist attacks, are we sure this is a good time to take God out of the Pledge of Allegiance?'


161.8 pounds - Yay Me!