"As we express our gratitude, we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter words, but to live by them."~ John F. Kennedy

We have literally been blown away, over the last 4 years, by the outpouring of love and support we have received  since Zoey’s birth. The  kindness and unselfish giving that we have been recipients of, has  both humbled us, as well as called us to return in kind.Today we are reminded once again of that responsibility in the form of an unbelievable tool that will most certainly open up a whole new world for our little wonder girl. 

A few months ago we entered an iPad giveaway being hosted over at Marissa's Bunny. Marissa is an amazing little child that was diagnosed with Infantile Spasms about a week or so after Zoey was.I have followed her battle,on and off,ever since.Her dad Mike is a tireless advocate for his daughter, as well as all of our children who have or are currently, trying to reach seizure freedom.And now,he has started a foundation that encompasses that same love for these tiny heroes, to include a wide spectrum of children and families fighting equally daunting diagnosis' and journeys.

Through the generosity of Mike,Marissa's foundation,benefactors,blog readers and supporters of their foundation,40 iPads with 500 dollars in software from iTunes are being awarded.Is that not incredible?350 submissions yielded 40 finalists and because the powers that be just could not bring themselves to eliminate anyone,all of them,all of us,are being gifted with these iPads.I told you,mindblowing.

There certainly are days when I find myself questioning mankind and the world that we have come to live in and then something like this happens and it is a reminder that goodness still prevails.And believe me,on many days,that reminder is greatly needed.

So our lucky little girl will be receiving this awesome piece of technology, that I just know she is going to totally dig.There are very few things that Zoey is truly interested in.People and music and that big purple annoying dinosaur,yes.Toys,not so much.But technology,like a computer or on the rare occasion that she has been able to play around with an iPad,now that,that gets her excited.And we,we are beyond excited for her.We are already looking into purchasing an adjustable arm that will affix to her wheelchair so that her iPad will travel with her.So that iPad becomes a constant communicative,learning and loving device.Just the other day we were at her pediatricians office,who's practice is made up of a great deal of children with various disabilities,and he was asking me about her signing and commenting how he thought an iPad would be great tool for her and now this.Coincidence?I think not.

I want to encourage you all to visit Marissa's Bunnyblog.Hop on over there(just couldn't resist) and see what they have going on.Right now they have an iPad2 raffle that benefits another little guy and his family,who are trying to navigate their way on a difficult path filled with their fair share of obstacles and struggles.Please consider donating to their cause and if nothing else, spend a little time cruising Marissa's blog and getting to know her story,the motivation behind all of this.

A mere thank you to Marissa,her foundation and all the people who have come to love her,seems so inadequate but for now,that is all I really have.Well,and another shout out to some of our dear friends who have supported Marissa and her foundation.You had no small part in this all coming together,not only for Zoey but for the other 39 as well.And,once again,our family will continue our quest in finding opportunities to pay it forward to honor this wonderful gesture of  love.It is the least we can do.