My speech I'll be presenting today...

Good afternoon, everyone. I’m so glad you’re here today for such a wonderful event. Thanks to everyone who put this fundraiser and Women’s Tea together for such an amazing hospital.

My name is Lisa McReynolds; some of you in here know me, some don’t. I live in Starkville, work at Mississippi State University (or God’s University, as I love to call it), am the wife of Bobby McReynolds, and the mother of one son and four daughters, including a set of twins, who are here with me today.

My oldest is Presley Flowers. She is 15, will be a sophomore at Starkville High School, plays trumpet in band, makes straight As, and is very active in our church. My middle, as I like to call her, is Audrey McReynolds. She is 9, just finished 3rd grade, loves playing softball, and takes super good care of her mother. The oldest twin, Samantha, is large and in charge merely for the fact that she was born first, duh. She will be in 2nd grade at Sudduth in the fall, loves and adores animals, and has to be first at EVERYTHING. But, because of the younger twin, Sydney…the baby of the crew… is why I’m even here today to support this cause.

She was born in March 2005 and without problem one. She (and Samantha) checked out ‘on course’ at each pediatrician visit. Nothing was ever worse in her first couple of years of life than a few ear infections. You know, the normal baby stuff.
In the latter part of 2007, after having a VERY mobile beginning of her 2nd toddler year, I noticed Sydney was having trouble walking. Oh, don’t get me wrong, she could walk, just not without pain or sometimes even crying. She was in daycare at FUMC in Starkville during this time and I would get phone calls about the trouble they had with her during the days and after naptimes. She was progressively having more pain and more trouble as the days rolled by.
During this time, I took her to a few doctor visits with her pediatrician and even to a rheumatologist suggested to us who is in Jackson. The doctor in Jackson told us that she wasn’t 100% sure, but she thought Sydney showed signs of JRA. JRA? What on earth is JRA? I didn’t have a clue what JRA was and even after she described to me what it was, I knew in my big heart of hearts that my child did NOT have Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis. NO ONE in my family even had RA, much less JRA. Or really even arthritis! This could NOT be possible.
But, we went home that day and started following the Motrin regimen that the doctor in Jackson told us to do. ‘Take Motrin three times a day and it should help with her mobility.’ Well, after about a week, her pain was worse and one morning I completely lost it. I went to get her up out of her little toddler bed, hugged her good morning, and set her on the floor and she immediately buckled to the floor in pain. It’s like if she was lying down, she was fine. But as soon as she put pressure or weight on her little legs, she could NOT handle it. I immediately went into Out-of-Control Mother mode. I called Dr. Ruff in TEARS and TOLD him, “I am on my way with Sydney to your office and I will NOT leave without an MRI. This is NOT JRA. She is NOT getting better with medications and she canNOT walk. We have GOT to find out what is wrong with my child.”
Needless to say, Ruff took us in and listened to my sobs. He told me he could not request an MRI without the rheumatologist’s permission. I asked him, “Well, are YOU calling her, or am *I*?” Needless to say, we got her permission and they did a CT scan on Sydney the same day. While I was thinking it would be a couple of days before we got the results, I’ll never forget the phone call I got that afternoon while I was picking the other kids up from FUMC and Extended Day.
“Lisa, hey. This is Dr. Ruff. No panic….but how fast can you get to Jackson?”
“Um, I TOLD YOU something was wrong. What is it?? What’s going on with her??”
“Well, it turns out that throughout the X-rays, bloodwork, and appointments, it was something that was just missed. You know how people get bacterial infections and they run rampant throughout the body and you’re able to catch it with tests? Well, she has an infection that has settled into a disc in her spine, disabling her to walk very well. We’re hoping that serious antibiotics will cure this, but there’s a possibility she may have to have surgery.
So. Go home, get packed, don’t RUSH, but get there tonight and go through the ER. I have a friend there who knows you’re on your way tonight.”

There was a silence between us.
“And Lisa? One day I’ll learn to listen to a mother’s intuition. I apologize.”

The next few hours after that conversation were a complete whirlwind. I have FOUR children at home, remember? Could Bobby handle this? Baths, getting stuff together, carpool, early morning deadlines? Suppers? Plus on top of a daily work schedule 30 miles away in Columbus?
I only packed up for a few days because I had no clue how long we’d be in Jackson. My oldest, Presley, begged to go with me. Even though I think it started out an excuse to miss a few days of school, she also genuinely didn’t want Sydney and me to be down there by ourselves. She wanted to be there to help in any way possible and boy, did she.
We arrived in Jackson about 9pm, went through the ER, got put in holding for a while which was fine. It gave Presley and Sydney a chance to get some sleep for a few hours. I remember it was about 4am before they were able to slightly sedate Syd and take her in for a true MRI and then another couple of hours before we got the results. Sure enough, there was infection in her spine and we were going to need to be admitted to the Children’s Hospital for treatment. We weren’t really sure what the treatment entailed, but it was something we were told we would have to deal with one day at a time.
They administered a heavy-duty antibiotic through an IV 24/7 for the first 24 hours. Each day they would come in to check her mobility, do scans, and see if there was any improvement. Luckily, after being at Batson for a week, her spine began to heal and there was no need for surgery. We were going to be sent home with another oral heavy-duty antibiotic that she would have to take 3 times a day for a month.
She was going to be okay. Her walking was improving. She was getting better.
But the reason I stand here before you today, is not only to tell you about my story of Sydney’s recovery and blessings and how lucky we are to still have her here with us. Today, I’m humbly here before you to tell you how I do NOT think I could’ve made it through that very trying and traumatic week, 2.5 hours away from home, away from my other children and husband, with a sick child, without the staff and amenities of Blair E. Batson Children’s Hospital.
I’m a sole parent away with a sick, yet still energetic two-year-old, in a hospital, without any of her normal surroundings. Thankfully, Batson has movies you can ‘check out’ to watch in your room. They have a Game Room where you can go down the hall to play games, put together puzzles, play with dolls, draw, color, etc. And Sydney’s favorite thing? They have little red wagons you can put your child in and drag ‘em all around the hospital for hours if need be. And trust me, we did. Sydney could also ask every hour on the hour for milk or orange juice or a popsicle. And you know what? The nurses never hesitated or balked. They’d smile and ask, ‘What color popsicle do you want, honey?’ and she was always granted her wish.

But we were lucky.

There were highly contagious and very sick little girls and boys on the same floor with us who couldn’t do all of the same things that Sydney could do. They couldn’t ride in the wagons. They couldn’t go to the Game Room. They had to rely on fun to come to them. And once these games or toys or puzzles or stuffed animals were brought to them, they had to stay with them, go home with them, or be thrown away, due to possible transfer of germs. But nonetheless, those children never cared or knew they were a threat to others. They were happy and had smiles anyway, all because of awesome things being brought to them.

And that right there is why I stand in front of you.

Kids at Batson need our help in even the smallest of ways.
Imagine if your child was there and not enough donations had been given to Batson to help supply *your child* with a stuffed animal, doll, or even a puzzle to entertain for a day? I could not imagine what our time, for that entire week, would’ve been like if Sydney and I hadn’t had the options given to us that Batson provided us….all from donations.
There are many ways you can donate to Batson, even in the smallest of ways.

Every year, I get a small admin bonus from my faculty members and that’s always my yearly donation to the Children’s hospital.
My best friend, Erin, has taught her daughter that there are other children in need out there and now every year (her Sydney is 5!) at her birthday party she asks all of her little friends to bring a toy for the kids at Batson.
Anyone can go online foch.org and donate on their site, get their mailing information, or call their number to donate over the phone.
Anyone who drives and owns a vehicle can do another thing I do: Get the Tag!! I have had it for five years now and it’s only another $31 added on to your car tag fee. What’s $31? To help children who need you?
Also, you can become a Member of Friends of Children’s Hospital. There are different levels of memberships and fees starting from $25 a year to a $500 lifetime membership.
And of course, you can volunteer. Even though we don’t live in Jackson, when the girls get a little bit older I hope for us to try and go to Jackson when we can during a day out of the month to help volunteer in any way possible.

Or you can do fabulous fundraisers such as the one you are attending this very moment.

Thank you, Ali, for inviting me here today. Mine is not a story of a life-or-death experience at Batson. It’s not even one where we required surgery or a very lengthy stay. But it IS a story of the overall needs any child has at Batson, life-or-death or very controlled, and the right to be comfortable, cared for, entertained, and loved.

As I’ve said a million times over my lifetime in reaching out for help from anyone:

What if it was *your* child?

Thank you.

Blurry, but bonding just the same :)

My softball stars.

I helped coach Sydney and Samantha's softball team this year and because I was sick as a dog, I had to miss the last game of the season on 5/29. But Bobby sent me pictures.

Samantha

 Sydney and her teammate, Kylie

And then he had to make it worse by sending me a video text of one of Audrey's times up-to-bat. She had 3RBI's for Game #1 of the tournament that they won 10-1...and I MISSED IT ALL. 

Thankfully, Game #2 isn't until June 5 and I WILL BE THERE!! :)

Well, she did it!

Even though my parents and Bobby aren't too thrilled, I'm ECSTATIC to say that Presley got her PERMIT!

Congratulations, Presley!!

Memorial Day Weekend, Lakehouse-Style

 

 

School's out for summer!

As I type this, my oldest is finishing up her freshman year with her final exams.
My 'middle' is completing third grade and my twins are 'seniors' at Sudduth.
And most people would be super excited for the lax time summer brings, right?
I just made out a list of things to do for the next 2.5 months:

Softball game tonight, soccer tonight and sprinkled here and there until 6/15.
Presley starts DRIVER'S ED tomorrow morning while the other three have 1/2 day party days at school.
Long Memorial Day weekend for me, Thursday - Tuesday, with most spent at the lakehouse.
Summer camp at FUMC starts Tuesday. That's full of swimming lessons, bowling, movies, Dandy Doodlez, skating, Lake Tiak-O'Khata, etc.
June 2nd I'll speak on behalf of Batson Children's Hospital at a fundraiser.
June 11th I'll take off that day to escort Audrey to her first away-from-home summer camp at Camp Lake Stephens for a week. (sob!)
June 15-17 weekend is State soccer games for us in Meridian. And the END of soccer!!
June 23rd Presley flies outta Memphis to Europe for three weeks.
June 25-29 Audrey leaves us for a vacation with her friend, Megan.
July 12th I pick Presley up in Memphis.
July 15th my family hosts Starkville FUMC Youth Night.
July 18th Presley starts band camp.
July 27th weekend the WHOLE FAMILY (finally!) goes to Jellystone and meets up with my Erin and her family.
August 6th they start back to school and start all over again.

And I wonder why I can't find a solid week for my family to go anywhere all together?
And I can only imagine their summers to become even more busy the older they get.

Boo.

In 46 days....

...my first born daughter leaves for Europe.

E U R O P E, people!! And I could not be more excited for her.

As I am finally able to view her complete itinerary on the People to People website, I thought I'd share her 21-day trip with you!

June 23 she flies out of Memphis that early afternoon and will arrive in Paris that next morning at 9am.

6/24: Paris, France. Explore the "Champs-Elysees" from Concorde Square to the Triumph's Arch. Visit the historic Montmartre area, a haven for artists and writers, and marvel at the Basilique du Sacre Coeur, the second highest point in Paris. Attend a meeting in the famous Musee du Parfum Fragonard and discover the world of perfumes!

6/25: Paris, France. Orientation of the city by a French Guide: Musee de Louvre, the Mona Lisa, etc.

6/26: Farmstay, France. Eiffel Tower, Chateau de Versailles.

6/27: Farmstay, France. A day in the life of a European Farm!

6/28: Strasbourg, France. Explore the houses, famous cathedral.

6/29: Heidiland, Switzerland. Discover Lucerne, sail the lake at Heidiland, learn about your surrounding family life.

6/30: Salburg, Austria. Attend the Austrian Tourism School system and enjoy Innsbruck and a lunch at Villa Blanka. Bake your own dessert! Uncover Salzburg's hidden treasures as you explore this city and end the night enjoying a classical concert at the famous Schloss Mirabell.

7/1: Vienna, Austria. Experience the infamous Mauthausen Concentration Camp. Meet and take part in a discussion with a survivor of Theresienstadt.

7/2: Home Stay, Austria. State Opera House, The Imperial Palace, St. Stephan's Cathedral, etc. Enjoy the historic Prater Amusement Park and ride the 2nd largest ferris wheel in the world.

7/3: Home Stay, Austria. Spend a day with your home stay family.

7/4: Home Stay, Austria. Last day with your home stay family. It's time to pack up and move on!

7/5: Friesach, Austria. Join with local residents to help build a real castle! The "Castle Project" has engaged volunteers for more than 30 years in building a castle without the use of modern technology. That night, join in an evening of authentic Medieval games, including archery or chavelot, followed by a banquet!

7/6: Vicenza, Italy. Enjoy the countryside of the town Sirnitz, take folk dance lessons and be a part of the Farmer's Olympics!

7/7: Vicenza, Italy. Ride in a gondola in the Canale Grande, see the Guggenheim Museum, the Fenice Theater, and Mozart's Bridge of Sighs. You'll be guided through the Basilica San Marco also. Take part in glass-blowing!

7/8: Montecatini, Italy. Visit the Accademia Gallery which houses Michelangelo's 'David'. Walk through the city of Florence, pass the Duomo and the Gate to Paradise. Learn about the leather and processing at the Leonardo Leather Works.

7/9: Rome, Italy. Soak in all of the architecture in the Italian city of Pisa. You'll see the Leaning Tower here.

7/10: Rome, Italy. Go under the city of Rome when you visit the Christian Catacombs and take a guided tour to learn about Rome's history. You will also visit the Colosseum and the Roman Forum.

7/11: Rome, Italy. Sightseeing: Piazza Navona, the Pantheon, the Spanish Steps and the Trevi Fountain. Visit the Vatican! Go in the Vatican museums and admire the Sistine Chapel and St. Peter's Basilica. Participate in an educational meeting with a priest who'll speak about Catholicism in Italy and the organization of the Vatican.  Retreat to the evening's farewell meeting and share your favorite moments of your trip.

7/12: Say goodbye to Europe and depart Rome for Chicago and then arrival to Memphis around 7pm.

Presley is going to have an experience of a lifetime for a 15-year-old, right?
I can't wait to tell all of her stories for her!

46 more days!!!

End-of-the-Year Soccer Party.

Fantastic season, Oby's! You were so much fun to watch play this year!
Congratulations, Sydney and Samantha, on your first real trophies!!

Flexin' yo' beach muscles.

(ok, so it's not perfect...we tried. :)

More of rainy fun.