The families we meet from week to week are not only unique and deserving, but some go beyond "unique" to depths of amazing, wonderful, giving, incredible — I could go on and on!
Ty, Michael, Tanya, Rib and I headed northwest to the beautiful state of Vermont to meet the Vitale family. On the bus on the way to the Vitale home, we learned that this family had its share of trials and tribulations. What we did not expect, however, is how amazing and wonderful this family would be, in spite of everything they have experienced. They came out of the door and we were met with such beautiful spirits. They are the kind of people that you feel like you have known for years ¬— like you are immediately a part of their family. They are amazing!
For me, the best part of the week was my visit to "David's House," ¬a home for families with sick children in the nearby hospital. But why did we go there? First of all, the reason we went to David's House, was because the family asked to go here instead of enjoy a lavish vacation. Can you believe that? Go volunteer instead of relax on a beach? Well, here is why: Sara, the mom, stayed here for 18 weeks when her son was born. Her son, Louie, was born with severe birth defects, and she practically lived with him at the hospital. This was the place that she stayed. But it wasn't just a place to stay — it was a place that she felt she could share her feelings with others, and a place that she could bring her son, Kane, as well. She felt at home, and she said that it meant so much to her that she wanted to give back and do whatever they could to help out. This is their vacation! But that's how much it meant to them.
Ty and I left the build site one day and surprised the family. Lou and Sara were volunteering by painting a room. Kane was playing with toys in the next room, while Grandma looked after little Louie. Being around this family is like being around love. When Sara smiles at you, you feel like she's wrapping her arms around you and welcoming you in. Lou is the same way —¬ so loving, so accepting, and such a good man. I know that the effect that Sara will have on other mothers going through the unknown of having a sick child will help them more than we will ever know. She will be able to provide a comfort that no one else can. It is one thing for people to say, "I know what you are going through," and for someone to say it and truly mean it because they've been there.
Louie was smiling, laughing, dancing, and even crawling (well, his form of it anyway). It made you realize that he is such a bright child, and he is creative in the way he communicates. And Sara, what an amazing mom! I believe that it's because of her that Louie has done as well as he has. She is so incredible with him, and encourages him to express himself with both verbal and hand-signal cues. We got to see this little boy laugh and ask for more when his mom stopped tickling him. We got to see him ask to be picked up. I'm so glad that we got the chance to see this side of Louie.
Overall, it was an amazing experience and once again makes me realize how fortunate we are to be happy and healthy, have those people that mean something special in our own lives, and to be a part of a show that allows us to experience great days like today. And as far as the Vitales giving up the beach for David's House? I get it! I completely understand.
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