I’ve been wondering for awhile how to kick of this new blog. The intent of this blog is take a humorous look at my ineptitude as a father cuz most of the time I’m just doing my level best to keep up and not spill something on the wife’s fancy area rug but this morning a read something that trumps all that. We’ll get back to laughing at my parental gaffs later. First I’d like you to meet the Lierows and their adopted daughter Dani.
The Lierows might just well be the most amazing couple I’ve ever heard about. After raising 4 grown sons already and with a 9 year old at home they took on a challenge from God to adopt and raise a 7 yr old girl that was basically feral. Dani had been neglected her whole life and couldn’t do anything - ANYTHING - she acted like a baby and couldn’t feed herself or even talk. Dani was saved from certain death and put into the system. Thanks to several people taking a special interest in Dani she was saved from a life in an institution and has found love and life in the arms of the Lierows.
The entire story is written by Lane DeGregory of the St. Petersburg Times and I won’t take anymore of your time talking about it. Go read Lane’s account. It’s an award worthy piece of writing. Thanks to Lora Lufark for bringing this to our attention.
I won’t lie to you. It’s a brutal read and brought tears to my eyes several times. At first the tears were sadness for a little girl who never had a chance but then they became tears of gratitude and hope for the family that is changing Dani’s life.
There are a couple funds that have been set up to support this amazing family and I encourage you to join me in supporting them:
The Heart Gallery has set up a fund for those who want to help Danielle’s new family. Checks can be sent to: The Heart Gallery — Danielle Lierow Fund, 1002 E. Palm Ave., Tampa, FL 33605.
Also, a fund has been set up for Danielle’s long-term care. Donations can be sent to: Danielle Lierow, c/o Mr. Doy McPhail, Wachovia Bank, 7128 Estero Blvd., Ft. Myers Beach, FL 33931.
As I write this my 3 yr old son is throwing the mother of all tantrums against his mom in the family room. He’s yelling and screaming and running around throwing things because he wants milk not water or something like that. Right now I’m just thrilled he can articulate that and is coordinated enough to toss that sippy cup across the kitchen. I think I’ll go give him a hug.
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It’s the small things in life that bring joy, throwing a sippy cup is one of them. (and I’m not kidding)
My cousin Bethany has cerebral palsy and completely crippled. She cannot speak, feed herself, all of the above. I just wept at this story that it was possible for her to not be like that and the actions of another made her that way.
“I think I’ll go give him a hug.” We can never give too many of those. I want to reach out and hug Danielle and those who saved her from her life of misery. I had to move away from me keyboard, too many tears dripping. Almost shorted.
oilman, you rock dude. Let’s not forget to thank Lora Lufark who shared that story on Twitter.
You know it is amazing to see how Danielle is coming through and starting to pick up even the little things.
Her now older brother is also an amazing kid. To give up his room and bed for her just because he knows she needs it more than him, to be relegated down to the laundry room. I see too many kids including my own older ones that think everything is about what they have or are going to get. They should all take a page from William.
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