Change....it's a good thing

Good Evening my friends!
I'm writing on the eve of a big weekend for the McLaurin family. Many of you know that Kaleb, Makenzie's brother, has been the FFA State Vice President for this past year. He has been traveling all over the state visiting almost every FFA Chapter there is! It has been a great experience for him, and he has grown tremendously. He looks forward to beginning his college life at Texas A&M this fall. This week is the annual FFA STATE Convention in Corpus Christi. He will be giving his farewell address on Friday. AND, who will introduce him to the convention? Makenzie! Of course! Yes, the girl is going to the convention!

It has been a long summer, but things are getting progressively better. She has begun home physical therapy a few days a week. She will begin to walk in August. This will probably be a big challenge at the beginning, as she has not been on her feet since April. Remember her in prayer for this. Also, we hope that the end of the IV anti-biotics will be soon, and that her appetite will return. Needless to say, going to the convention is a big deal for her. I'm glad she's going to be there!

Yes, and finally, the new doo! Yes, she had beautiful long locks. However, those locks became a HUGE tangled wad in the hospital. A couple of hair stylists have worked and worked on it, trying to untangle it. It was a mess. Finally she said "cut it"! And so, she did! It looks great! Very college girl looking! I never imagined Kenzie with short hair, but it is a great change!

Change is hard sometimes. Change is inevitable. We either make the change, or change makes us. This whole experience has been a change. Time to move forward. Time for a new haircut, time for college.
Change is a good thing!
Take care for now my friends!
Mary

friends, neighbors, and other unknown people

Good Morning my friends! The picture posted today is of my friend Dawn and her daughter Lillian. They are my friends and neighbors. Our little girls are best friends. Dawn has been keeping up with Makenzie, just like so many of you! She has never met her. Dawn is a true crazy cajun woman! She has a huge heart, and recently decided to help Makenzie and her family. She is an extraordinary seamstress, and has recently started making Coolbands for Kenzie. These bands are great for summer, and she and Lillian are wearing them at a swim meet! She has sold over $220 worth, and her goal is $1000! She is crazy!!! She is crazy with love for someone she doesn't even know. But, she knows her story. She knows of God's infinite mercy and grace. Pam stated to me that she is in awe by the goodness and love that people have showed her throughout this whole ordeal. I wish I could post pics of so many of you who have been there for my family. I don't know who many of you are, but know that we love you.....

Makenzie has had a few doctor appointments this week. Her skin grafts are doing very well! She will still have to remain on IV antibiotics for about 2 more weeks to clear any infection. The ortho docs said she can begin physical therapy next week. She still will not be able to do any weight bearing activities til August. This is mainly because of the right foot injury. This particular injury takes a LONG time to heal. Please pray about this....Again, the biggest issue at the moment is eating. The antibiotics really make her sick to her stomach. This will probably get better when the IV treatment is over, but for the time being she needs to gain some strength. Pray about this also....

Thank you for being there my brothers and sisters......Have a great July 4th!
Be careful out there!!!
Mary