More on Carter...

Yesterday, my new favorite stamp set in the whole wide world was released: Cuddle Up Carter by MFT Presents.  I want to tell you a little bit more about this set, so I'm going to reprint here the column I wrote for this month's MFT newsletter.  Here goes...

"Those of you who are familiar with me through the MFT release parties or my blog know I usually like to keep things light, and I'm far more comfortable cracking wise than I am at baring my soul. But this month, I just can't help it: I'm going to have to bypass my funny bone and come to you straight from my heart. (Despite what you may have heard from Cammie, I actually do have one! LOL)

And occupying a huge amount of territory in that space known as my heart is a little boy named Carter. He's four years old. His smile makes me melt and his frequent laughter is music to my ears. He's mischievous and *hilarious* and gorgeous and wise beyond his years. Carter is my youngest son. He also happens to have Cerebral Palsy.

Let me tell you a tiny bit about CP, in case you're as unfamiliar with it as I was when I was forced to learn about it the hard way. CP is a neurological condition, usually caused by birth trauma, but often occurring in utero (as was the case with Carter). In other words, it's a birth-related brain injury. That injury results in interference - kind of like the static you hear when you're trying to tune into a station on a radio - between the brain and various muscle groups in the body. It can also affect cognitive development. The amount of interference (or 'involvement') can vary from hardly noticeable to profound. CP is not a disease, it's a condition - it's not contagious, there is no cure (yet), and it doesn't get progressively worse. As the saying goes, 'It is what it is.'

Carter's CP is considered mild-to-moderate. He's very bright, and so far his cognitive development appears normal, though we may encounter learning difficulties down the road. Mostly, CP has affected his gross motor development, particularly those activities that require balance and coordination, like standing and walking independently. He didn't crawl on all fours until after his second birthday, but now he could be a competitive crawler (surely that's a sport somewhere...). He runs with the aid of his walker, and he walks with quad-canes. His therapists and I are hopeful that with lots of therapy, hard work, and a surgery or two, he will eventually be able to walk independently, or at most with the aid of an ordinary cane.

I know for sure that being Carter's mom is one of -- if not the main -- reasons I'm here. But having a child with special needs is something no expectant parent volunteers for. When it happens, though, it's so amazing to find that places like the non-profit EuroPeds clinic in Pontiac, Michigan exist. I'm getting weepy even as I write this because EuroPeds and the amazing therapists and staff who work there have been such an incredible blessing to my family. At least a couple of times a year, we head up to Michigan for two weeks at a time (we may go for longer once Carter gets older). During those two weeks, he has therapy for four hours a day, using their unique approach and highly specialized equipment. During those two weeks, he makes gains that would ordinarily take several months to make, and then we go home and build on those gains.

When Kim (whose generosity and kindness of spirit renders even me speechless) approached me about creating this set with Carter in mind and asked what organization I wanted to be the beneficiary, I immediately thought of EuroPeds. Even though it's a non-profit, it's still an expensive endeavor for most families. (Having a kiddo with special needs is NOT cheap, let me tell you!) But if all MFT friends and fans were to purchase this set? Not only would the world be a cuter place with all those Carter cards and scrapbook pages being created, but more kids with CP could resemble Carter as he is in Stephanie Fizer's sweet illustration, standing proudly on his own two feet. And that, my friends, would be a miracle."

In case you haven't had a chance to see all of the images in the set yet, here's what $9.00 can get you...

$2.00 from every set sold during the next six months will be donated to EuroPeds. And here's the real McCoy, in living color...

Cuddle Up Carter is available now, and I so hope you'll consider adding this sweet set to your stamp collection.

Comments

[Gabriela (Gabi With An Eye)]

Carole - he's beautiful! I think I'm in love with your little Carter. Thank you for sharing this moving and poignant post.

[Susan Raihala]

Thank you, Carole, for sharing your story and the adorable picture of Carter! As another mother of a son with a brain disorder (autism, in my son's case), I relate so well to your profound sense of gratitude for those who help our children grow, thrive, and learn, as well as to your need to share your experience--and Carter's--as an advocate for other children as well.

A big thanks to MFT for putting this set out and to all who buy it for contributing to a wonderful cause!

[Libby]

Thanks for sharing your story again Carole, you are such a wonderful mom and Carter is the second most adorable Carter I've ever seen! ;-) I just love this set - not only did they include a TRAIN (we know how ALL Carters love their trains!!) but I also love that he's holding a blankie. I call my Carter my "little Linus" because he loves his blankie so. Awesome set benefiting a worthy cause. I plan to place my order on Saturday - sure hope it's not sold out by then! (although I suppose in the grand scheme, it's ok if it is!)

[ChristineCreations]

Oh Carole....beautifully said, beautifully done. Blessings on you Mama as you continue to fulfill your precious purpose....he is blessed to have you!

[Melody]

Carole, thanks for sharing that part of you. As the mom of special needs child, or should I say young adult, I share so much of your story. My life wouldn't not be the same without her and it has been a remarkable journey. Carter is so cute! I can't wait to get my stamp set. After four daughters, I have a grandson! I need boy stamps!

[lizgay]

your story was very personal and inspiring. Thanks for sharing. Your son is so adorable; those blue eyes melts any heart! I am glad that Kim is so generous; I find her such awonderful person too! I will enjoy playing with this stamp!

[christina fischer]

You made me weepy again, my friend! Your Carter is one adorable little boy -- and I love working with him in ink! Thanks for sharing him with all of us! :)

[Crystal]

Carole, thank you for sharing your heart with us ... that is one precious little boy! Tis so exciting to hear about EuroPeds and the wonderful work they are doing.

[Terry Helin]

What a wonderful story and what a beautiful Son you have. I am an OT and work with special needs kids...my passion...what a joy for me. Thank you for sharing. I will be purchasing this set. Terry

[Janet Sisk]

Your son is SO adorable. As a mom of a specials needs young adult(she will be 20 this month!) I know exactly where you are coming from. You have such a healthy attitude about your son's condition. I especially like the saying "It is what it is." That is so true, no matter what the condition. Thanks for being willing to share you experience with others.

[Julie Masse]

I don't know how I missed it Carole, but I didn't know this was a charity set and it was all about Carter!! Thanks so much for posting this so I could catch up!! Definitely will be buying this set!! And your Carter is just beautiful (oh my 4 yo son would hit me if he heard me say that - I mean of course, he's very, very handsome!!) ;)

[Julia]

{{{Carole}}} What a beautiful post! how exciting for you all to be part of this and to help other children like Carter. My friends daughter has CP. She's 16 and I've watched the challenges every day. The mothers, families and especially the children themselves all deserve a medal for the love, heart and determination to overcome the obstacles. Best wishes on making this very worthwhile cause a success. And big hugs for Carter. :)

[kellijo]

What a Gem of a boy...Carole, he is adorable and of COURSE that set is enroute to me.... I hope Kim sells out of those sets EVERY WEEK!!!!!

What a great cause and darn but that lil man is handsome!