A Shout Out

This is just me climbing on a soap box for anyone who'll listen-or read. As a CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocate) for children who have been abused or neglected, I spend a bit of time at the Lake County Juvenile court building. Usually, I head there about once a month. As advocates, we are appointed only one case at a time and we stay with it until the child or children are in a permanent home. The case workers handle many more. The person I work with has the max of 18 cases which involve many more children. She, the guardian ad litems and judges must be efficient and detailed. I am in awe by their work. Everyone I have worked with and watch wants the best for the children. They really do put their hearts into their jobs. Would it be better if cases could be handled faster and more easily so these children didn't have to linger in limbo while matters are handled? Absolutely. That is up to the established laws. But those who work inside those juvenile courts, such as Lake County, are doing what they can to help the best they can. Want to help also? Become a CASA or even buy our new handy dandy cook book. We have concocted recipes that are all SO easy, you can make them with your kids. I mean, even I can make them which is why several of them are in there! $15 for one, $25 for two. Here are 3 ways to get them while they're hot! www.casalakecounty.com Call 847-808-9154 or email pfrazin@casalakecounty.com

A Milestone of a Year in the Making!

As much as I have been eyeing the coming of the New Year, I must say 2009 did bring many great surprises and even a miracle or two. Well, maybe several. And for those miracles, I thank 2009.

Carter Linz turns one today. He is the son of my dear friend Deanna and her husband Andy. His start in life was at only 23 weeks and give or take a few days. He was so small he was weighed a mere 820 ounces. But in his case, every single day mattered as did the prayers of all of Deanna and Andy's family and friends. Here was a baby boy who doctors said would not make it through the night on several occasions. But D never gave up her belief she was given this miracle who would survive it all, every single time. There were many times we would talk during the first few months and there was nothing that could be said to ease all they were enduring.I'll admit, I don't think I cried so much in my life as she travelled through such emotional torture. You would never wish it on anyone. There were often times we would talk about anything that could offer a distraction, so we got very good at talking about everything else under the sun. Don't worry. We have all the major world issues handled;) She would be at the hospital around the clock and up all hours as every minute and every breath was truly critical. I have no idea how she made it through as she was already one of the strongest people I know. I believe her late mother and father had much to do with him pulling through those fatal diagnosis, but I also believe she willed Carter through those times and that everyone who surrounds them are also reason for why today he turns one year old. What a milestone you three (and the fur babies) have to celebrate! Carter, you are always a reminder that we should never give up or give in because anything is possible.







1)Birthday Boy!
2)Deanna, Andy and Carter
3)This was Andy's wedding ring on Carter
4)Such a fighter, he was deemed,"Rocky."
5)Meeting miracle man, Carter, for the first time at 4 months old when he weighed in at 4 lbs. A huge accomplishment!