My Family

"The one resolution, which was in my mind long before it took the form of a resolution, is the key-note of my life.  It is this, always to regard as mere impertinences of fate the handicaps which were placed upon my life almost at the beginning.  I resolved that they should not crush or dwarf my soul, but rather be made to blossom, like Aaron's rod, with flowers.  Face your deficiencies and acknowledge them; but do not let them master you.  Let them teach you patience, sweetness, insight...
* Helen Keller

"To be alive, to be able to see, to walk . . . it's all a miracle."  Arthur Rubenstein

I am always in awe to be in the presence of these children.  They are truly angels!  Each and every day I think of the obstacles they face, and I mourn for them and for their losses.  Still, they remain happy and sweet, and as pure as the driven snow.  I know that I am not worthy of them, and I only hope that someday I can be.  I love them with all my heart and all my soul.  I pray for the day when they will be made perfect and a cure for SMA will be in this world!  I am happy to introduce my family, my heroes to you.

 

Hi, my name is Kim Winward. I am a fulltime working mom and housewife.  Outside the home I am an emergency medical dispatcher (911 etc). At home I take care of 4 of the world's best kids! Let me introduce you to the

family.

 

John is my husband (almost 13 years now!).  He is an estimator with a local landscape company and one of the nicest men you will ever meet.  He is a great father and the best "daddy" ever!

 

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Brianna is the oldest. Ok, it was only by 30 seconds, but it still counts!  She has brown hair and black-brown eyes and a beautiful smile. She likes rockets and lizards and riding her scooter. The thing I hear the most about Brianna (which, by the way, is a great source of parental pride : )) is that she is the most compassionate child many have ever seen. She is always concerned for others and wants to help with everything.

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Ashley comes next. She was smaller than Brianna when they came, but she took care of that right away by becoming taller after about 2 months. She has blonde hair and brown eyes and is very friendly. She likes nail polish and koala bears and riding her scooter.  The best thing I hear about Ashley is that she is able to get along with everyone : )! She adjusts to each group she plays with and is able to talk to anyone.

 

 

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Nikolas is the only boy. He has blonde hair and brown eyes and a smile for everyone!  He has enough personality for six or eight people and everyone is entitled to his opinion! The thing people notice most about Nikolas

is his ability to speak like a little grown up. (he constantly tells me that I am boring and we need some emergency in our life) he drives his wheelchair like a crazy boy!!  He loves everyone and reaches out to everyone he meets hoping to be a friend. Niko has touched many hearts.

 

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Gidget is my baby. She has brown hair and brown eyes and is the only one who got CURLS!!! She is a very happy baby with new teeth just in and she loves to smile and laugh. She also knows her own mind and what she wants.  Gidgi is a determined little one who has just turned one and learned how to crawl. We hope she will get to enjoy walking as well.

 

 

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Niko and Gidgi have SMA.  Ashley and Brianna do not show any signs, although it has been suggested that we have them tested. I refuse to subject them

to an EMG, but may consider a blood test if they want one as they grow.

All in all they are the best family I could ever ask for. I wouldn't trade

them for the world. And we all work well together. 

 

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Of course, our family would not be complete without Mikki the wonder Dalmatian!

 

On April 26, 2002 we lost our beloved Mikki. we still love and remember him every day. We are all so grateful that he came into our lives and taught us so much! rest in peace, Mikki, till we meet again!

 

 

 

 

 

Please come and visit our site regularly.  We will be updating pictures and progress reports. Thanks.

 

 

 

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