Wisdom Heart

A few months ago, Sophia was chosen to be this years recipient for the 12th Annual Steven Hagedorn Police Officer's Charity Golf Tournament. My mother has worked for the Lee's Summit Police Dept since I was in grade school and this event always benefits one of their officers or an officers immediate family member. The news of Sophia being selected by a nominating board was very overwhelming for her father and I. So overwhelming that we have had a hard time even talking about it publicly. It is kind of like winning the lottery, only better. Yesterday was the tournament. I knew when we pulled up in the car I was going to get really emotional. There was what seemed to be a couple hundred people at this golf course. They may have been there for their own reasons, but in my mind they were there for Sophia. Michael and I are strong believers in Karma. My baby has suffered so much in the short 22 months of her life. To her, pain, discomfort and hospitals are a normal part of living. She has undergone 5 surgeries in her life and still manages to have the most amazing positive spirit. I do recognize as her mother that she is unique. For example, she did not cry or even whine once yesterday from the time she woke up until she went to bed, even though she is teething and still has an ear infection, ate meals at strange places and did not get a normal nap. It is normal for her to always be so happy. As a matter of fact, happy is one of about only 6 words that she can say. I thought to myself yesterday, my baby deserves this and this is my opportunity to show all these guys how special of a child she is.

Sophia shined like a star yesterday. She smiled and laughed with all the players and they totally "ate her up". (I just started crying while writing this thinking back on how amazing of a day it was) She ate pancakes in the morning with the golfers and rode around on golf carts with me in the afternoon the whole time clapping and waving to people as we drove past them. The weather was beautiful here in Kansas City yesterday, sunny and a little cool. I only wish she could be old enough for her to remember the day. Michael was able to get off work an hour early and attend the award ceremony were Sophia, Michael and I were introduced again. I gave a short speech and thankfully managed to not get all choked up. Most of the people already knew who our daughter was because of this blog and or knowing my mom. But I want to take this opportunity and thank all the participants and volunteers who made the tournament possible. We will use the funds in a positive way that will effect our little girls life. I kept finding myself saying "This just does not happen to people like us!" But it did and Michael and I are beyond grateful.