A Penny for your thoughts….

Have you ever picked up a handful of pennies and found that one caught your eye?  There is always one that is shiny and beautiful.  Well, meet Penny.  She not only caught my eye, but she has caught my heart.  Penny is no ordinary girl.  She has had quite a journey.  You see  on August 4, 2009 Jina, “(Penny’s Mother), Laurel, (Penny’s grandma), and Penny were on their way home to Arizona  from CA when Penny suddenly got very sick. She was taken to the ER, and she was later flown to UCLA Pediatric ICU. She was diagnosed with Dilated Cardiomyopathy.  She has spent the last year of her life in LA, mostly in the hospital.  First ,she was given a Berlin Heart; a device hooked up to her to do the work of her heart.  On March 31, 2010,  a miracle occurred.  Penny was given a heart transplant.

I got to visit with Penny a few weeks ago during a photo shoot.  This girl amazed me.  She was happy and sweet and charismatic.  Such a delight to be around.  Since her heart transplant Penny has been learning how to walk all over again.  I dare say, she loves her new freedom!I cannot even imagine all that her Mother has been through in the past year.  What a strong woman.  What an example to us all of an unconditional, unselfish Mother’s love.  I am happy to say that Penny, like most little girls, enjoys fairies, frilly things and all things pretty.  Prayers are still needed for this little one.  To find out more about Penny you can click  here… or here… or here…

This is Miss Paige with Penny.  She and her Mom are the good friends that introduced me to Penny.  Paige is one of those shiny pennies too.  You know, the kind of kid that just stands out.
Penny and her Mother are currently living in Westwood but hope to soon return to their  home in Arizona.  Penny;s Father has had to travel back and forth to Arizona as that is where his job is.  This is Penny blowing kisses.Jina is setting up a foundation to help other transplant recipients.  I will post that info as soon as I get it.

Thank you Jina and Penny for inviting me into your home.  Thank you for your wonderful example of strength and love.  You are amazing!