Hockey!

  As many of you know, I am a huge sports geek.  This doesn't necessarily mean that I am up to date on all the pro leagues and teams of each sport, (although I am up to date on the Red Wings - thanks to my husband!) I really like going and watching local games when I know of someone playing.  I like it even more when I'm allowed to bring my camera(s) along!
  Luck would have it that I know of two hockey players that play for the same team, Oakland Junior Grizzlies.  Both are actually from Russia, and are here in hopes of showcasing their hockey abilities to either get drafted or get picked up by other professional leagues such as the QHL(Quebec Hockey League), OHL(Ontario Hockey League), and CHL(Canadian Hockey League) being among them.  In the meantime, I have been trying to catch a game here and there, as well as to get some shots they can send home to Russia.
  Here are some of them:

Check out the Facebook link to the right for more images from this game and others!

I heart Faces - Best face of 2011

 Gabriel

 (Photo taken 2/27/2011)

 

I have chosen Gabe for my entry into I Heart Faces "Best Face of 2011."  He is such a courageous little man, who has such charisma, love, and playfulness, that if you were to meet him, you wouldn't think there was anything wrong...

You wouldn't know it from this image, but this young man has been facing an uphill battle most of his life. He has a rare, somewhat mysterious blood disorder that requires him to have blood transfusions every so many weeks, along with a regimen of medications that don't always make him feel better. To complicate things, early in 2011 he was diagnosed as having a malformation of his brain, known as Chiari Malformation. This condition causes fluid to build on the spine and could eventually cause him to ultimately lose feeling in his legs, bladder control, etc. From what I understand, these two problems are completely unrelated. If you find you have time, I ask you might spot a second to say a prayer for this little boy and his family to find peace, and that his doctors are able to determine a better way of treatment, if not ultimately a cure.
Thanks for reading, for your time, for your comments if you've left one, and for stopping in.

Jennifer

For updates on Gabe's progress & treatment, you can visit his journal here: 

http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/bravebabygabe