Abby Update October 12, 2008

Hello Friends,

As PSTC Instructors cross the country, we tell the stories of people that we have helped. In most cases, we never get the honor of meeting the families. We just know they are our brothers and sisters and we reach our hands out to help. A couple of weeks ago, we had the emotional meeting that made our day. I was about to head to the airport after teaching the morning session of a class and Instructor Richard Behr was taking over. Sean Milani, Abby’s dad was in the class. As you know we have been helping Abby in many ways over the last 2 plus years.

Sean came to me at a break and asked if I could wait a few minutes. He explained that Abby’s babysitter had locked herself out of the house and that she and Abby would be coming to class to get house keys from him. Wait, heck ya, I’ll wait. Well, I was too dumb to have my camera ready but before I knew it, here comes one of our special “911 CARES kids” Abby. For a girl with still noticeable scars and burns, she wasn’t at all shy which would have been understandable. Her dad introduced us for the first time. She turned away from the class and it was as if it was “just us”, two old souls connecting in a way that is hard to explain. I knew I was about to lose it so I quickly turned the attention to the class of 40 9-1-1 professionals in the class. I said “Abby, do you remember your birthday at Chucky Cheese and all of the gifts you got?” Her eyes lit up and her smile widened. She nodded and said yes. I pointed to the class and said, ‘Well these dispatchers do just what your dad and Shelley does and they were some of the people that got you those gifts”. She jumped up tall, looked right at the crowd, put her first in the air and chirped out a thanks. Kleenex please!

Well, Abby turned 5 the week after we taught there. Here is a picture you can all share in. Thanks for sending it Shelly and Sean and you know Abby will always be “our kid” too.

With love and thanks to everyone that has ever prayed or supported Abby and her wonderful family!

Kevin  

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