I figured I would do something different tonight. Lately I have been getting alot of feedback from friends and family of the many questions asked about our family. So I will answer the top most asked questions.

1. Is it genetic?
Well many types of Mito disease are and it seems pretty obvious that ours is. Only nobody on either side of Rick and my family has the disease that we know of. We have no way of knowing what the gene or mutation is yet, so therefore they cannot even test Rick or me or Janessa. It is like finding a needle in a haystack but probably worse.

2. Why would you have another kid knowing your first boy was sick?
This question bothers me the most and you would not believe how common it is to ask people around us b/c they would not dare ask me or Rick. But getting to the point. We did go to Boston for genetic counseling after we had Isaiah and ran through all of the alternatives. The drs. really had no idea about the disease and the reoccurance. Besides that it was a VERY personal decision and we got what we were meant to have. Avery as I have always said is here for a specific reason and has changed our lives in so many ways for the better. I cannot imagine life without him :)

3. Are they going to get better?
No, it is progressive degenerative disease.

4. Janessa must really have a hard time?
She is very intelligent and could probably spat out medical terms better than most. Rick and I work really hard to make sure she gets all the love and attention she needs. She also sees a therapist 2x a month which is great. But she loves her brothers and is a great big sister.

5. What is their life span?
We have no idea it depends on how sick they are as babies. Frankly, Avery is much more limited and if he lives beyond 5 it would be a miracle and he just may. Isaiah, who knows I see him hanging out with us through his late teenage yrs.

6. What is there is quality of life?
This is very important to Rick and me. We will always put the boys quality of life FIRST. I guess it makes you enjoy the very simple things in life like laughs and smiles and Isaiah getting into things and pulling Janessa' hair. Avery cracking up when mommy talks b/c she is so animated. That is quality to us.

7. How do you and Rick keep things going?
We have been together for 18 yrs with MANY ups and downs and growing pains. I do have to say having our kids has brought us closer together and we are always united on our decisions. Sure some days are hard when I have been at the hospital or drs and Rick has work obligations but we always find a way to make it work.

8. What are the limitations of your life?
Well you can never plan on things for one, we can never go out as a family b/c it is so difficult for the boys and they really don't enjoy it. Nothing is predictable and you often have to dissapoint people b/c the boys can go downhill so quickly. Basically you just live in the here and now.

9. Do you ever imagine what your life would be without the boys?
My gosh, I feel like I would be this dull and insignificant person. You know before I had kids I had this spiritual journal that I kept up for some time. I was always questioning what my purpose in life was. I know this sounds all cynical but it is the truth. I really did not know my purpose until I had my kids and these boys. I have matured in so many ways and don't get caught in the material things and really try to enjoy the simple things and life and have become sooo much more grateful about life and knowing my blessings. So I CANNOT imagine what life would be like without them.

10. What are your support systems?
I have really found some great people in my life that have helped me along my journey. Some only last for brief periods and I believe each person is in our lives at the times we need them. We are lucky to have such great community around us and My MIL who is wonderful. Mostly for me I find alot of support in my online mom friends who really get it.

So hopefully I have answered alot of your questions. Hope this was helpful.