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Aloha, Hawaii.

Nov 02, 2011 | posted in Personal | 4 comments

Above image shot using Instagram. Find me. NatalieNorton

Ignore the awkward angle and the Cyrano de Bergerac-esque snout, and try to tap in to how this image feels, because it’s a reflection of my very SOUL.

Today.felt.good. Very good.

Everything felt normal.

Right.

Perfect. . .

and I basked in all the perfect normalness until I was saturated through and through.

I felt like me. And I liked it.

Driving familiar roads, seeing familiar faces, hearing the familiar roar of the ocean. . . yes, it was a very good day.

The truth is, I miss my old life. I miss my friends. I miss my house. AND I MISS THE OCEAN. Boy do I miss the ocean.  But again, and again, and again, home is where we are, together. The only “wrongness” of this day, was the absence of the people who belong here right along with me. I love them more than familiarity, friendship and every drop in the ocean combined, times 10. I don’t want to be anywhere they’re not. So there.

I love you Raleigh, Cardon, Lincoln and Richie. Thank you for being way awesomer than every other thing on the planet. See you soon! Nat Nat/Mom

PS. Can’t wait for Kellin’s wedding on Saturday! OOOOOH! Please let there be SUN!
PPS. I leave HI on Sunday to begin filming an exciting new project. Stay tuned for the 411, yo.

4 comments | add comment
  • Jenn A: This post hit me right in the stomach. I went to pilates today here in WA (our new home) and the instructor played "Hawaiian Style" and a host of other Hawaiian songs. I literally laid on my mat and wept. I miss Hawaii so much more than I thought I would. But you are right. Home is wherever I can snuggle my girls and hug my husband and microwave our dinner. So no more tears for Hawaii. Not today anyway. November 3, 2011 9:25 am
  • Have a question for me? I’d love to give you my answer. | Natalie Norton Photography Have a question for me? I’d love to give you my answer. | Blog: [...] Yes, it’s obviously a rainy day in paradise. no comments | add [...] November 3, 2011 9:33 am
  • Molly Tanuvasa: Oh Natalie, i know EXACTLY what you mean!!! The minute I touched down at the airport, every cell in my body screamed "I'm HOME!!!!!" November 3, 2011 10:50 am
  • Jenni: Missing that beautiful place and people too. Give my Rosey a hug for me! And those beautiful kids. But we are so, so glad you are in the desert with us! And we saw your handsome boys last night! So far so good! November 3, 2011 11:26 am

Thoughts on childhood vaccines: featured on Phoenix, CBS 5.

Nov 01, 2011 | posted in Baby Gavin, parenting, Personal, Sounds of Pertussis, vaccinations | 23 comments

The childhood vaccination debate is not one that I found myself anxious to join–for a zillion very obvious reasons, then ten more just for good measure. I needed time for my head to clear, for my emotions to even out and frankly, to get my facts straight before I jumped into the ring.

Now here we are (Richie and I, together), nearly 2 years later, talking from a place of confidence, understanding and compassion. There is no hate or anger behind any of our feelings as they relate to childhood vaccinations. There is no discord or frustration, only love, empathy and a desire to help others understand a perspective that often has no voice.

PS. As you read this, I’m on a plane to Hawaii. Niener, niener.

23 comments | add comment
  • Jo Thomas: Well done Nortons! A big brave step that I (and so many others) are glad you had the courage and strength to do. Attitudes won't be changed overnight but you WILL make a difference; for that we love and thank you!! Being from a sleepy little town down the bottom of Australia, it shocked me just how dismissive some people were of vaccinations (in watching the footage). I was just wondering if your medical system covers the cost of the vaccinations or if parents have to pay? Here our medical system covers the cost of the vaccinations and maternal health visits - as parents we don't pay a thing (I guess through our taxes we do!). To place our children into childcare, kindergartens and schools, it is a bit of a process for parents who have not had their children vaccinated - not overly hard but the system certainly encourages vaccinations. Prior to having children (firstborns) most parents attend antenatal classes and in these the issue of vaccinations is discussed and awareness is raised. The attitude of looking after ourself before the community is sadly something becoming more prevalent in our society. In days gone by, we didn't have the luxury of being able to support ourselves so sufficiently - we NEEDED the community. We weren't made to live alone, we were made to live and function and love as part of a community. Hopefully, with education and the gentle encouragement of people such as yourselves, people will be reminded of the necessity to keep caring for each other AS A COMMUNITY. Most people have good hearts and good intentions with what they do, sometimes it's just a little misguided; the big picture is forgotten. My son who had been fully vaccinated caught whooping cough when he was four and a half, thankfully without drastic consequences but he was a sick and fatigued boy for nearly 12 months - quite a change from the healthy, very energetic boy we had been used to. My doctor explained that, in a nutshell, with a significant number of people now neglecting to vaccinate their children the strands of illnesses that survive are becoming much stronger and new vaccines must be developed; this was always going to happen but it is occurring much more rapidly than what is acceptable. One horrid, frightful night was all we had to endure; I cannot imagine what it is like for parents like yourselves. Thank you again for standing up and speaking out with such compassion and understanding for the welfare and protection of all children, thank you so much, xoxo November 2, 2011 12:19 am
  • Jenni Bailey: Kudos to you guys for speaking up. I don't think anyone - even the most strident non-vaxxer, can argue with where you are coming from. They are incredibly fortunate to have never been in your position. For me, there has never been a question about vaccinating my girls. I totally understand the concern about the vaccines and how quickly some of them are tested and released. But the consequences of skipping them altogether are much more potentially heartbreaking. Big hugs to you both. Enjoy Hawaii. :) November 2, 2011 2:46 am
  • Melanie: I'm proud of you! There are so many naysayers and it IS trendy to not vaccinate and you catch a lot of flack for standing up for vaccinations. You are the community! My son has autism and I know it did NOT come from a vaccine and I have vaccinated all my children (2 more boys and a girl) and I have gotten my Dtap booster because I want them and all babies to be safe. Again, so proud of you for standing up for your sweet baby. November 2, 2011 3:38 am
  • maureen: Love to you and your family, Natalie. I know it couldn't have been easy for you to come out publicly and that you never intended to become a spokesperson for childhood vaccinations. Your perspective is such an important one though and I really thank you for sharing it. It's easy for people to be dismissive when they talk about their responsibility to some nameless, faceless "community" but you can't hear sweet Gavin's story and not realize that our responsibility has to extend beyond ourselves and our own family. November 2, 2011 3:39 am
  • heidi nobmann: great report from news 5--you both did great, no worries--feelings of animosity were not anywhere in the report :) the pediatrician, AD Jacobson, from phoenix was my doctor from BIRTH!! crazy small world! November 2, 2011 4:24 am
  • Shari Hanson: GO NORTONS! Wow that must have been scary...good for you guys for standing up for what you believe is right and for being able to share such a personal and tragic part of your family with the public. I have met parents like the ones interviewed and always have a hard time with not giving them a piece of my mind! You have no idea how many times I've shared your story with people -- even strangers... Gavin's life and death have impacted me SO strongly, and your willingness to share your experience and what you've learned through the process have taught me so much. XOXO enjoy HAWAII! November 2, 2011 5:33 am
  • Rachel Boatright DeVault: I have such deep respect for you for placing yourself in the line of fire to stand up for what is right! I know it's not a role you would choose, but I am moved by the humility it must take to allow yourself to be a target--so you can get the word out and be an effective catalyst for changing this rising tide of misinformation, trendiness, and fear. November 2, 2011 5:41 am
  • Lizzie: I just wish there could be more of a compromise for those (like me) who are not necessarily anti-vaccine, but who would definitely like an alternative vaccination schedule. I just don't feel comfortable injecting my infant with massive viral cocktails every few months, I'd rather wait until they're older and then ask for single-dose vaccinations, opting out of those that are rather unnecessary. Plus, there are increasing studies showing that many vaccinations are a poor substitute for natural immunity gained through contraction of a disease. I think above all, I wish that people could talk about this issue without placing blame on one side or other. Perhaps if we all put forth an effort to demand safety and accountability from pharmaceutical companies, we could all be happy. I find it hard to believe that with all their billions of dollars they couldn't come up with some safer, cleaner vaccinations. Or, maybe we are just sending kids to school to soon?! More and more preschools are filling up with two- and three-year-olds! Like I said, I don't have the answer for the world at large, I just wish people could be more civil when addressing the issue rather than making assumptions about how either side approaches the problem. It's hurtful to be pegged as "dismissive," "uneducated," "insensitive," "trendy," "wrong," "misinformed," or "fearful." I read. A lot. I study. A lot. I think, weigh, pray, talk to experts, doctors, friends, family, and pray some more. I do this . . . a lot. I thought it extremely interesting that those communities with the largest populations of unvaccinated kids in AZ, were NOT uneducated communities. That little bit of information right there ought to be a HUGE indicator that this isn't just a "trendy" movement. Smart people are educating themselves about the risks associated with vaccinations and, in many cases, deciding that they would rather not submit their child to that risk. What about their right to parental inspiration? How could anyone else demand that they know better than that parent? And what type of a frightening world would it be if others were allowed to override and contradict our own decisions regarding our children? That type of thinking chills me to the bone. No one knows my children better than the Lord, my husband, and I. So we, naturally, make up their best decision-making panel. I suppose I'll just keep praying, studying, talking, thinking, reading, and receiving inspiration for my children and simply HOPE that others can learn to respect my decisions as being the best for my children. I am, after all, their mother - which means I'm their first line of defense and their greatest advocate in this world - unlike their doctor, their government, their community, and their television news stations, who are not infallible and often have an agenda or are misinformed themselves. I feel this responsibility and don't treat this issue lightly. To the Norton's, I am deeply sorry for your loss. I pray for peace and comfort to fill your aching hearts. November 2, 2011 7:11 am
  • Kim: I love you. You are brave. I don't want to add a debate, but rather my two cents to the above comment, I agree you can be inspired as to what to do for your children, however, I believe that these vaccinations were also divinely inspired and it wasn't that far past that children were suffering needlessly from a lot of childhood illnesses where vast numbers were dying or left scarred for the rest of their lives. I think it goes into an even deeper level that we all know not to send our sick children to school and church, yet we do it anyway. When my daughter was a newborn she contracted a respiratory virus. When she was rushed to our children's hospital and I was sitting in the ER with her, doctors and nurses came to me very solemn throwing words like 'whooping cough' at me. My baby was 9 days old. Luckily for us she did not have Pertussis, but she did spend a week in the hospital with RSV. My point is, we all need to be a little more careful, a little more aware, and if we choose to hold our children off of vaccinations that is fine, but I am concerned about the children who never get them. They are divinely inspired and I stand by that. Love you Natalie. You and Richie are so brave and I love you deeply for your courage and strength. You teach me so much. Love love love love you! November 2, 2011 7:55 am
  • Jullee: Such a sad situation that not vaccinating your children has become trendy. What is this world coming to? I am absolutely pro vaccines and hope that the few will not cause irreversible harm to the masses. November 2, 2011 8:01 am
  • Lara Cheney: Natalie and Richie, I am sure that it was quite difficult to get into the childhood vaccine debate. I have heard about some people who haven't had their younger children vaccinated because of their older children having severe allergic reactions to the vaccines but I think too many people think it is ok not to vaccinate purely because they are afraid of whether it is more harmful than helpful. But, I remember being at Gavin's funeral and hugging my nearly 1 year old because life is so precious. Heavenly Father needed him home, not that it takes away the aches and pains but baby gavin is watching over and caring for you all. I remember wanting to come up to give you a big hug, but you were surrounded by your family and close friends and I wasn't wanting to intrude on that moment. I love you and hope that you are able to find more comfort and solace. Thank you for being a voice for those of us that think having our kids vaccinated is very important. November 2, 2011 8:11 am
  • Heather: I'm proud of you. I've never had super strong feelings either way but your voice absolutely needs to be heard. November 2, 2011 9:22 am
  • Jessi: Thank you thank you thank you for posting this. I'm so sorry for your loss. My sister and I are at odds over this subject. Friendly odds, but odds still. Fear is a horrible thing. November 2, 2011 10:32 am
  • Chantelle Wendt: Natalie. I have been following your blog since the day Gavin died. I have become very attached to your sweet family. I have four boys as well, and one on the way. I live in Northern California where pertusis is an epidemic, and there is one of the highest populations of unvaccinated children. I am terrified of bringing my baby home around December 3rd, knowing that there is a possibility he could get a disease that used to be non existant. It is very frusterated that when these parents who choose to not vaccinate their kids, they are taking away our choice as parents who have vaccinated to have our children exposed to the diseases we were trying to prevent. Thank you so much for sharing your thoughts with us. You are right, we are going against what is the norm right now, even some of my siblings have chosen not to vaccinate their children. I admire your families faith and commitment to making a difference as you share your tragic loss. November 2, 2011 10:58 am
  • Amanda Day: That was powerful. I personally know people who slow their schedule of their child's vaccinations; and I am okay with that- not with opting out. Good for you for continuing to be outspoken about it! Have fun in Hawaii. November 2, 2011 12:02 pm
  • Jana: Just wanted you to know that because of you and your family, I was made aware of the adult vaccination for whopping cough and my children have received the routine vaccinations, but my husband and I went and got our vaccination. Thank you for your voice and baby Gavin's voice. November 2, 2011 5:22 pm
  • Jane Johnson: Thank you for your contribution to this news story, Nortons. I loved your part so much. But, why did they have to interview the hippies about the non-vaccinations? You could tell they were the extremists on the matter, and that last sound byte was obviously horrible. The vaccine debate is SO hard, I wish more people could be what you are in it--kind, compassionate, empathetic--on both sides! November 2, 2011 8:18 pm
  • April: Thank you. Because of you, my husband, myself, and several relatives are now vaccinated. We have 4 healthy boys and a little girl in heaven. My prayers and encouragement are with you. So, you're in az? I'm in az too. welcome! i'm sure it was hard to leave the north shore. i spent some time there too. November 3, 2011 8:29 am
  • Kate: I think you did great! Vaccines are definitely a hot button topic, and they are worth more investigation on both sides, in my opinion. But I must tell you that we decided to get the dtap for our 4 month old son because of you. We have two older sons who are perfectly immunized, but one of them had a really negative reaction to a vaccine, so we were going to proceed cautiously with our third son. But between our 2nd and 3rd son, we had our first daughter who died. And while I can't completely relate with everything you've been through with your sweet baby, I do know the ache of loosing one. Raising children...heck, LIFE in general is just such a delicate balancing act between trying to do what's the most healthy and stay alive. I give you props for your courage and speaking out about something that is obviously difficult and emotional for you. -Kate November 4, 2011 9:21 pm
  • Michelle: Great job on your interview. I feel so badly about the loss of your sweet baby. So heartbreaking-I can't even imagine how that would feel. I find it really interesting that they are saying that not vaccinating children is becoming very trendy. I feel completely the opposite. I haven't vaccinated 2 of my 3 children, but it is definitely a decision that I don't take lightly. We have had so many problems with Autism with my oldest son and after doing so much research and praying, etc, etc, we didn't feel comfortable vaccinating our other two-at least not now. But, I definitely don't feel like it is a popular decision where I live in UT-to be honest, I usually try not to bring it up because of the backlash that sometimes can happen. I do wish that they would present a better vaccination schedule so that babies aren't getting so many at one time. November 5, 2011 1:53 pm
  • Mickisha: Natalie thanks for being willing to share your personal story! Its so important for everyone to understand the reality that these diseases are making a comeback. Thanks for being willing to speak up not only about adult boosters but also childhood vaccinations! November 5, 2011 5:14 pm
  • tanya smith: The video is unavailable. I'd really love to hear what you had to say. Can I view it elsewhere? January 23, 2012 7:46 pm
  • natalie: I'm not sure! I'll try contacting the network. January 23, 2012 9:53 pm

Oct 27, 2011 | posted in Baby Gavin, Inspire, Personal | 9 comments

handling what’s hard.

This week was hard in an inexplicable kind of way. I just felt really jumbled, confused and disoriented all week long—feelings that grief, unfortunately, has acquainted me with all too well.

I’m sorry the last few days have been so saturated with sorrow. It’s simply what is. I’ll pull it together when I’m ready.

In the mean time, I’m resting in this beautiful painting. If I play pretend, I can almost feel his warm little body against my chest—his weight centering me. . . keeping my heart and mind connected to the things that matter most.

Gosh I miss him.

But handling what’s hard is simply a part of this Earthly existence. Our ability to find calm within the inevitable storms of mortality is developed line upon line, as we trust in Him and retain an eternal perspective. Right? Right.

So on we’ll march. One foot joyfully in front of the other, until one day, all is made right again.

N

PS. This masterpiece was painted by my sweet cousin Ash Mae. If I had all the rainbows in all the world they wouldn’t be enough to help you see just how much light and joy this woman brings to the world. And thank you to Mom for commissioning her to paint it for me! Mom, I love you more than every star in the heavens . . . times infinity.

9 comments | add comment
  • kati: exquisite. tears! October 27, 2011 5:38 pm
  • Jamie: You and your sweet family have been on my mind and heart all week. Well that's a little lie, you enter my mind frequently ever since I saw your first post about Gavin. You are such a light and inspiration to the world yourself. You and your family have handled such heartbreak with grace, courage, vulnerability, all while having to do so publicly. Because of you and your sweet son I and my ENTIRE family is current on not only our pertussis shots but all our vaccines. My son is even ahead of schedule on his! We pray for your family and especially baby Gavin as a family, it is so touching to see my baby pray for yours...you are well loved, appreciated and admired for all you have done, continue to do and will do. Many many blessings and prayers being sent your way! XoXo, Jamie October 27, 2011 5:43 pm
  • Erin: This painting is Breathtaking. Ash Mae is a mastermind. Oh Natalie, there just aren't words. Consider yourself in my prayers. I hope this hard week floats into better and brighter ones. Love your buns. October 27, 2011 5:54 pm
  • Lisa Robbins: Natalie - I am not sure how I stumbled upon your blog today but it has certainly gripped my heart. I have bounced all around your posts, digging deeper in an attempt to piece your story together. You are beautiful. And through your words, your pen, I see God. You have undeniable strength that comes from him, even in your weakest moments. As you navigate the waves of piercing pain and emotion, may you truly feel the love of Christ embrace you like never before. Today, this week, this month, may he touch the depth of your pain and carry you through. Thank you for sharing your story. October 27, 2011 6:05 pm
  • Ranan Samanya: Greetings, My heart with you. May your grief and sorrow subside soon and the warmth of life fill you again. October 27, 2011 6:24 pm
  • Shari Hanson: oh for goodness sake! that is so beautiful. so, so, so beautiful... i'm so glad you have it to remind you of a peaceful moment when you bonded with your sweet angel baby. love you! hugs from HB October 27, 2011 6:30 pm
  • heidi: oh my--this painting is RAD! i have always loved that picture of you and baby gavin and to have it in watercolor--so so special. when i opened your blog my heart double skipped. October 27, 2011 7:56 pm
  • jana: just someone you don't know wanting to say thank you for sharing your story with us. you are so special. have you read the poem by mary oliver entitled "the journey". it made me think of you. October 31, 2011 4:13 am
  • Rachel Boatright DeVault: Don't apologize for sorrow; we naturally go up and down, sometimes in larger arcs and sometimes in smaller arcs. You're human. An incredible human, at that. I love this painting. November 9, 2011 5:03 am

just be.

Oct 26, 2011 | posted in Inspire, on the agenda, Personal | 2 comments

Find me on Instagram: Natalie Norton

Sorry I went rogue last week and forgot to blog. Truth was, I didn’t have reliable internet access– for an entire week. (My definition of Heaven on Earth).

It was so nice to just BE.

I feel like being, in the sense of being totally present in life, is something we have to really fight for in today’s day and age.  I’m here to tell you, the fight is ALWAYS worth it, 1,000%.

Truth is, I really needed this.

I really needed time away from this new life I’m trying to navigate. The world is vastly different here from home. Faster, louder, all together crazier. I’m happy here in Arizona, don’t get me wrong. I am, after all, “a bloom where you’re planted” kind of gal, but it’s an adjustment (to say the very least).

I’m so thankful for the time we spent near the ocean, soaking in the soft, humid air, breathing in friendship and laughter and so much love it made you crazy.

Yes, I needed a break. I needed the ocean. I needed my family. I needed my friends. . . I needed some time to just be.

N

2 comments | add comment
  • Krista: I understand the whole "bloom where you are planted" but it is not always an easy adjustment. We made an international move 6 months ago and I am still struggling. I miss my friends, family and the places I went... my regular haunts if you will :) I hope that your adjustment period ends quickly and smoothly and you can feel like your blooming rather than just thinking about it :) I stumbled onto your blog when everything was happening with baby Gavin and I want you to know that I think you are amazingly strong and such an example of strength and grace. Thank goodness for the plan of salvation and the knowledge that you are an eternal family who will be together again. Plus you are a fantastic photographer and when we return to the states I will be coming to AZ if you are still there to get photos done. Have a blessed week !! October 26, 2011 9:48 pm
  • Rachel Boatright DeVault: This resonated with me: "I’m happy here in Arizona, don’t get me wrong. I am, after all, “a bloom where you’re planted” kind of gal, but it’s an adjustment (to say the very least)." It gives me permission to A) Feel happy here in TX and B) Forgive myself for still having a riproaring hard time. November 9, 2011 4:52 am

Everyday, do one thing that scares you.

Oct 25, 2011 | posted in Baby Gavin, Sounds of Pertussis | 12 comments

Today, I did something that I’ve been really, really afraid of. I spoke to a reporter about childhood vaccinations.

For the past year and a half, I’ve been an open advocate for the importance of adult booster vaccines. I’ve been actively involved in the Sounds of Pertussis Campaign where, in conjunction with the March of Dimes, we’ve promoted the importance of the Tdap booster to create a sort of “cacoon of protection” around infants who are too young to have yet received their Pertussis vaccination.

But childhood vaccinations? This, my friends, is a whole new ballgame.

I’m afraid I’m heading blindly into a war zone. . .  like a lamb to the slaughter, you might say. Only time will tell.

Dear world, Go easy on me, K? I didn’t ask for any of this.

N

12 comments | add comment
  • Melody: I'm totally behind you. This is not something I want to argue about with people. I am pretty outspoken about the adult booster but people get crazy upset about childhood vaccinations! I don't like to tell parents what to do with their own kids but it does really suck that people can essentially make decisions about what other people's babies are exposed to by not vaccinating their own kids. That doesn't seem fair. It's a lot like how I thought it would be a good decision not to get a big dog because I don't want to deal with big poops in my yard. It's pretty lame that my neighbor got to make that decision for me by letting his big dog run free and poop in my yard. Not cool, man. Not cool. October 25, 2011 7:30 pm
  • Amanda: You are so inspiring, I wish that people could truly understand the impact of their actions and the fact that they are not only taking a chance with their child, but with someone else's child who they don't have control over :(. I am sure there will be many people who are touched and influenced by you and I hope that those who disagree will realize that you are speaking from experiences and be considerate! October 25, 2011 7:45 pm
  • Sarah in Adelaide: I think you are doing a great thing Natalie. I have always been open to individuals choosing what they deem is the best for their children, however the more I research this issue the more I am changing my mind on the issue of vaccinations. I would never want to live in a work where parents are no longer able to choose such things for their children but the alternatives are all too severe as you know all too well. I don't know what the answer is, but with vaccination rates on the decline we must speak out and if you have helped one child by doing so then the potential war is worth it. Sending strength and love. October 25, 2011 9:18 pm
  • Jo Thomas: Natalie, I believe one of the greatest evils of this world is indifference. Indifference to our fellow human companions does more damage than trying to help and getting it miserably wrong. You are NEVER indifferent; you pick something, you choose a side and you fight passionately. That takes courage because there are always going to be people who disagree with you, but even those who disagree will be inspired by your commitment to your beliefs. You are following every parents instinct - you are STANDING UP for your child; as a parent this is always our first priority. Doesn't matter what the rest of the world thinks. For the record, don't think for one second that I think you are getting it miserably wrong by advocating childhood vaccinations (I'm assuming you are for them? You've never really voiced your opinion?). It's such a sensitive issue and I know you will handle it with the understanding, encouraging nature you apply to everything. Yes, there are things that can go wrong with childhood vaccinations but it is my opinion that there are so many more things that can go wrong by NOT having them. Hold on tight girl, you are going to be in for a ride with this one but know that you'll have so many people praying for you and supporting you with our own actions and voices. Gavin deserves your voice to be heard, LOUD & CLEAR. Go Mummy! xxxx October 25, 2011 11:32 pm
  • Cindy: Since you are speaking from experience, and a horrible on at that, you obviously know what you are talking about. While others may disagree, I really hope they keep their mouths shut! :) I admire you and your strength so much. Your post about baby Gavin's 2nd Birthday had me in tears. I can't even begin to comprehend all you've been through and continue to go through. I'm simply amazed by you. Thank you for sharing your journey. October 26, 2011 7:40 am
  • niki: Vaccines save lives, plain and simple. We need more amazing women like you promoting what should have never been an issue in the first place! You have my support :) October 26, 2011 4:17 pm
  • Sara S: Good for you! I think it's so important and I applaud you for doing it. Thanks to you I've urged people for the pertussis immunizations. Thanks for all your work! October 26, 2011 4:17 pm
  • Naomi: Natalie...I don't like to count the many interviews my sweet husband and I have done on Pertussis, TDaP, and child/adult immunizations. We've done several newspaper interviews, attended several luncheons where we had to recount our story, done a PSA (public service announcement), did a radio spot, attended the state legislature to promote the proclamation on the "Cocooning Project" and spoke a million times a million times to every day people. (Our recent interview was on the front page of the Sunday Albuquerque Journal just this year.) Each and every time I've had to share my son's story, our grief, and the importance of getting your TDaP. Its NEVER! easy! Its so emotional and hard but necessary. And yes...I have gotten many positive replies of how people we know and don't know have responded to this important need and gotten their TDaP. Sadly, not enough people do it. Just this season...already!....Pertussis is on the rise in New Mexico. I'm afraid to think it has only begun but my heart's hope is that it will stop rising. But each will make his/her own decision about this. I can only share my experience, in all its real, difficult and sad details, hoping to move another to go forward and get their booster. You and I must keep on fighting until this awful disease is eradicated. For our boys. October 31, 2011 12:01 pm
  • Naomi: By the way, talking on childhood immunizations is only the next step. I will share: you will come up against those who are opposed but you keep on trudging along. For us, we didn't ask God to be spokespeople on this BUT He called us to it and has been faithful. It is not my job to convince people .... just educate them .... this comes along with sharing our loss. We have witnessed changed hearts and we have seen people remain in their ways. But we were obedient to what God asked us to do. We strongly believe He provided a way for this disease along with other diseases to be eradicated. There are no cures for Pertussis, Polio or Diphtheria. ONLY vaccines to keep them away. Educate yourself and carry a sensitive heart towards others. Most of all, TRUST God and what He has called you to do. Blessings to you. October 31, 2011 12:16 pm
  • crystal winger: you speaking out about this, may save a little baby! And people may actually listen to you because of what you have been through in real life! November 1, 2011 2:04 pm
  • Rachel Boatright DeVault: The definition of integrity is doing/saying what you believe even when it's hard. You're the embodiment of that. All my love. November 1, 2011 4:10 pm
  • Caitlin Jarvis: You have no idea who I am, but I read your blog all the time. I have been really inspired by your story. Thank you for speaking out against this insanity!!! I cannot believe that people would choose to expose their children and children/adults around them to infections that we all thought ourselves to be rid of. To be totally frank, it really angers me. I hope more people will educate themselves about this and stop following this "trend" (so well put in that video). Thank you for your strength! You are an awesome person. November 1, 2011 9:27 pm