Introducing...

Biologically speaking, I only have one brother, but God in His extravagant love has expanded my family with people that I believe could have been born into my family. They fit in as though there was a piece missing that you never knew was missing. In my life there have been several of these people. Today, I would like to highlight my "brother" and "sister" Harvey and Elaine. I know some of you may not know who they are and some of you do. Either way, I would like to tell you a little bit about them. I can't even tell you when exactly I met them, but we "fit" together right away. I do know that I met Harvey first and almost instantly he was like a brother. He has always been there for me in anything that I've needed. It was him who brought Elaine into my life. After some time had passed, they saved each other from, well, themselves. Harvey and Elaine were married on June 15th 2002. But that day found a day of equal and new kinds of joy three years later on September 19th 2005 when their daughter Eliana Mackenzie was born. From day one Eliana was one of the most beautiful little girls I have ever seen. She has always had such a peace about her and an incredibly sweet spirit. Months passed and Ellie began to grow into her larger than life personality, a perfect combination of her mom and dad. I believe it was around five months or so that Ellie had a corrective surgery in her eyes. One of them had a weak muscle and wasn't as strong as the other. Doctors suspected that this was going to speed up her development, that in the previous months had been delayed due to her vision problem. As the weeks went by there was some improvement, but other differences were found. It has been a long journey of late night ER visits, tons of Dr. appointments, countless tests, hospital time and several therapy sessions a week and still the doctors can give no certain diagnosis as to her weak muscles. Harvey and Elaine continue to fight toward recovery for Ellie. They do it with such grace and strength still loving her more everyday. They are two heroes in this story, two heroes that get tired but never give up. They get discouraged, but don't give up. They get overwhelmed, but never give up. They feel sadness, but don't give up. They have good days and bad days, but never give up. They battle with hopelessness, but NEVER give up. God has given them strength that I have never seen before. I want to tell you about, what I believe is the biggest contributor to the strength they have...meet the one and only Eliana Mackenzie Turell:

Dear Ellie,

I know somtimes you get tired of all the therapy and hard work. But I also know that since the day you were born, you were born a fighter. In your parents lives before you there were obstacles facing them but they never backed down, they're fighters too. I see in your eyes that there are things you wanna get up and do, I see the frustration when you can't always do them. I have also seen your determination and persistence to learn to do the things that you strive to do. That is a quality that you must value. It will always take you far. Your life so far mirrors this. I don't know if I've ever told you this but Ellie, you're an inspiration to me. Sometimes I want to give up on the little things in life that get me down, but you don't give up, so I know that I can't. Your smile has always brought warmth to my heart and I know it does the same for your mommy and daddy because I've seen it. You are so blessed to have them as your parents, with them I know you're going to get through anything life throws at you. And I have seen you do the same thing for them. They're blessed to have you too. You are so amazing. I really believe that God was showing off when you were designed. Not only are you beautiful, but you have a huge heart. You are just one incredible little one. There are many more milestones for you to accomplish that will continue to blow the minds of your doctors and therapists and I'm here to cheer you on as you do. I love you.

Keep on inspiring. Love, Auntie Leslie.

Harvey and Elaine you're both doing an amazing job with Ellie. I am so proud that we are family. I just wanted to share this that was on my heart for you. I love you both so much.

So this is some of my family. These are some of the hall of famers in my life. As you remember, please throw out a prayer for continued strength for Harvey, Elaine and Ellie. I know more good updates on Ellie's recovery are on the way. I will definitely keep you all posted.

Hope you all had a good weekend.