Giving More Than Receiving

Conae Carpenter, a single mother, adopted Molly in 1993. The adoption agency advised her to abandon the process because of Molly’s disability. However, Conae could not imagine this beautiful child going to an institution for mentally disabled people. When she made the commitment to raise a medically fragile child she was fully aware of the care Molly would need. She works in special education helping children just like Molly.

Until recently, Conae has been able to meet her bills while caring for Molly. However, because of budget cuts she is being laid off from her job. Also, the constant physical effort required to care for Molly has led to the deterioration of Conae’s health, resulting in fibromyalgia, crushed disks in her back, a pinched spinal nerve, and damaged knees. Conae had a total knee replacement several weeks ago. Five days before her surgery, the weight of heavy snow caused a tree to crash through the roof of her, nearly paid in full, mobile home. The insurance company declared it a total loss.

A friend sent a video of Conae and Molly to me. My friend’s daughter, Heidi, said Conae is an amazing woman who tirelessly gives to others. So, Heidi organized a fund raising effort to help her get a new home.

Today’s gift was to give a donation to Conae’s housing fund. Heidi said, “Conae is always giving more than she has ever received.” I hope to meet this special woman one day.

In Giving,

Robin