Apologies….
April 27th, 2008
It has been brought to my attention that I am scaring parents about coming to China because of what I am writing in my blogs. Also, by explaining the culture here, I am being offensive. To all parents who are reading this, here are the facts.
The rooms are fantastic. The staff is out of this world. I cannot say enough about the treatment we have received from them. They are always very willing to help us with everything. The doctors are very knowledgable, and I would trust them with my children any day of the week. My experiences in the OR were not pleasant. I will not lie about that. This is a newer facility, and they are working out the kinks in that area. My son screamed because he was scared. ALL CHILDREN cry when taken away from their parents- whether they are at home or in China. I did not expect to be going down to the OR, so that whole experience was very scary for me. As parents, you should not assume anything. Ask questions. I apparently did not ask enough. I assumed that our experience would be exactly the same as the others that I had read. No barbaric treatment, nothing to hurt children goes on here. As a parent, it is very hard to trust the care of your child to anyone, especially when they are complete strangers. The therapy staff, doctors, nurses, and others have gone out of their way to help us be very comfortable here. They are fantastic. I have the upmost respect for all of them. They have provided hope for my son when all doctors in the US had written him off. We have only had 3 injections, and we are already seeing improvements. Miracles are happening, and it is because of these people.
As far as the cultural information, I did not mean to offend anyone. I was just trying to explain a few differences. I did point out that I am quite sure that many of the Chinese think that we are very weird. Well, I know they do. They stare at us often. Not many American families roam the streets of Qingdao I am quite sure. For the most part, the locals are very helpful. I will not lie, there are a few that can be down right rude, but that isn’t the norm. I certainly did not at all mean that the staff didn’t brush their teeth!! They are very clean, very neat, people. I was referring to the two rude locals I have encountered!
Sorry if I hurt anyone’s feelings or scared anyone about coming here. Neither were my intentions.
Entry Filed under: Uncategorized
13 Comments Add your own
1. Ila Gipson | April 27th, 2008 at 8:32 am
Hello
2. Ila Gipson | April 27th, 2008 at 8:47 am
Lorie, Jason, Brayden, and Brylie,
Sorry about that, I was showing my grandaughter the pictures you sent, and she decided she wanted to send a comment. I think you guys are absolutley awesome for what you are doing for Brayden. At this point, I don’t think I would worry to much about what anyone else thinks. Just continue to be there for Brayden and we will keep you in our prayers. I’ am so excited about his progress, and hope and pray that good things continue to happen for him. Lots of love, Ila
3. Aunt KK | April 27th, 2008 at 11:09 am
Hey guys! First of all I just want to tell you guys how proud of you I am to have the courage to take this journey for Brayden. Personally, I don’t think that people have taken your blogs offensively. You have done great keeping us updated and painting a picture of what it is really like over there. We are very lucky to have people over there to take care of Brayden as well as they have. Keep your heads up…I am counting down the days to see my favorite niece and oldest nephew!
I miss you guys like crazy. You have alot of prayers coming your way! Strong strong bubba..You’ll be home before you know it! Love you guys.
-KK
P.S. Brayden- Love you with a bushel and a peck!
4. KIm Carpino | April 27th, 2008 at 12:00 pm
Lorie, I had to smile when I read this one. Your voice comes through so clearly on your blog entries. You should consider writing a book…..seriously you are a great writer! Lex and I enjoyed looking at the pics. It’s exciting to hear about the awesome progress! Your family remains in our thoughts and prayers!
Kim
5. Brandy Russell | April 27th, 2008 at 12:02 pm
Hey guys! Don’t let things as petty as this bother you! You are a concerned mother and there is nothing else to say about it. Keep your head up and know that everyone here truly enjoys reading your blogs each day. I know I do!! Just remember that we all love you guys and are continuing to pray for each of you daily!! Love you all!
Love, Brandy
Exodus 15:13
“In your unfailing love you will lead the people you have redeemed. In your strength you will guide them to your holy dwelling.
6. Jon | April 27th, 2008 at 2:05 pm
Lorie,
I also really like reading your blogs and appreciate that you are spending so much time to write them. Actually when I need a break, the first thing I do is go to read your blog. Second I go to read Jordan’s blog. I do understand though that it can scare people who have not been out to China, especially parents so I really appreciate this last post as well. Please keep the blog entries coming and I hope the rest of the treatment is very smooth and easy for Brayden now that you have been there for awhile and have gotten used to the differences in culture etc. Do continue to feel free to post things that may not be exactly how you want them so that we can try and improve the service and treatment for the patients that come after you which by the looks of it, there will be many in the next couple months.
Thank you.
- Jon
7. Momma Sue | April 27th, 2008 at 9:02 pm
As I like to say, “Everyone’s a critic” Very few critics are DOERS. You guys are DOERS and you are doing the right thing. A little sense of humor along the way just helps get throught diffcult times. Keep you heads up and your feet on the ground running, thats how things get done.
Great to be back home and reading your blog, I really missed being in touch while we were gone. Don’t understand why they can’t have internet hook ups at the river. LOL
Brayden’s progress sounds like it is right on, and from the pics, it looks like Brylie is taking good care of him. It was great to see all of the new friends you made over there. It will be a lifetime of memories.
17 and counting.
Love Mamma Sue and Papa Jerry
8. Aunt TT | April 27th, 2008 at 9:49 pm
Lorie & Jason: Where do I begin to tell you how much Kory and I as parents look up to both of you. You both are so strong and determined. When I read the blog this morning, I had to laugh. Out of 30+ people who stop me weekly and say how they thoroughly enjoy reading your blogs every day, two people have to add more stress to your already difficult time. Keep your head and hearts strong and keep the reality coming!!! We all love you and are counting the days until your return. Kajun says hi! Love you guys. Aunt TT
9. Uncle Craig | April 27th, 2008 at 10:08 pm
Jason and lorie, You guys should be put upon a pedestal and be an example of what loving caring parents should be. You guys have leterally went to the ends of the earth for the love of your child. Not many people do that any more. I STAND UP AND APPLAUD YOU WITH TEARS OF PRIDE RUNNING DOWN MY FACE. nothing you have written should be offensive or should scare anyone. You have done nothing but document what your experience is. If people know you very well they would know that you are very patienant when it comes to treatment of your kids and when you comment about others its not bad it just damn funny. your blogs have been excellent and I look forward to them everyday. PISS ON EM KEEP IT REAL.
Love you guys. Uncle Craig. P.S. If someone doesnt like Jason and Lorie’s version of reality contact me; asleepnks@hotmail.com. I’ll let you know what reality is all about
10. Alisha Burgan & Family | April 27th, 2008 at 11:33 pm
Lorie, I just wanted to let you know that I enjoy looking at the pics of Brayden and u guys, and I enjoy reading your blogs all the time, they are AWSOME. We love ya’ll lots and we cant wait to see ya’ll soon. Take care and give the kids hugs and kisses from us.
Sent with lots of
love from TX-Alisha
ALSO, I agree 100% with UNCLE CRAIG, You took the words right out of my mouth!
11. Kelly Keegan | April 28th, 2008 at 3:09 am
Geez, Just read the blog and hope that you didn’t get into to much trouble. I didn’ think that you had written anything offensive at all. I feel that you have more than once said very positive things about the culture and the staff. Especially the staff!
If we can’t get through tough times with a bit of humor then how do we get through them? I don’t think that anyone who has visited a differant culture has not noted the obvious differences with a smile. Whether it is Americans abroad or people visiting America. No doubt you are not in the USA and we aren’t used to having our thoughts and letters read and scrutinized. I will for your sakes be careful from now on to post with caution and be “respectful”.
Love, Kelly, Patrick and Kendall
12. Momma Sue | April 28th, 2008 at 7:41 am
I hope Uncle Craig nevers meets “in person” /the people that repremanded you for your blogs. I don’t think he or any of the people commenting on your blog is going to let them pick on our Little Lorie/.
Love on Brayden and Brylie for us, and give Jason a big hug from Mom.
Mamma Sue and Papa Jerry
13. kandi | April 29th, 2008 at 1:14 am
I have enjoyed reading all the blogs. If anyone finds what you have written offensive then they need to stop reading them. In my opinion they have been very interesting and it’s as if we are right there with you going through this journey with you, and oh my do I wish we could all be there with you guys.
Keep your heads held high!!!!!!!!!!!
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