This post is going to be a little bit different than most of the others. I started this blog as a way to share James’ story with the world; our struggles with raising a child with medical challenges; and maybe help and inspire others that are on a similar journey. This post is not so much about any of that, but more of a shout out to my amazing wife.
You know that old saying that when life gives you lemons, make lemonade? Well, James is the lemon in this story. I believe I am allowed to say that because he’s my kid. I apologize if that offends any of you. He is not like the other kids, and never will be. He will have struggles his whole life, and we will do our best to help him overcome those struggles and become the best version of himself that he can be. But if it wasn’t for James’ being the way that he is, Stacy may not have rekindled a childhood passion.
Now we’re getting to the lemonade portion of the story. As a kid, Stacy used to enjoy sewing. She started out by sewing washcloths together. She then started making outfits for her Barbies. In junior high and high school, she took home economics classes and started making her own clothes and purses. This continued through college and up until about the time that we got married. Between working, household chores, and life, finding the time or reason to sew was difficult.
Shortly after James was born, she got the itch to start sewing again. It started out with hooded towels to wrap James in after his baths. Then she started making custom shirts. She eventually got into making some items for the kids with special needs, such as tubies, which are fabric rings that can be placed between a g-tube and the stomach. In addition to adding a little bit of flair, they also help protect the stoma in the abdominal wall where the g-tube comes out.
This weekend Stacy took her little side business to a new level and was a vendor at our local Abilities Expo where she was able to show off the stuff that she makes. Most of the things she makes are custom, so she didn’t have anything to sell, but hopefully she’ll drum up some future business. She doesn’t make a lot of money with this side business, but she enjoys it, and I also think it gives her a bit of an outlet. You know, something to do take her mind off James. Honestly, I don’t know how she does it. If I were in her shoes and was a stay-at-home dad taking care of James all day, I would probably be napping in my free time. Stacy, you are awesome, and I love you!
Please check out the Stacy Rae Creations Facebook page if you would like to see more of what she makes, and message her there if you have any questions or are interested in making a purchase.
