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Pennsylvania
Adoptive & Foster Families

Taproot issue 50 - December 2005

Presidents Corner

This holiday newsletter is dedicated to:

Rayshonda Nathisha Harvey Lassiter

3/14/94 – 7/7/05

Rayshonda was the daughter of Jenell Lassiter and the sister of Nichols, Mary, Jannifer and Nelson. Rayshonda was placed with Jenell when she was only a few months old. The agency told Jenell that Rayshonda would probably not live past her first birthday. Jenell knew that all her children including Rayshonda were a gift from God. Not only did Rayshonda live past her first birthday she lived to be eleven. It was the love that her family gave her that kept her alive. Jenell did not mind at all getting up several times during the night to check to make sure that her daughter was still breathing. She did not mind the countless trip to Children’s Hospital or the times when she had to stay overnight with her daughter.

Even though the Lassiter’s lived in Philadelphia they have been faithful attendees at our parent support group meetings. We all laughed when Jenell called herself “Sarah” she said that she was an “old lady” with three young children. Jenell may think that she is “old” but she is a strong advocate for her children.

Rayshonda had a major seizure while visiting relatives in North Carolina. I received the call the following morning. Jenell and I cried and prayed together. She told me that she had to make the decision to stop all life supports for her child. We again cried and prayed. I called her the evening they stopped the life supports. She said that her children went in first to say good-by and then she went in. She thanked her daughter for 11 wonderful years and told her how much she loved her and that she would miss her very much. The doctors and social workers from the hospital asked Jenell if she had a support system once she returned to Pennsylvania. Jenell said “Oh yes, I have a wonderful support group (TAP). We are like family”.

I flew down for the funeral. I was so please to know that many of TAP members sent cards and gifts. Rayshonda was beautiful! Jenell had dressed her in a pink Cinderella dress with ruffle socks and glass (clear) slippers. She was holding a purse that matched her hat with white gloves on.

Rayshonda may be with the Lord but she still lives on, her heart, eyes (even though she was blind), liver, intestine, kidney was all donated to help others.