2007- Another Year.
A new year begins shortly. Over the holidays I spent quite a bit of time reflecting on what I wanted for the new year. Last year started with much heartache, sitting in ICU having doctor after doctor telling us our daughters heart was failing again. I remember sitting in the little chapel on the first floor of Shands Hospital-new years day, praying that God would give us another year. A year ago today, I honestly had lost hope, and that is a feeling I will never forget.
As I reflect on the past year, there are so many emotions. Emma fought back from heart failure, but also added on hefty medication regimend to her daily life. She started school, which in itself is a miracle of huge proportions. She called me mom for the first time, at 5 years old. She went from weekly transplant follow up appointments to going every 2 months, again a huge step. She lost her nubby- a g-tube she has had her entire life, which now means that there is nothing “man made” in her body- she is living on her own for the first time, equiptment free. She was diagnosed with Autism, which honestly was so hard on our family- but Emma Grace pushed through the label and continues to grow and develop despite her limitations.
She is still here.
What do I want for 2007. Honestly, I just want another year. Another year with this precious child who has taught me so much about life, love and endurance. Another year of Barney, and Little People. Another year of 15 medications 3 times a day and trips to Gainesville to see a slew of specialist. Another year of pediasure and glucose testing. Another year of IEP meetings and 30 minute drives to school.
Another year of life.
So let God work his will in you. Yell a loud no to the Devil and watch him scamper. Say a quiet yes to God and he’ll be there in no time. Quit dabbling in sin. Purify your inner life. Quit playing the field. Hit bottom, and cry your eyes out. The fun and games are over. Get serious, really serious. Get down on your knees before the Master; it’s the only way you’ll get on your feet.
James 4:6-8
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Recouping…
Can I just tell you how glad I am that December is almost over? I love the holidays, honestly! But this December has been so outrageously busy that I feel like I havent had time to come up for air. We have 2 more “holiday engagements” next week and then I can officially breathe a deep sigh of relief….
Christmas was wonderful- We, of course, spent it with my parents and enjoyed the rest of the day with extended family members (cousins, grandparents etc). The kids expressions were priceless (as was my husbands at 5am when he awoke to Easton and Elijah whispering at a gentle roar, you’ll see it in one of the following pictures!) Eastons favorite gift was her new computer and mp3 player. The older they get, the fewer yet more expensive gifts they receive, she also loved her Idog and new baker skateboard… Elijah’s favorite gift was his mongo box of lego’s and the foosball table. Emma, well she seemed to be rather fond of the phonebook that I left by the tree accidently, the night before christmas- after ordering pizza. :)
Our christmas party was wonderful. The white elephant gift exchange was a hoot, although somehow we managed to get stuck with Billy Bass… Emma now knows how to put him on “sensor” so everytime you move, he starts singing. :) It was nice to be surrounded by all of our friends in our home- such a huge difference between last years holiday spent in ICU and this years. We have been so tremendously blessed.
I know that 2007 will be full of so many more wonderful memories with family and friends- and I am thankful to count each and every one of you in that group :) I hope that your holidays were wonderful, and that your new year is amazing!
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