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
Merry Christmas, Happy New Year, and Happy late Boxing Day, if you live in Canada… Emma is such a little fighter, and I know exactly who she gets it from! Be blessed this year. Hope to talk to you soon.
loves
Here is to another Year of Happiness , Good health and Love!!!
Can’t wait to see you guys!!
Love you!
Another year isn’t too much to ask, Heather, and I have no doubt you’ll have it. Emma’s obviously doing so well.
It’s so nice to have you back, my friend. Happy New Year to you and your sweet family.
What an inspiring read! Should make a lot of us think about the things and people we take for granted!
Amen. For all of us. I’m quotin’ that every day. Darn it!
Your daughter and your family are such an inspiration, Heather! I was stunned to see how much your older daughter looks like you in that picture on your header.
Thanks for the birthday wishes!
Happy New Year to you and your family. May you have a year of great peace and restoration, a year of lots of love and laughter!
Blessings,
Susanne
Heather,
Last New Year’s found Reed and I in the chapel on the 3rd floor of Primary Children’s Hospital also pleading for a child. We’ve been kind of walking on eggshells this holiday season for fear of drawing notice that Parker hasn’t been sick enough for the PICU in almost a year.
More time. More time. Our hearts yearn for the same blessing.
Sending you love and wishes for great things to come in this New Year.
I was so glad to open my Bloglines and see new posts from you! I missed you while you were gone visiting over the holiday.
God has to give you grace from day to day to cope with Emma’s needs, both physically and emotionally. What a blessing to have this time with her and she is doing so well right now. I pray she continues to thrive in the coming year and God grants your family another year with Emma. God bless…
Diane
Heather,
What an amazing testimony to God’s power in difficult situations!
Blessings to you and your family in 2007!
Twinkling for Jesus,
Michelle
I am new to your blog coming over from Faith Lifts. I am sitting at home today in a quiet house pondering my own life and what has happenned this past year. This post is powerful! Your courage is beyond words. (tear, tear)
May you have a blessed new year!
Wow. I had no idea what was going on over here. I’m so sorry. I pray with you that you will indeed get another year with your daughter.
On a lighter note… Thank you for stopping by my humble blog with compliments. I’m flattered and honored that you might even EVER consider me for some help – methinks you were just being gracious and so very kind. I would never even think to consider myself in the same league as you as far as design goes. I’m still just learning. But thanks again. I’ll be by more often.
God bless you and your family in the new year.
I hadn’t been here in awhile….I know it’s been an emotional year for your family, but one that has with it, brought blessings.
Hoping many more blessings to follow in 2007!
~Tammy
http://familydoins.blogspot.com/
Heather, I hope that another year is granted for your whole family to enjoy Emma Grace (& so many more!). I do have some questions about the signs you saw in regard to heart failure with Emma. We are facing some new symptoms from time to time with Rachel, who has several issues with her heart. Would you mind e-mailing me when you have some time, if possible? I’d just like to know what you experienced if that’s not too much to ask. There’s no rush.
Im emailing you now Erna
Heather, it seems I say this often when I visit here…
Thank you. Thank you for opening your heart and sharing your journey…your authentic faith is inspirational.
You and your family will be remembered in prayer throughout the new year.
My heart ached along with you in praying for another year…I, too, say that same prayer for my son. The doctor’s said we would not have one year and the Lord has given us five. And I’m asking Him again for more…He knows the heart of mother…
Here’s hoping you get some rest and refreshing during this holiday weekend. It’s so good to have you back…
Praising God for the year He has given you and praying for another.
That scripture can apply to us all and I thank you for putting it up. It is time to get serious!
“From the fullness of his grace we have all received one blessing after another.” John 1:16
And, I hope for you another blessing of life here on Earth for sweet Emma. May you and your family have a blessed New Year!
Hey Girl, why didn’t you tell me you were back!!! Happy New Year!!! Hope you have a wonderful year filled with lots of joy. Love you!
I knew that was from The Message as soon as I read it and I immediately went and marked it in my Bible. I may even use it as a start towards a devotional I have to write for the new Bible Study at my church starting in January. Thank you so much for your honesty and your inspiration. I pray this is an amazing year full of unexpected blessings for you and your family. Also, glad you are back to your blog!
Thank you for stopping by my blog.
I pray that you will have another year too.