Another week has zipped past and it is July already! Summer has been so crazy busy and it is just flying by, and I don't want it to! Well mostly I don't, my kids have fought more this summer than I can ever remember, and are constantly provoking each other, but other than that, I don't want summer to go by soooo fast! I have so much to be grateful for this week!
This week I'm grateful.....
that Brady's gall bladder surgery went so well. This little boy is just so amazing. I think of the things he has been through in his short little life, which I know are NOTHING compared to a lot of kids with special needs, but so much more than anything my other typical kids have had to endure. I think of the number of surgeries (9) and procedures, and specialists, and blood draws etc... that he has had, and the grace with which he takes everything that comes at him, and he inspires me. He charms doctors and nurses, he goes with flow, he calms himself, he holds his own mask to put himself to sleep for the anesthesiologist :) He works through his worries and anxieties and trusts me completely to keep him safe and be there for him. I know people might say, why would I want a child to go through all that, that people think his life isn't worth living, that they are "saving" their children with DS from a life of "pain and suffering" by terminating them - but I would argue that Brady doesn't think he is suffering, that he doesn't think his life is not worth living - that in fact he appreciates and lives his life more fully than the rest of 46 chromosomers, because he doesn't get caught up in all the unimportant things, and he enjoys the things he loves with an abandon and passion that we would never allow ourselves. He is an example to me every day, and I am grateful - even on the days when I am feeling sorry for myself, because I may never be the mom who can sit at the edge of the pool and visit with friends without keeping an eye out for a fleeing Brady, or be able to freely go out without finding someone to keep an eye on Brady, or make sure I have an extra change of clothes in the car for my 9 year old - just in case - that Heavenly Father let Brady be a part of our family. What kind of people would we be without him? How would we have ever learned to appreciate the small things? How would we have learned patience? How would we have ever learned to appreciate and celebrate a statement as simple as "thanks C for watching funny videos with me" when he walks out the door - to his 9th surgery, in as many years. How would we have ever learned to love someone so completely, to forgive so perfectly, to trust so completely, to believe so innocently - to be like Heavenly Father wants us to be? Without Brady's example? I'm not sure we would ever have learned those things. I am soooo grateful for my sweet boy.....
for my brother! It has been almost exactly a year since that horrible accident that almost took his life. A year of miracles, and lots of hard work and pain and endurance for him. I am grateful for the miracle that allowed him to live, for all the prayers and positive thoughts from real life friends, internet friends, and internet prayer warriors that I don't even know, that pleaded with the Lord for his life and recovery. I am grateful for his continued recovery and that I still get to have my big brother - I love him so!
for my hubby and kids. They are awesome. I am grateful for them stepping up to drive each other places and look after each other when I am away. For taking such great care of Brady when he is in their care (mostly - the boys could use some work - but man I will have them whipped into shape by the time they get married, or die trying ;) I am grateful to them for being patient with me when I am stressed or worried and not being very patient with THEM. They are wonderful kids and I am grateful for them each and every day!
for the service men and women who serve around the world every day to help not only the US be free, but other countries too. Who work and sacrifice for the freedoms that we enjoy, and to make the world a better place. I am grateful for the free country that I live in (even though I am not a US citizen :) and the freedoms and privileges that I enjoy every single day.
for my hubby's job. His company has been so up in the air for the last year, and I am grateful for his continued employment and the insurance benefits that we enjoy, as I know there are so many people out there who do not have the same benefits. I am so grateful....
for so many wonderful friends and family who love and support me, my kiddos, and Brady. Who pray for him and believe in him and love him - and ME - in spite of my many, many faults and shortcomings. Thank you, thank you, thank you!
What are YOU grateful for today?
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