Thankful

A few weeks ago, I got to spend about a week, with a good friend. Honestly, we've only been friends for about a year now. Sad, but true. At the time we lived about 2 hours away from each other. At one point, we lived a few minutes from one another. But had never met.

Then a year ago, she was in a pretty horrific car accident. Hillary was in labor. Her midwife was driving her to the hospital, and they were hit by a drunk driver. The 2 of them, and Hillary's baby, almost lost their lives. Immediately, our dear friend Lola, was on the phone. Calling Patrick. Was there anything he could do. Would they be OK? Could we be there for Hillary? Lola was going to catch the first flight East, that she could.

That was a year ago. Both Hillary and her baby have had countless surgeries. Both are looking at dozens more. The man that that hit them, is know serving a sentence of 150 years. Hillary's divorce was finalized. She is back in touch, with her younger brother. And a new, and amazing man, has fallen from the sky, into their lives. He is the strength that Hillary needs. The daddy that this beautiful baby deserves.

Yesterday, was a day to celebrate. Celebrate that this beautiful baby girl, is now a year old. Her health is improving. We all hope, that shortly, she will be able to leave the hospital. For the first time in her life. We all hope, that these 2 amazing souls, will be able to live life again.

All of this got me to stop and think. To Thank God for everything I have. For the health and safety of my family and friends. To be grateful for everything that we have. Even the ridiculous pile of laundry. That never seems to disappear. Or the hectic mornings. The sick little boy, who is staying home from school. Or being so far away from our families.

If I woke up tomorrow morning, with only those things that I thanked God for, would the important things be there? All I need is my kids, Patrick, a home, the ability to feed my children, and provide them with all the necessities. The rest, it's just icing on the cake. Something about yesterday, made me stop and think. Think about the way we are living life.

Sure, I'd enjoy a family trip this winter. I have my eye on a new camera. For about 2 years, I've been wanting to redo our bedroom. I've found myself pining, over beautiful plants, for our yard. Which are all so expensive! Of course, I'd like a little extra money, to spend on frivolous things like clothes and makeup. But at the end of the day, those things don't matter.

Not at all. What matters is family, health, and faith. At the end of the day, I couldn't imagine life, without those 3 very important things. Hillary and her story, have taught me so much. It's touched my heart, in ways that I'd never expected. It's made me a more faithful person. And I've grown. If I woke up tomorrow, with only the things that I thanked God for yesterday, I'd still be the happiest woman on Earth!

Serenity

Immediately, this prayer came to mind. Patrick and I, came out to Tennessee. Our good friend, and her baby, have been through so much! It pains me so. My heart just breaks for them. Both of them. To have gone through so very much, so much hurt and pain. I don't really want to go through all of it. I think you should read the story from Hillary, herself.

Recently, a colleague of ours, contacted Patrick. If he'd be interested in this surgery. We all agreed. It was for such a good reason. I called my parents. And they agreed, to come and stay with our kids. For about a week. Because Hillary needs us. Plans were made. And here we are, in Tennessee.

The surgery was completed. A complete success. Complicated and long. But successful. Patrick and Dr. Sam were the lead surgeons. I sat with Hillary and her brother. As we were updated, I would explain to them exactly what was going on. I tried to keep my friend distracted. To keep her mind off of what was going on. I did everything that I could, to be a good friend. A comfort. A solid support.

Baby C is now doing well. Actually, better than expected. Which is such a relief. My friend and her baby girl, deserve such a good life. To be healthy. To be happy. I want that for them. For these amazing souls. I've only known for just under a year. But I swear to you, I feel like we've known each other for a lifetime!

This prayer, was just perfect. As an MD, we are trained to think,that we can do it all. We should be able to fix every problem, that comes our way. Every single time. But in reality, we know that we're just human. Not every situation is fixable. It's unfortunate. Heartbreaking.

The Serenity Prayer, was the one prayer, that I had hanging in my locker. The very first day that I worked at the hospital. At the beginning of every shift, I read it. And at the end of every shift, I read it again. It's the one thing, that gave me courage, when I was full of fear!

Yesterday's surgery, required courage, wisdom, and serenity. We all pray that Baby C will heal. Completely. That she will have the same chances in life, that my own kids have. I pray that God gives grace, wisdom, and patients to my friend. Most of all, I pray that God gives my friend strength. This is a long road that she's on. She needs all of our strength, love, and prayers. Please say an extra prayer, for this beautiful family.

Never Forget

10 years later, I still get emotional. At times, overly emotional. That day, will forever be engraved in my memory. My thoughts and prayers go out to all those families, who lost a loved one. On September 11, 2001. And all those families, who have lost someone since. My heart breaks. So much has changed in our country. So many people have sacrificed their lives, to ensure our safety. I will never forget. And I'll be sure, to continue to tell the story, to the next generation. I'll Never Forget! God Bless the USA!

Learning Grace

Ethan and Madelyn just finished up their school year. I can't believe it, but in September we will have a 1st grader and a 2nd grader. Logan will also be starting Pre-school! It's hard to believe it. My babies are growing so quickly!

One of the things we value and appreciate most, at our kids' school is, the prayer. The level of education is amazing! These teachers are really on top of things. But all of our kids have come home, with this prayer, on their 1st day of school.

We've incorporated it into our daily use. Teaching the rest of the family. We've always said Grace before meals. But now, we have a specific prayer to say. I'm happy to say, all of our kids now know, this prayer. Yes, some days, I'm still trying to figure out what Daniella is saying. But it's a nice tradition to have in our family. I'm very grateful for this school. And all that they are teaching, all of us!