Much To Be Thankful For

I have been meaning to post for awhile but haven't been able to find the words to say what I've wanted to express. I feel like we have had the month from hell. It has been challenging, to say the least. Here's a run-down.

On Sunday, April 15, Tyler was admitted to the hospital for treatment of a staph infection in his leg.

Tuesday, April 17, Tyler came home. Later that night we realized our basement was flooded and we worked the rest of the week clearing out the mess.

Sunday, April 22....Tyler wasn't feeling well. He had a runny nose and seemed a bit fussy which is very unlike him. I put him down for a nap and he slept for almost five hours! I was constantly checking him. When I went to check him the last time, he was struggling for breath in his sleep. He looked like he was hyperventilating. It was so scary! Brent came to check him. We looked at each other, I picked Tyler up and he and I headed to the ER. When we got there his oxygen level was 74 and he was struggling to breathe. They got him hooked up to oxygen, took a chest x-ray and realized he had double pneumonia. They admitted him and later that night he was transferred to the PICU. It was a very scary few days! Thankfully, after the right medicines and many, many prayers, he came home on Friday, April 27.

Tuesday, May 1....Brent was having massive stomach pains and was in agony. He had been having some stomach troubles and they were planning to do an exploratory surgery on May 7. But, he was getting much worse. I called his surgeon and he said, call 911 and get him to the hospital. I hung up and called an ambulance. Brent had emergency surgery on Wednesday the 2nd. They found a strangulated hernia and got it taken care of. He came home late Thursday the 3rd.

Sunday, May 6.....I guess it just isn't a Sunday afternoon without a trip to the ER. :) Tyler had been having terrible diarrhea for several days and then started vomiting. Given everything he has been through lately, we didn't want to take any chances. So, I called the pediatrician and she said to head in to the ER. She didn't want to take any chances either. They did a chest x-ray and found that his pneumonia is completely gone. That was a huge relief. Poor kid just got the stomach flu that has been going around here. They hooked him up to an IV and pumped him full of fluids all afternoon. We were glad we didn't have to spend the night.

We got home to Emmalee throwing up and having diarrhea also. I felt so bad for Brent who stayed home to take care of her even though he is still trying to recover from his surgery. Luckily today both Tyler and Emmalee are feeling better and we pray it was just a 24 hour type bug.

There have been many days lately that I have had to remind myself of all I have to be thankful for. Yes, we have had our share of trials these past weeks. Yes, I have allowed myself to wonder 'why us?' Then something will happen to help me remember that I have so many wonderful blessings.

For instance -- through all of Tyler's hospital stays, we have always had someone ready and willing to watch Emmalee. We have had so many people step forward, without being asked, and take her for a few hours, a whole day and even over night. It was such a blessing to know that she was being well cared for and although I missed her like crazy, I never worried about her. Also, when Brent was in the hospital last week, it worked out for our friend Caity to come and watch both kids. She is amazing with them and it was wonderful having her here.

We have had meals brought in, phone calls, emails, gift baskets, flowers and prayers from friends and family. Brent's boss has been so kind and understanding. His co-workers have called to check in and have been so kind. People from church have been so wonderful. We are truly blessed!

I have also realized that no matter how bad things can seem, there is always something worse. I was blessed to meet two different Moms and their children in the times that Tyler was in the hospital. The first was a Mom with a beautiful six month old baby girl. She was so precious. She has been in the hospital her entire life waiting for a liver transplant. She will never go home if she doesn't get one. The Mom told me that she prays every day that it will happen. But, then she feels guilty for praying that her daughter will live when she knows that another mother's child will have to die to save hers. It broke my heart to realize that she was right.

The second was a Mom and her thirteen year old son. He has been in the hospital since March battling Lukemia. His best case scenario for going home is July 4. That is if everything goes well. Then, of course, there's always the chance that his cancer will return or that something else will go wrong. His Mom has rarely left his side.

What struck me the most about these Moms was the fact that neither of them had the "why me" syndrome. Yes, it was obvious that their trials have taken a toll on them and yes, they have every right to complain. But neither did. It really made me stop and think. It made me want to do my best every day to find the positive no matter how bleak the situation may be. It made me want to be a better Mom, to be a better wife and to just be a better person in general. These Moms are true examples of courage, strength and hope. What amazing women they are. I know that although they may not remember me, I will never forget them and the example they have shown me. I will continue to pray for them and for their wonderful children. And, hopefully, I will continue to realize that even through the darkest trials, I have so much to be thankful for.