Our happy day.
Our thankful for everything day.
But more specifically, today is our 'thankful for Elam' day.
You see, it's been 4 years. Four years since our hearts were at their heaviest. Four years since we rallied ourselves to make the hour drive to Jackson, MS awaiting confirmation on our darkest fear. It's been four years since the reality of "Your will, not mine, Lord."
And it's been four years since we heard those happy words, "Your son has spina bifida."
There is a lump in my throat today. One that is there on occasions like this that so guiltily reminds me how much I have to be grateful for.
If you're just joining our story, if you're not really sure why we'd consider Spina Bifida "happy words," I'll catch you up.
You see. Four days before, we were told we were having a boy. A sweet boy who was struggling inside of me and there was nothing I could do to help him. A precious son who would probably not live more than 24 hours after birth. We spent a weekend crying huge salty tears from the depths of our very broken hearts, wondering about funeral plans.
For the entire story, click here.
So, you see. Today is a lovely day.
A day in which we celebrate and go out of our way to keep the mood light and happy.
Today, we celebrate life.
We celebrate differences.
We celebrate wheelchairs.
We celebrate Elam.
From the outside looking in, today doesn't look much different than most. There are no fireworks or balloons. There aren't any special songs or gifts. Instead, there's just a lot of being intentional and a lot of saying yes.
"Yes! I'll hold you!"
"Yes! I'll lay with you!"
"Yes! You can stir the brownie batter AND lick the spoon!"
Less of 'Give me a minute." And more of, 'These chores can wait."
You see. Its easy to get wrapped up in the stresses and messes of the day to day life. It's easy to dwell on the hard when your back aches from lifting and your head hurts from juggling the very big emotions of three young kids. But today. Today is our day of survivial. Our day that helps us remember the gifts of this life and - oh how sweet those gifts are!
Happy Elam Day, everyone. I hope you find as much joy in today as we do!
So, you see. Today is a lovely day.
A day in which we celebrate and go out of our way to keep the mood light and happy.
Today, we celebrate life.
We celebrate differences.
We celebrate wheelchairs.
We celebrate Elam.
From the outside looking in, today doesn't look much different than most. There are no fireworks or balloons. There aren't any special songs or gifts. Instead, there's just a lot of being intentional and a lot of saying yes.
"Yes! I'll hold you!"
"Yes! I'll lay with you!"
"Yes! You can stir the brownie batter AND lick the spoon!"
Less of 'Give me a minute." And more of, 'These chores can wait."
You see. Its easy to get wrapped up in the stresses and messes of the day to day life. It's easy to dwell on the hard when your back aches from lifting and your head hurts from juggling the very big emotions of three young kids. But today. Today is our day of survivial. Our day that helps us remember the gifts of this life and - oh how sweet those gifts are!
Happy Elam Day, everyone. I hope you find as much joy in today as we do!
