3.04.2014

Unstable

I've spent the last few days soaking up the kids.

I have to say that this sudden ultra sensitivity to how fleeting life can be has been an unexpected perk of all this yucky stuff going on.  I'm finding myself wanting to be more present.  To do more playing and hugging and do all the Mothering I can possibly do.


I'm also finding myself wanting to sell all my earthly possessions and buy an airstream so we can roam North America untethered.  I'm sure we could find supporters to buy our gas and feed us.  And in the next second wanting a puppy.  Andrew decided it's probably best if I don't make any big decisions for a little while.

Between crying over potholes and the mass toy purge I did last week, I'd probably have to agree with him.



We are handling the Surgery Countdown the best we know how.

Lots of talking and random crying and late nights tossing and turning.  But there's also lots of extra love and prayers and an intense desire to just be together, so it seems to balance out in the end.  

9 days y'all.  Just 9.

It's a strange feeling to be so very confident that your child will do fine, that they will survive.  And on the other hand carry this weight that feels like a bowling ball sitting on your chest.  There are risks and they aren't pretty.  Andrew and I are both trying our very hardest to not think about the what if's, but late at night, when it's just the two of us, sometimes those fears escape.

And I think that's OK.  

I used to be convinced that saying those ugly fears out loud gave them power.  I don't believe that anymore.  Now that we are actually going through something as catastrophic as this, I think it's normal and natural and therapeutic to just let it out.

Andrew and I are usually pretty mellow about Gabe's heart condition.  

That leads to other people thinking it isn't as serious as it is.  But it is.  He is missing two major parts of his heart.  There is nothing run of the mill about that.  His outward appearance, how active and happy and healthy he is, well, it's amazing.  But on the inside, his little heart is working triple time just so he can walk.


Lord, is he adorable or what?

There is a lot of uncertainty floating around my mind about my brother, my dad, my Gabe.  But I'm choosing to let it spur me towards being more intentional.  Being more present.  Arranging to spend more time with family.


Even with all this instability, when I sit back and think about it, this life is so, so good.

I've made a lot of mistakes in my life.  I have a lot of things I wish I could take back, get a redo on.  The other night I tried to go back in my mind and make different choices, follow where that would have lead me.  And no matter what I tried, changing anything meant I didn't land here.  Each step, however unsteady, lead me right here.  Where yea, my son needs heart surgery, but he's the most lovable guy in the World and my daughter can make me eggs.

When did she get big enough to make real food?!?


Thank you for your kind words last week.

Y'all have seen me through a lot of really tough life and I know you'll see me through this as well.

Now, not to be bossy, but go out and do some living today!


7 comments:

aprilbrooks said...

It's not as serious, please know I do realize this, but I can tell you how gripped with fear I was when my youngest daughter's appendix ruptured and her little tiny body was filled with poisons and toxins and she fought to live before they got it out of her. I have never felt more helpless in my life; having to rely only on God and the doctors to save my child. Her recovery was long and hard as well, but she learned to lean on God and trust that He will bring us through the tough times in our lives. I am praying for your sweet baby and for your peace, all the way through to the other side of the surgery. *Hugs*

The Edberg's said...

Omg. Eggs?!?! When did she grow up? :) Gabe is looking more like a young man in each post. Prayers for you and your family.

The Edberg's said...

Omg. Eggs?!?! When did she grow up? :) Gabe is looking more like a young man in each post. Prayers for you and your family.

Audra Silva said...

Praying for peace for all of you, strength to get through, and a speedy recovery for Gabe.

Aloha Acres said...

I have no words of wisdom, but I do have prayers, and they are yours. ((hugs))

Michelle Gibson said...

((((Hugs)))) Praying for peace and strength and wisdom and THAT YOU STAY IN THAT MOMENT! It's such a good place to be. ♥

Lisa Boyle said...

I am one of your fellow crew mates and please know that your precious son (and the rest of your family, too) are in my thoughts and prayers.