Gathering around the table this Thanksgiving Day reminds me to spend some time reflecting on the blessings in my life. The beautiful table full of delicious food that we are so blessed to have in front of us is symbolic of the blessings in our life. My table is full of so many blessings.
Mostly, along this journey with Madelyn, we have encountered great kindness. Kindness which was once again shown upon us today by some very dear coworkers of mine. I'm busy changing Maddie's diaper in the living room, while watching the Macy's parade, and Brian looks out the window and says we have a visitor. In walks someone from my job delivering a cooler full of Thanksigiving goodness and treats that a group of my awesome co-workers made and put together. Wow. I'm still amazed! They put together a bunch of delicious things so that we could relax, take care of Madelyn and not have to worry about cooking today. So that we could enjoy the holiday like many others are doing despite the circumstances. I feel so grateful to these individuals that they would take the time out of their busy lives to show thoughtfulness and support when we really need it. It is hard for me to ask for or accept most things or to make a decision about what might be helpful. So when someone asks what we need or what they can do, it is one of the toughest things to answer. Mainly because what I most likely need is for someone else to make that decision since I am tired of making tough decisions. The truth is, the people I work with have never failed to amaze me in the ways they just know how to show my family support and I am extremely grateful for them. I feel blessed that over the past couple years, I have had kind people in my life that show up when I need it most, reach out, check in, send words of encouragement, ask how we're all doing, and even go above and beyond to do something nice to acknowledge the struggle and show us that they're thinking of us. For example, when Maddie had surgery, a gentleman from my church came to sit with us and just be with us so that we didn't have to wait alone, our pastor came to pray with us, and so many of you reached out. These things in general make my heart so full of gratitude and mean more than I can express. I can only hope to be able to pay forward similar gestures in the future. On this Thanksgiving, I'm incredibly grateful for the journey that I am on. I am so lucky enough to have my wonderful husband and the most amazing blessing in Madelyn. While our lives aren't glamorous or full of material things, we have each other and strong bonds of love. We don't get to lead a typical life with Maddie, yet there are so many ways that I am incredibly grateful for the life we do lead. A life that keeps us grounded, grateful, humble and full of perspective. We are lucky enough to know the important things aren't how much success you have, how many things you have or how many awesome things you get to do, but instead are the beauty and simplicity of life and love. Being able to celebrate being alive and well each day with each other. Despite the bumpy road, I am able to see that everything in my life has worked out just as it should, as hard as that is to admit at times. I give praise to a God who has given me the strength each and every day to get through whatever circumstance is thrown my way. While I am grateful for this strength to get through each day, I know that we cannot do this on our own. For this reason, I am so grateful our family and for the growing community of support we are building around Madelyn. All those who move mountains with her with every single word of encouragement you share. I believe she knows and understands. And I want nothing more than for her to feel loved. Love will help her grow. She is a people person and thrives with attention from others. So thank you for showing her love. Don't ever stop. I believe she needs it more than we do and will give it back stronger than we can. You won't regret it. The other huge support we rely on is from those who treat her. The medical team that Madelyn has surrounding her is large and mighty. They are awesome and without them I know she wouldn't be as far along as she is today. We have so much appreciation for the work that each person does with her each time they encounter her and the difference they make in her life and in ours. We feel blessed to be close to the wisdom, guidance, gentleness and understanding of the team that we work with. This list could go on and on. My heart is full of gratitude for so much more. Mostly the things at my table include strength, love, support from others, kindness, God's grace, and those who fill our lives with their hearts of gold and their beauty. I am so grateful for God's graciousness, arms of protection around Madelyn, and for making Madelyn fearfully and wonderfully made. Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours this holiday. What are the blessings in your life? What is at your table?
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AuthorHi, I'm Kristen! I'm a mother of a beautiful, but rare little girl and the wife of my best friend. I have decided to share my experiences on this journey in hopes to help others understand or help others in similar situations. :) Archives
October 2017
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