These Days: Jun 1, 2011

Do you ever have those moments where you are going about your day and are suddenly brought back to another time in your life? It could be an interaction with a certain person, a specific place, sound, or even smell, but somehow events and emotions of the past are triggered and brought right into the present - and you never saw it coming. This happens to me on occasion - and most of the time I just cherish it - I love being brought back in time. I'd be lying if I said that all the memories are pleasant ones, but even those that I would rather not relive serve their purpose and if nothing else are valued as a wonderful reminder of where and who I am today.

This happened to me last week as I brought Caleb for his 4 month appointment (more on our strapping young lad in a bit). The pediatrician that we see just happens to be on the same campus as the hospital where Caleb was born. It is a fairly large hospital and is always bustling with people as it provides services for every speciality you can think of. Caleb and I arrived a little bit on the early side so that we could run up and say hello to the Labor and Delivery nurses - I was anxious to show them how all of their fiercely hard work had paid off since they haven't seen him since the - shall we say - rather eventful delivery. As Caleb and I were making our way through the courtyard, I looked around - like I always do - although this time was different. I usually scan the scene as a nurse - trying to diagnose people as I go - only this time I wasn't looking around as a nurse, I was looking around as a mom, a wife, a person, who had been where these people have been. From the woman sitting alone looking scared and rather lifeless; to the husband and wife who just sat next to each-other in silence - she had clearly just undergone chemotherapy - the permanent needle was in her chest and she was frail, but trying to stay strong while her husband lovingly looked over her but had no words left to say; to the young marine who was wheelchair bound after having lost both of his legs - I'm sure his days of therapy are just starting as he tries to figure out where he goes from here; and then there was the man in uniform that came walking towards us with a tattoo going down his arm that read "Hunter" - as I got closer I saw the smaller print which said "in honor of my son" - the man was probably just a couple years older than I am at this very moment. My walk through that courtyard only lasted a few seconds, but it felt like an eternity. In an instant I was brought back to only four short months ago when we were in a very similar situation; thankfully our story turned out far better than others. As I kept walking I gripped Caleb tighter, fighting back tears as I thought of all of those who are fighting a much graver battle than we are. From those parents in the ICU who were not able to take their children home; to those who were making their way through the hospital scared and uncertain of what the future holds; to those who have seen and tasted the bitterness of the loss of a loved one; and to those who have paid a price for our freedom - my heart and prayers go out to them. I realize in these moments - once again - how truly fortunate we are to have our little miracle in Caleb, but even more importantly I realize that others have not been so blessed. This past week our pastor said that today might be the best day of your life but it just may be the worst day of someone else's life. I like that saying because I think he is right on. Oh sure, we all have "stuff" in our life, but you never know what the person behind you in the grocery store, in the waiting room at your doctors, or anywhere in between is dealing with. So, try to flash a smile their way or give them a pat on the back - because you never know, that may be just what they need!

Well, of course you know that I have to end the blog on a happy note - and one that involves Caleb - so here it goes! The little man is rolling from tummy to back...very exciting! It may not happen every time, or without some major protesting and a few good pouts, but rest assured he can roll. He is also in a standing phase - I think he likes to be on Sadie's level - and loves to grab anything and everything and put it straight in his mouth. He is also discovering how loud his voice can go. We are usually serenaded in the evening with non-stop, ear piercingly loud squeals, followed by a huge grin and a look of "see what I can do mom...aren't I cute", and of course we instantly forget about the fact that he has nearly popped our ear drums and we melt, covering the poor kid in kisses. Oh and to top things of he is 15 lbs 6.9 ounces and 26 inches long! For all of you keeping track that means he is in the 77th% for weight and 93rd% for height. We clearly all know he does not get the height from me....now the huge feet on the other-hand, they could definitely be mine!

As for us, we are doing well. Enjoying our time as a family! We had a fun weekend celebrating Memorial Day and paying tribute to all those who have given the ultimate sacrifice so that we can live in freedom. Your dedication and service will never be forgotten.

Until next time! Enjoy the pictures! xoxo