Being Thankful

Today I have been reminded (more than once) that I need to be more thankful for the things that God has given me.

First, one of my friends posted this on Facebook: "What if I woke up today with only the things I thanked God for yesterday?" This thought made me realize that I have not been diligent in thanking God for everything that He has given me. I have so many things to be thankful for, but often during this time of trial, my prayers and thoughts have focused on the things that I need rather than all of the wonderful things that I do have.

Another reminder that I need to be more thankful came as I was putting away the sympathy cards that were sent to us during the past few weeks. I decided to re-read some of the notes that people wrote. I came across one from a friend of my aunt who lives in Pennsylvania. I have not met this woman before, but she has been praying for us after hearing our story from my aunt. In the card, among other things, she wrote that she thanked God for Isaac's perfectly formed hands and feet. This prayer was so special to me because it was so personal. It also made me realize that I didn't even thank God for his perfect hands and feet. Amidst all of of my pain, I took some things for granted, including ten fingers, ten toes, and a full head of wavy brown hair. Looking back, I am SO thankful for these things, but I never expressed that to God.

With that being said, I am thankful for all of the prayers that have been said on our behalf. This woman, again, who we have never met, prayed to God on our behalf and expressed what we were feeling, but hadn't yet prayed to God. I know others have prayed for us when we didn't have the words or strength to go to God.

I found the following verse to be so powerful in terms of giving thanks.

Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus. I Thessalonians 5:16-18

What high ideals to strive for! I like the words always, continually, and in all circumstances. In times of trial, being joyful and giving thanks seem to be so hard, but they are also so important. In the first few days after we found out about Isaac's condition, we were devastated. At that point, I couldn't imagine looking back and being joyful and thankful for this journey. But, along the way, I have experienced positive things from a tragic situation, and I have learned not to take for granted the many blessings in my life. This journey has taught me that it is possible to be joyful and give thanks in the hardest and most painful situations.

I am so thankful for our little boy and his perfect hands and feet.

Tributes to Isaac

The past few weeks have went by so quickly! Today is Dan's first day back at work in more than 4 weeks. We are very fortunate to be able to spend so much time together during the past month.

I am so thankful for the support of our families throughout my pregnancy and afterwards. We could not have done it without all of them!

I wanted to share two special things that my sister, my dad, and Dan did in honor of Isaac. My sister Kelsie graduated from the University of Florida on April 30. We were fortunate to be able to go to Gainesville and see her graduate. Since so many students graduate at the same time, the graduates often decorate their caps to help their families identify them in the crowd. Kelsie chose to decorate her cap with an "I" in honor of her nephew Isaac. It was very special to me because I sometimes think of the things that I won't see Isaac do or accomplish. But, in a way, I was able to see my son graduate that day. We are also proud of your accomplishments, Kelsie!

Kelsie with her "I" cap

My family at Kelsie's graduation

This past weekend, my dad and Dan got a more permanent tribute to Isaac - a tattoo! It is a tattoo of Isaac's handprint and name on their chest. Dan made the handprints in the hospital and the tattoo artist was able to replicate it exactly. Now, I get to see and touch my son's handprint everyday!

And, one more picture of Isaac with our family members that were at the hospital on his birthday.