It's hard to believe that tomorrow marks 2 years since Alex's accident.
So much has happened over the past 2 years, but that night June 5th, 2011 certainly changed our lives forever.
It feels like just yesterday. I remember where I was, what I was doing, and the instant chill and terror of receiving the phone call that he was being flown to Shock Trauma and was completely unresponsive.
In that moment, even as bad as it all sounded, nothing could have prepared us for the battles that would come over the following months. I don't think I ever thought it was possible that it would end that night. I never imagined that he wouldn't pull through. I knew we wouldn't lose him that night.
I don't know how and I don't know why - those weeks challenged our family in every imaginable way - but no one ever gave up hope. With prayers, the love and support of all our friends and family, and the amazing doctors and nurses in pink - we can look back and celebrate June 5th.
He is my baby brother. He has always been a pain, always trouble for my parents, but he makes our family whole.
I felt every emotion with my parents in those months of struggle and recovery, but I didn't understand what it truly meant to be a parent and watch your child suffer until I experienced it myself. I was not as fortunate as my parents, and despite all our prayers and faith, we had another tragic event in December.
Alex was there to meet my son, to hold my son, and to say goodbye to my son. I could not have imagined not having him there to experience it with us.
I'll never understand why our family is challenged the way we are. There is no explanation for the pain and grief we've endured, but miracles happen and you have to keep believing.
My status on June 5th said "He is still unresponsive. No one can see him yet. They're taking him to surgery to drill holes in his head to relieve pressure and drain the bleeding.
Please keep your prayers coming.
Will keep you all updated."
Tomorrow, 2 years later, I'll wear my Big Al shirt with pride. For all the accomplishments he's made, for all the professionals he proved wrong, and for all those we met along the way who don't get to celebrate another anniversary.
Despite the pain and grief, it was a huge learning experience and I will forever cherish every day.
May God bless you all!
