Almost one year ago (June 6, 2018) our family’s lives changed forever. This time last year I truly believed I would never hug and kiss my mom again, I would never hear her voice again, and I would never be able to say “I love you” to her again. But God had other plans! One year ago today mom had a “slight stroke” or so we were originally told by the vascular surgeon. 

One year ago today my dad saved my mom’s life when he recognized that she was having a stroke. Ever since I was a little girl I knew my daddy was my hero. On that day he showed our family and friends what I already knew- he was a superhero. And he continues to wear his “cape” everyday as he lovingly cares for my mom. He is her nurse, her chef and her voice all day, every day. He is an incredible man who makes me so proud to be his daughter. I can only hope that if I am ever in a situation like this I can stand as strong, as loving and as loyal as my dad has.

One year ago today my mom was in the ICU at Kennestone Hospital. She had not awakened as the doctors told she would. Her heart rate, blood pressure and body temperature were out of control. Without the nurses in the ICU I don’t know that mom would be with us today. They recognized the signs of thyroid problems and linked all of her symptoms and the stroke to these problems. They worked tirelessly to move her in the right direction and monitor her until she was ready to move out into the hospital and then into the rehabilitation unit. They cared for her, loved her and they prayed over her. The nurses in the early days of her ICU truly saved her life. For that I am forever grateful. 

One year ago my God showed us that He had more work for my mom on this Earth. He has shown us through her what grace is and what His Love looks like. He has shown us how many people loved our family. He has shown us what the love of Christian communities- in Georgia, Florida, the country of Panama and around this world - can look like. He has proven to us what prayer does and the incredible power that He has given us when we pray for one another. 

Through my mom God has has shown me what determination looks like. He has shown me that hard work can take you places and with His help you can go beyond any expectations that have been placed upon you with strength and dignity. My mom has worked hard to relearn every thing from brushing her teeth to finding the answer to questions and then finding the words to express her needs and wants. Now we know this cannot happen alone and God placed in my mom’s path some incredible speech and physical therapists. My mom’s occupational therapists were life savers. They firmly, yet lovingly, encouraged my mom to be the strong, sassy independent woman she was before.

One year ago our world was totally changed. She still needs lots of patience and love as she goes about her daily living.  She requires a walker to move about since her balance is still not good. She requires someone to be with her almost 100% of the time. A very special thank you for those who have come to the house and spent time with mom so my dad can go to his own doctor appointments, go to the grocery store and even let him go get a haircut when you can. You are a blessing to my family. 

One year ago ago tonight I laid in my bed and cried. Through my tears I prayed for healing. I prayed for strength to be there for my dad. I prayed for patience. Finally I prayed for peace for the whole situation. My God heard these prayers and He showed just how much He loves us. 

I am am so thankful for you all. God has given me the gift of many new friends. I am so grateful to have you in my life. You are an incredible village to surround mom and dad. I am thankful God gave me another year with my mom. I am so blessed to have had this wonderful time to spend with her. I can’t believe it has been a year already and I look forward to many more years together.