A quick "warm hello" to every one of you who followed our journey last year.  

I had the pleasure of taking the day off to be with Michael for his 48th birthday.  

Last year on this day, he was at Hennepin County ICU heavily sedated with no awareness of my presence in his room, reading birthday cards, playing music, and sharing private words with him.  Our family was uncertain of his/our future.  It was helpless and terrifying to live this and see him this way.  

And, now we are where we hoped, prayed, and yearned for...celebrating together!  Waking up next to one another, enjoying our breakfast outing and this beautiful day.  

It's surreal most times to look back at where we were and how far we have come.  I've learned so much with all we have been through but most importantly that the small things are my most important moments and that I do not take much for granted these days.  

There is not a day that goes by that I don't get overwhelmed from all of our support we had.  I do not forget how far we have come and what if felt like to go through what we have and how lucky we are to be right here where we are now.  

So, I will simply wish my Michael a very happy birthday.  How very special this day is for me.  I sure hope it's as special for you.  

All my love, 
Erin