Update from Melissa
Fall, winter, spring, and summer have passed and it has been exactly 1 year since Todd's brain bleed and 3 brain surgeries. WOW! Even a year later, we still find it hard to believe that this has all happened.
A few years ago, Todd and I purchased some land in western Wisconsin with a dream of one day building a cabin. The lot is filled with trees. A forest of trees that are as thick as you can imagine. Earlier this summer, a tornado came out of nowhere and turned our little lake lot upside down. It knocked down trees, snapped some in half, and left some dangerously leaning. When we heard about the storm, our first thoughts were being thankful that we weren't there, and also thinking about others who we know had far greater damage than us. But we were also sad and over whelmed. Just hours after the storm, before we could even get up to see what we were dealing with, people came to help. They showed up without us even asking and helped clear away the broken trees to make our place safe, beautiful, and fun again. And as our friends and family worked and worked over several weeks, we saw the silver lining. A BEAUTIFUL view!!! The shimmering lake that was hidden behind the pines was now in perfect view.
As I thought today about the 1 year anniversary, it felt like a metaphor for us. Our life was turned upside down and with the help of so many people who love us, things are getting better and we are beginning to see the beauty in our life again.
Our land is still a mess. Brush piles everywhere and trees still leaning. But it's coming along. And yes, we are still a bit of a mess too. But by the grace of God, we are coming along as well!
I am literally amazed each day as I see Todd tackle physical and mental challenges. I've watched him begin to get a grip on what has happened and how to deal with his limitations. I've seen him break down and be completely overwhelmed with love and gratitude as we continue to be on the receiving end of incredible kindness.
It's amazing what he has done in a year and we feel truly blessed. One of his doctors told us that we should feel lucky, but she said that it's also ok to admit (and not be ashamed to say) how hard our life is right now. And she is right. Our life is hard. And there are times that it seems like too much. But at the end of every day, love and hope is what is left in our hearts. Every day, we look for the silver lining. Every day we remind each other in different ways that if we look through the broken trees and brush piles, we have a beautiful and amazing life!
We are so grateful to everyone who has helped us along the way! Please continue to send positive thoughts and prayers as Todd heals and tackles new challenges! Thank you!
