One year ago, God placed our family on the most challenging path of our lives. A path that I never thought that we would be able to endure.  However, long before June 3rd, 2022, God had already been preparing our family for this challenge, orchestrating every detail of this messy yet beautiful miracle.  

I have greatly appreciated when people in the community have approached our family and shared how Vincent’s recovery has impacted them in a positive way. Either giving them strength to pursue difficulty or drawn them closer to God.  I have also been grateful to hear stories and perspectives from the day of the accident; as hearing these stories and perspectives helps with recovery. 

On the day of the boating accident, all of our paths changed, with Vincent’s being the most drastically changed.  One of the most difficult questions that we get asked about Vincent’s recovery is if his medical team predicts that he will make a full recovery.  The honest answer to this question is no.  Wrestling with the acceptance of this new path for Vincent has been difficult and emotional at times.  Surrendering ourselves to complete trust in our faith, along with support from family, friends, community and his therapy team has helped us gain peace along this new path. 

He continues to improve with PT, OT and speech therapy. Speech being the most difficult for him at this time due to his dysarthria. 

One of my biggest worries for Vincent, is that because he talks slow (making it difficult to understand him) and has a delayed response when you ask him a question, is that he will always be overlooked by this fast paced world or he will be labeled or misinterpreted as “stupid”.  I have to continue to work on surrendering this worry to God and accept that I cannot control this fast paced world.  I do find myself noticing those special people in this world that do take the time to let him speak and also wait for his delayed response.  I’m very thankful when I witness these interactions with him because those are times that Vincent is accepted for who he is now. 

I’m happy to report that he wanted to try recreational soccer this spring/early summer and it has been going well. He prefers to avoid the mass of kids crowding the ball and I actually feel that this is a combination of Vincent’s slow to warm up temperament and his keen awareness of his abilities for core balance at this time. He prefers to participate in the drills and smaller scale games, like sharks & minnows but once the full scrimmage or game starts, he runs up and down the field but doesn’t pursue the ball.  As a competitive athlete myself, he has helped me recognize that it’s ok to not always be “in the action” or leading the team.  All members of a team are important.  Another important life lesson reminder. 

Today was another gift from God.  We had a wonderful day spent reflecting on the past year of growth while enjoying the beauty of nature, surrounded by families that have supported us along the trials of the past year. God is good!

Tonight, I found myself very thankful to be putting Vincent to bed at home, resting peacefully and cozy in his own bed versus 1 year ago, praying over him as he lay intubated in the pediatric ICU. 

A song lyric that frequently plays over in my head lately,  “It’s not the path that I would have chosen, but I’ll follow you to the end. As long as you are with me, I’ll make your glory known” 

Psalm 23

“The Lord is my Shepard; I have all that I need.  

He lets me rest in green meadows; he leads me beside peaceful streams. 

He renews my strength.

He guides me along right paths, bringing honor to his name. 

Even when I walk through the darkest valley, I will not be afraid, for you are close beside me.  

Your rod and your staff protect and comfort me. 

You prepare a feast for me in the presence of my enemies.  

You honor me by anointing my head with oil. My cup overflows with blessings. 

Surely your goodness and unfailing love will pursue me all the days of my life, and I will live in the house of the lord forever.”