Two Years

Two years ago. Not by date, but we brought Timmy home the Monday before Thanksgiving. As we look back, not the best day to have come home (with the shortened work week for medical professionals in the pharmacies and medical supply companies), but it was a good day to be home.

We were given an expectation. Months. And we chose to care for our son the best we could and love on him with everything we had. In the last 2 years there were times we thought we didn't have much of anything left to give. There were times our tanks were on empty. But God gave us His grace to make it through. I'm glad we don't know the future ahead of time. If you had told us how much work and adjustment bringing Timmy home would take, it would have been a harder decision. 2 years of 'sleeping' in the living room (There were some nights with better sleep than others). Almost 2 years of blending food, trying new foods, learning things as we went. 2 years of God giving grace to keep us going.

I am glad we don't know the future, because we had 2 years I wouldn't trade for anything. 2 years of seeing Timmy grow and develop (at his own pace). 2 years of seeing Timmy's smile and hearing his happy sounds. 2 years of seeing the joy he brought to everyone in our house, and everyone he came in contact with.

And now, we have a 'new normal' again. 2 years ago, I couldn't cope with the thought of a Thanksgiving meal with even a greatly reduced menu. We were so overwhelmed that even 4 or 5 dishes of food on the table was overwhelming. I think we celebrated with Turkey sandwiches. This year, we have invited family in and are preparing most of the dinner ourselves - and it doesn't feel like a big deal at all. We are looking forward to sitting around our table and enjoying the good gifts God has given - even remembering the gift of Timmy.

2 years ago, we made a request that friends not just stop in to see how Timmy was doing. We were juggling 7 times of giving medications during the day, getting used to his pump and feeding schedule, fielding calls from medical supply companies, doctors, hospitals, nurses and the whole lot. Now, we have been enjoying the times of stacking extra people into the house. The quieter times are nice, too (as quiet as a house where 10 people live gets), but the extra commotion helps too. 

Through it all, we have been blessed to always have much to thank God for - on Thanksgiving and every day. Circumstances haven't changed that, God has been good. We hope whatever season or situations life is throwing at you this year, you can feel the blessings of God and celebrate His goodness.

Make a joyful noise unto the Lord, all ye lands.Serve the Lord with gladness: come before his presence with singing.
Know ye that the Lord he is God:
it is he that hath made us, and not we ourselves;
we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture.
Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise:
be thankful unto him, and bless his name.
For the Lord is good; his mercy is everlasting; and his truth endureth to all generations.- Psalm 100