One Year with J and A
Today we celebrate these two living with us for a year. It seems crazy to think that a whole year has passed by. I didn’t know it yet, but I was grieving when I said I was ready for more kids-6 seemed like such a small number. In ways I could have never planned, and ways these two will probably never know, they have helped me heal.
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| A February 2017 |
A was eight months old when he moved in. We started with his
crib in my room because he was so young and we really wanted to promote good
bonding since he had had so many different caregivers in his life already. So many
nights I’d hold him way past him falling asleep, staring at his handsome face,
thanking God for this blessing. Ever since then A’s favorite place to be is in
my arms. He has a lot of love to give. We have loved watching his personality
come out lately. He loves to have other people chase him, play peek a boo of
various varieties, and surprises us with new words every day. It has been so
fun to watch him grow and learn over the last year. Kid, you may frustrate me
often, but you show me everyday how we should love others. You teach me a lot
and we will learn so much more together over the next year.
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| J December 2016 |
J moved in at 3 1/2. He has cerebral palsy and has struggled
for what seems like most of his life with getting adequate nutrition. When he
moved in I knew it would be a challenge to figure out what works best for him
to gain weight and an NG tube was a likely possibility. There has definitely been a lot of challenges in
the last year with him—countless NG tube changes, a week stint with oxygen
and an IV, a fractured bone, too many weigh ins with lost weight, a ridiculous
amount of vomit, a few days on an IV from throwing up blood, and just a month ago a g-tube surgery. We’ve also enjoyed so many
smiles, contagious laughter, a language and a bond between each other that
can’t be explained, and overall growth of two clothing sizes in nine months. J
has taught me so much in the last year. He helped me realize I needed to heal
and gave me so many opportunities to work on doing so while loving me through
it all. J, I love your belly laugh and how excited you can get about things
that most of us would not take an extra second to think about. You are so smart
and are showing us more things you know everyday.
J and A, I’m so glad you guys are a part of the Life House.
I’m so glad you guys moved in when you did. I’m pretty sure I needed each of
you and I think you both needed me. I’m so thankful for your hugs, your
cuddles, your laughter, and the ways you both look at me that is different than
the ways you look at anyone else. You both have a sparkle in your eyes that
forces me to smile when I look at you. I love the bond I have with each of you;
one that I’m pretty sure is stronger than you have with anyone else. Your
laughter at the end of a long day helps make everything worth it. You two are
a blessing, both to the Life House and to my life.
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| A December 2017 |
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| J December 2017 |
Such a sweet post about two very sweet boys! I'm so thankful they have you.
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