A friend, commenting on the new look of the blog, mentioned that the tricycle reminded her of a painting, "Restored Beauty", by a mutual friend. Not being familiar, I googled away to find it. Instantly, I was moved. The tricycle has come to represent the challenges and beauty that life, especially life with and for Eamon, presents. Michele's depiction of a red tricycle was a token from God. He has his hand on Eamon continuing to restore him to a beauty that far exceeds my limited view.
"...to bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of gladness instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair." Isaiah 61:3
(Click on the highlighted title to see Michele's amazing work.)
Thursday, February 26, 2009
Saturday, February 21, 2009
You're My Sunday
Today is David's birthday. I rarely use this space to highlight my husband, but wanted to celebrate the many, 42 to be exact, reasons David is a Man to Love. And, I do love him, yesterday, today, and for always.
I made a list last year, which I promised to continue, counting all there is to admire about David. How easy it was to rattle them down, spillling with thoughts and reminders. What a gift to us both, love renewed, because I chose to name reasons one by one.
1. First on my updated and slightly tweaked list, David is my Sunday. What do Sundays represent? Peace, comfort, a day of rest from all that troubles, swirls, and consumes through-out the week. The song that is playing, dedicated to my David today, sings, "when life is like a hurricane...you come and take it all away, you're my Sunday."
2. He talks me off my ledges, and points me to a better walk..."You have a way of taking the noise and drowning it out..."
3. Offers perspective ..."You found the key that always brings me home..."
4. Amazing Dad
5. Mindful of me
6. Makes "Famous Pancakes", finer than any B&B!
7. He's a race car driver, at least on our T.V.
8. Health conscious
9. Romantic
10. Cleans the bathrooms - need I say more, really!
11. Food Shops
12. Prefers to be with us
13. Aging so well, love those "flecks"
14. A great kisser, great.
15. Always has a song in his heart
16. Creative
17. What a wrist, yes I love that wrist.
18. Tuft of hair that pokes out of shirt
19. Big Boys do cry
20. Knows stuff
21. Is our "Mr. Fix-it"
22. Keeper of all animals.
23. Strength of character
24. Strong arms to carry our children, and me, if needed
25. He's an example of Godliness with Contentment - what Great Gain!
26. Laughs, really laughs, at commercials
27. Thinks I'm his best friend, and I know he is mine!
28. Accepts people as they are
29. Would make a great stay-at-home-dad, but provides the means to allow me the privilege
30. Believes: Love is an Action
31. Loves his mother
32. Our very own storm chaser
33. Tries to keep me politically savvy - no small feat
34. Enjoys movie night
35. Still wants to have date night.
36. Is movable with a good presentation of your opinion
37. Looks great in his jeans! (f&b)
38. Demands respect
39. Follower of Jesus
40. Makes us all feel safe
41 Did I mention he gives massages, too
42 Loves without condition - what a Gift!
And one for good measure...David makes the best shakes, enjoying one now as a matter of fact!
Happy Birthday, David,
The Best is Yet to Be!
*********************************************************
The story below has been re posted to give context to our new look here. Still a bit of work to do, but I think Danielle has done a great job! Welcome to the new and improved - Just Another Ordinary Miracle Today - yeah!
I made a list last year, which I promised to continue, counting all there is to admire about David. How easy it was to rattle them down, spillling with thoughts and reminders. What a gift to us both, love renewed, because I chose to name reasons one by one.
1. First on my updated and slightly tweaked list, David is my Sunday. What do Sundays represent? Peace, comfort, a day of rest from all that troubles, swirls, and consumes through-out the week. The song that is playing, dedicated to my David today, sings, "when life is like a hurricane...you come and take it all away, you're my Sunday."
2. He talks me off my ledges, and points me to a better walk..."You have a way of taking the noise and drowning it out..."
3. Offers perspective ..."You found the key that always brings me home..."
4. Amazing Dad
5. Mindful of me
6. Makes "Famous Pancakes", finer than any B&B!
7. He's a race car driver, at least on our T.V.
8. Health conscious
9. Romantic
10. Cleans the bathrooms - need I say more, really!
11. Food Shops
12. Prefers to be with us
13. Aging so well, love those "flecks"
14. A great kisser, great.
15. Always has a song in his heart
16. Creative
17. What a wrist, yes I love that wrist.
18. Tuft of hair that pokes out of shirt
19. Big Boys do cry
20. Knows stuff
21. Is our "Mr. Fix-it"
22. Keeper of all animals.
23. Strength of character
24. Strong arms to carry our children, and me, if needed
25. He's an example of Godliness with Contentment - what Great Gain!
26. Laughs, really laughs, at commercials
27. Thinks I'm his best friend, and I know he is mine!
28. Accepts people as they are
29. Would make a great stay-at-home-dad, but provides the means to allow me the privilege
30. Believes: Love is an Action
31. Loves his mother
32. Our very own storm chaser
33. Tries to keep me politically savvy - no small feat
34. Enjoys movie night
35. Still wants to have date night.
36. Is movable with a good presentation of your opinion
37. Looks great in his jeans! (f&b)
38. Demands respect
39. Follower of Jesus
40. Makes us all feel safe
41 Did I mention he gives massages, too
42 Loves without condition - what a Gift!
And one for good measure...David makes the best shakes, enjoying one now as a matter of fact!
Happy Birthday, David,
The Best is Yet to Be!
*********************************************************
The story below has been re posted to give context to our new look here. Still a bit of work to do, but I think Danielle has done a great job! Welcome to the new and improved - Just Another Ordinary Miracle Today - yeah!
Friday, February 20, 2009
The Road Less Traveled
While in the ICU after Eamon's surgery, I was looking through a Chinaberry catalog. There was an opening letter, a "Dear Friends" section, that really resonated with my "new normal". The letter had originally run in 1994 and was being reprinted. The author had a 2-year old daughter with severe mental and physical disabilities. I have taken the liberty of personalizing her analogy, because I believe it to powerfully portray the beauty and challenge of our "new normal"
Everyone had gathered, preparing to drive to a favorite vacation spot. I watched people wave to each other as they got into their big, comfortable cars. Beside me was a shiny, red tricycle. Someone cheerfully told me that this is what I would be driving. As the other cars sped off down the highway, I stood there in disbelief. How could I go anywhere on a tricycle? I felt disappointed, confused, and overwhelmed by the challenge. Surely it was a mistake, and someone would soon be bringing me a car too. A tricycle simply would not work for me. Tricycles are just too small, they are slow, and well, people stare at adults riding tricycles.
All of which was true - at first.
But after a while, I noticed that the pedal-pumping was creating nice muscles in my legs, and the fresh air felt good against my face. I began to smile, and before long, children and many knowing adults began to smile back at me from their cars. Soon the cars could only be heard from a distance. My little tricycle and I were on a beautiful path reserved just for bikes. What joy felt when I found some wildflowers beneath my feet and a beautiful flowing stream on my right. I looked off at the speeding cars and felt blessed to be experiencing these hidden treasures.
Soon, I noticed David alongside me - cheering me on and pointing out new sights. Maeve and Myles followed closely on their own tricycles. They seemed right at home in our new environment, and glad we could experience this unexpected joy together.
"David," I shouted, "the sign says 42 miles!" I had been enjoying my journey so much that I wasn't even thinking about our destination or the other cars. I had met so many wonderful people along the path, and many from the highway had pulled over to share in our view.
I realized, I was not a "road-less-traveled-kind-of-girl" by nature, but that God had chosen this terrain for me. He was, and is, making this path one of beauty, joy, and peace. And, I am becoming well-suited for such an adventure.
The road less traveled, chosen for me, will be the path that makes all the difference.
Thank you Lord, for choosing me to ride such a simple, but strikingly beautiful tricycle!
"Those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not grow faint."
Isaiah 40:31
They will ride!
The Road Less Traveled
Everyone had gathered, preparing to drive to a favorite vacation spot. I watched people wave to each other as they got into their big, comfortable cars. Beside me was a shiny, red tricycle. Someone cheerfully told me that this is what I would be driving. As the other cars sped off down the highway, I stood there in disbelief. How could I go anywhere on a tricycle? I felt disappointed, confused, and overwhelmed by the challenge. Surely it was a mistake, and someone would soon be bringing me a car too. A tricycle simply would not work for me. Tricycles are just too small, they are slow, and well, people stare at adults riding tricycles.
All of which was true - at first.
But after a while, I noticed that the pedal-pumping was creating nice muscles in my legs, and the fresh air felt good against my face. I began to smile, and before long, children and many knowing adults began to smile back at me from their cars. Soon the cars could only be heard from a distance. My little tricycle and I were on a beautiful path reserved just for bikes. What joy felt when I found some wildflowers beneath my feet and a beautiful flowing stream on my right. I looked off at the speeding cars and felt blessed to be experiencing these hidden treasures.
Soon, I noticed David alongside me - cheering me on and pointing out new sights. Maeve and Myles followed closely on their own tricycles. They seemed right at home in our new environment, and glad we could experience this unexpected joy together.
"David," I shouted, "the sign says 42 miles!" I had been enjoying my journey so much that I wasn't even thinking about our destination or the other cars. I had met so many wonderful people along the path, and many from the highway had pulled over to share in our view.
I realized, I was not a "road-less-traveled-kind-of-girl" by nature, but that God had chosen this terrain for me. He was, and is, making this path one of beauty, joy, and peace. And, I am becoming well-suited for such an adventure.
The road less traveled, chosen for me, will be the path that makes all the difference.
Thank you Lord, for choosing me to ride such a simple, but strikingly beautiful tricycle!
"Those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not grow faint."
Isaiah 40:31
They will ride!
Tuesday, February 17, 2009
This New Normal...
The Barclay 5, here we are on any given pizza night. Maeve had sketched this depiction of our family, its truth shocked David and I. If you had asked me to picture my family, Eamon would come without wires, but the reality is that he has many. And Maeve notices.
I was cleaning tonight, as I dusted around I couldn't help but see that reality, our new normal. The signs of life in our home include various pieces of equipment each singing it's own tune. And while I pay little attention to these peculiar sights and sounds, Maeve notices.
The Prince's feeding pump and IV pole, loose o2 tanks in the background.
The monitor that measures Eamon's oxygen saturation levels and heart rate
Empty o2 tanks lined up behind an end table
A tank in waiting
There are more, but these have become the everyday fixtures in our world, and have become part of our normal.
Maeve adores Eamon, no question. But, I have noticed a change in her lately. A surge of separation anxiety has emerged where deep security once reigned. Some behaviors are becoming negative "issues". So recently, I asked Maeve, what was troubling her? At first, she mentioned the "What-ifs" of a potential "break-up" of David and I. After reassuring Maeve of our marital commitment and love, I felt impressed to ask her if she ever worries about Eamon. Maeve crumbled into tears reporting that she "worries" all the time!
We talked, I offered reassurance, and tried to explain to my 6 year old how we handle concerns, fear, and prayers answered differently. I found myself saddened that chips had been taken away from my daughter's innocence, and I could not offer absolute answers for Eamon's future. I explained that we, as a family, trust that God will work all things together for our good because we love and believe Him. And for whatever reason, Eamon as he is, is bringing God's son the greatest glory. That we can rest in the promises that God has given through his word. Maeve seemed quieted, we prayed, and snuggled with each other.
Maeve is aware of much and has amazing sensitivity. The last several nights after I have prayed for her, Maeve has asked to pray for me. Maeve prays that God would give me sleep, and thanks me for caring for Eamon through the night saying, "that's so nice of you, mommy!" I shared some details with Maeve's 1st grade teacher, who said Maeve often reports that Eamon had a hard night, the alarm was going off alot and she can hear the nebulizer. All this without a word from me, or David, as to the events that transpire. But she knows, even though I work to protect her, she knows.
And, so does God.
"Those who sow in tears will reap with songs of joy." Psalm 126:5
"And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes." Revelation 7:17
I pray that the grace given in abundance to David and I would also blanket Maeve and Myles.
The Barclay 5 are all well-equipped for "such a time as this!"
Wednesday, February 11, 2009
The Best Laid Plans...
It was a beautiful day - low 60s, sun shining, no jacket required - kind of day. Myles wanted to be out, so I thought it the perfect chance to try out Eamon's new chair aboard the stroller base!
So much for the best laid plans... I set all the pieces in place, changed Eamon, readied Myles, and prepared the oxygen tank. My thought, I would disconnect Eamon, run to the back door to reset new tank (the one that can be attached to new stroller -yeah!), race back in to grab the Prince. The part I never factored in was, back door locking before I was back in - instant panic! Eamon, now locked in without oxygen, I outside without cell phone. I scramble to neighbor, place frantic call to Mother-in-law, who lives around the corner, and anxiously wait for the spare key to arrive.
An eternity seemed to pass, I am expecting to see red van cornering on two wheels and skidding to a halt, throwing the key off to me, as if this was some sort of relay event. Instead, the scene is my Father-in-law leisurely, I did say leisurely :-) , walking toward my house. I start yelling for him to speed-up, but he doesn't seem to hear me. I run to him, grab the key, and bullet back to Eamon. Eamon had been having a particularly "junkie" day preceded by a difficult night. I could not get to him fast enough.
I open the door, no alarm sounding, no gasping boy with blue lips, just my sweet, patient, prince smiling at the sight of his silly, silly mama! I take a deep breath and return to the original plan - prince to stroller, quickly.
Eamon was surprised by the sunlight, he is not used to being upright while traveling outdoors. He squinted and promptly fell asleep. So much for a new adventure. Maybe the next sunny, warm, February day. I believe my first gray strand made its formal debut today!
So, I offer these less than perfect photos just because it's the prince, outside, in his new stroller on such a glorious day.
See eyes are already closing, literally within minutes of being out the door!
And, here is the fire we were chasing... Myles cruising at high speeds on big wheels.
Sunday, February 8, 2009
Rolling, Rolling, Rolling!
Eamon has been on the move lately! For some time he has been able to lift his legs, but Eamon decided to add kicking his legs to the repertoire! So, we have been looking for ways to encourage this new trick, and Ms. Ellen, Eamon's home PT, has found one.
Ms. Ellen thought it would be fun for Eamon to feel himself moving as a result of his kicking. An over sized scooter, towel for padding, and some straps to hold Eamon in place, and we were off to new places...or at least, across the floor.
It did not take Eamon long to realize if he pushed against Ms. Ellen's thumb, he would scoot a bit. True to form, Eamon laughed with each jolt.
Amazing, Eamon on the move, in a totally unique way - one I certainly never imagined, but moving nonetheless. Nothing is impossible, some situations just require a little outside-the-box thinking. Myles recently said he wanted Eamon to get up already and run around with him. Well, brace yourself big brother, Eamon will soon be chasing you down on his new wheels!
Ms. Ellen thought it would be fun for Eamon to feel himself moving as a result of his kicking. An over sized scooter, towel for padding, and some straps to hold Eamon in place, and we were off to new places...or at least, across the floor.
It did not take Eamon long to realize if he pushed against Ms. Ellen's thumb, he would scoot a bit. True to form, Eamon laughed with each jolt.
Eamon and his girlfriend setting-up for the ride of his life!
Ellen was so proud of our boy. Kisses, squeezes, and cheers.
Eamon really worked hard, and conked-out immediately following.
Amazing, Eamon on the move, in a totally unique way - one I certainly never imagined, but moving nonetheless. Nothing is impossible, some situations just require a little outside-the-box thinking. Myles recently said he wanted Eamon to get up already and run around with him. Well, brace yourself big brother, Eamon will soon be chasing you down on his new wheels!
Tuesday, February 3, 2009
Happy Birthday, Eamon Joseph!
Due to the festivities, I will suspend the "Looking Back Series".
Eamon, ready for fun!
The Prince is 2, and there is so much to celebrate. And celebrate we did on Sunday. A birthday jam just for Eamon - music, instruments, singing, dancing, and parading. Eamon thoroughly enjoyed the party. He laughed and sang along with his band of cousins.
It was a good, good day.
Let's get ready to rumble!
So as we remember where we've been, and look forward to what lies ahead, lets give thanks for the "Good News" of today:
- Eamon is totally responsive, as a matter of fact, he is quite a charmer. He smiles, and laughs with ease.
- He might even have the Gift of Gab - the boy can chat-it-up when he is feeling the mood!
- He is my ultimate partner - we do just about everything together - and I love it!
- Eamon really digs Elmo, and if truth be told, so do I!
- There is such an increase of purposeful activity.
- Eamon is able to hold onto my fingers, using both of his hands simultaneously.
- He is growing: head size in the 50th%, which would indicate brain growth!
- Stronger in every way: arms, legs, core, cough, voice.
- Somewhat on a schedule. If he feels well, he sleeps through the night.
- Eamon is working the chair - he looks amazing sitting-up, fully supported and ready to go!
- The Prince has preferences - loud music, instruments, voices; he likes to "move-it, move-it" - rolling (on a scooter, a post for another time), bouncing, dancing.
Precious Eamon, you have brought such sweet joy to our lives. You have taught us to be thankful, appreciating the small stuff. You bring purpose and contentment to our days, aligning our temporal perspective with one of eternal value. Your life has caused our faith to deepen, our compassion to bloom, our family to bind-together, and love to grow in new places. We are forever grateful to the Lord for allowing us the honor of being your mama, daddy, sister and brother. We love you, and celebrate your life this day. You, little Prince, are our "good and perfect gift".
Happy 2nd Birthday, Eamon Joseph!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
