Friday, April 15, 2011

Happy Birthday Dad!

My Dad would have turned 79 today. I decided to celebrate with an ultimate chocolate cake from Wegmans...which is a family favorite. We sang Happy Birthday and it was a sweet, touching moment.
I've been feeling pretty good the past week. When I think of the things we've faced, I am amazed that I am not in bed with the blinds closed refusing to get up. I have a strong testimony that Heavenly Father is carrying me at this time. It reminds me of that poem called footprints and it makes my heart smile. I am extremely grateful for all of our friends and family, especially my darling husband and boys. I feel very blessed. I've been asking for a few years for ways to build my testimony and know that the gospel is true...well, be careful what you wish for. I have no doubt in my mind now.
It's been just over 2 months since we found out about Gavin and I feel like it's been 10 years. I am living in the moment, enjoying every minute and concentrating on being happy. It is working!
Thinking of my Dad today...he is missed, but I feel him near. Happy Birthday Dad! I love and miss you tons! xoxo

Wednesday, April 6, 2011

Struggles on the Horizon

Okay, this is going to be a short and very uncomfortable post. It's been a very hard year for us. They say bad things happen in three's and if that is true...I thank goodness that we've had our third!
On Valentine's Day of this year we learned that our youngest, Gavin, has muscular dystrophy. We were also given the strong impression from the doctors that is was most likely Duchenne, which is the worst kind. It was definately the worst day of my life and I've said that 3 times in the last year. Our fears were confirmed yesterday, he has been officially diagnosed with DMD.
I've been wanting to post about it for weeks, but I've been too busy denying it. It has broken my heart. But I must carry on for my children and my husband. We are finding our new normal...with lots of guidance and information from the several special needs families in our ward. I believe that we were meant to be here and we have SO much support from our friends and family.
I am learning so much and have been relying on Heavenly Father to get me through each day. I am sad that Gavin won't have the life that we wanted for him but I feel very blessed to have been given the sacred job of taking care of one of His most valiant spirits. Gavin is loved by everyone who knows him and will be his whole life. Our bodies aren't meant to last forever. It is what we learn and the bonds we form that will carry on into eternity.

PS. If you get a chance to donate to MD, please do so and think of Gavin. <3