Alex and Maddy

Sunday, December 1, 2024

So Much to be Thankful For

 As I took the time to reflect this week on all the blessings in our life, I see so much to be thankful for.

Almost 20 years ago when we realized that Alex was facing some health challenges there were so many crushed dreams and so much fear about the future. And once again when Maddy was born, and for the second time we received devastating news no parent wants to hear. But while we have seen many hard days and scary times that is not what stands out to me. I see around me so many ways that God has worked in our lives. I see so many amazing friends and family who have walked with us through the hardest of times and celebrated with us as we experienced incredible joy. Through it all we have loved each other well and always tried to hold fast to our family motto of Choose Joy. 


There are so many reasons and ways I am proud of Alex and Maddy, but two stand above all others. The first would be their relationship and the way they love and support each other. Their relationship is so special and year after year I marvel at the ways they pour into each other. They are each other's very best friends and a constant source of comfort and encouragement. They laugh together, they cry together, and they understand each other in a way many never can. Watching their relationship is the greatest joy in my life and I am forever grateful I was chosen to be the mom to these two special children of God.












The second would be the way they set goals and go after their dreams despite any obstacle set before them. They have been given a really hard hand in life. They feel crappy almost every day, they both deal with chronic pain, and have bodies that betray them at every turn. And yet you would be hard pressed to ever hear them complain or make excuses. They just quietly put their heads down and push themselves to achieve more than they ever should. And almost always it is with a huge smile on their face and encouragement for those around them. Most people could not conceive what they deal with or the amount of intervention it requires to keep their bodies functioning. They are stuck with multiple needles each week for infusions and treatments, they both take countless doses of medication to keep their organs from shutting down, they have 12 and 15 specialists to monitor all the diagnoses. Their disease effects every moment of every day and yet most would never know. I watch them chase their dreams and accomplish more than I ever could have imagined. They inspire me on a daily basis, and I know they often inspire those around them. 






Alex has gone from hundreds of nights a year in the hospital to college student hoping to give back to other kids with chronic illness and pain.


Maddy has gone from struggling to meet any milestones to accomplished Equestrian.

And so, on this week of thanksgiving, I give thanks for the life I have been given where even the challenges remind me of my blessings and the beauty of unanswered prayers.

Ali


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