Dad's 8 Month Mark

"You fall, you rise, you make mistakes, you live, you learn. You're human, not perfect. You've been hurt, but you're alive. Think of what a precious privilege it is to be alive- to breathe, to think, to enjoy and to chase the things you love. Sometimes there is sadness in our journey, but there is also lots of beauty. We must keep putting one foot in front of the other even when we hurt, for we will never know what is waiting for us just around the bend."

Today marks 8 months since Dad's seizure. It's absolutely crazy to think that in only 8 months our entire lives have been turned around, shifted and completely changed- but it's also crazy to think that in such a short amount of time we've all been changed for the better. It is a true privilege to be alive, to be able to enjoy the ones you love and do the things that make you feel complete. There has, without a doubt, been sadness in our journey, but this sadness has been overshadowed by the true beauty I've witness from all those surrounding us, reminding us to put one foot in front of the other and take it all one day at a time. 

I can't tell you how perfect my daily devotional has been for me lately, how it seems to say the exact thing I need to hear each and every day, and yesterday was no exception:
"Welcome challenging times as opportunities to trust Me. You have Me beside you and My Spirit within you, so no set of circumstances is too much for you to handle. When the path before you is dotted with difficulties, beware of measuring your strength against those challenges. That calculation is certain to riddle you with anxiety. Without Me, you wouldn't make it past the first hurdle!"

Challenging times. These last 8 months have been more than challenging, as my faith has been tested over and over again- but what a truly wonderful 8 months, as I've been able to witness Dad's fight, Mom's determination, and the faith of so many people praying and thinking about us. 

Dad had another Avastin treatment on Monday and met with his doctor to schedule the next MRI. She is so incredibly pleased with how well he is doing, feeling and his attitude- and I'm so proud that he's MY Dad. The anxiety is still there with another MRI right around the corner, although daily I'm reminding myself that we must walk by faith, not by sight- and daily, I'm reassured there is a much higher power controlling all of our lives. 

We still deal with challenges daily, but I look back on how far we have come these last 8 months and I can't help but feel so proud to be part of this family and group of friends- people who have cared, loved and prayed for us throughout this entire journey- and what a journey it has been! 

I've been asked how we have done it, how we have managed to keep our faith, keep our attitude and handle the situation at hand- and honestly, you just do it. I look back at the week following the seizure, the week in the hospital and the weeks following his surgery and sometimes I do wonder how we did it, how we managed to keep it all together when everything seemed to be falling apart. But with a little bit of sleep, a whole lot of help from friends and family, and even more faith- we made it through some of our darkest days. I have no doubt that there are dark days ahead, I have no doubt that there will be fear, anxiety and sadness that will meet me on this path, but I also have no doubt that no matter where this path leads me-there is a much higher power already there to help me through it.

Thank you to all who have loved, supported, prayed and just been there for us these last 8 months- It's never been easy, It's not always joyous, but it has truly been a gift to experience it all with each of you by our sides.