I have read about other moms and even some who are friends of mine who have or had very sick children, and I wondered how they possibly did it. I have thought “I could never have the strength for that.” And now I realize that the love for your child and the strength that God gives you is so much greater than you could ever comprehend in a situation like this, and having that faith in God’s plan and that unconditional love for your child – together with the support of all those around you – is what keeps you going.
This is not my usual personality at all. I keep a very organized schedule and home, and I hate when plans change. I have expectations that I want to be met. I have “why me?” moments about bad hair days and ruining dinner because I didn’t know that al dente meant to actually cook the noodles first.
But never once have we asked “why me?” about Brenna. Not when she was born, not when she was diagnosed, not even when we thought we were going to have to say goodbye to her on Christmas Day. We know why, and God continues to verify this reason every single day. She gives me such a sense of purpose that I have never felt before.
When we were deciding what to name our blog, we wanted the name to encompass exactly how we felt about our situation…BLESSED is the first word that came to our heads.
Someone I know sent me a link to another mom’s blog after Brenna was born, where the woman had written about her child with special needs. She wrote:
“She is the perfect child, the child we wanted so badly. Even when society sees her as imperfect & pities us for they know no better - I pity them because they don't have a child like her. We are blessed!”
That is exactly how we are feeling about our Brenna :)
Your posts are really inspiring, Courtney. Your strength through this is just amazing. I am thinking of you and Evan and your whole family and wishing you the best as she continues to improve!
ReplyDeleteAmen Courtney! I have enjoyed following your blog, and am sending up continued prayers for you to continue to be the strong, amazing, parents that you and Evan are. God is so good :) Thank you for sharing your story about your beautiful, little blessing. Brenna is already bringing so much to so many people's lives. A blessed New Year to you and your family!
ReplyDeleteI am so glad you have such a positive perspective, Courtney. I felt very similarly to this when Alivia was so ill. It was very evident to me that God had been molding me for that moment to be able to handle the stress and the fear, and he had put us on a perfect path so that Alivia was able to receive the help she needed when and where she needed it most. It amazed me, really. We never asked “why us” either – we knew that we were designed for that moment to be the parents Alivia needed, just as you and your husband were designed all along to care for Brenna. I’m so glad you feel the strength you need to endure this time in your life. Everyone always says, “I could never handle that,” but we all can – with help, especially from a higher power. :)
ReplyDeleteYou and Evan are such amazing parents. You have completely changed my perspective on life and being a mom. I can't wait to meet Brenna. Hannah is looking forward to making a new friend!
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for sharing Brenna and her story with all of us. We can see each day how she is progressing and it is truly inspiring. She is blessed with wonderful parents and her "extended" family grows each and every day, each one wishing her all the best.
ReplyDeleteThank you for blessing us with your family's story :)
ReplyDeleteHi! I'm that Mom and Emily sent me a link to your blog. You are now on my prayer list :) If you ever need another Mom to lean on feel free to email me at housethatjadebuilt@gmail.com I know our girls have different needs, but I know our hearts very much relate. God has definitely called our girls to bring us a greater purpose in this life and we are very blessed :)
ReplyDeleteGod Bless you all. I know what a struggle it is to have a child with health issues. Mine is 16 and seems to get more struggles daily but through it all you have to keep your faith and remember God gave them to us for a special reason. Listen to "God Gave Me You" by Blake Shelton when you have a spare moment, it helps me. Hugs and prayers to the entire family
ReplyDeleteIsn't it funny how God can just take us out of our normal everyday lives and shake us around a bit? Sometimes those days or seasons can be scary or frustrating or hard. But, somehow as mothers and fathers we find this inner strength that we never thought we had and we are able to face these "giants" that we never thought we would be able to face. I'm so encouraged Courtney that you are feeling such peace. I have been praying for peace over you and Evan. Just a calm, gentle spirit and soak up all of Brenna. I mean, we are all falling in love with her :) How could you not?
ReplyDeleteYou are doubly blessed. God has shared a special child with you AND you recognized that fact immediately. You are WAY ahead of the game.
ReplyDeleteI came across your site and wanted to let you know that I will pray for your continued strength. for your beautiful baby girl Brenna. You truly are blessed to have your daughter, beautiful baby girl Brenna. --Kerry Taylor,(Brenna Taylor's mom)
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