Oh, wow! How this blog has developed...the posts are few and far between! I never even updated after Carson's first swim UNDERWATER! Thankful that life is busy with things other than the hospital and doctors appointments. Really, that gift is not lost on me!
Carson and Kellen turned 12 this past week! Every birthday...we go back and look at their actual BIRTH day and it is the best reminder of what life is all about! God's faithfulness shines through in their story and their lives. Not because it has always been easy or because we are finally on the other side of 'trach life' (although we are so so happy about that!) but because we are still here standing and enjoying life despite the challenges! And that's because of God's many blessings, where our faith has grown, and where people have stepped in to cover us in prayer and to actually be the hands and feet of Jesus to us at so many points...to lend an ear, to listen, to do life with us, to celebrate in the high moments, to pick us up when we are down and remind us of all of His promises in our lows! So thankful for the village that has surrounded our family. Carson having a trach and needing frequent medical care has shaped our lives in so many ways and yet, we also see that it is just a piece of it. If it's not that challenge, there is another one to replace it. And in the end, it's up to us to make the most of the cards we are dealt..."God made us to do the hard thing in the good story He is writing in our lives." (A fav from Katherine Wolf)
We had a great time celebrating Carson and Kellen on a couple of occasions! They are loving following different professional and college sports teams right now and have recently been to a Mizzou football game and their birthday gift was tickets to a Golden State Warriors game in January. It's hard to believe they are in middle school now and both have truly risen to the challenge of more freedom and responsibility and are LOVING it! I will always thank God that we were allowed to watch these boys grow up! And continue to pray daily for the wisdom in how to raise them in the best way, unique to their individual needs, but always pointing them towards Jesus! I need all the help I can get!
We also got to celebrate 10.11.23...Carson's one year Naked Neck (decann) anniversary! Its been a whole year since he got his trach out! How quick the tan line fades and you forget what Carson looked like with a trach. Honestly, I rarely noticed the trach in pictures but when I look back now it occasionally catches my attention as Carson's 'look' has changed. : ) We are truly thankful! Carson first swam underwater 2.25.23. And then took off this summer with being more comfortable in the water and even perfected his dive!! I loved getting to watch him conquer another feat and be able to enjoy water more fully!
So until next time I hop on here...
It is strength that endures the unendurable and spills over into joy, thanking the Father who makes us strong enough to take part in everything bright and beautiful that he has for us.
Colossians 1:11-12 (from the Message)
Your mom used to work with me at Mercy and I have been following your blog ever since. It is amazing to see the journey from where you started to now. I am thankful to you for sharing an update as it just continues to show how God is working, so beautifully, in Carson's life. <3
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