Wednesday, November 08, 2006

One Year and Feeling Great

Another milestone today – a year ago was Clare’s open heart surgery. I wanted to write something inspiring, meaningful, insightful, but I admit I am so wiped these past couple of days that my brain is in a fog. I have been plagued with terrible migraines and now seem to be coming down with some cold-thing. Oh, I love winter.

A couple nights ago, I popped in our family video tape. Coincidentally, it was cued up to right before Clare’s surgery in November 2005. She was seven months old and Jamie was a little over 2 ½. They both were such little babies back then. Shawn and I were transfixed watching a tiny piece of our life from last year. In the video, we laughed and joked and played around. Clare was mostly in the swing or her bouncy seat, throwing tiny smiles to the camera every now and then, but mainly just staring at us wide-eyed. Jamie, as usual, was a crazy, silly goofball bouncing all over the place. We were such a peaceful, happy, normal family. It’s nice to remember us that way. Of course, we mentioned that Clare was going in for surgery, but then the tape jumps to November 18th, as if the 12 horrible days prior had never happened. There was Clare again - in her swing, looking exactly the same, our sweet, happy girl. In many ways, it's nice to have that version of our life. To remember that amidst all that pain, suffering, worry, anxiety, fear, and doubt, we had many joyful moments. Moments where all that other stuff didn't even matter. As I sit here typing this, Clare is rolling around on the office floor behind me getting into who-knows-what of Daddy's work stuff. And I thank God for that precious child. A year later, I am thankful for what we've been through and what we've learned about each other, ourselves, and life through these experiences. I am thankful God gave us the strength, courage, hope, faith, and patience to get through those days last November. And I am thankful they are over.

9 comments:

Anonymous said...

What a difference a year makes, huh? Clare couldn't look more angelic if she tried. I am glad that year is behind you and pray that you never have to experience another one like it. Love to all, Joan

Michael and Michelle said...

Just to comment on the picture...she really looks like a beautiful blend of both you and Shawn right there. Well, the beautiful part coming from mommy's side anyway!:)
Congratulations on your one year!

Nancy said...

You said that beautifully. I am so glad Clare is a fighter. I can't believe how STRONG our kids are.

You are an amazing family.

Amy said...

Being thankful it is over for sure! Being thankful another year is behind all of us and we are all happier and stronger for all we have been through, yay another year down. Clare's little wispys are darling!
XOXO Amy

Aspen said...

Congratulations for surviving the past year. That is a huge success and congratulations to Clare for being so strong. Just a precious angel you have!

Ava's Grandma Kim said...

It surely is a learning experience, isn't it? It's amazing how much a person can grow in such a short time, and in so many ways. Clare is an angel.

Nicole said...

You absolutely did write an inspiring, meaningful tribute to Clare 1 year post surgery. Clare is such a blessing and I am happy and grateful to know you all. Love, Nicole

Lisa said...

You have been such a great help to me. I feel very often that I am walking this path thta you cleared for me. I ma so glad that Clare is doing so well and I know she is going ot countinue to just thrive.

Kati said...

You are inspiring me, it is a good feeling for me that you are a very strong family! :)))))))
A few weeks ago while I was blogging, Szabi's dad sighted Clare's photo and he was totally shocked of the similarity of Szabi and she :)))))) On this pic Clare is so sweet, I had a photo of Szabi with such a similar half-smile, I try to find it just tos share with you! :D
Love, Kati