This year has been an emotional one, very emotional.
It has been my first complete year being married to Jason (and that didn’t start out so well).
It’s, also, the time of year, I remember my biological Dad and my Grandma. Both had the same birthday December 4th and both are in heaven.
And it’s the time of year to reflect on those incredible moments that make up our memories as they pass by each month.
So we can approach the new year fresh with excitement; to celebrate the past and welcome the future.
This year for the month of December NaBloPoMo is doing a month of gifts.
And although not every post in December will be about gifts, I will be throwing in quite a few in my effort to blog every day and finish the year as strong (as it started).
And what’s funny is……I had to be strong this year. Maybe, not at the beginning, and hopefully not at the end. But in-between was a real kicker.
The end of April, I got the phone call that would change my life forever.
My family – my husband, and all my girls were in a terrible car crash.
A crash that happened in the blink of a moment.
And they all survived. The hurt ones healed. The fear and worry subsided. The pain loosened it’s grip on my heart as each day passed.
Sometimes it hits me out of the blue.. what if? What if the worst had happened? What if they were not here? What if? What if? What if?
I’d like to think I would have survived, but honestly? I’m not so sure.
I have to trust that God will only give me what I can handle. But after the accident? I wasn’t so sure. Then, we ended up dealing with another very scary moment.
Jason had to go to many physical therapies. He had multiple injuries that required scans of his body, and his back.
One of the scans came back with what the Doctor thought was spinal cancer.
It was liked being kicked in the teeth. Husband survives a terrible car accident to find out he has cancer. Noooo!
Silently, we prayed.
Silently, we held it all inside.
We didn’t tell a soul.
We saw the oncologist together. They did more tests and more scans. Every day was pins and needles of not knowing.
Every day we cherished each moment with a new clarity.
Finally, it was determined. The tumor, or growth, or whatever it was they saw on the scan was NOT cancer.
More blood tests, and a colonoscopy later assured us 100%; no cancer anywhere or anyplace.
Phew!
It was a solid four months of our lives dealing with therapy and unknown conditions.
Which makes my first gift – the gift of life.
The gift of embracing loved ones with both arms. Holding their warm faces close and never letting go.
The gift of memories, and precious times. The gift of future times, and celebrations.
With my wonderful husband, and my beautiful daughters.
I thank God for the gift of life this year.
Living, Loving, Laughing.... 
My grandma (deceased) and cousin’s birthdays also fall on December 4th, so we share that and I admire you and your family’s strength. The car photos are horrific, but your message to cherish each moment is beautiful. Bless you all.
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The car photos made me cry. That really looks scary and incredible that everyone survived. Your words on this page are poetry. So beautiful. I’ve been blessed with the gift of life too as you know. My gift included a new perspective. Much love to you and yours. I’m looking forward to spending another year getting to know you. Thank you for YOUR gift of sharing your life with me.
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I prayed for you all too!
Tomorrow I have to go to a memorial for my mother-in-law who did not survive the injuries received from a car accident. In the blink of a moment.
Love reading your posts. Glad you are going to do it everyday.
XOXO
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Ok WOW…you did hold all that in!! How scary!!!!!!! SO glad none of the “what ifs?” came true!!!
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Lovely post!
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your family was lucky to survive, oh my God!
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So glad those scary days are over and all is beautiful right now.
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Having been in a car crash in February and spent the better part of the last 8 months going to physical therapy, there is a lot about this post that I relate to. Glad they’re all okay.
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Beautiful pictures and words. Looking forward to seeing more. Thanks for stopping by Periphery!
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w0w that truely is a miracle thanks for sharing that story
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It really has been quite a year for you (and I read and/or look at pretty much every single one of your blog posts :-). But I have to say that nothing has shone through as much as your love of and pride in your family…thanks for being a role model and a bright shining light!
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No doubting ya’ll have a big time guardian angel.
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Very beautiful and inspiring story.
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Oh my goodness, that’s so scary! I’m so glad everyone is okay!
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You are incredibly strong, every day. I see it in your posts and your pictures and the parts of your life you share. You are brave and you deserve all the gifts this life can give you ❤
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