“She said she usually cried at least once each day not because she was sad, but because the world was so beautiful & life was so short.” Brian Andreas, Storypeople
This Thanksgiving Nate and I have been feeling especially grateful. I feel like I need to get it down on paper, to take a moment and reflect on what exactly it is we are thankful for.
I am thankful.
For Owen. I haven’t talked much about Owen’s birth here on the blog, and I still won’t go into all the gory details, but it was scary. We ended up with a prolapsed cord and from the time they discovered the problem to when Owen was out was only six minutes, six sad and harrowing minutes. Over the days following the c-section, various doctors and nurses would say things in reference to the surgery, comments that slowly made us realize just how grave the situation had been. I have shed many tears reflecting on the experience, but the one thing that keeps me together is the gratitude. The overwhelming gratitude I feel when I look at my healthy, happy baby boy. Every second we have with him is truly a blessing.
My friend Kami recently experienced a c-section eerily similar to mine. Only there was one glaring difference…while I was 41 weeks pregnant and ended up with a healthy baby, sweet Kami was only 26 weeks along. Her baby girl Afton only weighed 15 ounces. And Afton only experienced one week on this earth. There were far too many “onlys” for Afton and her family. Their experience is simply heartbreaking. And while my heart has broken a thousand times over for Kami, I also feel grateful for her wonderful example of faith and hope. It is truly amazing.
I am thankful.
For every moment I have with my three children and my husband. A friend of mine just found out her 20-month old has leukemia. The prognosis is good. But it’s still hard and scary. Last night when I was talking with Angela, we were reflecting on how you never expect life to change so drastically, for these kinds of things to happen to you. When she took her daughter to the doctor for a fever, she never would have thought they’d be heading to the hospital for weeks of chemo. Life takes turns – sometimes good, sometimes not-so-good. Which is why I’m feeling so grateful this week. Grateful for each moment we have together because, as Brian Andreas put it so beautifully, the world is so beautiful and life is so short.
I am thankful.
For family who sacrificed time, money and sleep to come help us after Owen’s birth. For friends, who brought us countless dinners and helped out with the girls in countless ways. I have been continuously awed over the last two months at how people step up in times of need. It’s amazing. I learned to accept service, to admit that I couldn’t do it all, to ask for help over and over again. And the love we’ve felt as a result of needing that help has been overwhelming. I am thankful that we will be able to provide that same love and support for others in need when the time comes.
I am thankful.
Hi! My name is Jane Maynard and you've landed yourself on my blog, This Week for Dinner™. Every Sunday I share a weekly menu...and count on you to share yours! You'll also find other deliciousness that I hope you'll enjoy!
Thanks for making me cry. I’m thankful for you, and I love you, and I’m thankful for beautiful baby Owen.
you’re welcome for making you cry. I’m thankful for you, too! 🙂
“She said she usually cried at least once each day not because she was sad, but because the world was so beautiful & life was so short.”
I love you!
love you too, mom 🙂
Im thankful for you and your beautiful writing!
thanks nicole. 🙂
Everyone should kiss and hug the people they love, especially their children. Life can change in the blink of an eye, It did for me. We lost our only child to Leukemmia, a dreadful and painful disease and treatment. So, remember that tomorrow is not ours and enjoy and love life today, which is a gift from God.
oh betty, I can’t begin to imagine what you’ve gone through. thank you so much for your beautiful comment.
Happy Thanksgiving to you and your sweet family, Jane. I’ve been following Afton’s story as well and counting my own blessings, daily.
thanks aimee 🙂
Beautiful post Jane! We love you guys and are thankful for all of you!!!
You truly are a beautiful writer. Thanks for the cry and for reminding me how blessed we are. Much love to you, sweet Owen, Nate, Cate & Anna.
Lovely, lovely sentiments, Jane. I always try and remember children are gifts. Miraculous, amazing (and sometimes crazy) gifts.
I just had to leave a comment and let you know I experienced a prolapsed cord at home…20 minutes from the hospital. My son is now 17 months old. Here is a link to his birth story: http://bakersdozen.typepad.com/a_bakerss_dozen_daily_lif/2010/06/the-birth-of-apollo-xiv.html
Renee, thank you for sharing the link to your story. Unbelievable. It truly was miraculous!! And I cannot imagine having that happen at home….all I can say is wow.
What a beautiful post Jane! It made me cry, I was only 20 weeks pregnant when I went into labor. I will spare the details, but my little girl did not make it and I almost lost my life as well. The recovery was long and difficult. Life can change in an instant, so many take it for granted. As horrible as that experience may have been, I see the world differently, love more deeply, and cherish every moment. I will be forever grateful to her for that. A mothers love never dies, its in our hearts forever no matter where our children are.
Sherri, I had no idea. Thank you for sharing. Your comment is beautiful.
thankful to know that families are forever!
Beautiful, Jane. I also have been feeling especially blessed with my healthy baby boy this holiday season, knowing so many are not as fortunate.
This is beautiful and an excellent reminder for every mom- We’re so lucky to have our children-