Grateful for Your love

Yesterday we got almost a foot of snow. Today it was 45 degrees (beach weather!) so this happened...

The first time it snowed this year, I was laying in a hospital bed unable to move. I could barely see the snow from my position in bed, and I remember crying thinking that all I wanted was to play with my son and watch him discover the beauty of winter; a season I cherished when I was young.  It has snowed a few times since that day, but I was still not strong enough to bundle us up and head outside.  Each time I wondered if that was the last snow of the season, if I had missed my chance to make memories with my boy.  But God is so faithful, and hears our cries, no matter how small.  He blessed us with this beautiful day, warm enough that we didn't need hats, but cold enough for a big blanket of soft white snow.

Today, I was strong enough.  It was warm enough.  We are all healthy enough.  Memories were made.

Thank you, God, for the gift of today.

My body is tired, but my heart is so full.

Today…I cried tears of joy.  May God be praised.

"You chase us into the dark and Lord we're grateful, oh we're grateful
You captured our hearts with Your love, oh Lord You're faithful, you are faithful
We're grateful for Your love" - Ellie Holcomb

Day 15/365 - today we are celebrating another small victory! Eli and I managed to go on a ten minute walk outside all by ourselves!! It does t seem like much, but after being unable to even roll over in bed, I realize I have come a long way. Today and every day, may God be praised. #choosejoy #CIDP #chronicillness #theeverydayproject #365daysoflight #mrbigcheeks

Day 11/365 - My arms are barely strong enough to hold you, but I’m in mama heaven. #theeverydayproject #365daysoflight #mrbigcheeks #CIDP #choosejoy

Day 7/365. Mommy was super tired from our adventures in the snow yesterday. I think you knew, because you have been so sweet all day, snuggling and playing independently. How did I get so blessed to have such a sweet little boy? #mrbigcheeks #choosejoy #CIDP #spoonie #theeverydayproject #365daysoflight

Last year you were too young to care about the snow, but this year I was ready. We’ve been waiting all winter for snow to play in, and today it finally happened. I bundled you up in so many layers you look twice your size and could hardly walk, but I know you were warm. Watching you discover snow made my heart soar. You are my greatest adventure, little boy. I used most of my spoons to take us outside to play, but I’m so glad we have new memories together. #theeverydayproject #mrbigcheeks #spoonie #chronicillness #choosejoy #CIDP

Day 1/365 - For awhile there I thought we were done with teething…ha. You are currently getting about 4 teeth at once, so everything is for chomping once again. Have I mentioned how much I love your cheeks? ‘Cause I really, really do. #mrbigcheeks #365daysoflight #notiphone

We moved in the middle of my hospitalization (don’t ever do that if you can help it), so our house is still in boxes, but I knew if I made it home for Christmas that we would be putting up our tree. We were only able to take it out and “fluff” it before we were too tired to continue, but I’m thrilled either way. Maybe it will have lights by Christmas Day! #mrbigcheeks #theeverydayproject #latergram #choosejoy #CIDP

Being hospitalized for over a month results in great joy from small events. One of my biggest goals while in the rehabilitation hospital was regaining enough strength to hold my son. I can’t hold him for very long, but it feels so good to have him in my arms again…my heart is full! #mrbigcheeks #theeverydayproject #CIDP #chronicillness #invisibleillness #choosejoy

I’m about to blow up your news feed with events since I’ve been home…sorry about that. 😊

I have always wanted to try one of these things, and now I finally have a reason! Choosing joy with my zippy cart at the grocery store. #CIDP #chronicillness #choosejoy #theeverydayproject #latergram #mrbigcheeks

Reunited and it feels so good!!! 💕💕😃😃 #mrbigcheeks #mywholeheart #theeverydayproject #CIDP #warrior

Visits are my favorite! My heart jumps every time you come through that hospital door, little boy. You and your daddy are my entire world. #mywholeheart #mrbigcheeks #theeverydayproject #happymama #CIDP #chronicillness #warrior

Today was a tough day. The hospital is a very lonely place, and CIDP is a pretty frightening diagnosis. But in the midst of all the crazy, I get to spend a little time with the men that hold my heart and keep me going. If you see them, give them a hug for me…they are warriors, too!! #CIDP #chronicillness #mrbigcheeks #mywholeheart #fighter