It was my mother in law's birthday. It was a Friday night. I had the most painful, intense headache I had ever experienced. I was 7 months pregnant. I had a stroke that night. It changed my life FOREVER.
Today...it has been 13 years. I have been so blessed. I have not had another stroke, even though the neurologist told me- "You are a walking time bomb!." I was told I would be on Cumadin (blood thinner) for the rest of my life. I don't want this blog post to focus on that awful night and the aftermath. I will say that I had FAITH that I would survive that night, that I would recover and that my baby would be okay. I just knew God was there and had answered the prayers of a pleading mother. It was not my time yet. I later felt so strongly through prayer, that I needed to get off the blood thinner. I knew it was all going to be okay. The doctors thought I was wrong and was making a mistake.
TODAY... I am so thankful and would feel so unappreciative if I did not verbally express how I feel. I am so fortunate to be here. We went to church today. I forgot the treats for my church Primary class. One of the four year old girls cried and cried. She said, "But, I'm starving and I need a treat!." I felt so bad. They are used to their little treats after our lesson.
Then we went to Heber, Utah to visit Grandma Collins. As a family- 24 of us total went to Cowboy Church together. It is like Cowboy Poetry, but today was dedicated to a church service (nondenominational). It was quite uplifting and I most loved being with the extended family.
We all went to Grandma's house to have dinner and celebrate her birthday today. I am lucky to have married into a large family.
Of course, there was cake and ice cream and lots of laughing together.
I know that one day the kids will CHERISH these memories of being with their family and at Grandma's house. (Zach and McKay)
A group shot. I wish more of the family would have been able to be here.
I wanted to take a group photo of Carol and her three kids- Ty, Leann, and Bret. I know how important it is to take these photos!
Happy Birthday Grandma!!!!!!!!!!!!
Here is Grandma with her grandkids. PRICELESS!!!!!!
Of course, the kids always have a great time together. Joe and Jake are cousins and we need to see them more!!!!
TODAY was a very good day. Each and every day that we have on earth is a gift and I live each day with appreciation in my heart for more TIME with my family. I wanted to share today WHAT is overflowing in my heart and mind.