I never expected what I felt the day we brought RO home....
That day was one of the happiest moments of my life. After almost six months in the hospital and all of the despair, joy, crying, laughter, worry, elation, hopelessness and pride you would expect in a life time.... our family was home together. The only way I know how to describe that day is if ever someone has hugged you and you have let yourself go in that warmth and love, multiply six-fold! I have been humbled by God's grace.
When we were waiting to be discharged the oddest thing happened to Jill and I - we felt an emptiness in our heart. I don't mean to be overly dramatic, but surprisingly we were going to miss the hospital. The only way I know how to describe the feelings we felt were like leaving camp; you wanted to go home terribly, but you hated to leave your new friends. We both got very emotional! We did not meet 1 or 2 people we liked, we met many we love. In the beginning we met complete strangers who lifted us and helped give my sons life. In the end we were embraced by people who will always be very, very special to us. It had nothing to do with changing diapers or consoling babies tears. It's Lagniappe! They have that extra special in them - and you could see it. They fought to keep the fight in the boys, in us. It is something I will cherish and something as a parent I wish no one has to go through to get it. I find everyday that God puts us where we need to be in peoples lives whether we acknowledge it or not - "NOW" we can cherish that time and those people and know that the love God gives us is boundless!
