Miracles

Miracles happen. This Sunday morning I am so humbled and grateful for the many blessings and miracles we have witnessed as a family this week. Today my dad is much more aware of us. He is shaking his head in response to questions, moving his feet and legs and even squeezing our hands occasionally. Tuesday evening I had sorrowfully accepted in my heart that my dad would most likely not survive this horrible nightmare. I wept throughout the night as I relived our precious family memories. I looked at pictures of him, focusing on details like his rugged farmer hands, sun kissed skin and kind eyes as I agonized over how I could ever continue life without him. Today he is reminding me of the qualities I admire the most about him: his strength, determination and focus.

The physical ailments of his body are still there. His blood clots, lung infection and temperature problems remain but his mind is healing. And for that I am eternally grateful. We have a very long way to go and we are not out of the woods, but this sabbath we are all praising our Heavenly Father for giving us back the refreshing feeling of hope.

Throughout this experience I have watched my Mom struggle in silent agony. She and my Dad have been together for 35 years and have roughed this rugged terrain of life together for better or worse. He responds to her voice more than any other, squeezed her finger and no one else's and nodded his head first when she begged him to fight and told him she needs him. Love is a beautiful thing and I am so blessed to have been raised by such unique and inspiring people. This picture was taken by my sister when my Dad first opened his eyes and I'm sharing it with my Mom's permission. It is such a beautiful snapshot into their marriage. Happy Sunday everyone, God is great.