20 years….

 I’ve had so many thoughts this past week as we approached today. Today marks 20 years since Brent’s failed surgery and intestinal rupture. The night that he should have died. But didn’t. The night that started 20 years of hell…and heaven. The night that changed our family, good and bad. The night that we learned to plead with the Lord to save him, and He did. We will never forget that night, even though we wish we could. There are a lot of things we wish we could forget over the past 20 years. So much pain. So many tears. So many surgeries. So many procedures. Way too many hospital stays. So many times we thought he wouldn’t make it. 

BUT HE DID. There are a lot of things we do remember. So many priesthood blessings. So many friends and family members rushing to our aid no matter the time of day. SO many meals provided for the kids and I throughout this entire 20 years. So many texts of love and encouragement at just the right time. So many Dr’s and other medical professionals put in our path that know exactly what to do even though it might not be what is in the textbooks. So many second chances at life (ok, maybe 20 second chances.) SO MANY PRAYERS SAID IN OUR BEHALF. SO MANY MIRACLES WITNESSED!

Yes, so many miracles. Not THE miracle, the one where Brent would be totally healed. The one where he could lead a normal life able to do the things he loves without a care in the world. The one where he’s not hooked up to an IV for 12-16 hours a day. BUT, we truly have seen miracles, too many to count over 20 years. We see miracles every time he is discharged yet again to come home. When we are able to go do things we love, like camping or fishing or just a drive in the mountains. When we are able to travel when he’s doing well enough to survive the trip. When he’s able to spend time with our five grandkids who adore him. When he’s able to see his four kids and spouses grow and achieve great things. When he wakes up to another day. 

So, here’s to another day. It’s never guaranteed. We acknowledge that we’ve been oh so blessed with 20 bonus years. We don’t lose sight of what we’ve been blessed with. Ever. Many of our friends have lost spouses and children. We’ve mourned with them. We have no answers as to why. We are NOT more blessed, more faithful, more deserving, more needed here on earth. There truly are no answers. 

Thank you a million times over to all of you. Seriously. You can’t even comprehend our love and appreciation for you. Your years of love and service to our family do not go unnoticed or unappreciated. We are often in tears thinking of all that you have blessed us with spiritually, physically, and yes, mentally. 

So, today we celebrate life. We celebrate hope. We celebrate love. We celebrate family. We celebrate friendship. We celebrate another day…