Since I was old enough to recognize it, I knew that I had been blessed with being surrounded by a lot of great people – family, friends, co-workers, neighbors. Throughout the last year, when I least expect it, I’m reminded of just how great all of these people that are in our lives truly are. Today, was one of those days.
I grew up in a small town where everyone knows everyone or knows someone who is related to them. I had the privilege of meeting some of my best friends in grade school and am still friends with them today. A lot of times, these people know what I need before I do. We have been through a lot of ups and downs together over the past 30+ years; a lot of great times, a lot of laughs, and some not-so-great ones too. After all of these years, they still show up when I need them to without me even having to say a word.
Things with Connor’s UC are relatively stable, but other levels are being thrown off because of infections that he just can’t seem to shake. Some days he is his happy go lucky self for the majority of the day, while others he’s only happy if he’s laying on with couch with me sitting right next to him. Our family vacation is coming up soon, and it is, without a doubt, one of my favorite weeks of the year. Instead of enjoying the excitement leading up to it, I’m constantly worried that something is going to happen to Connor and chaos will ensue. I know how ridiculous that sounds and that I shouldn’t focus on what I can’t control or something that might never happen, but I can’t help it. That’s one of the things I dislike the most about this journey we are on – it has stripped me of the ability to just let the chips fall where they may and turned me into a perpetual worrier.
Back to the great people in our lives though. We celebrated our son Cooper’s birthday a little early yesterday with a family party. We had a lot of fun with some of our family and our favorite neighbors. There’s nothing better than watching all four of our kids run around with their cousins screaming, laughing, and being wild and crazy. I thought for sure Connor would sleep like a baby, but he tossed and turned all night from the nagging cough that just won’t quit. He was a little mopey when he woke up and seemed down and out. Sadie and I went shopping with my sister-in-law, and when we got back, one of my oldest/best friends had left a little surprise on the porch for Connor. She nominated him up for the Tiny Superheroes program – one that provides a cape for a little “warrior” that brings courage, hope, and strength to get through whatever diagnosis they’re working through. He was so excited to open the package and put his cape on. He kept calling himself “Super Lightening Connor” saying that nothing could stop him now. That little act of kindness put the biggest smile on his face and lightened my heart a little bit. A few hours later I received a text message from another friend who was just checking in because she knew things have been a little rocky. We have also had a few different people reach out today to provide donations/assistance with the golf tournament.
Today was one of those days that I had the potential to take some time to wallow in self-pity – why does Connor have to go through this? Will there ever be a stretch of an extended period of time where he will get some relief and lead a somewhat typical life? Before I was able to do that, our people showed up again, just like they always do. They made us smile and reminded us that even though we sometimes feel isolated on this rollercoaster, they’re always there waiting to step in and lift us up.
There aren’t enough ‘thank yous’ in the world that could express our gratitude to everyone who has helped us get to where we are today. If you are reading this, please know we are eternally grateful for you. We are surrounded by a whole lot of really great people and know how blessed we are. I promise you; we don’t take it for granted!
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