Thad's 4 Year heart-i-versary

**Warning- pictures are graphic**

Four years ago today Thad had his open heart surgery.  It's always hard looking at these pictures and remembering that day but it reminds us of what he went through.  Not being able to hold my baby for a week and watching him lay there so helpless, not knowing what the outcome was going to be.  The only good thing is he'll never remember that day or his recovery.  I hope and pray he will never have to go through another surgery again. 

  Thad is one tough little boy.  With everything that has happened in our lives, we know that each and every day is a blessing and not a guarantee.  Hug your babies and always tell them how much they mean to you! Thad has brought so much joy to our lives.  He is our little miracle.

And now look at the boy he has grown into.  He is a crazy-fun-loving boy who likes to make faces! Adam had a talk with Thad now that he is 4 years old and told him when daddy is gone he is the man of the house.  Ever since that talk Thad has told me several times that he is a good boy because he is the man of the house just like daddy told him! 

He loves his brother (look at the face Ollie is giving him! He knows he's crazy too).

Behind your Scar
By Stephanie Husted

Sometimes I have those “moments”,
When I think…life’s just not fair,
Then I think of all you’ve been through,
And I see the scar you bear.

... A faded line right down your chest,
Made with such careful precision,
We wanted you to have a chance,
Could there be any other decision?

And so I trace that “perfect” scar,
Made with the utmost care, And I realize there is purpose, Behind this scar you wear.

What have you taught us? You’ve taught us how to face a storm, (Some things are just out of our hands)
Life has no handy guidebook, (Things don’t always go as you’ve planned)

People come into our lives,
(Sometimes it is just for a season)
But God brings them into our lives,
(And I know that He must have a reason)
Normal, uneventful days,
(The kind that we always hoped for)
These are the days I say, “Wow God”, We just never know what lies in store.

If I can place a feeding tube, Without even getting distraught, Perhaps, maybe, I might be… Much stronger than I thought.

It’s okay to be afraid,
And it’s alright to cry,
It’s okay to feel lost sometimes,
It’s even okay to ask…why?

You face life with courage, (Knowing God set you apart) Every little thing you do,
You do with all of your heart.

No crystal ball exists for us,
(To see us through each strife) We only have one wish for you…
An ordinary life.

You’ve taught us to love one another,
(Helping each other to cope)
You’ve taught us compassion for others,
You’ve taught us to never lose hope.

You already have quite a story, Which you can someday share, And I can see it’s beauty, Behind that scar you wear.