There are dates in life that you cannot forget. September 17th, 2011, will be forever engrained in my mind. It was one of my darkest hours. Alone with my sweet 2-year-old, a neurologist at a Children's Hospital in Norfolk relayed to me that Cole had an incurable genetic disorder and may never walk.
Devestation.
Minutes later, in the lobby of a hospital, I emailed my husband in Afghanistan and asked him to call me, so I could break his heart just as they had broken mine.
A dark hour...yes. Do you remember my blog? I didn't...http://teamgeraghty.blogspot.com/2011_09_01_archive.html.
I have not read that blog since the day I posted it. Now it seems so long ago and I wish I could go back and give that scared girl a hug. Because it really was, and IS, okay.
TODAY, light shines on that dark hour. We are years past and Cole is thriving. Yes, he has challenges. But he embraces them. That boy has never complained. He works hard, plays hard, and doesn't even actually seem to care. He loves his wheelchair. He loves his friends. He loves his brother. He loves his baby sister. He loves working with his therapist Miss Chris. He loves Star Wars. He loves waffles. He loves his LEGOs. He loves his life. And so do we.
February 6th is another day I will not forget. It is the day that another doctor talked to me but with quite different news...
Our little Hailey Grace tested NEGATIVE for Spinal Muscular Atrophy!!!
Thank you, God. Thank you.
I knew in my heart this would be, but the actual affirmation was welcomed and needed. We've worried and agonized and wondered...who wouldn't?! I immediately called Brian who is currently away and also texted my immediate family. Their reactions echo mine. Complete and utter thanksgiving and gratitude to our Lord. He heard our prayers and they were answered. Hailey will undoubtedly still have challenges come her way in life, but we can cross this off the list. And actually, I have no doubt she'll still make this her challenge regardless and be a terrific advocate for Cole.
The doctor also relayed to me that Hailey is a carrier of the disorder. That means it may be passed to yet another generation. It has passed through generation after generation somewhere in our families and gone unforseen until Cole. Perhaps the same will be in the future. We will cross that bridge later. For now, we rejoice! My heart is full. Every time I have looked at her today, and the boys too, I feel peace.
So no matter what their challenges are, I know we will always be fine. Just like my blog 2 years ago, obstacles, NOT barriers. Things happen but you just have to roll with it. And it will be OKAY!
I know Brian can't wait to get home and hug her. Over the years, he's spent extensive time away and received a lot of unfavorable news that he's had to process alone. He deserved that promising moment.
Thank YOU for your support and prayers. It's been a long journey and will continue to evolve. Today was a big milestone for all of us.
We love you, Hailey.
Devestation.
Minutes later, in the lobby of a hospital, I emailed my husband in Afghanistan and asked him to call me, so I could break his heart just as they had broken mine.
A dark hour...yes. Do you remember my blog? I didn't...http://teamgeraghty.blogspot.com/2011_09_01_archive.html.
I have not read that blog since the day I posted it. Now it seems so long ago and I wish I could go back and give that scared girl a hug. Because it really was, and IS, okay.
TODAY, light shines on that dark hour. We are years past and Cole is thriving. Yes, he has challenges. But he embraces them. That boy has never complained. He works hard, plays hard, and doesn't even actually seem to care. He loves his wheelchair. He loves his friends. He loves his brother. He loves his baby sister. He loves working with his therapist Miss Chris. He loves Star Wars. He loves waffles. He loves his LEGOs. He loves his life. And so do we.
February 6th is another day I will not forget. It is the day that another doctor talked to me but with quite different news...
Our little Hailey Grace tested NEGATIVE for Spinal Muscular Atrophy!!!
Thank you, God. Thank you.
I knew in my heart this would be, but the actual affirmation was welcomed and needed. We've worried and agonized and wondered...who wouldn't?! I immediately called Brian who is currently away and also texted my immediate family. Their reactions echo mine. Complete and utter thanksgiving and gratitude to our Lord. He heard our prayers and they were answered. Hailey will undoubtedly still have challenges come her way in life, but we can cross this off the list. And actually, I have no doubt she'll still make this her challenge regardless and be a terrific advocate for Cole.
The doctor also relayed to me that Hailey is a carrier of the disorder. That means it may be passed to yet another generation. It has passed through generation after generation somewhere in our families and gone unforseen until Cole. Perhaps the same will be in the future. We will cross that bridge later. For now, we rejoice! My heart is full. Every time I have looked at her today, and the boys too, I feel peace.
So no matter what their challenges are, I know we will always be fine. Just like my blog 2 years ago, obstacles, NOT barriers. Things happen but you just have to roll with it. And it will be OKAY!
I know Brian can't wait to get home and hug her. Over the years, he's spent extensive time away and received a lot of unfavorable news that he's had to process alone. He deserved that promising moment.
Thank YOU for your support and prayers. It's been a long journey and will continue to evolve. Today was a big milestone for all of us.
We love you, Hailey.
