Everything Happens for a Reason

As we approach the one year mark from when Kenny's tumor was removed, it is hard not to be thankful, remember how blessed we were then and have been in the year since and sometimes wonder where life is taking us. Our life has changed completely in this last year, but we can honestly say it's for the better. While from the outside looking in, it doesn't seem that this experience would have changed our life for the better, but it has.

We have grown as individuals, as a couple and as a family.

We are more compassionate.

We have a much greater knowledge of medical issues and a huge level of respect for those in the medical field.

We love every minute we get to spend with our Charlie because the days we were without him are never far from our mind.

We have amazing family and friends.

We are thankful.

We don't take anything for granted.

We want to give to others, as they gave to us.

We are grateful for amazing insurance and jobs that provide us with security.

We believe in our beautiful guardian angels looking out for us.

We love each other more.

We have peace of mind that everything will be alright.



Most of all, we remember EVERYDAY what is really important in life because so often in this society there is a focus on what is really NOT important.

Life is not about how much money we have or how many children we will have or when they will come to us or how new our cars are or where we went on vacation or when we will move out of our house or that our life isn't moving in the direction we "planned."

What is important is that we are a family. We are alive and healthy and we have an adorable little boy that we love so much we could both tear up at any moment for the gift we were given in him. We remember to thank God each and every day for the blessings we have in our life.

I've been thinking a lot about what we were doing last year at this time. You know when you look back at pictures and say "remember when"...that's what I've been doing. Remember before the tumor changed our lives? I've always believed that everything happens for a reason, that it's all part of a bigger plan we have no control over. It may not make sense when it happens, but someday, maybe years later, it will make sense.

This tumor, the growth and removal, I get it. I understand why it happened when it did for so many reasons. For us to grow...to make us better parents to Charlie...to make us better people. There is always room to grow and learn...no one is perfect. This experience has taught us and will continue to teach us for years to come. It is a constant reminder to love each other more.