Hug Him Once For Me

Dedicated to my sweet little boy, Logan.  Someday I'll hold you once again. 

Before and After

BEFORE – Pic from 2004

AFTER

I think it looks more sophisticated. LOL!  They still have some more painting to do, put guttering back on, etc. but you get the idea.  It feels like coming home to a new house. 

Our Scars

A few weeks ago, Olivia first noticed her scars.  Before that day, I don’t think she even saw them.  We were in her bathroom when she asked, “Why did the cats scratch me?” 

In disbelief and anger I asked, “What? When did they scratch you?” 

She pointed to the scars on her arm. And I had to explain that it wasn’t from the cats. 

Her skin was so underdeveloped at birth that even the slightest touch could damage her skin.  The leads connected to her body that helped save her life also ripped off her skin.  She has scars on her arms, hands, chest, stomach and legs.  But, not a single one on her face. 

You know, I’ve spent the last few years hoping that they’d fade. I showed her my “Logan” scar, a huge vertical scar down my stomach from my emergency c-section.  But, as I was talking to her about scars, I was overwhelmed with emotion.  Scars should not be something that you are ashamed of or embarrassed about.  Scars represent the human spirit. . .that you can go through the worst and come out healed.  They show that even the most fragile of us are stronger than you can imagine. 

I hope she grows up proud of her scars and uses them as a testament to how far she’s come and what a miracle she is. 

Busy Weekend

Friday night, we celebrated my niece’s 12th birthday!  When I met Ryan, she had just turned 1.  Crazy!  She’ll always be my little flower girl!

Jamming on her new acoustic guitar!

Encore! Encore!

Then, Saturday evening was a bumpy night.  In Kansas, I read that we average 57 tornadoes per year.  Saturday night, we had 97 tornadoes!  In one night!  We had a slumber party in the basement because of it and were up until almost midnight.  Olivia thought it was great fun. . .especially because she got to bring all her favorite toys downstairs with her.  Our town was hit, but we live just west of it and the tornado hit the southeast side.  My friends and family all seem to be safe.  What a night, though.