Tuesday, December 22, 2009

gratitude

i am overwhelmed at the support, encouragement, love and concern expressed from so many people from around the world for my daughter. thank you, from my heart, it is so appreciated. i have received so many thoughtful comments and post dedications and emails that i just wanted every one to know how much it means to me and uplifts me. to know so many people are keeping my daughter in their heart and thoughts is humbling, and truly lifts my weary soul. it has been exhausting the last 24 hours, today my daughter was eating lunch when we got there, which was a great relief to me to see her having hot food served to her in a civilized eating situation, and the staff that are keeping her safe via one to one care are good, she was moving about and getting the feel for the place and we did catch a smile or two from her, candy bars and potato chips were a hit. one day at a time. when i didn't think i could get out of bed one more time and do the grueling day filled with agony, it is accomplished by forging ahead. one step at a time, puffy eyes and a tired body, you just go. the anxiety and grief at times felt crippling, but the focus remains on my daughter and you just move. people have often asked me how i do it, and that's it. you take a reprieve when you can, like walking the dog. it's not comfortable, last night and when i woke up this morning it was that feeling of something is wrong, like a death happened. you forge ahead. somehow, that sun still rises and sets and you just keep going. it's important for everyone to know this, it is possible to survive times that often feel so overwhelming you don't know how it will turn out. but, the next day always holds a chance for a new beginning, a new way, a better way.

4 comments:

Noe Noe Girl...A Queen of all Trades. said...

Steph, you are such a trooper. And such an encourangment. I know all too well that feeling of dread and uncertainty. I had it for years when my husband lost his arm. It truly is a gut wrenching feeling. As long as we have hope the chances can be endless. A dear old friend shared these words with me once when I asked how we were going to get home(God rest his soul),"Patience and Faith in Jesus." Stay strong Steph and keep the faith.
<><

Radagast said...

Linds may be the focus, but don't put your blinkers on, such that you see the entire universe in the context of Lindsay living at Western.

She's going to be getting out of there, before long, in any case - "as she was, before this all happened". Isn't that how you put it? I say that blithely, and with good reason - I believe it to be the truth. And because you believe it, too, Lindsay will understand what is expected of her, because you'll communicate it to her in every contact you have with her.

She's very, very bright, Stephany. And she sees absolutely everything in fine detail. At the moment, nobody's expecting anything of her, and so she appears to be vegetating (ie, she's doing what she believes people require - although she's probably confused as to what the objective is, and how she benefits, because it probably all looks pretty pointless), but when she understands what is required, the effect will be extraordinary.

Matt

Barbz said...

I know that feeling. If we as mother's could take their pain, into ourselves we would.

Herrad said...

Hi Stephany,
Thinking of you and your daughter.
Sending you good wishes and big hugs.
Love,
Herrad