May 10

Today was a bitter sweet day, The plan was to relax at home in the morning, then head to my parents for swimming and a barbecue in the afternoon. As we were getting ready to head to my parents' house, I got a call from my dad that my mom's back had completely given out and that they were going to the ER. My mom has been feeling sick for the last month, with major migraines. She has had a full neurological workup and have been unable to find anything wrong. Her back was a new symptom, but she was in so much pain she was unable to move. We still went to my parents, hoping that the ER would figure out what was wrong and send her home. Instead they kept her over night. It was fun swimming with the kids and we had a huge barbecue of shrimp, steak and lobster. My sis, her boyfriend, and Hannah were there and we had a good time together. But it didn't feel right with my mom and dad gone. Ry and Hannah made sure to make Grammy some get well cards, that Staci took to the hospital that night. Staci and I also received these incredible heart tiles that my mom had made for us. She was so excited that she called from the hospital and made sure we got them. I think my mom is the most selfless person in the world.

Turns out that she had a couple slipped disc in her back, and she had to stay laying down. They did let her come home, but for now she is bed-ridden. It brings back so many memories of the accident, 4 years ago. That is when my mom was in the trauma ICU on Mother's Day. I know that everyone faces trials, but I feel like my parents have had more than their share. Both came from difficult childhoods, working my dad through school, my sis' divorce, the accident, dealing with my three kids and TS, and now my mom's back. They have always handled each trial with such grace and confidence in the Lord. I have seen how each thing has helped them and all of us around them evolve as people and help our faith grow. How lucky am I to have such an incredible example. I only hope that I am able to pass that on to my children.