The Special Few

There have been a few times in the last year where I have realized that admist the violence, hate, ignorance, and self-absorbance that we see on TV or witness in public places, there are some really great moments where you truly see the workings of God.

Take for example, the parent homework I had my students do one day. They were to ask their parents three simple questions. Who influenced you when you were young, did they disappoint you or fulfill you, and who influences you now? I had an overwhelming amount of responses that had God at the top of their lists. It was so refreshing to see that our parents are instilling the love, faith, and admiration for God and talking about it with their kids. I exepcted to see this response on a few kid's homework, but to see it so often and with such conviction was inspiring.

In a more personal experience, I have found that prayers, kindness, and encouragement were bestowed upon my family by my loved ones, friends, and many people who know us through a friend or relative. People that don't even know us have wished healing, peace, strength, and love for my family. We recieved a prayer bear from the ladies of Cook Children's, along with a book and prayers in their nightly service. We were given dinner from our relatives and friends during the week of Alex's surgery. My co-workers surprised me with the most amazing gift that truly left me speechless and in awe of their generosity. I have had friends who are going through their own drama, stop their lives to offer me help, and continue to check up on us even when their lives are in chaos (thank you Carly!). Today, I was given two prayer blankets from my sister-in-law's, step-mother-in-law (did you follow that). They were prayed on by her friends at her church, and given to both my Alex and Elle along with rosaries and prayers. How lucky can a family get? My grandmother in Michigan, has a quilt that is being made from her church where each woman has hand sewn a patch together and prayed on each knot tied. I can't wait to see what these women have done!

I say screw the "hate" that people see all around them. It has taken a few months of turmoil to realize that there is so much good around us. It is amazing how you can truly see the light of God through the hardest and also the simplest of times. He is here with us. He guides us, walks with us, aids us, and catches us when we fall. He is here in these people. In you and me! Just take a moment to look around you today or tomorrow, and you will see him the faces of those around you who are good, honest, hardworking, and kind. He is in us too, and we need to pay it forward one simple prayer, favor, and kind word at a time.

Time, where does it go?

We have been a busy family with, well, just life. I haven't had an update in awhile to keep everyone up to date with my Al. He is getting stronger day by day, and we are seeing some pretty fantastic things with the little guy. He wants to walk non-stop. It is pretty stiff still, but he has better control of himself when he gets off balance. He keeps walking out of his classroom at school, and frightening the teachers with his disappearing act. I remember that they called Elle Houdini when she was in the one year old class because she would frequently leave the classroom. Now it is Alex's turn to try that trick out. His voice is a bit different, and he is trying out inflections in his sounds. There are still no distinct letters though. We are waiting for that first consonant. Sooner or later I guess. He is still eating his pureed foods, and that hasn't been getting much better. He has been a bit under the weather though, and when that happens eating goes right out the window. Hopefully, we can get that back up and running soon. He has been a bit sick the past week with some weird symptoms. Hopefully we will fix it so I don't get a sick call from school tomorrow.

Elle on the other hand has just blossomed into a complete toddler. She is sassy, demanding, and cute as anything. She sings all the time and I often find her hiding under or behind things when she potties. She just won't use that potty consistently yet. She does like when her princess chair sings at her when she potties in it. I give her M&M's too...but I guess it is not enough because she could care less about using it all the time. Her favorite person right now is either her daddy or her G-daddy (my dad). Each morning she asks for them, and when I get her out of bed she tells me "No, I want Daddy." When daddy is in Arkansas, she says "No, I want G-daddy." It proves for a very stressful morning. She cries until we go into the living room to see Miss Piggy on TV. She loves the marriage scene with Kermie on Muppet's take Manhattan. So old, but so good!

Just a little Hunt update. Anyone willing to take me on vacation. I need one!!

Recovered

We are definitely getting back to normal. It has been a long hall, and my poor Alex is starting to feel like himself again. I am so thankful for this time to be over. It was a tough one.

I am starting to see a looseness in Alex that wasn't there before. There seems to be an overall comfort in his movement and mobility. There is nothing shocking or immediate in his recovery, but there is a calm presence that seems to consume him that wasn't there before. It is probably too subtle for most to notice, but I see it!

I am just happy the past few weeks have been put behind us. We are so thankful for Alex taking this whole experience like a trooper! He has been one steadfast, amazing little boy! I am 100% positive that he is stronger than most people I know...including me!

Elle has been a great sister in all of this. She has told her teachers that Alex is "at home with a boo-boo," and loves to touch his new hair-do (notice the shaved head). I have realized that she is going to be one handful when the therapist, that visits Alex, told me that Elle told her teachers that she would not get off the trampaline. When told that she must, she huffed and went to sit at the FRONT of the line. When told she had to move to the back, she huffed again and at least did what she was told! What a diva!

On another note, my Matt has been working hard in his new job. He is gone from Tuesday to Friday most weeks working in and around Arkansas. I know that he misses us as he sits in hotels and travels the roads, but we are proud of him. He is happy in his new job even though it means being away from us. We tell daddy that we love him every night, and I think that just helps the long roads ahead seem worth it. It has been a trial for us both, but we are stronger because of it. I ask that you keep Matt in your prayers for safe travel! He drives everywhere he goes, and I worry :)

Thanks for keeping up with us! We have a crazy story!