Hilarious AND Hopeful

Sam and Bridget are doing well. He's getting better every single day and to all of us who know and love him, it's a gift. He's one of the funniest people I know and his texts to me and his family show he is back on track. He's hilarious! He can turn any normal conversation into a comedic routine. His sister is also just like that. I always tell them that they get their sense of humor from me, and that I'm pretty darn funny, but they don't think so. For some reason, my children do not think I am funny! I don't get it. :)

Dan and I will be going to New York City soon to see our sweet Molly then on to Atlanta to visit with his brother and sister-in-law, Larry and Kay. This was a vacation planned a long time ago. Then later this summer, the whole family (my dad and stepmom's side) will be headed to Minnesota for some lake time. Sam and Bridget are excited for that trip, as I am. Bridget has a "countdown" app on her phone that tracks the days until we are all together again. That makes me happy.

Sam does have doctor visits in his future, but that's part of the healing process. He feels really good. His attitude is amazing. I am still angry that this happened, frustrated with the justice system and worried for my son. Sam is happy to be healing and hopeful about the future. I need to learn those lessons from him. Some days, I am all about letting go and moving on and on other days, I just want to wallow in the frustration and pain of the last few months. But, I need to hold on to what is good in this world and be thankful for those that make it so, but I also want to accept the reality that bad things happen to good people, and it's OK to want justice and safety for your family and community.

Recent hiking trip for Sam and Bridget. 

Many, many people have told me that Sam's recovery is a miracle. I believe that. A friend of mine told me a story recently about a friend of hers, whose son suffered a similar TBI. He is still struggling after 4 years. There are story after story like that, and when I hear of them, I pray for them and I'm sad for them. I pray for them to have the recovery that Sam has had.

I am very thankful for where Sam is today, and what the future holds for him. This is a young man that has made a difference in his world, and he will continue to do so in whatever fashion suits him. He's healthier and stronger every day, and more importantly, he is his own person, and lives each day for the experience and to gain more understanding of the world around him.

My sweet kiddos. 1997  

My children always have cared about others, whether it be people or their community. That's what makes all of this so horribly ironic. When Sam was in high school, he and his best friend, Jeffrey, spent their Saturdays (and many weeknights) coaching his sister's Upward basketball team. He and Molly joined me each year at Little Rock's Race for the Cure, cheering on those running for a cure for breast cancer. Sam volunteered where needed at our Church, the nursery ... summer Bible School ... wherever. He and Molly helped me paint the asphalt at his elementary school one year as well as plant flowers (granted, when your mom is all up in the PTA, you've been volunteered). On Molly's 8th birthday, by her own design and initiative, she asked her friends to bring a financial donation for her favorite cause at the time (Save the Rainforest) rather than gifts. I could go on and on.

Today, they have new causes and issues close to their hearts. They get the "activist" spirit from their mom, but it's their own causes that keep them going, not mine. My kids are filled with a spirit of empathy for those in need. I'm a blessed mom. This is a blessed world with them in it.

Thank you for reading my blog, and thinking of my sweet son and daughter.