So we just passed a very interesting anniversary for our family...one that has been challenging and triumphal all at the same time! Five years ago, on April 15th, 2006, Alan collapsed into his first grand mal seizure and it was the beginning of the most difficult yet most character shaping period of our lives together to date. As I think back on all that we have been through, that day seems like a life time ago and just as mothers tend to forget the pains of delivering children, I think the same phenomenom has occured to soften the blow of that fateful morning...when two words forever changed the path we were headed on...brain tumor. But I have to say that as I focus on all the good that has come from these experiences, I am grateful for all the tools and support and love I have been given to help us along the way. A dear friend battling breast cancer (diagnosed shortly before Alan) once wisely shared with me that although she may not ever be able to say she is grateful for cancer, she is grateful for the growth it has inspired and unlocked (sometimes forcefully!) as would not have otherwise come about. I also am too human to bring myself to say that I am grateful for Alan's condition, and would even go so far to say that I probably still would not choose to live through it if given the choice, what I can admit is that as I look back on this "ride", I know that there are specific moments and experiences that I wouldn't trade for the clearest MRI! I love my family and especially my sweetheart for all he has endured, knowing that at times it was only just for us that he kept fighting and still does! (The picture above is the morning of Alan's first surgery :)
Ok, you made me cry. I remember that dreadful morning so well and realizing the hell that was ahead of him and wondering if he'd ever be the same. I too have learned so much and have watched all the miracles that your faith has allowed you. Thank-you for being there for him and being such a strong, wonderful, kind, loving sister-in-law. Others have no idea what your sweet family has endured. Just know that your example of courage, strength and faith that never waivered, even in the darkest hours, was appreciated by all, especially Alan. We love you for being the amazing woman that you are! And thank-you Alan for beating this thing. I'm so sorry for all you have had to endure in this life but I've seen you grow in ways you never would have. I love you and am so proud to be your sister. Hooray!!!!
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Lisa Bruemmer
Sheesh! I guess a good cry was in order. I don't have any wonderful words to add, as none are enough to express my love and admiration for you all!!
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Heather :)
Five years. That seems like just yesterday and a lifetime ago all at the same time. Your family's faith and endurance has been an inspiration to me and has helped me get through some of my own challenges. We miss you and wish we could be closer to help out more! I can say the same, not grateful for trials, probably wouldn't have the courage to choose to go through them again if I was given the choice, but I can see how much they teach me, things I couldn't learn any other way. God bless you and your family!
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