A brief moment

We are home now and have some of the laundry done up and groceries and a few things settled. The kids are upstairs yelling at me - so things seem to be back to normal. Well if they ever were. Haa haaa - OK enough humour!

It has been my experience that time softens the memory of our experiences. Much of what was painful over the last two weeks will slowly subside and give way to much richer and longer lasting memories. There will be a grain of unpleasantness that may never go away, an understanding that hopefully helps us be more sympathetic and loving to others in their own trials.

My lasting memories are:

How kind a good family can be. How it feels to be embraced by the love of family, the warmness and kindness that gives strength for all trials. We have the most amazing family. Those near and far who have been so great.

The love of friends and what a boost that is. The friends who emailed, posted notes here or on Facebook, called, prayed, thought about us, sent cards, came to see us, and the list goes on. We are so grateful for friends.

Other parents, many who have become friends. Kim and Shannon, there is a special bond that we feel with your families. We have walked through some dark times together and have had similar but varied experiences. We just want you to know how much we are invested in your children and their success too. And we so appreciate your support.

The wonderful staff at the hospital. Now that I am out (ha ha), I can talk about how much I love that hospital - I just don't like being there. Words can't even begin to describe how I feel about Dr. Rebeyka. What do you say to a man, how do you thank a man who has done for our family this enormous thing. For him it is his "day at the office." But for us it is our child. From the surgeons to the doctors, nurses and the whole staff - we are so thankful.

Wow - this is sounding like an acceptance speech at the Oscars. So to keep that theme. I'd like to most of all thank God. He is our strength, he is gives us hope, he helps guide us, he comforts us. We are thankful not only for our faith but for our God who is all powerful and can help us navigate the trials of life.

On this, Canadian Thanksgiving weekend, I ask you all to allow us to thank you for being with us on this journey and for caring for our family. You (and yes I mean you) are a blessing to us.

Thank you all - God bless all your families!