dawn_mo
Well-known member
Caringbridge journal. It is an online journal for friends and family of people who are going through something. It is a way to let people know what is going on. I think this final entry is just beautiful, and I am so proud of my stepdaughter and grandson. Every time I read it, I get teary. And I have read it a few times.
Holly wrote:
" A New Beginning
September 3, 2013 8:53pm
I can think of so many reasons that people come together. Amongst tragedy they gather to rally forces. Amongst joy they gather to celebrate the beautiful things that a full life can offer. Today we experienced an epic gathering of sorts. A gathering that reminds me that even though you might be one person, you are not so small and you do matter. Today we celebrated the ending of a tumultuous chapter in the Bowie home, and the promise of a greater tomorrow.
Luke was released on August 21st, 2013 to full activity. Dr. Camarata said that he should avoid football for 6 months (in which Luke replied, “That’s not a problem for me unless he is English and he meant futbol”.) Dr. Camarata said we would follow up with an angiogram in one to two years. Once that test is clear there are ZERO, count them ZERO, recordable reoccurrences of AVMs.
I still follow the AVM support group. I am reminded every day how fortunate we have been. Luke is a walking, talking miracle. I think about the morning he was first sick, how I left him in the bath to run Alex to school. I thought he had the flu. I could have come home to much worse than a very sick boy soaking off the night. I think about the hospitals, the pacing, the tears, and the prayers. When your child is sick, you learn to pray until your knees bleed. I think about the hours and hours that he was in surgery while we paced until we could pace no more, questioning our decisions and motives. And then the moment when the surgeons emerge from their tremendously long day with a light shining in their eyes that can only reflect the joy that has followed us since that day. I think about Luke, waking up from surgery and telling us, “It’s good to be back.” I think about how an 8 year old boy knows his preference of pain medication is Diladid over Fentanyl. I think of all these things and I realize how much this summer has taught me.
I have always stood by the concept of stopping to smell the roses. I have thanked God daily for the blessing that he bestows on us. I thrive on rainy days when the sun manages to just peek through enough that I can feel warmth. I have learned to count even more blessings. Every single time I see my children smile, hear them laugh, feel their touch, I am moved beyond measure. Each moment is a treasure, be it laughter, or tears. I have learned to redefine family, because when we look around us our family is much greater than our home, our blood. Luke has brought this wonder into our life. His struggles have taught us all about beauty.
Tonight, the Sporting KC team brought Aurelian Collin to Luke and Alex’s soccer practice. Liam and Brandy went above and beyond to join us on the field. Not to mention Aurelian’s grace as he jumped onto the field and joined the boys in a scrimmage against the girls. A fierce defender, fashion diva, and solid believer in our Lord, Aurelian Collin has given us something that we will carry forever. The SKC team has our hearts for life. We loved the sport, and now we love the team and those who carry it.
As for Luke, he has gained a new appreciation for life. I can see it in his eyes and I can hear it in his laughter. He tells us that he hopes we can see him when he practices soccer because he is going to be so fast we might miss him. He said he has decided to be a brain surgeon, because somebody is going to have to take over for Dr. Spetzler. I don’t care where he takes his future as long as I can see his smiling face along the way.
Luke wears a gnarly scar to remind us of the summer we nearly lost him. I am so grateful because every time I see it I am reminded of new beginnings and happy endings. I am reminded that God has blessed the world with Luke for a little more time. He has this amazing ability to make others laugh in spite of themselves. I have fallen in love with Luke, my family, the community, SKC, life, all over again. The time has come to end our caring bridge site. We are off to enjoy every second of life. Thank you to all of you, for your love and support has carried us through.
Will you join us?? "
Holly wrote:
" A New Beginning
September 3, 2013 8:53pm
I can think of so many reasons that people come together. Amongst tragedy they gather to rally forces. Amongst joy they gather to celebrate the beautiful things that a full life can offer. Today we experienced an epic gathering of sorts. A gathering that reminds me that even though you might be one person, you are not so small and you do matter. Today we celebrated the ending of a tumultuous chapter in the Bowie home, and the promise of a greater tomorrow.
Luke was released on August 21st, 2013 to full activity. Dr. Camarata said that he should avoid football for 6 months (in which Luke replied, “That’s not a problem for me unless he is English and he meant futbol”.) Dr. Camarata said we would follow up with an angiogram in one to two years. Once that test is clear there are ZERO, count them ZERO, recordable reoccurrences of AVMs.
I still follow the AVM support group. I am reminded every day how fortunate we have been. Luke is a walking, talking miracle. I think about the morning he was first sick, how I left him in the bath to run Alex to school. I thought he had the flu. I could have come home to much worse than a very sick boy soaking off the night. I think about the hospitals, the pacing, the tears, and the prayers. When your child is sick, you learn to pray until your knees bleed. I think about the hours and hours that he was in surgery while we paced until we could pace no more, questioning our decisions and motives. And then the moment when the surgeons emerge from their tremendously long day with a light shining in their eyes that can only reflect the joy that has followed us since that day. I think about Luke, waking up from surgery and telling us, “It’s good to be back.” I think about how an 8 year old boy knows his preference of pain medication is Diladid over Fentanyl. I think of all these things and I realize how much this summer has taught me.
I have always stood by the concept of stopping to smell the roses. I have thanked God daily for the blessing that he bestows on us. I thrive on rainy days when the sun manages to just peek through enough that I can feel warmth. I have learned to count even more blessings. Every single time I see my children smile, hear them laugh, feel their touch, I am moved beyond measure. Each moment is a treasure, be it laughter, or tears. I have learned to redefine family, because when we look around us our family is much greater than our home, our blood. Luke has brought this wonder into our life. His struggles have taught us all about beauty.
Tonight, the Sporting KC team brought Aurelian Collin to Luke and Alex’s soccer practice. Liam and Brandy went above and beyond to join us on the field. Not to mention Aurelian’s grace as he jumped onto the field and joined the boys in a scrimmage against the girls. A fierce defender, fashion diva, and solid believer in our Lord, Aurelian Collin has given us something that we will carry forever. The SKC team has our hearts for life. We loved the sport, and now we love the team and those who carry it.
As for Luke, he has gained a new appreciation for life. I can see it in his eyes and I can hear it in his laughter. He tells us that he hopes we can see him when he practices soccer because he is going to be so fast we might miss him. He said he has decided to be a brain surgeon, because somebody is going to have to take over for Dr. Spetzler. I don’t care where he takes his future as long as I can see his smiling face along the way.
Luke wears a gnarly scar to remind us of the summer we nearly lost him. I am so grateful because every time I see it I am reminded of new beginnings and happy endings. I am reminded that God has blessed the world with Luke for a little more time. He has this amazing ability to make others laugh in spite of themselves. I have fallen in love with Luke, my family, the community, SKC, life, all over again. The time has come to end our caring bridge site. We are off to enjoy every second of life. Thank you to all of you, for your love and support has carried us through.
Will you join us?? "