This is a very encouraging milestone. Even if 10,000 is not a huge number by social media standards (you know those photos and videos that can get thousands of likes within a matter of hours or even minutes), it is significant to us because it shows that many of you do care enough to take a few minutes and share in our journey.
After years of pondering it and months of seriously thinking about it, I started this blog last summer just after we had returned to Delaware. It began out of my heart's cry to make sense of the blur, both the crazy and the happy times of the last five years. It began as outlet for my love of expression through the written word. And it began because I needed to know you cared.
And then to my surprise and delight, the man who has faced the greatest struggle these last few years decided to share his heart and his story...IN HIS WORDS. And this has been a part of the healing process for my husband, though it can be difficult to bring dark times to light.
Together we share our story... as a young couple with the hopes and dreams of the future alive then suddenly stunned by our firstborn's life-altering birth defect and the dramatic arrival of Daddy's seizures. We have fallen many times as spina bifida and epilepsy have defined much of our lives since 2008, but we won't let them define US. Our story is so much more. We are a blessed family with two beautiful young daughters, a working mom, a stay-at-home dad and a thirst for adventure. We know what it is be broken, and we know what is to feel God's touch. There are many chapters we have yet to share and still more left to write as our story continues.
I sometimes wish that I would have started this blog years ago, but I know that in the midst of these times it would have drained me to give voice to the reality. Plus, it is quite difficult to find time to write but my current job allows me more time. It's usually at 9:30 p.m. or 5:30 a.m. when I pull-out the laptop and begin typing. And sometimes, like when I started this in the morning, it's 3:00 a.m. when I can't sleep. Though I had a good excuse last night...I invited the little girls in bed for a sleepover with mommy and we stayed up late watching Tangled. They loved it, but I find sleep elusive when there's a squirmy girl on either side of me. They got so excited about sleeping in our bed, I figured we could make it a special treat. Trouble is, they wanted to do it again tonight, sorry girlies.
As I thank you for caring enough to read and share in our story, I want you to know that our story is not more significant than yours. Each of you has a story, a struggle, a history and a hope. It would be an honor if somehow our story could help you as you write yours, whether on a page or in the chronicles of your heart. I know I am regularly encouraged and entertained by many of your blogs or "status updates."
I especially thank you those of you who have shared a kind or encouraging word as we started this. Those words mean more than you know and make it worth the time and effort to continue sharing. You have given us 10,000 Reasons to be thankful and give praise.
It gives a whole new meaning and relevance to a worship song that has blessed me and likely many of you - 10,000 Reasons by Matt Redman.
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