Praying

On May 12th, Bernie and I went to bed early and exhausted from the challenges of being new parents for the third time. Bernie's phone rang around 11:30pm. Woken from a deep slumber to a number he didn't recognize, he was reluctant to answer the call. It was one of those phone calls that you hope you never get, that you pray is a wrong number, the kind of phone call where you are never quite the same after you say goodbye.

The voice on the other end of the phone was Bernie's one and only sibling, Gary. Gary had been in a horrible car accident. He was extracted from the car with the Jaws of Life and flown via Lifestar to the hospital. His injuries were extensive and he was listed in serious condition.  Not really knowing what to expect upon arrival, Bernie flew out to Kentucky to do whatever he could to help his brother.

After undergoing multiple surgeries and spending ten days in the hospital, Gary was released yesterday to be cared for and undergo physical therapy at the seminary where he's been working the past few years.  We are incredibly thankful for the progress he has made so far.  With his own preserverance and strength combined with the power of the prayers everyone has been saying for him, we are hopeful that he will make a full recovery. 

Photo Challenge #19 is: Letting Go of Perfect. This is something that our entire family has been challenged with since Gary's accident.  In a perfect world, he would not be 965 miles away.  He would be here with us so that we could visit him, care for him, and help him on his long road to recovery.  The world isn't perfect and those that love him the most are prevented from being there because of health issues, school exams, and family commitments. 

Things are not perfect at my house either.  Having a brand new baby and Bernie being away has been challenging.  We've been figuring it out one day at a time.  It helps to know that the separation is temporary.  It gives me a lot of admiration and respect for our military families who are separated for extended periods of time.  While we have missed him, Gary needed Bernie more than we did, and Bernie will be on his way home later today.  He is leaving Gary in good hands, and hopefully we will all get to see Gary in the very near future.  He needs to meet his brand new niece.

This picture was not taken this week.  I took it last summer when Gary was home for a visit.  It is hard to get a group picture, particularly when it includes Jack who may or may not cooperate.  This is definitely not the perfect shot that you hope for, but it still captures a moment in time and it helped Jack remember Uncle Gary even though its been several months since he's seen him.

The other person who would be here to care for in a perfect world, is my grandfather.  He is undergoing surgery on his spine as I write this and could also use lots of positive thoughts and prayers. I wish I could be there, if for no other reason, just to give him a hug.

My grandfather loves to travel, I think that might be a genetic trait.  It is not unusual for him and my grandmother to spend months on the road in their motorhome.  There are many places he loves to visit and a few he doesn't like.  Connecticut happens to be one of his least favorite places, although I would argue that some of his favorite people are here.  His biggest gripe with Connecticut is the toll you have to pay in New York to get into our state.  It's not even a Connecticut toll!  Their travel has been sidelined the past few years due to some health issues.  He said at this point he just wants to get in his motorhome and go anywhere, even Connecticut!  I am praying that after this surgery, he makes a full recovery and gets a break from his doctors for while.  If I can get him and Grandma up here, I may never let them leave :-)

Here is another picture with Jack, that isn't quite the perfect shot, the perfect expression, or the perfect angle.  Yet its perfect in my eyes because it captures two boys that I absolutely adore, blowing bubbles.

I skipped Photo Challenge #17: Green, during the craziness of the past few weeks. Being home with the baby, I noticed for the first time since we lived here (almost seven years), that we have hydrangea growing in the yard.  I really like those flowers.  It is amazing how much you miss when you are busy.  I had planned to post a picture of my hydrangea plant in response to the challenge.  However, when Bernie sent me flowers yesterday, I knew that I had to post a picture of those instead. I love Calla Lillies. They were the flowers I used for our wedding.  The calla lillies I received yesterday were beautiful shades of pink and purple.   I'm posting a picture here for now of just the flowers, but when Vivian wakes up from her morning nap, I may try to take some pictures of her surrounded by the calla lillies (which will likely be another exercise in admiring not-so-perfect photographs). 

There is a little bit of "green" in there if you look carefully - LOL.

The past few weeks have been an interesting balance of celebration and concern.  Mostly though, it all just makes you appreciate life and want to hold your close ones even closer. We would be grateful if you could include Gary and my Grandfather in your prayers.