November 28, 2024

I am thankful for grace.

I am thankful for my beautiful, strong, resilient, and more words than I can describe wife.

I am thankful for the gifts that are each of my children.

I am thankful for numerous hospital staff that this time last year I never imagined I would know. But they helped us make it through a season I’d never wish on anyone.

I am thankful for the friends that loved Maggie so well her freshman year and the time she was in the hospital at Strong.

I am thankful for her friends here at home that have loved her here and even when she was in Strong.

I am thankful for the family of faith God blessed us with that have helped us take steps when we didn’t know how.

I am thankful for friends that have held us together when we didn’t know the words to say.

I am thankful for family that cared for my family when we felt stretched beyond knowing.

Every day has had its own ... unknown... it’s own fear... it’s own frustration. But today may be the first day that doesn’t feel “right”.

The Spring and Fall Maggie would have been rocking school like the amazing student she always has been. Diving into her studies. Hanging out with her amazing friends at school. Been debating all the debates. Taking all the photos for Vocal Point.

Who knows what Summer may have brought. Maggie has so many amazing friends that she may have been in Ohio, may have been in Germany, she’d have been here and everywhere.

But today she would have been curled up in the chair with Bekah watching the Parade. She would have been fighting Bekah for apple peels while Lisa cooked. She’d have been helping Lis in the kitchen.

Today is the first day that is a different kind of not right.

Today she is in the NICU at UAB Hospital. I am thankful that the Lord brought her back to Birmingham. Rochester and the people the Lord brought us there was such a gift. But her being back home, I’m speechless.

None of this is fair. And I’m scared. And I’m tired. And some days I am angry. And some days I am just numb.

But the Lord is good. And His faithfulness endures forever. So, so many of you are parts of that goodness and faithfulness.

Even in the midst of the fear and the fatigue and everything that surrounds I’m hopeful.

And I am so, so thankful.

Thank you to all who have held us up. You are all gifts for which I don’t have adequate words. But know that you are seen and appreciated.

Thank you.

p.s. I don’t have nearly enough pictures to account for this year. But a small glimpse that bring a smile to my face.

Originally posted by Nick to Instagram on Nov 28, 2024 10:47:08 am