Tuesday, April 9, 2013

A Year Ago Today.......


A year ago today Amber entered the hospital where she stayed for the remainder of her quad pregnancy.
That turned out to be 57 days.
I admit to being a little emotional this morning during our 'quiet time.'
SO much to be thankful for! That was such a scary time for me - as Amber's mother.
Yet - as Amber's mother - I had to be calm and collected for HER sake.
Thanks to the prayers of so many I was able to be there for her in the ways that helped HER most.
Now there were many times when I would leave her room (#551) and sob out my heart's anguish in the ladies room only to calmly walk back to her bedside.
There were days I was so tired I didn't think I could go on - but I did.
There were times when I stayed by her side all day and then go back to her house to feed, water and medicate the critters and then wake up the next day and do it all over again.
Amber showed amazing courage and I did not want to fail her.
Mike was and continues to be steadfast and resolute. He has never failed to be whatever Amber needed him to be. They have a relationship that has been tried by fire and  forged stronger than any metal.
I was compelled to call Amber this morning about 11:00. Just about the time last year when she was checking into the hospital - LAST year. Amby was the nurse who checked her in that first day. She was also the nurse who signed her out that very last day! I just needed to hear her voice!
Today I bought flowers and took them to her apartment - both to see her AND the babies she risked her life to bring into this world.

Other than the memories of a year ago - this was a 'normal' Tuesday!


Ruth Ann and I took in a movie.
Great choice, Ruth Ann!!
(We take turns choosing our movie each week.)


We hit up the Goodwill where I got a fresh load of 'debris!'


Stopped by to deliver the flowers and see the babies.
I am LOVING this transition from caretaker role to Grandmother!!
Amber was just coming in the door when Ruth Ann snapped this pic.
You can tell by ALL four faces how thrilled they were to see their mother!


Tuesday is another word for 'Art' around here!
I finally - at long last! - finished my Santas!
Have one more session where I will glaze them, allow them to dry and store mine behind the couch and hand off the other two to my sisters, Nita and Luann!
No more Santa painting until July!
Christmas in July is an art class tradition from years ago!


I have to brag on Sabrina's portrait of her niece.
Very impressive!


Very!!

Louis Dean had a visit to the dentist this afternoon.
I think the numbness has worn off now and he is feeling much better!
He and his son visited on the phone while art class was going on in the dining room tonight.
What a beautiful sound - hearing him laugh and laugh and LAUGH!

Life is good today.
Life was good yesterday.
Life was good a year ago today.
LIFE is always GOOD!








13 comments:

Angie said...

What a day to remember. It took the strength of all of you to make it through but together (as a family unit) you all did it! Now you have 4 of the most precious blessings ever!

Looks like a great Tuesday. You raked up at Goodwill :)

Denise said...

Who is helping Amber with the quads during the day now and how is she doing after her last surgery? I hope they find a house soon!

I Love, Love, Love your beautiful paintings!

Hugs,
Denise

Bev said...

What a great day! It is hard to believe it was a year ago...where does the time go. I have felt I was there with you this past year!!

How did you like the movie?

Pondside said...

What a year - what a day to recall. Those babies are so happy to see their mama - I loved that photo.

Blondie's Journal said...

This post made me want to cry. Mothers are incredible!

You hit pay dirt at Goodwill! I'm never this lucky. Great picture of you with the quads! And let's see some close ups of those paintings before you ship them off! :)

XO,
Jane

Judy said...

Wow...so much has happened this past year...and so much to be thankful for! Great photo of the babies looking at their momma.

MadSnapper said...

this has been a fast year, can't believe it has been that long. they sure look happy to see mommy, have fun being a grandmother

Vee said...

What a wonderful description of a good marriage! This post just makes me smile because I can so readily see the hand of The Lord in the past year. He sure did an amazing job keeping you all moving forward. Love those smiles for their mom!

Bernice said...

What a great picture of the babies and you.
How time flies by so quickly, wow a year has past since Amber entered the hospital, seems like yesterday you both were posting pics of her hospital room.
Do you shop at the same Goodwill, you always seem to find such neat items.
Thanks for sharing, hope Amber is doing well.

Auntie sezzzzzz... said...

Fantastic post. What memories. What memories. What memories. Hugs...

Chatty Crone said...

It has been a wonderful year for you. sandie

darlin said...

Wow a year already and look at how adorable and big the quads are getting!

I love your Santa paintings, they're so beautiful! Sabrina also did an amazing job with the portrait of her niece she painted!

Beautiful wonderful blessings each of those babies are, as are you to Amber and Mike. You are an amazing lady Linda and through following your blog through Amber's pregnancy, to the babies being delivered and watching you from afar moving to help with your beautiful grandchildren, I have witnessed what a mother will do for her child. This is true unconditional love, thank you for sharing the journey!

Kathy said...

What a wonderful post. Can hardly believe a whole year has gone by. It will be the quads' first birthday in no time. The Lord has blessed you so much.

It does sound like a perfect day -- movie, shopping, grandkids, art, and laughter in the house. Who could ask for more?