My first thought when I woke up this morning was 'thank you.' I know I felt joy one year ago today when Casher was released from the hospital for the second and final time. I was beyond tired, beyond fatigued, beyond emotion. In the midst of the toughest circumstances in my life, I was grateful for Casher's life and grateful that God saw me through the three weeks of hospitalization after his lung collapsed on October 11. Waking up this morning one year after those events, I am humbled beyond words. What haven't you provided for me Lord? When have you not been with me holding my hand and been a lamp unto my feet to guide the way? The deep gratitude I feel is possible because the dark and hard times I went through.
I'm thankful for my son. I'm thankful for his vibrant life. I'm thankful for this year of watching him grow and laugh and love. For my husband's strength and love. For our friends and family and all the prayers for us and all the caring you bestowed on us.
I remember praying at one point during my pregnancy when we found out our baby was in trouble for God to make it all better. I told him I didn't want to be a deeper person for this experience, let me skip it! That wasn't his plan as we know now. But standing on this side of all of it, I am so much deeper - my love. my gratitude. my joy. my peace.
Here are three photos. One of Casher with his chest tube, pretty darn sick last October. Then a few days after his release last Halloween at our dear friends Cheryl and Don's. And one taken yesterday of a little person vibrant with the gift of life.
What a wondeful gift to see this posting one year from his long awaited release from PSLH. Kari, you are amazing with your poignant comments which embody all of our true feelings. Thanks to God!!! Casher is truly an amazing young man and his parents are just as amazing. We are all blessed. Love, Nan and GF
ReplyDeleteTo the Dear Kouba-Swann Family,
ReplyDeleteI love you all beyond words. You are a blessing to me and an example of amazing strength and growth.
God is good in His plan for our lives and although we do not always see it at the time we are comforted and our eyes are opened after the travail.
I'm sending BIG kisses and bear hugs to all of you and, especially, Casher, who, BTW, looks mighty handsome in that jacket :).
Much Love,
CC
You and your family are so deserving of this wonderful miracle....and continuous miracles. We love you so much and so excited that Cash is feeling much better than he did a year ago. You are always in our thoughts and prayers...We just love the Swann/Koubas...Gigi and Dan
ReplyDeleteKari,
ReplyDeleteThis post brought tears to my eyes as I read it. You, Mitch and Casher are such amazing people who never deserved to experience such hardship. You are such an inspiration to me to be able to look back on it all with such gratitude and grace. Thank you for sharing your story with us. We love you all bunches!
Mandy
Hi Kari and Mitch,
ReplyDeleteI'm sending you so much love from LA and I'm really happy to see Cash doing so well.
Mary