Good things....

If I were asked a week ago to share three good things - I likely would have hesitated to find the good.  What a difference prayer makes!  All the stress and worry I had last week melted away - a praise for sure!  Today I have nothing but GOOD to share.  Little God moments everywhere I turn.  Pulling into the hospital today I heard "Every Good Thing" by the Afters and the lyrics couldn't be any more true.  These lyrics in particular stood out:

There will be days that give me more than I can take 

But I know that You always make beauty from my heartache 

Don't wanna forget or take for granted 

That it's a beautiful life we live 

It's our family, it's our friends 

It's the feeling that I get when I see my children smile 

You're the reason for this life, everything we love ...

- The Afters 

So today was filled with GOOD and I was reminded that this beautiful life I have is a gift from God - some of those reminders include:

* Started my day off with an upbeat and positive text from Greg.

* Shared cuddle time with Jackson and Ellie before heading back to the hospital.

* Greg's chest tube was being taken out just as I arrived.
* I made it back to the hospital in time for morning rounds.

* Greg and I had our regular Monday afternoon "lunch date" in the hospital cafe.

* Picked up Everett today and he got to visit Daddy - he was full of smiles and kisses.

* Jackson started vacation bible school today and was super excited.

* Feeling overly blessed by our family and friends.
* Greg will be discharged tomorrow.
* In less than 24 hours I will have my family back under one roof.

Feeling excited, thankful, exhausted and ready for our summer norm to begin.  It will be a bit slower paced and not filled with vacations, but a time to enjoy my family, spend time with my kids and love on my husband as he heals.

Recovery

Greg was moved out of ICU on Friday night.  He continues to make great progress although this part of the recovery is just very hard.  His pain seems to be under control (although not gone), but has been experiencing other symptoms that have made resting and recovery anything but easy.  Yet he still has not once complained!  He's been incredible since the day he found out he needed to have surgery and is fighting through this recovery with impeccable spirit.

Thank you to both of our families who have jumped in to make it possible for me to be both at the hospital and at home at different times of the day.  Thank you also to all who have brought meals - it has been a huge support right now.  As soon as Greg is up for more visitors we will let you know. Once he is feeling better I know he'll enjoy the company.

For now, please continue to pray for this part of the recovery.  Pray for quick healing, more energy and rest.  Also, keep our children in prayer.  Jackson has been awesome, but I know he misses his daddy and brother.  We were able to take Jackson over to visit with both Everett and Daddy yesterday.  Although two brief visits - I think it was good for everyone.  Ellie has been taking her naps and sleeping through the night - yah!  She also has taken to the bottle and been eating well for Grandma - another blessing and peace of mind for me.

Everett is doing wonderful and has made lots of new friends at the Ryan house!  I have been able to peek in on him and sneak over for some hugs and kisses.  He has had lots of visitors and loves the attention.  Here's a sweet video that his teacher sent to me yesterday: