525,600 Minutes

One year, 4 seasons, 12 months, 52 weeks, 365 days, 525,600 minutes (now you will have that song in your head for the next two hours).

It feels like yesterday.

If feels like an eternity ago.

Some days…. many days…. there are no words to describe the highs and the lows.

One year ago our family experienced a traumatic event. It affected each of us very differently, and each of us handled, coped and processed differently. I’m not sure Kevin will ever understand the gravity of one year ago for myself as the tumor affected his ability to process those emotions during that time. In my efforts to protect our children and keep myself afloat I neglected much of my mental health those first six months. While I was focused on Kennedy and Avery processing and healing and Kevin physically healing and regaining strength, I never took the time to process. I never took time for myself. I never took the time to heal from that trauma.

The last six months I have spent a tremendous amount of time giving myself the needed attention to heal, process, forgive, process some more and heal again…. I have finally stopped asking God “why me?” and have started telling God “alright, I’ve got this, tell me what’s next.”

One year ago is nothing short of a miracle.

One year ago we were given a shot at a ‘marriage 2.0’

One year ago we were given a shot at ‘family 2.0’

One year ago we were faced with challenges that pushed us to the brink of trust and faith.

One year ago we were challenged to pray hard and trust even harder

One year ago we were blessed with friends from all walks of life who wrapped us tight in their arms and prayer.

One year ago we placed all of our fears in prayer and asked others to do the same.

One year ago our lives were forever changed.

I have spent today remembering where I was, who I was texting, who I was calling and where I was throughout the day…. from our drive to Kansas City thinking we would try and get lunch together to the hand written note from the KC Dr. to the Topeka ER that I still have. To the facebook message I received from Kevin that night that said he had a mass on his brain…. this day will always be full of mixed emotions.

Tonight I am so thankful and appreciative for all of those people I messaged that day who responded immediately, showed up at my home, knew what I needed before I knew that I needed it.