Being grateful in the worst circumstance…

I am currently reading the book 15 invaluable laws of growth by John Maxwell and he writes about Pulitzer prize winner author Alexander Solzhenitsyn. This man spent 8 years in prison during the soviet era for criticizing Joseph Stalin.

He went into prison as an atheist and came out a person of faith.

Looking back on his experience he says “I bless you, prison – I bless you for being in my life. For lying on the rotting prison straw, I learned the object of life is not prospering as I had grown up believing but the maturity of the soul.”

This experience didn't leave him bitter it left him grateful for the development of his faith and the strengthening of his character.

This is how I feel about the curve balls thrown in our lives. I would do anything in my power to change Mason’s circumstance, but I can’t, I don’t have it in my power, so I choose to be thankful…

Becoming a heart mom has lead me to hundreds of people that I would not have had the opportunity to meet or know. I am thankful for these women, families and children.

I am thankful for my “accidental purpose”. Giving back to others walking on a similar path has blessed me beyond imagine.

Mason’s condition reminded me how precious life is and what was really important. I am a better mother, wife and person because HLHS and my son change my perceptive on everything!

Mason still sleeping and Kendall ready to play!

One happy little girl wearing read to support her brother!

Mason with his drawing of me..

Until next time...

Kelsey Garka

Comments

Loaded Diaper?!?!?

Today's post title comes to you from the one and only Greg Garka... Thanks for the idea babe! As far as Mason is concernced today was another good day for our little man! We made our goal and got up and went on a total of three walks. The last walk of the night he spotted the “playroom” and was interested so we stopped and visited with our neighbors while he played. It was the highlight of the day. His appetite decreased today but that is to be expected since he hadn’t yet had a bowel movement (in 6 days)– however about 60 minutes ago things changed in that department and I am happy to report his bowels are working and back in action… During his echo he was again a crowd pleaser and was on his best behavior. The technician said that he was the best 3 year old she has done. It is so funny; he gets upset when something is about to happen and he doesn’t understand what. He tells us he is scared and then after we explain to him what they are going to do and that it won’t hurt –...

To our moms (plural)

To my Mom… You might not always feel needed but you are. You raised two strong women. Who work hard, and try to play harder (at least one of us, I will let the readers decide who I am referring to). You provided us with a childhood I dream to provide my kids with. You showed us through experiences a taste of what this life has to offer. You are an amazing mom. AND an exceptional Nana. To my Step-Mom… I don’t know this to be factual but I imagine that being a Step – Mom is somewhat harder… At least maybe to the two young girls below…. Joyce, you showed us a different side to unconditional love. You choose to stay and stand your ground. Even when you didn’t have to. Even when we fought back. The two women you helped raised are thankful for that! To my Mother in Law. You raised a man who is the best person I know. (Side note. Mason just a...

Our Day at Children's

Hello all, Kelsey and I spent the morning at Children's Hopsital in Seattle today, what a place! They sure do a good job of trying to make the kids feel comfortable...part of me didn't even feel like I was at a hospital. We met with a Cardiologist, Dr. Vernon, and a Paranaetologist, Dr. Holmgren (yes, Mike Holmgren's daughter). Both of them were very nice and extremely informational. Dr. Vernon did confirm that Mason has HLHS and is a candidate for the Fontan Operations, which are the three stage surgeries he will have to go through to get his heart working as normal as possible. Kelsey and I have been talking about where we would want to do the surgeries in case we weren't comfortable with Seattle Children's. We knew going in that Children's in Seattle is one of the premeir hospitals in the country, but weren't sure how they were compared to other hospital's like University of Michigan with this particular heart disease. I'm glad to say that w...

Mason Gregory Garka

Search This Blog