Crystal ball

I came across this memory today...one of the first times Henry was sick. This particular instance I think he just had a stuffy nose and maybe a little cough. With Henry, his most noticeable symptom was always his missing smile...that's how we knew when he really didn't feel well.

I remember this...snuggling him in his Husker pjs while watching the game. I remember wishing I could have the cold, or at least that I could make him feel better. But of course I couldn't...other than snuggling and loving him. And in this particular moment I thought it was so hard watching my baby suffer. And it was hard. I just had no idea how much harder it could get.

And I'm glad I didn't have a crystal ball. I'm glad I could snuggle him and make him feel a little better in that moment. Because the hard moments would have come regardless...knowing they were coming wouldn't have made it any easier. Instead, it would have robbed us of the peace and joy of these innocent moments.

We so often wish we could see the future...we think it would make us feel better or more prepared. And maybe that's true. But it would also rob us of the journey and the learning and the growth that comes along the way. Thanks to Henry, I have grown and learned more than I would have thought possible. This journey, though difficult and not one I would have chosen, has made me a better person. Thank you, Henry, and thank you to those who continue to help me learn and grow. 

And don't forget it's still September (for awhile. I mean, September did just start a few days ago)...spread awareness and action when and where you can. #gogold for Henry 💛