Year's End

As I reflect on this past year, I can't believe all that has transpired.  In one way it feels that it hasn't been a year and in another it feels it has been much longer than a 1 year!  A year ago at this time, we were all preparing to go back to school.  Parker, Ethan and Madilyn to their classes.  Marcus to his, and me to teach mine.  It was all education last year.  We were also in the midst of our production of Peter Pan and Wendy, which the boys were both in and Madilyn came to every rehearsal because I played piano for it (or for part of it).  Marcus was also preparing to travel in the Spring.  Life was normal.  I had just found out I was pregnant.  After finding out in October about Madilyn's Turner's Syndrome, I wasn't all that excited to be pregnant.  I was so worried something would be wrong with the baby.  I am older and my biggest fear was Down's Syndrome.  I just knew the baby would have it.
Now as I see what has happened.  Its interesting to see what was a "fear" is now something I would take over having my Ethan gone. And that "fear" is something people live with all the time. I think back and think I was ridiculous.
 Life was just normal.  That's how I look at 2010.  2011 feels like anything but normal.  I am now entering the first year of having no Ethan and having a new Brady!  I do get to continue on with my great husband and  Parker and Madilyn.  I am forever grateful they are on this journey with me.  As we prepare to enter the new year, we want to reflect on our blessings.
Blessings I have felt this year:
I have never felt so much love.
I have never had so much service given.
I have never wanted to serve so much.
I get to spend ample time with my family now.
Brady.
Parker and Madilyn holding up like they do.
Marcus always willing to let me cry and cry with me.
Marcus being my biggest "counselor."
Supportive family--both sides.  Its been unreal:)
Great friends who know I need constant uplifting (thanks for the team Ethan notes!!)
The amount of support financially to our family that basically helped us through the year.
Again, the service.
My kids and all of their moments I get to share.
The shoulders to cry on.
The counseling my kids love (Love New Song Center for grieving children!!)
The loving spirit that continues to be in our home.
Family (again).
My husband.
There are so many. I could go on forever.  With all of the heartache we have had, its crazy to think of all of the blessings.  Its almost as if that heartache isn't as terrible because so many people have been there to carry us.  Its a miraculous feeling.  Something I have never felt before.  Once again, mostly we just want to say thank you.  Not "thank you for being my friend" because then you may think of the Golden Girls, Kameron :)  But, thank you for everything you have done for us. 
We constantly say we couldn't have made it through the year without all of you.  Just know that is a very TRUE statement.  Without all the love, service and devotion to our needs, we would have crumbled.
Jesus is the Christ, the Savior of the world.
Can't wait to see my little guy again! Go Team Ethan!
Happy New Year!