Masterpiece

Tonight I've been going through some cards and letters I had filed to put in my book or remembrance. I came across a tender letter from my sister. It was written shortly after Caleb was born and I was in tears as I read it again. She ended with a quote:
"The more I think about it, the more I realize there is nothing more artistic than to love someone."
Vincent Van Vogh
She finished by saying: I think Caleb is your masterpiece.

The privilege of caring

Have you ever had the privilege of caring for something so beautiful
it took your breath away?
I have.
Have you ever cared so much
you couldn't find the words to describe it?
I have.

Sometimes I'm asked what our biggest challenges are in caring for Caleb.
It's not the hospital stays or therapy appointments.
It's not the dressings and diaper changes.
It's not his trach or his g tube cares.
It's not his medications or his monitors.
Taking care of Caleb is a part of the privilege of having him.
I think hardest part of caring so much is knowing
that some day I might have to say good bye.
But, even that worry is a tender part of the privilege of caring.

Sometimes we have challenges,
sometimes we're worried, sometimes we're sad,
sometimes we're disappointed, sometimes we're sick.
But it's all a part of the privilege of being here
and experiencing mortality to the fullest.
Sometimes we have challenges
but the plan is still perfect.
We are lovingly cared for
more than we can ever imagine.
When we look down deep we'll see that
what we have is beautiful.
It is perfect.

I love caring for Caleb.
He is perfect to me.
It is privilege that I can't find the words to describe.
It fills my heart
To care so deeply
and it takes my breath away
every day.

Matthew recently told me, "Mom, I just hope that when Caleb is resurrected he'll still have his winking eye because it's just so cute!"
I couldn't agree more!

Elder Jeffrey R Holland

Last night Caleb got to see Elder Jeffrey R. Holland! We were invited to eat with him before the evening session of my parent's Stake Conference. Caleb first met Elder Holland when Mom and Dad Moody were set apart as mission presidents. When Elder Holland walked by our table he asked "Now, who is this?" and I said, "This is Caleb, he actually got to meet you a few years ago!" Elder Holland responded "I remember Caleb- Wow, he takes up a lot more room on your lap than the last time I saw him...!" We were touched that he took a moment to say hello!

This song will always remind me of Elder Holland's message- that God loves broken things....especially a broken heart and contrite spirit.

Lucky

I am so very lucky...

Kiss me, I'm Irish!

Vision

When Caleb was born, we were continually warned of his imminent death. Medical professionals would often shake their heads and predict the worst. Dallan and I chose early on to celebrate each day rather than have our thoughts consumed with the possibility of loss. When Caleb was about six months old, we began the early intervention program in our area. We had a vision therapist from the school for the deaf and blind visit us each week. Terry was one of the first professionals that saw Caleb's potential. She didn't think he was going to die. She looked forward. She came every week with something creative for Caleb to experience. We made Valentines and snowmen. We played with shaving cream and sand. We read Caleb stories and helped him hold Slinkies. She played with him, and she loved him. And I will love her forever for that. We aren't involved with Early intervention any more because Caleb is 4. Terry works with new families and has created a new family of her own- she was married this weekend! Congratulations, Terry! Thank you for your forward vision, and thank you for seeing potential instead of pessimism.

We keep moving forward, opening new doors, and doing new things, because we're curious and curiosity keeps leading us down new paths.
Walt Disney

Heaven Sent

(Please turn off my playlist)

Make a Smilebox scrapbook

Celestial Friends

This past week we have been blessed by visiting angels-
our dear friends Becky & Ben.
Becky and I found each other through our children
who have similar physical challenges.
Even though I live in the West, and she lives in the East,
our hearts are knit together in a way that I can't express with words...
the feelings are a little bit too big, and a little bit too sacred.
Becky and Ben were supposed to fly home today,
but yesterday afternoon, Ben started to struggle with his breathing
and wasn't able to get enough oxygen.
He didn't improve over night, and so Becky has to postpone her trip home
so she can take Ben to the hospital.
My home feels so sweet as their spirit still lingers here....
I can still smell Ben's hair on my shoulder.
It didn't want to say good bye,
but I am so sad that they have to stay under these circumstances.
If you have a quiet moment today,
please say a little prayer for our two visiting angels.
They bring heaven with them wherever they go.
We love you dearly, our sweet celestial friends!

Some people come into our lives and leave footprints on our hearts
and we are never ever the same.

"A friend is someone who reaches for your hand, but touches your heart."
- Kathleen Grove

Forever Friends

Big shoes to fill

This week Caleb got his first pair of shoes! His feet have always been too pudgy for shoes...until his best buddy Ben gave him a pair he had grown out of! They fit him just right! Thank you Ben!

Many people will walk in and out of your life,
But only true friends will leave footprints in your heart.