Msg from Susie Johnson - worth sharing

Tonight I was chatting with a new respiratory therapist and telling her our 'story' and she just stared at me and said, "I just can't stop looking at you. You have a calmness and strength that is amazing to me. I'd be a mess. Where are you getting this strength from?" I told her simply, "I have an amazing support system." When she finished Owen's respiratory treatment and left, I thought about our conversation. I DO feel strong. I DO feel calm. How? How can any pregnant mother, who has lost a child, has a child with a horrible spinal injury, two children that are pieced together by metal rods, pins, and casts, hundreds of miles away from home, be calm?! Well to put it simply it is because of my family, my friends, the strength and goodwill of strangers, tons of prayers, and above all, God. My family is unquestionably how I get out of bed everyday. (At first, LITERALLY how I got out of bed. I'd wake up in horrible pain and my sisters would hand me a Loritab and a coffee and then help push me out of my Lazy Boy.) My 7 brothers and sisters, my mom, my in-laws, etc came to be at my side from day one. They stood by my kids bedsides when I was still admitted and couldn't be there and David was so split between all of us. They held me, David and the kids hands, listened to us, cried with us, made jokes, and poked fun even through their own grief. Although most of my family is nurses, even the ones who weren't, jumped right in and figured out what to do. They lifted the girls on and off their beds, carried them to the bathroom, learned how to catheter Owen, learned how to suction his trach, and so on. Most of my sisters haven't even been home for more than a few days. They do all my shopping, entertain and care for the girls, and still sit with me at the end of the day to eat, chat, and occasionally play games or do a puzzle. All of the guys have been great too. They have handled paperwork, insurance stuff, and so on. They have really taken a lot of stress away from David. My mom has handled so much behind the scenes but really it is just her presence that puts me at ease. Even at 32 sometimes all I want is my Mommy. My friends have been incredible. Several have come to help out, support me, help with the kids, bring goodies, etc. Those who haven't been able to come have still been extremely supportive. I get texts, emails, and Facebook messages all day with words of hope, strength quotes, bible verses, and sometimes just a simple "thinking and praying about you". These may all feel like just little gestures to them but they mean everything to me! My community back home in Palm Bay, FL and even Miami (which we left 15 years ago) has left me speechless. Our neighborhood, our kids, small but amazing Catholic school, St. Joseph's, our church, and the entire city really has pulled together for us. They have held prayer vigils, added our family to prayer groups, watched over our house, and have tirelessly planned and held fundraisers for us. I had no idea I lived in a community like this! I am so thankful for them. I am still amazed by the outpouring of support by complete strangers, especially the town of Blue Ridge, GA where the accident occurred. We have received, cards, care packages, food, and more from people who we have never even met. The support is beyond my wildest expectations. It's incredible! Above all else, i get my strength from God. I have a very strong faith. I know when times are too tough that I can just let go and give it to God and He will help me through. I believe in His power and His goodness. I am lucky enough to have been raised with religion. I am so thankful to my parents for giving me that. And I am so glad I have made it such a major part of my kids lives. They understand God and heaven and prayer. It is the one thing I preach Since the accident to other parents- GIVE YOUR CHILDREN GOD! Trying to find religion as an adult is very hard. And if I wasn't able to feel like somebody else could take some of my burdens, ease my pain, and show me miracles I'm not sure I could make it through. I should also mention that my husband and kids give me strength every second of every day. The girls have handled all of this with a smile, even through their pain. They ask me everyday how I'm feeling, kiss and hug me, and rub my belly. Owen has shown me what a fighter looks like and has taught me the meaning of unconditional love. My husband has been my rock. He is strong for me and the kids everyday. Even when he wants to fall to pieces. Words can't explain how much I love him. So while words can never express our gratitude, please know we are so unbelievably thankful. The prayers and support are nothing short of amazing. Thank you all for giving us the strength to get through. We will be forever grateful.