Today is the 1 year anniversary of Brayden's surgery (aka Brayden's Super Tough Day). I just spent the last little while reading back on the posts from that week and crying out all of the tears that I held in during that time.
Yes, I know this is supposed to be about Brayden and not me :) But, I thought I would share a little of what I learned from Brayden's surgery --
It was hard, people. Incredibly hard. I put on quite a front for everyone around me (and in my blog posts), but that day and that week were the hardest thing I have ever been through. I literally handed him over and let people stop his heart - it was hard, and it changed me. Yes, it changed Brayden - his heart works a little better :) It also changed me and my heart.
It's not the easy times in this life that we are changed. No, change comes when things are difficult. Struggles and challenges carve us out into someone new. Even when I was sitting in the waiting room after they took Brayden into the OR, I prayed for God to please heal Brayden without surgery. It was a prayer that I had repeated countless times over the past months, and I said it over and over as I sat down in the waiting room. I expected them to come out, and say that he didn't need it. I waited for that. . . it didn't happen. Of course I prayed that because I didn't want Brayden to have to go through with the surgery, but to be honest, it was just as much a prayer for me. I simply did not think I could make it. I was too scared and too full of doubt. I just wanted God to take it away.
It didn't happen the way I wanted it to, but Brayden was healed. I witnessed a miracle. I got to live right there through it, and I gained a lot of perspective! I still don't know why God needed us to walk through that valley, but I am just so thankful that He carried us out of it!
Now, on to pics of the amazing little guy :) My, my the difference that 1 year can make!!! Our Brayden Boy has grown so big and so strong over the past twelve months . . . surgery was good for the boy :)
Yes, I know this is supposed to be about Brayden and not me :) But, I thought I would share a little of what I learned from Brayden's surgery --
It was hard, people. Incredibly hard. I put on quite a front for everyone around me (and in my blog posts), but that day and that week were the hardest thing I have ever been through. I literally handed him over and let people stop his heart - it was hard, and it changed me. Yes, it changed Brayden - his heart works a little better :) It also changed me and my heart.
It's not the easy times in this life that we are changed. No, change comes when things are difficult. Struggles and challenges carve us out into someone new. Even when I was sitting in the waiting room after they took Brayden into the OR, I prayed for God to please heal Brayden without surgery. It was a prayer that I had repeated countless times over the past months, and I said it over and over as I sat down in the waiting room. I expected them to come out, and say that he didn't need it. I waited for that. . . it didn't happen. Of course I prayed that because I didn't want Brayden to have to go through with the surgery, but to be honest, it was just as much a prayer for me. I simply did not think I could make it. I was too scared and too full of doubt. I just wanted God to take it away.
It didn't happen the way I wanted it to, but Brayden was healed. I witnessed a miracle. I got to live right there through it, and I gained a lot of perspective! I still don't know why God needed us to walk through that valley, but I am just so thankful that He carried us out of it!
Now, on to pics of the amazing little guy :) My, my the difference that 1 year can make!!! Our Brayden Boy has grown so big and so strong over the past twelve months . . . surgery was good for the boy :)
December 6, 2006 -- Resting and Recovering
December 6, 2007 - Showing off his "Super Tough Spot"
9 comments:
Oh gosh Krystal, what a post. I remember seeing some of those pictures and my heart just broke. Brayden looked so tiny beneath all those wires and tubes. And today he looks AMAZING. What a strong little boy you have.
And what a testament to God's love. We are forged in fire! And when you feel the fire, know that you are coming out the other end a beautiful piece of God's armor!
Much love to you all!!
I so rememeber all those pics and post...How a year has changed him.. What a amazing little boy..
Hey can you send me your email so I can invite you to my blog..If you want to come in. Thanks
Wow!! Thanks for sharing that piece of your life with us...I ddn't "know" ypu then, but I can imagine the fear you must've felt that day. Praise God for that sweet Braydon Boy...for his strength, his determination to fight, his will to live, and for his awesome family!!
stephanie
A year already. This was a great post. I remember checking everyday for updates on his little heart. The pictures just broke my hear. Looking at him now you wouldn't he was ever sick. He will always have that scar to remind him of God's great and mighty love.
Just one year - and what a difference. He is a Super Tough Guy!!
I don't remember being as brave as you were - I think everyone around me could see that I was falling apart. I just didn't think that I would make it - sounds so selfish when compared to the physical fight Evan was dealing with but emotionally I felt as if I were dying. And now, you 1 year, me 3 years, it's so true what you said. I believe this was posted on our support group but it said, I wouldn't wish CHD's on my worse enemy but it changed me and for that I'm grateful. Heart Hugs to Brayden on his "mend"iversary!
Krystal--I am sitting here in tears as I read your post!!! You ministered right to the core of my heart! I know our situations are differant but I related to this post more than I can express. We both exerienced the hurt of a child. oooh Krystal what an amazing testimony Brayden is!!! What a miracle!!!! Thank you for this post and thank you so much for sharing what was on your heart I am blown away--Thank you y dear friend thank you!!!!!!
I remember like it was yesterday. I wondered how you could be so strong and confident thru all of that. You were amazing! Brayden was amazing, too, though. He sailed thru it as though he had just gone in to have a minor procedure. It didn't seem to slow him down a bit. He is truly a miracle boy in more ways than one.
I remember that time and wondering how you could be so strong. I just saw the pictures and it made me cry. Thank God it all worked out so well, and you have a healthy happy little boy (not to mention the other kiddies!)
Suzanne
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