17+17=34!!!

TODAY is a really special day!

TODAY is the start of the hubs' 34th year of life!!

This year means ..... he will have lived equally as long "surviving his illness" than he did "pre-illness".

The hubs had JUST turned 17 when he got sick.....life threatening sick ... and when everything changed forever.

As he reflects on his first 17 years of life, and now, the second 17 .... they simply do not resemble each other at all.

But ... the best thing about my hubs is that he is just as grateful (despite having to overcome some nearly impossible odds) for these last 17 years.

In fact - he's MORE grateful --that he had the chance to live them ... and experience all his amazing life had to offer.

As a very young man -- he grew up overnight.

He learned he had to FIGHT for his life ... the life he wanted to live.

And - fight he did.

To be honest - he's still fighting.....but he's OK with that.....because now he helps people living through similar circumstances.

He helps them understand -- 17 years later ..... it can and will be OK.

He helps them truly see  -- even with physical and emotional scars -- life WILL go on.

Life will involve challenges ... but it can also include amazing family and friends, graduating from high school and college (and beyond), pursing a dream career, running marathons with a less than perfect body, getting married, building a house and BEST of all -- being blessed with children to nurture and love.

Life can and will be FULL .... if you just believe.

All those who know my hubs personally -- believe he was born for a specific purpose ..... and on his 34th birthday ..... I'm sure his parents reflect on his birth .... and the special events that surrounded bringing home that happy 10 pound baby boy!!

And I have no doubt they also reflect on the last 17 years as a gift from God......a second chance to watch their son become a man .... to to love him more than anything in the world and be thankful everyday.

I can totally relate --- the girls and I count our lucky stars each day we spend with daddy.

He is our model of truly living life as it's meant to be lived .... and EVERY birthday is a special gift from God.

My girls are so blessed to be surrounded by a man who will be their constant example of how much life is worth the good fight!!!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY daddy and hubs!!

We love you more than you will EVER know.

This is a special photo taken this spring ... the night of his residency graduation party.

God is so good!

With love,
Your girls!