There are times that we look around us and cannot fathom the reality that stares us in the face. We cling to one another, each bringing something different to the table. Our family is becoming more closely knit each and every day...how can we not?
Then we look outside of ourselves. Imagine being in a dark, cold, secluded hole for months. The air is stale, the ground is clammy, and your muscles ache from being cramped for what seems like an eternity. Through the grace and compassion of others you are slowly lifted from the depths of your encasement. The light is blinding and you raise your stiff arm to cover your shut eyes, allowing them a chance to push themselves open. The air feels warmer and your bones relax as your muscles begin to soften and extend themselves. There is a relief. There are warm, loving hands holding yours. Voices soothe your ears that have been void of sound. You feel wrapped in protective arms, guided slowly to a place of rest and refreshment. You know you must return to the hole, for the hole has been deemed to you, yet with the knowledge that there are others out there; waiting, loving, and offering their gifts...you feel reassured.
We are grateful for all that many have been to us since we found out that Ella has SMA. The prayers, thoughts, notes, calls, gifts, organizations, e-mails, time, laughter, tears, deeds, and embraces...each of them and all of them have brought us forth from a secluded hole and as we continue to travel that path, we are filled with the knowledge that graceful, loving hands will always fill the spaces that we cannot.
Ella is a fortunate soul to have brought herself to the world that includes the people in her life.
