Because I cannot forget, I am thankful, I am blessed, and it is so much a part of my life, I remember this day. I have chosen not to remember it as a devastating day (although it very much was, and always will be), but a day to celebrate, in a sense, and to honor not only my sweet husband, but three other very important and blessed people. Three years ago today, our lives were forever changed. We, and our dear friends, came out alive that day, survivors. We continue to triumph and conquer our obstacles. We have all been blessed immeasurably and thank our gracious Heavenly Father daily for the outpouring of love, blessings, peace, and continuous miracles that shower our lives. We will forever be changed and all four of us left with permanent scars, both physical and figurative. These scars will often be seen as ugly, as a sad reminder, but, with the right perspective will also be viewed as a great opportunity for learning and growth, and as reason to give thanks. We are blessed beyond comprehension for our faith and knowledge we have in the gospel. We will forever be changed.
To our dear friends Dan and Ash, we love you so much, and are thinking of you this day and wishing you peace and happiness. (and I hope you don't mind I stole these SUPER cute pictures from your blog.)
Dan and Cal....he was born Aug. 20, 2007. SO CUTE!
Ash and Cal
Here are some pictures of Matt’s journey, a true testament of faith and miracles. Some of them may be a little graphic….and scary (at least to me!).
These were taken at LDS hospital in Salt Lake City, just a day after the accident.
I wore his wedding ring on a necklace for several months. It was such a symbol to me of our love, and possitive affirmation that I carried with me 24/7.
Still in LDS hospital, about 2 1/2 weeks later.
In East Lake Care center, Provo. August 05. We decorated his room with picutres, cards, and familiar things. The nurses called it the "Celestial Kingdom" of the center.
Sept. 05. At this point we thought he was doing amazingly well, which for the cicumstances he was. He was allowed to escape the hospital every now and then, and we really enjoyed that time out.
Every now and then I go through our pictures from the last three years just to remind myself of how far things have come. It is truly indescribable.
And look at him now, a true miracle (or a million miracles), no?
18 comments:
Jess, wow. I haven't seen these pictures of Matt before. It is difficult enough to see my patient's like this, but to see him have to go through it is very humbling. I love you guys so much and am so grateful that we were able to become such great friends with you. You have, since the first time we met, been great examples to us, in many ways. Thank you for your special words and for your strength that is spread far beyond just the two of you. Have a wonderful day!
Jess & Matt,
Thank you for sharing your thoughts, memories and sometimes seemingly impossible eternal perspective. I love and admire you both beyond life and words.
-Dan
Everyone who knows you has been blessed to watch the way you have handled these challenges and expressed faith, hope and optimism through it all. Thanks for sharing your thoughts.
What a beautiful family. The black and white photos of Kaden are truly amazing!
With love,
Not only did your lives change, but also the lives of so many others like us, who have learned so much from your amazing example of optimism and perseverence (to name a couple). It truly is a miracle to see how far he has come. May the Lord continue to bless you!!
Jess and Matt,
We will always love you and cherish your friendship. We will definitely be thinking of you today and expressing gratitude to the Lord for the miracles we've witnessed. You are an inspiration.
Love, Ash
When we talk about how lives have changed...I agree with Melanie. I think there is NO way to gauge how the strength and faith of you both have changed the lives of so many others...for the better. You ARE an inspiration to all who know and love you. I'm not saying this as your mom....I'm saying it as someone who watches closely and sees how you affect others...including me!
Wow, seeing those pictures really shows how far you guys have come! I think it's so amazing that you can look at this day with such optimism and faith and see all the miracles through all that you've been through. You are all amazing and I'm so happy for you! Look forward to seeing you in colorful Colorado soon!
I think that smile in the last picture is the best development in this journey. Hardly the same guy from the first pic. Thanks for sharing, both the pics and your great attitude!
yes truly miracles!!! all four of you have been sooooo blessed. you truly have angels protecting and watching over you.
We feel blessed to know you both - you are truly inspiring with your examples of faith and strength. It's so great to keep in touch and see your darling little family and the progress Matt makes each day!
Matt,
It is Rachel, I am not sure if you remember me but my last name use to be Fink..I just want you to know how grateful I am that you are where you are today! You have such a beautiful family. The Gospel trully is a foundation of where to put our Faith in ourselves, Heavenly Father, and our dear Saviour Jesus Christ. I hope all continues to go well for you and your family. Your little son looks just like you, he is so cute! God Bless you.
I'm the deleted comment-- long story involving pretend blogs and school projects.
Anyway, I wanted to say thanks for the blog entry, you both are so brave.
xo
-Kris (&Dan)
It really is a miracle! I couldn't believe those pictures...especially the first one - it made me so sad. It truly is amazing to see the progress that's been made since that time.
You guys are amazing. Thank you for your strength and your faith. You really are such an inspiration and example to all.
Jess, have I ever mentioned that you're my favorite person? Well, you are. Your positive attitude never ceases to inspire and uplift me. I could never put into words what you mean to our family. Love, Nicole
You are so good at making me cry. I love reading this, I really REALLY reAllY hope you have at least a small idea of how amazing you are. Your words are not only inspiring but very comforting. You teach so many that no matter what happens... we will all be okay because God takes care of us. Thank you!
We will never ever forget that day 3 years ago either! Wow, how far Matt especially has come. You continue to be a true inspiration of...so many things....to us. Thanks for you wonderful example, we love you guys!
Jessica- Amen to all these comments- I know you don't know me that well, but I'm not sure you will ever understand the far reaching effects of your example of strength, faith, loyalty, hope, determination, patience, perspective, love, understanding, perserverence- and that's just to name a few!! I personally respect and admire you so much I can't even say, and I'm so proud of you and Matt for becoming and being the people you are today, and while those pictures are heartbreaking reminders, they progressively are testaments of hope, faith, and possibility! Thanks for continuing to be a bright light in a sometimes dim world... With love and admiration--- Heidi
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