As I’m wheeled down the hospital hallway it’s a memory I will never forget. I was lying  in bed with a broken rod in my back. My doctor sent me to his fellow doctor in Dallas, Texas  so after the long drive we got to Doctor J’s office. He said I had to get a Halo. “No” boys not the game it’s a thing they screw into your head. In the waiting room for surgery out of the tip of my ear I heard “Madeline Rogers” , The most terrifying sound my name. It was time for my Halo. When I woke up I had  the worst migraine. I was so sorry for my Mom she had to sleep sitting up because I was sleeping on her. A week later I was spinning around and around and around! My Dad always got worried that I would fall.  Soon I didn’t see my dad or big brother for a month… On February 22 the day came for the biggest mad most terrifying surgery in my life.  As I woke up from surgery my legs were num I tried  again and again , I could not sit up. Day after day I learned how to walk again. On April 1 Doctor J said your going home! My mom and me said ” are you joking!” when he said no we cheered with excitement! In my mind I said this is a memory I will never forget.

 Written by Minnie

2012

What a blessing my life has been. Not only have I seen the the Lord’s mighty hand work many times in my own daughter’s life, but I have been witness to the amazing life changing miracles that He has brought into the lives of countless others. Today is, and I am sure this is not by chance,  the birthdays of two of the most special warriors I know.

Many of you know Felix he is the little warrior of my Washington best friend Meg. He has been off of his Leukemia treatments for one year! Praise God! Felix has stared kindergarten this year is so exited to go snowboarding for his birthday and is bringing hope to childhood cancer. His mom is an amazing warrior mama who is daily teaching me that being who the Lord made me is totally radical. She teaches me that being on my knees praying is the best place to be and that the Lord’s everlasting faithfulness is never-changing. Happy birthday Felix!

Clara is our forever friend that we made in the hospital last year! It is amazing to me that only one year ago we were celebrating with her! Clara has a disease called Juvenile Dermatomyositis. This is something that she has to get chemotherapy and high dose steroids for. She is getting better and stronger. She is so much better than she was last year when we met her! Clara is a fighter and so is her Mommy. They have, in the first year that she has been diagnosed, had a huge fund raiser for Cure JM. They have also brought toys to Scottish Rite for the kids for Christmas. This family is spreading the love and miracles that they have received right back. They inspire me to want to do the same. I know that the Lord brought me Stacy as she is one of my “Forever Friends” too.   I am a blessed, blessed woman to have you Stacy…. Happy birthday Clara!

I wonder how many “hospital moms” or wives or friends are out there tonight? ( I know I totally sound like Delilah) But really for the last 10 years I have been a “hospital mom”  and I have been an awesome one. I was created to be Minnie’s mommy. I was created to live the last 10 years battling in the hospital and the Lord made me perfectly for it.  The thing is… She is better! PRAISE GOD!!! But who I have learned to be is lost. I know I am not alone. It might even be tabo to say it out load… but who am I now? I am sure there are many other “hospital moms” asking themselves the same question. When your child/husband/friend is sick you pour every ounce into helping them get better.  But what happens when life is all better, or even worse what happen when life just moves on? You have to find a new normal… What is my new normal? I keep praying, I keep asking the Lord to show me who he wants me to be. Who am I NOW? I have learn so much I am sure it was for a purpose… But what? I am going to keep seeking God’s direction. I know he has plans for me… outside of the hospital.  I hope I can listen to his mighty voice and follow.