Saturday we participated in the American Heart Association’s Nashville Heart Walk. I was surprised at how emotional I was. I knew it was a big day…a day we had pushed to raise funds for…a day in which you guys helped raise funds for research…a day which held such deep importance to our family and Amon…a day which held a memory that will forever be in my mind and heart.
Last year I literally watched out Amon’s hospital room window as people walked to and from the heart walk. I remember how badly I wanted to be out of the hospital…how badly I wanted Amon to be okay and ready to go home…how badly, so so badly I just wanted my mom. And there we were, one year later, together as a family of 6 walking, participating and remembering together that Amon is a survivor.
I found myself tearing up at every corner. Harper writing on the tribute wall…a big heart with Amon’s name in the middle.
Checking Amon into the survivor tent and realizing for the first time…he’s a survivor. Watching the kids play in all the bounce houses and watching Amon eat banana after banana after banana.
Searching with Harper for the poster tent just so she could make an Ace of Hearts poster.
Watching Harper, Huddy and Sol fill out their tribute tags.
Mr. Kelley…Josh’s dad…Amon’s Big Daddy…Amon’s most favorite person in the world other than Josh, being there to support us and Amon…to celebrate with us.
Walking with my brother Chris, my sister-in-law Kim and my niece and nephews. Walking with others who have traveled a similar road, but with our own stories and outcomes. Walking with people who understand. Receiving a hug from Courtney…her knowing how important this day was to our family. Receiving a tight hug from Rebecca…a mom whose little boy has had multiple heart surgeries…knowing she understands my heart and how important research is.
Having those conversations where I realized Harper understands what this is about…how Amon will have to have another surgery, but maybe, just maybe, because of the money which was so generously given, when Amon needs the surgery they won’t have to cut him open next time. Harper doesn’t want him to have two scars.
My sunglasses hid my tears well. I had a hard time saying certain words, spelling Amon’s name to Huddy and Sol, giving hugs, watching all the people around us…hearing their words, reading their shirts, everything. When we finally got home and the walk was through we sat with Amon. He was tired and deliriously cute. We soaked him up.
It was a really emotional day..being on the other side of a year ago and my heart was reminded of how people and families can travel similar roads, but come out in very different places. How the outcome was not always what was prayed for or long for or desired. How Amon is still here with us and so many others are not. My heart is overwhelmed for those families. I have so many questions for God, but He reminded me yet again of how blessed we are…how what an honor it is to be Amon’s mom, to watch his life unfold and how humbled I am to be a small part of it. I have no idea why we are so blessed with this child…no clue…but I am incredibly and deeply thankful.
Thank you! Thank you for giving to help further heart research. Thank you for being kind and thoughtful and generous and loving. With the deepest sincerity, thank you for giving in honor of Amon. We far exceeded our goal because of you. Just thank you…truly, truly, truly…thank you.
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Precious post. I was doing so well not tearing up reading until I saw the backs of the kiddos shirts for the Bruther Amon. It really doesn’t get any more priceless than that. LOVE! Beautifully written words Laura!
Lovely. So thankful to be a very, very small part of it. So happy for your family and for Amon! That picture of him looking up at you is priceless! The best!
Amon is blessed to have an amazing and loving family as well. God knew u what he was Doing. 🙂 you guys Are all amazing.
Laura, you are truly amazing! I’m blessed to know you! Amon is blessed to have you and josh as parents. Hes also blessed to have those 3 awesone siblings. I know how tough the reality of heart disease can be on the siblings. Its so much to process for such a small little person. God made the siblings of heart kiddos super special! 🙂 I admire Brody so much for how well he has handled and continues to handle Colby’s health. I know you feel the same about your 3. They are heroes too!! For sure!!
Your words are so true and so well written!! I’m still struggling to see what I’m typing through the tears. I was so glad to see you in person and give you a big hug! I was also super excited to see Amon! He’s absolutely adorable…as all your kids are! Hope to see you again soon!!
So awesome!! Here I am again crying … happy tears though 🙂 Thank you again for walking, and all that you do !
Hi Laura, I’m all teary from your post. My bio son is currently recovering from his 9th heart surgery. I also have a daughter who is adopted who had heart surgery just a few weeks after we were blessed to adopt her. If you would have told me 10 years ago that my son would have a heart defect and that we would go on to adopt a child with a heart defect, I would have been scared out of my mind. But God is so faithful to walk us through all our fears and bring us out stronger than ever. So grateful for the amazing medical care we have here in America. Thanks for sharing it with Amon.
I’m sitting here squalling as I try to read this. The picture of your family & Chris’s family especially made me cry. I hope that Sandra can see that. She would have been there and would be proud of all of her grandchildren. I’ve been reading a book about Heaven by Randy Alcorn. I believe she has seen Amon. Great book. Love you all.
How sweet!! What a wonderful blessing it all turned out to be Hugs and prayers to you al!!
I’m sitting here squalling as I try to read this. The picture of your family & Chris’s family especially made me cry. I hope that Sandra can see that. She would have been there and would be so proud of all of her grandchildren. I’ve been reading a book about Heaven by Randy Alcorn. I believe she has seen Amon. Great book. Love you all.
Laura, thanks for letting us be part of this. Amon is a lucky little guy to be in your family!