Thursday, July 19, 2012

Get to

A man by the name of Frank lives by two simple words. These words have been my past month and a half, even though I didn't realize it until I heard them. I know when you experience life changing moments, you live differently for a time. I hope I can always live my life around these two words as it has made me happier than I could realize- even being hospitalized, bed ridden, sore, sad, hurt, and scared.

Get to.

They remind us to be grateful for everything. "Instead of saying, 'I have to go to work today', Frank tells himself, 'I get to go to work'. Instead of saying, 'I have to get groceries,' he gets to. Instead of saying, 'I have to take the kids to baseball practice,' he gets to. It works for everything". I have done this most with small tasks that are harder for me than I think they should be. I get to. And aside from the smaller things- I get to watch Oak grow up. I get to be a mom and all that comes with it, cleaning, cooking, laundry, taking the kids to practice, shopping for them. I get to teach Oakland how to pray, serve, love. I get to have two perfect little boys...I get to adopt.

Every day I'm getting stronger. I don't sleep as much, I get to help Oakland with a few things throughout the day and even have done some laundry by myself. I know they seem so small but to me they are huge steps. Josh and I have "story time" each night because I am so curious about everything. When did people arrive at our house- police chief, paramedics, air med, our Bishop, his wife who took Oakland for us- what was Oakland's reaction, who did he call first after 911, how he made the decisions he did, who spent the most time with him at the hospital, was he scared... The more I learn, the more I realize how close I was to not coming back. A lot of people know more about the situation than I do, I simply don't remember. From being sedated, maybe. Maybe from being protected as most things you would not want to remember. My body went through a lot.

I got a miracle. And I'm not wasting a minute of it.

15 comments:

Youngins said...

beautifully written! I am so happy you are doing well and that you are "getting to" do life with your family. What a miracle you are!

Lindsey @ The Hill House said...

Those certainly are beautiful words to live by. You don't think about them as "beautiful" at first, but after reading how you use them, they truly are beautiful. Continued prayers for you and your family.

Our Family said...

I have followed your blog since by baby was stillborn 3 years ago. So happy you get to raise your Oakland. So glad you are alive. Prayers to you and your husband. Kappy

Whitney Orr said...

You're so amazing Cali! I've been praying for you, your family, your sweet girl, and your boys every night. I love you and am so amazed at how strong you've been. Thank you for this post, I can't explain how much those two words hit me while reading this and I'm going to try so hard to focus on those words the way you have. All my love.

Colin, Jess, Kenner, Lily and Ember said...

As someone who has been truley appreciative of you sharing everything you've been through I'm so inspired by you and your family. You are so strong! You don't know me and I don't really know you, although I do feel like I do just from reading about everything. :) I just wanted to say that you are such a Hero of sorts for those of us that take every day things for granted...you help me to remember to not fret over the small things that can irritate someone but yet step back and realize it's a blessing to even be experiencing it. You make me remember to be grateful, for everything. Thanks for sharing your stories and I continue to pray for you and your family that life will be great for you and that you will "Get to" do all things you hope to. I love the "Get to" phrase and hope to bring it into my own life. Keep being the strong person and great person you are. :) Loves to you and your family.

Mike and Brindi said...

You amaze me.

I don't know how I would get through my simple life- without knowing you. You just amaze me.

I love you, Noggin. I am so grateful I know you. And can call you friend.

When we are in Heaven, surrounded by millions of people, (because of the way you have lived, everyone will want to know you) I will be so blessed to say I knew you in person. I got to witness the amazing example you set for all of us.

You are one tough cookie! And I love your example of staying close to Christ and our Heavenly Father through all of your many, many, many trials. Thank you for teaching me what a true ralationship with our Father and Brother is.

Melissa Adams said...

You are amazing. It only gets better from here. You will get stronger.

Lace said...

oh my gosh Cali, that is the most beautiful thing I've ever read.

Unknown said...

You DID get a miracle. After my traumatic hysterectomy I had Scott fill in all of the details for me, too. It really, really helps in the healing process. Like I said, if you ever need a listening ear, I'm here!

Krystal said...

I don't know you.... But a friend posted your story about baby Mac a few years ago and I remember reading the blog and being touched by your faith.... When I saw the recent posts detailing all you were going through, my heart ached for you... I followed the Millers' blog and was touched by the countless miracles that have transpired in your life over the past few months. I pray that you will get stronger every day... I admire your positive outlook after all you have endured.

Alicia said...

That is a really good way to look at things "get to." I will remember that. Thanks for sharing your great thoughts!!

Dara Wills said...

What an amazing perspective you have. I don't even know you, but I have been praying for you and your recovery ever since I came across your blog. Thanks for sharing your story!

Anonymous said...

You don't know me. someone sent your AFE story to me. I am so happy to hear you are doing so well. I am sorry to learn of the loss of your baby. My daughter suffered AFE 6/2/11. We decided to bring our daughter home and to care for her here. Her husband is my daughters primary care giver and I care for their baby Sophie who is very healthy. We too see the Lords blessings. Kimberly is in a persistent vegatative state but we know she is there and is fighting to come back to baby Sophie
You may want to look up The AFE foundation we are a group of survivors and family members of women who have suffered AFE.

Georges said...

Thank you for this post. I needed that. It's amazing how those 2 little words changed my perspective. You are an inspiration to me! I just read your latest posts and am in awe. You are a beautiful person Cali.

Karissa said...

I love that! I'm totally going to start saying that. It's absolutely wonderful!