The Gift of Hope

Today is the one year anniversary of my dad's skiing accident. The accident caused severe brain damage and he spent several months in the hospital and therapy recovery. The accident was terrible in so many ways, but yet somehow it also served some good. It caused all of us to take time to reflect on what is really important in life. I believe I am like many people that sometimes forget what really matters and get caught up in the hussel and bussel of daily life. It was a good wake up call for me and I remember thinking that it would be so sad if my dad was never able to meet or hold any of our children. At the time we were not sure how or if he would recover, but I knew that I wanted to live with more purpose and glory to God for the ability to do so. I guess you could say it was that day that hope was born. We decided soon after to start trying for a child and I guess God's timing was clear...His patience was wearing thin for our delayed child plan. Many people have asked about Hope's name and the meaning behind it. Hope means so many things, but I guess the most imporant is that hope was renewed in my life. My dad was approached by someone that worked with him during his therapy the other day and they commented on how remarkable his recovery has been and that at his age and with his other medical complications this was not expected. He attributes it to the love and support from his family and that is the real meaning of hope!

Our little Hope is perfect in so many ways, not just because she has beautiful eyes or the cutest toes ever, but because she is HOPE!

I have had so much joy in seeing our family and friends enjoy Hope. The included picture is just one example of that. My dad, cousin Grace and little Hope. Enjoying the important things in life.