Dream Come True

I must admit, I am a little emotional today.  This is a bit uncommon for me.  Allow me to share with you what I have had the privilege to do today.  

Last week I was asked if we would be willing to participate in Radiothon.  Radiothon is an annual fundraiser for our Children's Hospital that is hosted by several of our local radio stations.  The DJs take time throughout the day to interview families whose lives have been impacted by the hospital.  It's a bit on an understatement to say that it has made an impact on us.  

We were asked to be available during the 8 am hour this morning.  Brinkley and I loaded up early and arrived at the hospital about 7:45 this morning.  I was so blessed to be able to talk with the DJs from three of our local stations.  Brinkley caught the eye of a few of the DJs and one of them tried to get him to "talk" on air.  Several photos of our little guy have shown up on the Facebook and Instagram pages of the stations and DJs.  

One of the female DJs mentioned how lively and joyful he is despite the set backs he has faced and asked a question in regards to that.  I don't remember exactly what she asked, but I quickly responded, "Brinkley is the biggest blessing we never knew to ask for."  

As we left the hospital that statement became real to me in a brand new way.

A little background will help me explain.  In high school I had the incredible fortune of finding myself in Gladys Robertson's public speaking class.  I would dare say that she made a huge impact in my life.  She taught me invaluable skills like research, organizing my thoughts, and confidently presenting information that I am passionate about.  She believed in me and pushed me to always do my best.  This helped shaped my decision to pursue a degree in Communications and fueled a passion in me to use those skills to make a positive impact in my world.  

In college I studied Communications and Sociology.  The skills and understanding that I gained through those studies gave me the desire to be a public communicator.  I didn't know how this would pan out or even if it would.  Many things have come across my path that gave me the opportunity to speak here and there, some job related and some not.  I had not really thought much about this somewhat hidden desire though.  Honestly, at times I had ideas in my head that I would be on a stage speaking to crowds of people on a regular basis as a conference speaker or something of that nature.  I had good intentions of leading people well and teaching them valuable things, but it was selfish.  It was about making a name for me on a big stage.  

As with many things in my life, I have come to realize that the desire in and of itself was not a bad thing.  As a matter of fact, the Lord has opened the door for just that in my life, but it has happened in His timing, His way, and with His focus.  I could have never imagined it to have panned out this way.  Sitting in the booth with those DJs today made me realize that the Lord has given me an incredible platform.  Our journey with Brinkley has given us an understanding that many people will never have.  

I get the privilege of sharing how our lives have been blessed through seemingly terrible circumstances.  I get to tell people how our lives have been forever changed (for the better).  I get to share about the incredible people that have been a part of our journey.  I get to be an encouragement to others who are walking similar journeys.  I get tell others how they are a part of or can become a part of many journeys like ours.   The thing is, none of it is about me.  Everything that I get to share is about others.  It's about Brinkley, our wonderful hospital and the other families treated there, and of course about God's faithfulness to us on this journey.  

Who would have ever thought that being the mom of a medically complex special needs child would turn out to be a dream come true?!