The above picture of Braden is actually one of my all time favorites! You see at this time in life....things were looking up! He was for the most part walking with a walker, he was healthy and we were on our way to a great recovery. I had decided to take the kids out for a nature walk back when Braden must have been 7yrs old and Kailey was probably 4 years old. It was a beautiful fall day and I really wanted to capture Braden's success with walking. It was another wonderful time in my life, one filled with hope, faith and determination.
As most of you know about a year after this picture was taken Braden started to have some behavioural problems, he was suffering from many colds, he was extremely tired all of the time and he had a weird sensation of always feeling like he was cold. we initiated a CT scan to try and find out what was wrong with him. The doctor's agreed and a CT was performed, unfortunately they found a Syirnix or a pocket of fluid which was compressing on his spinal cord. The news was devastating and once again we were fighting for his life, and again I was feeling the pain of life being wonderful to taking a turn for the worst. You know, it has taken along time to learn to just live life and be happy. I have finally given myself permission to be happy...the easiest way to explain it is to say that for a long time I was afraid to be happy. Mostly because everytime I was, it was taken away. We spent many years like this, it was truly an emotional, mental and physical rollercoaster.
They had decided the best treatment for him would be to do surgery on his spinal cord, however the risks were catastrophic. We were terrified, again we were put in the position to make decisions that could ultimately change everything.
He did have the surgery, it did safe his life. However due to the high level of injury he did loose alot of his function once again alot of the function that he had gained after the accident. The best thing that was given back was his strength to breath. Thankfully he regained that but unfortunately he lost his ability to walk, even with a walker.
Many of you know, I will never give up on him...I do have hopes someday that he will have the strength to support some form of mobility independantly. I guess the difference today is its not really my fight anymore...its his fight!
Look at my beautiful baby girl...god she is gorgeous! She has always been absolutley adorable. How could I not stay strong through those years...look at those eyes, she was the one I got out of bed for everyday! She needed me, and I needed her! She is and always will be my soul!
So, thats Wednesday's Reflection...next, Monday's Menu...
Parmesan-Crusted stuffed Chicken
What You Need
4 small boneless skinless chicken breasts (1 lb./450 g)
8 fresh asparagus spears, trimmed
1/2 cup Kraft 4 Cheese Italiano Shredded Cheese
1/4 cup Kraft 100% Parmesan Grated Cheese
1 pkg. (120 g) Stove Top Stuffing Mix for Chicken
Make It
HEAT oven to 400ºF.
MAKE cut in one long side of each chicken breast, being careful to not cut through to opposite side. Fill pockets with asparagus and shredded cheese.
PLACE on baking sheet sprayed with cooking spray; top with Parmesan.
BAKE 20 min. or until chicken is done (170°F). Meanwhile, prepare stuffing as directed on package. Serve with chicken.
This was tonights dinner...it was really good! Both my kids like asparagus so it was a hit! I did cook the asparagus a little bit before I stuffed the chicken with it. I know the picture does not do it justice, I was rushing tonight as I had to be out the door once again!
Good night my friends, and god bless!
I am trying to type with tears rolling down my face, its amazing how much you have been through and still have a smile, I am happy you finally allowed yourself to be happy. You can see the change and differnce from then to now, I have watched you guys blossom and become such a better family unit because of it. Keep smiling things are good. You are allowed to enjoy it.
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