1 week

July 1, 2013

Today marks one week since Aaron's diagnosis. It is amazing how much change can happen in that time in a person's life. Change physically, spiritually, and emotionally. We feel life has taken on a new meaning and perspective. Which I have to say is a good thing... in the way it has refocused us and helped to start looking at things in a better light. I've had 3 other times in life where I've had a true refocus and change in my life. The first was when I was called to be a missionary for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. How could that not be a complete change and refocus? Suddenly your life is centered on serving, teaching and loving others. You are striving everyday to serve the Lord and you have to completely forget yourself. That was a great time in life. The second time of big change came when I met and married my sweetheart Aaron. I realized what an amazing person he was and I desired to be a good person like him and for him. The third time comes with a quick story. When I was about 5 months pregnant with our first child, Aaron and I landed ourselves in the instacare. We were moving some furniture onto a trailer, the trailer slipped and it cut Aaron's ankle really bad. While the Doctor was sewing us up, he was teasing Aaron how in a few months he'd be switching places with me. He'd be the one holding my hand, while I was experiencing the pain. He then said a statement that has stuck with Aaron and I ever sense. He said something like this, "Once you have that baby, your view of the world will change. You will look at everything so differently. You won't be able to watch T.V. or see a billboard sign the same. Suddenly, you will be a changed person, one who protects, guides and loves more than you'd ever imagined you would." He was right, that Doctor. Our world did change completely when our children were born. The music, movies, things we said and our actions. These little kiddos changed us, made us want to be the best we could be and to give them the best world possible. Well, Aaron and I have discussed how this week have been one of those poignant moments where the way we look at life, once again has changed completely. Suddenly the things that were a huge concern a few weeks ago have hardly any significance... suddenly relationships are so much more important, the gospel and our purpose here has even a deeper meaning and my focus of my daily life has changed. I'm not trying to say we are these amazing people and that we've got it all figured out, we've just learned so much and have such a different view on life. I find it to be another little tender mercy of our Heavenly Father. I look at it as a blessing admist the trial.

Today, I just want to focus on the positive for a minute. The good that has come of this.

1. Aaron has been super busy before all of this. Since he's been sick, he has been able to stay home for a whole week! Though we haven't been out playing, the time spent together has been so good for our little family. The girls cling to him non-stop and I've had the chance to really grow so much closer to him, which leads me to the second...

2. Aaron and I have grown closer by leaps and bounds. Our communication has opened up so much more, we've discussed topics we've never had the courage to discuss and we've shared fears, hopes and dreams that we've never dared to believe.

3. Our study of the gospel has changed. Suddenly, we have a new focus and reason to study. It has pushed at us to open our eyes to new things and thoughts.

4. We've realized that we have amazing friends and family. We both HATE asking others to do things for us, we don't like attention or to have to ask for help. Boy, did we learn that sometimes in life it is okay to have to lean on others. This week has showed me why serving others is vital. Everyone has those moments in life when they can't do it all on their own. Our goal is to be better about helping others and hopefully showing others the love we have felt this week.

5. We have a new reason to take life a little more serious when it comes to our health. It is a perfect time for us to find a new balance and why of life.

There are so many other good that we've picked up on. Though this is only the beginning of a long journey ahead, it is also a good time to realize that staying positive and focused on the good can help us find greater peace and hope in our lives.

Aaron Update:
Aaron is doing good today. His speech is almost back to normal!!! He went to church yesterday and was able to do his calling. I think it was great for him to get his mind off of things and just stay busy. He is going to go to work tomorrow. I am a little nervous about it, mainly because he has been so tired and also because stress seems to worsen his condition. But, I know it will be good for him to get out, get his mind off of things and to do what he loves to do. We are still waiting on what's next.

Thanks again for caring enough to read my long ramblings.
With love,
The Meacham's