MY CELEBRATION OF LIFE BIRTHDAY
FEBRUARY 26, 2017
This year my birthday seemed more like a celebration of life then a regular birthday.
Last year on my birthday, February 26, 2016 I was admitted to UT Southwestern Clements Hospital with a lung infection due to my cystic fibrosis and also 30 weeks pregnant with Gracie Ann. I was quite ill, barely able to breathe even on (nasal cannula) oxygen 24/7. I had little to no energy and executing any task, no matter how small would cause further critical weight loss (every calorie not taken by my precious little baby growing inside, was burned through me simply trying to breathe) Walking from my bedroom to the kitchen was a struggle, lifting anything was against the rules, and going upstairs was out of the question.
I went in on my birthday for a round of IVs to try and fight off this lung infection while at the same time keeping my little one safe inside of me.
Three hours after Jeremy and I arrived at the hospital, I coughed, asphyxiated on my own blood and stopped breathing. At that same moment, because I stopped breathing, the beautiful little baby that our dear Lord Jesus Christ blessed us with, and whom I had PROMISED to keep safe, lost her source of oxygen as well.
We were both without oxygen for 9 minutes and with Gracie Ann still inside of me, neither one of us were expected to live.
BUT.....
on that very same day (my birthday) our Omnipotent and Almighty Creator, Who has command over all things, mercifully saved my life.....and just because He can, and because He loves Jeremy and I so much, He saved the life of our precious baby girl, Gracie Ann!! Praise You, my Dear Father.....
Gracie Ann was born a few hours past my birthday on February 27, 2016
HAPPY BIRTHDAY MY LITTLE LAMB
After almost 150 days in the ICU/hospital, Life-support, ventilators, NICU, multiple surgeries, waiting on the Lung Transplant List, and then the great blessing of new lungs, etc.....(I have already exhausted you with all of my praises, gratitudes and thanksgivings, as I am still in disbelief of God's Abundant Mercy and Love).........AFTER ALL OF THAT, both Gracie Ann and I live on to share our witness of undying love and true faith in our Sweet Jesus.
I am blessed to be able to praise and honor my Heavenly Father through my words, my actions, and my life..... where as Gracie Ann witnesses and exalts our most Gracious Lord Jesus, through her tranquil, and innocent presence, the healing that she imparts to all who look upon her beautiful face or stroke her soft curly blonde locks.......and, as you hold her, she instills a true inner peace like no other I've ever experienced.
BEST POUTY FACE EVER
Gracie Ann is a tangible act of Love bestowed on us from Christ, Jesus Himself, for our family to cherish, delight in, and serve our Lord through, serving Her.
We are so spoiled to have her as a part of our family. Even though we are so undeserving of her, we are grateful to be blessed in such magnanimous means.
SO, this year.....
For my birthday this year, my amazing and loving Jeremy arranged to have 365 roses delivered to me personally (each representing 1 day of life given to me by my Father)....and delivered by some very special friends of mine
For my birthday this year, my amazing and loving Jeremy arranged to have 365 roses delivered to me personally (each representing 1 day of life given to me by my Father)....and delivered by some very special friends of mine
who love me and whom I love with my entire heart.
(one friend at a time of course due to my trasnplant requirements....I'm so grateful that my friends put up with my high maintenance)
These special girls all so charitably agreed to be a part of my special day….
AS JEREMY REMEMBERS THE TERRIFYING NIGHT JUST ONE YEAR AGO, TODAY, WHEN HE WAS TOLD THAT HE WOULD SURLY LOSE BOTH OF HIS GIRLS.......
This birthday was our entire family's anniversary of 365 days of life that shouldn't have been.
(the first family picture with all 7 of us.....not in pajamas)
I cannot believe that Jesus gave them all to me....I just love them so much
Even though the world said goodbye to myself and Gracie Ann… God revealed His Brilliantly Heroic Sovereignty for all to see. And He was glorified
Thank you to all of my friends who sacrificed their time to come and to celebrate each day of life that I was given this past year.
Even though it was not possible for ALL of my special friends to be a part of this "birthday surprise", I am forever grateful for all of you lifting me up in prayer along with Gracie Ann and our entire family because you are the only reason why we had this day to celebrate!
Storming Heaven with your faithfilled petitions, saved my life and the life of Gracie Ann. I love you ALL so much and I promise to pray for each of you and to love you for always and forever
Thank you
love,
kerry ann
Even though it was not possible for ALL of my special friends to be a part of this "birthday surprise", I am forever grateful for all of you lifting me up in prayer along with Gracie Ann and our entire family because you are the only reason why we had this day to celebrate!
Storming Heaven with your faithfilled petitions, saved my life and the life of Gracie Ann. I love you ALL so much and I promise to pray for each of you and to love you for always and forever
Thank you
love,
kerry ann
