Daddy

My whole world

Fave pic of my Dad (Mommy you are stunning too obviously)

Last Friday I got the worst phone call I’ve had to date. My Mom was on the other line sobbing and saying that my Dad had been in a bad motorcycle accident, and that was pretty much all she knew. I had to wait about an hour and a half before I heard back saying he was in the hospital and coherent, with lots of broken (or fractured) bones and that they would be running more x-rays and CAT scans. A little bit later we got the run down of the injuries (10 fractures in his femur, fractured ankle - on the opposite leg, bruised lung, broken ribs, fractured elbow, and several other fractures in his spine and back as well) but the amazing news that there were no brain or spinal injuries. The range of emotions I experienced in those several hours were off the charts. I braced myself for the worst, then breathed the biggest sigh of relief and gratitude in my entire life, then went back to heartache for the shape my Dad was in.

Saturday night at church I worshipped God in a way I never have before, pouring out thanks and praise in every breath. To have a glimpse at what it would look like to possibly lose my sweet Daddy, and then realize he’s ok, filled my heart and soul with love and gratitude like I’ve never known before. I want to tell everyone I care about how much I love them and never waste a minute feeling angry or upset about things that don’t matter. I know it’s next to impossible to live with that kind of perspective 24/7, but I pray I’m able to grasp the fragility, urgency, and beauty of life every day like I have been lately.

One thing I am always struck by in moments of extreme tragedy or sadness is the ability to experience inverse emotions in equal levels. The outpouring of love and prayers and support we’ve felt from those around us is almost more than I can put into words. The love our family has for one another has been immensely magnified. The hope I feel for Heaven and the longing to be with Jesus is stronger than ever. God is so good, all the time. I had a moment when I was imagining the worst where I was still able to say that and I know that kind of hope and assurance only comes from Him. I follow a God who is bigger than my pain, bigger than my fears, and bigger than this world and anything it can throw at me. That doesn’t mean my heart doesn’t ache or experience sadness when I hear about the awful things that take place, it just means I am able to take one breath after the next in the knowledge that God loves me, is holding me, and will never leave me or forsake me.

For those who have prayed, called, texted, brought my Mom dinner, offered to help our family, written cards and letters, or just stood by me when I cried – thank you.  You are answered prayers in yourself and you put the ‘beautiful’ in “this crazy, tragic, sometimes almost magic, awful, beautiful life.”  (line from a country song I love :).

I am with my Mom and Dad now, and we are taking things one day at a time. There are surgeries and a long road to rehab ahead of us but we are grateful beyond belief. Thanks for letting me share a part of my life with you guys.

xoxo

Sara B

P.S. I have some previously scheduled outfit posts for this week, especially knowing I would be out of town. I don’t want you to think I’m flitting about Oregon shooting outfit shots while my Dad is in the hospital, in case you were wondering ;)

Both photos by the lovely Heather Pepin