Some thoughts from Mom

Last night I had the opportunity to rock Marygrace back to sleep in the middle of the night. It was pure heaven and thoughts just raced through my head as I thought about the last year. Marygrace is an amazing sleeper and rarely does not sleep at least 10 hours (more often 11 or 12 hours) without getting up in the night! This is a very good thing for her mom who needs her sleep and doesn't function well without it. Marygrace lets Scott and I read to her and rock her in the rocking chair each night for about as long as a typical active 2 1/2 year old will tolerate, but last night was different. She let me comfort her while she totally relaxed every muscle in her body. Her head was nuzzled next to my chest and I could feel her chest rise and fall. Although I was tired this moment was too precious to end it by laying her back in her crib. It brought back memories of endless middle of the night feedings with the boys, I can't believe I actually miss those moments. Like most sleep deprived moms I couldn't wait for those nights to end. But now with three big boys I realize how quickly they grow and how precious those times were. There is nothing more innocent than a sleeping child. Exactly one year ago, I was in the hospital recovering from major abdominal surgery to remove a tumor. At this point we didn't know yet if the tumor was benign, the doctor thought it was a sarcoma. I had pictures next to my bed of my children including little Yong Lan Fei (Marygrace) who was waiting for us in China. I remember being so afraid and wondering would I ever get to meet my daughter and hold her in my arms. Exactly one year ago I cried out and prayed to the Lord for healing and that I would be there for my husband and children and that Marygrace would come home and be apart of our family. The next day we received the news that I had a benign ganglion-neuroma and although rare it should not return and other than healing from surgery I had a clean bill of health.I don't know if a miracle occurred or not, but to me it sure felt like a miracle!You know the rest of the story - our baby did come home and I have held her in arms!Last night I cried out and prayed to the Lord tears of joy and thanksgiving for all the blessings in my life! I am the first to admit life is hard, being a mom is hard and most of the time I feel overwhelmed, but I thank the Lord that he woke me up in the wee hours of the morning and gave me the opportunity to experience his grace. Today although I am a little tired I can't stop smiling for God is so Good!!!