Luke turns 18 Friday!!

My 'baby' Luke is turning 18 on Friday!! I came home today and told him that almost 16 years ago, when I left his dad, I remember thinking, "How on earth will I make it through the next years as an only parent? And look, here we are!! You are all grown up!" He was grinning so big!! My baby is almost an adult.

When he was born all those years ago, the night before we were supposed to come home from the hospital, I let the nurses keep Luke in the nursery for that night, since I knew I would be losing sleep once we got home. The doctor came in about midnight to say that the nurses had done CPR on Luke three times and brought him back. Over the next 17 days, my baby was put through numerous tests, sticks, and lived 24 hours a day in NICU. Finally, he was diagnosed with bacterial meningitis. He contracted it from someone in the operating room, (he was a c-section) since they tested me, and I didn't have it. I went to see him as often as I could, even though I was not supposed to be driving. They would NOT keep me away from my child. I would gown up, lift him up amongst the wires and tubes and rock him in the rocking chair in NICU. When we finally got him home, I counted 27 stick marks on him. That poor baby.

To this day, Luke has a very high pain tolerance. When he does tell me he hurts, or is sick, I know he truly is!

Luke almost died so many times years ago, that I know God has tremendous plans for his future. He has such a sensitive nature, soft heart and amazing sense of humor, who knows where God will lead him! I am anxious to watch and see!

Happy Birthday my beloved Luke!!! I love you!

Better and better...AMEN!!

Okay, life is good, better, and hopefully it will continue to be. I have made the decision that I have done my best as a mom, and that is all I can do. God put me in charge of raising my sons, and I trusted Him to help me, and I have done so. The rest is in their hands.

I followed Luke and his date tonight. They were heading to Winter Formal, but eating dinner at a friend's dad's house. Luke told me not to worry about pictures, but he seemed a bit pleased when I showed up to take lots of pictures. His date is a girl that was in the next crib during day care after birth...yep! He and Alanna have known each other for almost 18 years. (Luke's birthday is next Friday) Here is a great photo of them!! (wouldn't load, will try later)

Also, since August I have been going to aerobics at McMurry from 2 to 4 nights a week. Over Christmas I really got back into running, from 2 to 4 miles a day. AND I am finally losing weight...woo hoo!! Feel so much better, and better about myself. The exercise does wonders for my emotional and mental health.

Life is looking up!! God is good!!