the little things

I'm pretty sure this was the longest break in blogging I've had.  And there's really no particular reason.
I usually blog about what's going on at our house.  So I guess that means not much has been going on.
Nothing but the normal.

But this week things changed a bit here.  My focus has been in a place it has never really been before.
I have noticed things I've never noticed.  I've cherished things I have always taken for granted.

This week I have watched my husband walk in the door.
I have watched him scoop his kids up and hug them with his strong arms.
I have noticed the way he walks through the yard, playing and working.
I have noticed more than ever the way his arms feel wrapped around me when he hugs me.
I watch as he picks things up around the house that I didn't get to.
Or the way he loads and unloads the dishwasher after dinner, so I could sit and relax.
I have noticed how he twirls his kids around as they dance while watching American Idol.
And the way he is able to serve and love with his hands.
He walks out the door and drives himself to work to make a living for our family.
Things that are pretty normal for most of us.

But this week, simple things like arms and legs have become more meaningful than ever.

On Monday, we were given a harsh reminder at how easily these can be stripped away, when one of Dave's coworkers took one step too far backwards and fell 12 feet onto his neck and head.  He immediately lost feeling of his arms and legs, but I don't think anyone truly was prepared to hear the news the neurosurgeon gave.  They said he would never have use of his arms or legs again.  He is paralyzed from the chest down.
A 28 year old husband, and daddy to 2 little girls. 

Will you pray for Hernan?  Dave has enjoyed so much getting to know him and working with him. 
Work is hard this week.  Hernan was such a hard worker and a great guy.  And he is laying in a hospital bed with a completely different life ahead of him than ever imagined.  While the guys continue working, remembering the events of Monday.

As Easter approaches, I was also reminded of the hope we have in Christ.  And the hope we have in eternity with new bodies- completely perfect.  My heart aches for Hernan and his family as they now have to face this life with such a disability.  The thought of many many years ahead of him, with not even the ability to wheel his own wheelchair, feed himself or hold his little girls...is excruciating.  But in all reality, this life is a blink of an eye, in comparison to the eternity Christ freely offers us in heaven.  We pray for Hernan, that he will know this hope, and know that one day he will have his arms and legs again, for all of eternity.