We had an experience this weekend that reminded me to really savor this time I have with my children and to show them more love and tenderness. I was also reminded how constantly vigilant I need to be about their safety. Our sweet little Bronwen came very close to drowning and I can't stop thinking about how different everything might be if Henry hadn't seen her when he did. I am so indescribably grateful to Heavenly Father for sparing her life. I know that others have had to endure different outcomes and we don't always know why some are spared and some are taken, but I cannot deny that she was spared because of His tender mercies.
We have all been squeezing her a bit tighter in the past 24 hours, shuddering when we allow ourselves to contemplate what might have been or reliving those harrowing moments when we weren't sure what the outcome would be. I have never had a more awful feeling in my life, and I have had some terribly painful moments before this.
I wasn't sure if I was going to share this or not, partly because it is so horrible that I don't really want to talk about it, but I decided to because I wanted to share what I'm taking away from it with you. Please, please, please don't take your children for granted and this time you have with them. My kids have been pretty challenging in the past two weeks since I had Margaret-- and even though I knew it was because they lacked a routine or anything like normalcy, I have had a hard time being patient with them. I know that it's natural for kids to get under your skin, but I am just so grateful to have them that I found myself today having a greater capacity to be calm and to show tenderness inspite of my fatigue.
We have also been too casual about our kids in the pool. The boys are strong swimmers and Bronwen is a pro in her waterwings, paddling all over the pool. If we are near the pool and they are in, I don't have my eyes on them all the time. But this time, Bronwen got out, took off her waterwings, and then wandered back over and went into the pool because she saw a ladybug. No one noticed her take them off. No one saw her get back in. No one saw or heard her go under. You can bet that I will be sitting at the edge of the pool (if not in it) from now on with my eyes on any non-swimmers more vigilantly than I have in the past. The risks are too great. So please be very very very careful.
My little Meg is crying now for her late-night supper and I'm off to fatten her up. Go kiss your kids and say a prayer of gratitude for them. I know I will.
18 comments:
I can only imagine the anguish you must have been going through. Thank you for sharing your feelings. God is very merciful.
Ha! And guess what my word verification is? I kid you not... it's
blesses!
Woo eeee, yikes! Can't imagine anything much worse. Grateful Henry was there.
Oh my gosh. Bless you.
I spent yesterday at urgent care and came to a lot of the same conclusions you did. So sorry to hear about your scare.
Oh, Michal! How terrifying. I'm so glad that the outcome is happy. Thank goodness for Henry. I'm sure it's nearly impossible to have your eyes on everyone at the right moment. Thanks for sharing and for the good reminder to cherish every moment.
I am so happy that things turned out alright. It is true we take things for granted until something like this happens. Thank goodness for big brothers that step in and save the day!
Oh my gosh Michal - I am so relieved that everything is ok - give all your kids a squeeze from Aunt Kimberly.
Oh Michal, I am so sorry that you had to go through that, how scary. I think we all need a good reminder once in awhile to take advantage of the time we have with our little ones. I am so glad she is okay.
This is so awful, but thank you for sharing-since I have become less than strict on certain things now including swimming.
Congrats on that new baby! I was just making the blog round (havent been out in cyberland lately) and couldn't believe that she is here! Congrats
We must have missed this story in the latest family communication. I am so sorry we didn't know. Our prayers would have been there with you if we had.
Love you so much, am so glad everyone is healthy and happy, and can't wait to see you next week.
Love, hugs, kisses & prayers.
(Scotty asks me to look at pictures of "baby cousin" on the computer every day :-)
So sorry to hear about the scare. Glad to hear all is well, and glad for the reminder to love 'em even when they are stir crazy around a new baby. :)
Mine's ready to eat again too, chat later!
Oh my. So glad Bronwen is safe and sound. That girls melts my heart every time I see her.
I'll be sure to follow what you said and kiss my babes and say a prayer of gratitude for them....
I can't imagine how scary that must have been. Thank you for sharing. It is a very good reminder.
Michal,
Thanks for sharing your story. I know that it must have been gut wrenching to find her. Please don't beat yourself up too much over this. Sometimes Heavenly Father just gives us a little nudge when He thinks we need a push in the right direction.
I am so grateful that she is OK. I would not wish loosing a child on anyone, it is one of the worst pains.
Thanks for your continued inspiration - I LOVE your blog!
thank you for the reminder! the pool is such a fun place, but it can be so dangerous if we are not careful! i think we do get a little more relaxed than we should be and we need to be so very careful when our little ones are at the pool!
so grateful everything turned out okay for your family! i can't even imagine!!
I get teary everytime I think about her... I'm so glad she's ok.
My goodness. So scary! I'm so glad Bronwyn is fine. Thank you for sharing - I really appreciate the reminder to always be alert.
Glad you are all well and that little Margaret is doing great, too!
Terrifying indeed! I shuddered even reading this post, especially since my little son had a close call last year.
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