Campbell and I would like to take this moment to brag on a wonderful wife . . . a wonderful mother. As I reflect over the past 3 months, I think of the roller coaster ride called life that Martha has had to ride over and over. However, this roller coaster isn't the typical roller coaster that has the one big hill, a few turns then it's over. This ride is filled with many ups such as the birth of our beautiful daughter, a wonderful long term prognosis, two perfect brain scans, a perfect heart scan, and the fact that she'll be coming home a few weeks before she was even suppose to be on this Earth (within the week). But with all these ups have come with many downs: a child who came to us 13 weeks early, an infection that led to 24 hours on a ventilator, the fact that a majority of mothers get to bring their child home a few days after giving birth and ours is still in the NICU, and all the guilt that goes along with the downs (did I cause this . . . did I cause the last brady, did I . . . .?). Did you know that to date Martha has driven 6144 miles back and forth between our home and the hospital? Or that she's spent over 450 hours by Campbell's side, watching, praying, holding, cuddling, and bonding with her?
Martha has been amazing through this. Looking back at the posts, comments from family, friends, and complete strangers, and pictures, I realize that Martha has inspired and impressed so many people with her strength and perseverance through all of this. For all of this . . . for being a wonderful wife, and incredible mother . . . Martha I Love You!!! I could not imagine going through this with anyone else. You inspire me!
I was looking back at one of the Smilebox scrapbooks that we sent out over the past few months, and I found this poem from Campbell to Martha:
Mom, you're a wonderful mother,
So gentle, yet so strong.
The many ways you show you care
Always make me feel I belong.
I love you more than I can express;
You have my total respect.
If I had my choice of mothers,
You'd be the one I'd select!
So gentle, yet so strong.
The many ways you show you care
Always make me feel I belong.
I love you more than I can express;
You have my total respect.
If I had my choice of mothers,
You'd be the one I'd select!
Mom . . . it will be soon that I'm coming home with you . . . I can't wait and I look forward to our life beginning . . . no nurses, no doctors, no NICU . . . just you, me, and daddy! Mom, we've come a long way and I'll be home soon! I love you and thank you for being so strong. -your daughter - Campbell!
6 comments:
OH goodness... you had to make me bawl this morning. Thanks for the inspiration. :)
Talk about bringing on the tears! Martha-you are truly an inspiration to us all. EVERY time I talk to you, you sound positive and grateful for all your blessings. I can't imagine how tough this has been, yet through it all you've had an amazing attitude. Being a new mom, I have found inspiration and strength to get through my tough times. Thanks for being such a great example. We love you!
OK Robbie, it's not nice to make your mother-in-law cry! But this time I guess I'll let you. I, too, have seen the amazing woman
that Martha is and am humbled by her remarkable strength. By her side is also an amazing man. You have been unbelievably strong yet so sensitive to her emotional needs. Thank you from the bottom of my heart. I love all three of you. Nana
Robbie, you are so right! Every picture of Martha is nothing but smiles, when I know at times this has been a hard road for her. You, Martha and Campbell has inspired me. I am so lucky to have all of you a part of my extended family. You are an amazing family and I am so proud of all of you. Since I have been praying for Campbell, my own prayer life has grown stronger. God could not have picked Campbell any greater parents than she has now. God bless each of you.
Love
Cousin Susan
Robbie, Your words to Martha are so sweet...yes, they brought tears to my eyes like everyone else (although if you ask Martha, Emily and I were always the cryers watching movies, so it doesn't take much). I know it's been a tough time for all of you, but the Lord gives us these trials to make our faith in Him stronger! I love ya, bro, not b/c you're so cool, but mostly b/c of how you love my sister!
Praising Him, Julie (sister-in-law)
Dear Robbie, Wow, I just got home from a wonderful emontional service, and then to read your blog this morning. I'm sitting here with tears pouring down my face. Yes Robbie, you are married to a wonderful woman, and have a beautiful daughter. You have the perfect family, you are a great husband and an awesome father and also the best son in the world. I'm so very proud of you, Martha, and Campbell. The three of you have come a very long ways together and there will be a God filled sunshine for you and your family to continue your journey on.
All of the above is due to the grace and mercy of God.
We love you,
Mom and Aubrey
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