On Monday, I had the chance to meet the elder Nielson family of Mesa. In case you missed the story (see evtrib.com), the Nielsons’ son, Christian, 29, and his wife, Stephanie, 27, were in a serious plane crash in August and both are at the Arizona Burn Center in Phoenix. Through the efforts of the families and readers of Stephanie’s blog, many people who have never met Stephanie or Christian are reaching out to help. The young couple, parents to four little kids, are in for a lifetime of medical care.
Christian’s brother, Peter, told me how the doctors at Maricopa Medical Center describe burns as a “disease.” Unlike a broken bone that heals, this disease can cause problems for years and years.
Most of all, I thought of Stephanie as a mom and her four little ones - now in the care of her sisters in Utah. And I too, found myself drawn to Stephanie’s insights into motherhood (she planned an entire meal to celebrate her daughters’ return to school this year!)
My sister-in-law picked my kids up from school last night because my husband also had to work late. When I got to her house to collect them, they both screamed “Mommy!” I held them tightly. I took them home, tucked them into bed, crawled in next to them and counted my blessings.
This is a great post because it reminds all of us how lucky we are - and to cherish the moments we have with our children - even when they are being difficult. Stephanie and her family will remain in my thoughts and prayers.
I too was hit strongly by this story. I see my children in a whole new light–as well as my husband. I teared up over and over all day thinking of the Nielsons and their struggles . . . for life.
Thanks for sharing this story with me. It helped me see the blessings amid the hard.
Love, C