Reflection

It's been a year since I had to brace my emotions and brace my son physically.  It's hard to believe we can put a big red X over the past year.  Only five more to go.  I have to say it's certainly gone smoother than expected, and that is due mostly to my son's positive attitude.  I'm so thankful for his discipline and courage. 

Reflection of the past year reminded me of the time I ran into my husband's grandmother in the church hallway one Sunday afternoon.  She asked what we were doing in town and I told her my sorrowful scoliosis news while fighting back tears.  When my story was complete she continued on her way and said, "If you're going to have kids, you're going to have trials."  I was left with an open mouth, fully expecting sympathy - not sound advice.

The past year has taught me that a grandmother who's had her share of trials in a lifetime (like losing her husband in a plane crash shortly after she had their ninth child) knows what she's talking about.  Life is full of trials and the key to getting through them is positivity and hope.

I hope for a time when we can give the brace the boot.  Until then, we'll continue to slap the brace on and slap a smile on our face while we're at it.