one year ago

One year ago today I got a phone call that I will never forget. I was at my parents house working on a project while Ransom took the kids swimming. I got a call from Ransom saying that Conrad almost drowned. I couldn't believe my ears. My mom rushed me to the hospital while I was in a daze. Nothing could have prepared me to see my little boy in the er with all the tubes, doctors and screams coming from him. My heart broke. I just wanted them to tell me everything would be ok but they had no reassuring words for me. My dad gave Conrad a blessing and I felt so at peace and knew Heavenly Father would take care of all of us and get us through this. It was a long few days but he recovered with no problems and was still my happy little boy. We were so incredibly lucky to have my family close by. They took turns having Phoebe sleepover so that I could stay at the hospital with Conrad. They came and cheered us up with visits, hugs and food. I never could have made it through those days without my Heavenly Father, Ransom, my family and Conrad's good attitude. I remember when we came home and every time I heard Conrad laugh I would imagine if it had turned out differently, how empty and quiet our house would feel without that laugh. I am so grateful that it wasn't his time to go because that boy is so special to me and he makes me a better person because he is just so good.

It's a year later now and I'm still just so grateful he is still here with us. We learned a lot through this experience. It's amazing what can happen when you take your eye off them for one second. Whenever there is a drowning on the news, my heart aches for the family because I know that was so close to being our family. We are so incredibly lucky and so happy that he is still our little fish. I don't think he remembers anything before waking up at the hospital. We decided that we wanted to do something every year on this day to give back and show our gratitude for all the help people gave us. This year we decided to meet the lifeguard that saved Conrad's life. Conrad drew her a picture and we met at the pool where it all happened. When she walked in Ransom pointed to her and said, "Conrad that's her." Without hesitation he ran up to her, gave her a big hug and proudly gave her the picture. It was so good to finally meet the girl that saved his life. I will always be grateful to her and she will always have a special place in my heart. I wish there was something I could do to repay her for what she did for our family. We are so incredibly blessed. -Katie