California

Alex, my Aunt Deb and I made a flying trip to California this weekend to see Alex's dad. He was diagnosed with what they thought was a brain tumor a little over a month ago and recently got really ill. They are not sure what is going on but he called Tuesday and asked if we could make it out there by the weekend to see him. This was a hard trip but I knew it was an important one to make. As a parent, you want to shield your children from any unnecessary pain so I prayed that this visit would be what it needed to be for my son. The day we left to go down there, he had been put in the cardiac intensive care unit. By the time we got there Friday morning, Cesar was awake and alert. It really was a miracle! He was really weak but so happy to see his son. We just wanted to share some of our favorite pictures from the visit:)

The next day he was sitting up and we even got to have lunch with him. Alex and Cesar were able to spend a couple of really good days together.

He even felt good enough to take a walk around the wing with us. It was really fun to watch Cesar introduce Alex with such pride to the nurses and doctors. Many times they would reply, "This is your son you have been talking about so much? It is nice to meet you. Your dad is very proud of you!" That meant so much to Alex. His dad had lived in California for five years and hasn't been very close to him so to hear that he is proud and talks about him made Alex so happy! As a matter of fact, after the first day, I asked Alex ,"So....how are you doing?" He replied with a big smile, "I'm good mom. Did you hear the nurses? My dad talks about me!"

just a picture of Alex, his dad and I.

Alex got a chance to meet 2 (there are 11!) of his aunts and uncles while we were there. The rest of them are still in Guatemala. Alex loved seeing the other part of his family though.

By the time we made it home, his dad had gotten really sick again and wasn't allowed to have visitors. It truly was a blessing that we were able to spend the time we did with him and that Alex was able to have some very tender moments with his dad. I am thankful to all the wonderful people in our lives who have prayed on our behalf. The prayers were felt. I have an amazing group of friends who have provided unconditional support to me and my kids! THANK YOU EVERYONE