The post I've been waiting to write

A few weeks ago, I started noticing the blessings that have come from the last weeks in the Intensive Care. This chapter in our lives wouldn't be complete without taking a moment to recognize the good things that have come from this and the miracles we have seen.

1. There are angels among us. We know there are angels that spent days and nights with Ethan and Sydney. We've felt the presence of Doug's father in Ethan's final week in the hospital alone, without his sister. This life is more than just our earthly experience and we have a stronger conviction of that since they were born. So glad they weren't really alone when we couldn't be there with them.
2. Prayers are heard. Many, many people have prayed for their health and our welfare as well. Prayers have petitioned our Father in Heaven from across the globe for our sweet babies. We know that those prayers were answered. Not only did Ethan and Sydney do so well, but we felt strengthened. I said to Doug countless times, "I can't do this another day" and would find the strength and courage to make it--for many more days.
3. We gained a great appreciation for the nurses and techs who took care of them. They have big hearts and were so kind to us. We gained many friends. Doug and I were sad to not have a reason to chat with them anymore on a daily basis.
4. People are put into our path when we need them. We met other parents whose baby or babies were in the hospital and we were able to share with them--in their victories and their struggles. I remember praying for other babies in the hospital almost as much as I prayed for ours.
5. We are not in charge. Not sure how many times throughout the last 8 weeks that we thought one thing would happen--and another would happen instead. I love to do things 'naturally' and nothing about their experience has been super 'natural'. We learned to give up our desires and rely on our Father in Heaven.
6. Marriage is a partnership. We cried together and supported each other as best we could. We knew we were in a bad situation when both of us would be crying at the same time. Usually, one of us would be the 'strong one'. So glad Doug is my partner in all of this.
7. There are angels on Earth. Not sure if we could count up all the kind things that have been done for us in the last 8 weeks. Our home is filled with gifts and hand-me-downs from neighbors and friends. We've learned to be so grateful for other's generosity and have a renewed desire to show the same generosity toward others.
8. There is strength beyond our own.