Sunday, February 14, 2010

Happy Valentine's Day, Sweets...

Just to give credit where credit is due,
it was my sweet Matt, Bronson's loving and adoring Daddy,
who made the Video in the prior post (below)...
.
.
And it is the best Valentine's gift I could ever receive...
To have our little family ALL together in THIS part of our forever.
We don't have to wait until the eternities to be together again...
We are all here.
Today. Here. Now.
.
.
It was his faith that sustained me.
His arms that wrapped me in warmth in that cold, lonely hospital.
His sweet forgiveness that means more to me than anything else.
.
.
I thought I loved him on our wedding day.
I knew I did when we had our first baby boy.
And then more and more with each of the others.
But I did not even know who he was then.
I did not know the depth of his soul or the quiet power behind those warm brown eyes.
.
.
He is a man of few words.
(Well, compared to me at least...)
But whatever he shares is always sincere. Genuine. Enough.
.
.
I feel like the luckiest, most blessed girl in the world today.
.
Love you, Sweets. I am forever yours...
Happy Valentine's Day.
.
Love,
Toots

55 comments:

amy said...

Sara, you did it again! I can't read a post of yours without crying! I think this time, I was reminded of how the precious love my husband and I share. Thanks again for sharing your heart. What a precious video!

Ty and Juju Brown said...

Awww! Precious!

stacey O'Connell said...

Thank you for sharing your story. It has changed me for a lifetime, never taking things for granted. loving my 3 boys and being thankful for all the things that often drive me crazy! :) It is such a gift to love your hubs and have a marriage that is so strong. Another testimony.:)I feel blessed to have watched a miracle happen with sweet Bronson. God is so good and I can't wait to see the plans he has in store for your sweet son.
All my love and constant prayers.
Stacey O'Connell

Anonymous said...

Sara, THANK YOU so much for sharing your story. Bronson won my heart over from day one. I am so grateful he is home in your arms with your entire family. Please keep us updated on Bronson's progress! You will be in our hearts and prayers forever!
GOD BLESS!

Amy Smith

{jane} said...

awww, look at you love birds ;)

amiee said...

loved the video. so cute! my favorite was him walking down the hall on the way to go home!!! i am so happy!

The Rigelsky Family said...

so sweet.

Dave Olson said...

Wow! I love the Priesthood! When my daughter told me about this event ( she read it on Lynette's blog) my wife and I started to pray along with the rest of the world for Bronson. I knew, that the ONLY way back, was by faith. Your family showed perfect faith knowing that our Father in Heaven can do anything. Enjoy every day with that little guy-like I know you will! Bishop and Sharyl Olson

Windthicket Fables said...

As always, I'm so happy for you. happy valentines day to you and your sweet, healthy babies!!!

Anonymous said...

I am so happy for you.... I think it is just in my nature to continue checking your blog, I almost don't feel complete without checking it. I spent the last 14 days checking it 10 times or more a day. I love what you said about Matt, I can relate to that. I too am married to a wonderful man of few words, compared to me. But when he does share his heart it is amazing. I am so happy for you, and I have a whole new perspective of life after your story....

Thanks for sharing your story, so glad for an AMAzing Ending.....

** I too would like to know how Bronson is doing as time goes on. He is sooo CUte!!!!!

Unknown said...

I'm so amazed with all of this. You guys, Bronson, your family. I'm so happy for you all.

kristin maynes said...

Your family is Amazing! I'm overwhelmed with JOY for you guys.

Anonymous said...

You do not know me, so I don't know why I feel so compelled to comment on your blog. I am from Orem, and had heard your story on the news. It wasn't until I found your blog through another friends blog that I realized the stories were the same. I cannot even imagine what joy your family must feel! I have been reading your blog and I cannot believe how much strength your cute little family has! You truly are an inspiration. I was so touched by your story. I am the mother of a 2 month old little girl, and I just can't imagine going through the things you have overcome. My testimony has grown just through reading your posts! I am so glad your little boy is doing so well! It is truly a miracle! Heavenly Father must have a job for this little guy!
Still sending prayers of gratitude,
Emily Boyce

Sue said...

Ooo, my bad. Nice work on the video, Matt. You're a rock star!

Did you make swedish pancakes for breakfast today? I seem to remember a scrapbook page about a luscious breakfast for Valentine's Day, or maybe it was your anniversary.

Michelle said...

Holy cow, what an amazing story. Thank you for sharing. I'm sure you'll never be able to take anything for granted again like the rest of us will. He is a miracle boy. Who would've known that he was sooo amazing only 3 weeks ago. (of course, moms always know) Your family will never be the same. Good job Bronson, you sweet little guy.

Nicole said...

Yay Matt! I LOVED the video! Glad you are all sharing Vday together! Perfect!

Nicole said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Stephy's page said...

Thanks so much for sharing your story with the world other wise I wouldn't have been a part of something so sweet. I haven't had a day yet where your little family hasn't been in my mind, and I check everyday to see the progress. The Lord has given you a trial that he knew you could get thru and you did, and for that your family will forever be blessed, as well as those around you. I feel like I know you and your family so well, and we've never even met. This story has been another testimony to me that the Lord loves and cares for each of us and he is a God of Miracles. Thanks again for sharing, I will continue to read the updates, and maybe someday we will meet since we aren't to far away. Stephanie from: Eagle Mountain

Tasha said...

Your family is an example to all of us in more ways then you will ever know. That video is powerful. Thank you for sharing it. Thank you for your sharing your story. For strengthening so many of our testimonies. For giving us opportunity to put faith forward. To believe in something, hoping strongly that it would come to pass. That we could teach our children to also extend faith. To pray. And to see such an extreme miracle. Even though we do not know you. Thank you. Thank you for sharing your strength in marriage too.

Kelly said...

I Love what you wrote! Forgiveness is sweet! You can truley never be forgiven if you do not forgive yourself!. You are an Amzing mother! Thank you letting my family have a sneek peak of your life! You have bleessed us in so many ways! And Bronson is So cute!! He is radiant! And im sure he is so HAPPY to be back @ home in his parents arms!

kelly from Gilbert, AZ

Here at home said...

I haven't commented yet, but have cried and rejoiced with you and your family. I just had to comment, though and let you know, my 5 yr. old boy out of the blue a couple of days ago just blurted out, "I'm so happy. Baby Bronson is better!"
God is Great! Thank you for your faith and example to the rest of the world.

Jen said...

Well you don't know me and I don't know you, although I feel like I know you now. I've just spent and hour and a half of my busy day glued to your blog. (The cleaning and various jobs could wait for your blog!) Thank you so much for sharing it and your beautiful testimony. I cried multiple time reading it and I am SO happy for you and your amazing family. I so happy to see that miracles do happen and that the Lord is always by our side, even though sometimes it can be hard, it's all part of his plan. Thanks again and give Bronson a hug from a stranger for me!

Ams said...

I am just absolutely overwhelmed by the video below... what an absolutely miracle. He is the cutest little man I have ever seen in my life and what AMAZING parents you two are... God is good. GOD IS GOOD!

Emma said...

Your baby boy is such an inspiration! You handled things as well as possible! I hope we continue to hear from you about baby B and his recovery! Great video Matt!

Tiffany said...

So So beautiful.

Jessi and Jeremiah said...

I also do not know you but a friend posted your blog link on Facebook. I spent about two hours yesterday reading from the very start and I could not stop reading! I am still very choked up typing this right now (could be pregnancy hormones) but I just wanted to tell you that you are an amazing mother! And what a strong faith you and your family and friends have. I was so happy when I read that you were able to take your little boy home! Hope to read many fun stories of your family on your blog!

Anonymous said...

God is Love....How that love shows in your courage and Faith. It broke my heart knowing you felt so responsible and chose to share your honest and unaltered story. God knows what is honestly in our hearts and minds and I know this will make you a stronger person especially in Faith. You are truely blessed with a wonderful supportive husband and father to your children. They are all adorable...

Anonymous said...

WOW!! May God continue to bless your family. Bronson is truly a miracle. You must be over the moon with happiness, relief and love.

mary said...

I just read the "end " of your story and then read this scripture...Alma 26:16. It is so fitting for your situation right now.

I have a baby the exact age and can not image what you have just gon through. glad your home....

Anonymous said...

Reminds me of Mosiah 24:14. Thank you for having the courage to share this story. It's changed the way I do business (with my children, I mean..)I'm so happy for your family.

h.davis

The Starkers said...

How very, very sweet. And, I absolutely love the Bronson's Miracle, I watched it twice. What a sweet adorable little boy! I just love him! Keep us posted on all of his milestones, big or small!!

Heidi said...

I was brought here from my cousin's blog. oh. my. gosh. I can't stop the tears falling onto my cheeks. What a touching video your husband put together for you. I am a mom of 3 kiddos, 2 of which have had their own health issues. So I know how your mama-heart must have been breaking a little every second your baby was in that hospital bed.
What a miracle you lived with your son's full recovery. Heavenly Father surely has something special in store for Baby B!
Congrats on your healthy little family. :)

Anonymous said...

Sara-
I work on the 4th floor of this cold, cold building that you called home for 12 days. I don't know how I failed to hear your story until this late date, but better late than never I guess. =) Thank you soo much for sharing your story. Working in the Newborn ICU we see our fair share of miracles, but none as amazing as Bronson's story. I am grateful to you for sharing your story as a reminder to all of us mommy's out there to take more time out to love and cherish our little ones. Thank you!

Jessica Hanaumi said...

Thank you for reminding me what's important. All my love to you and your precious family!

Anonymous said...

I have been following your blog and praying for your family and came on to check on little Bronson's progress. I am so so so happy that you are all home and together again and that he is doing well. Your story has reminded me to hug my 18 month old daughter tighter. This is by far my favorite happy ending!!

Jiggy said...

My niece forwarded your blog on to me so that our family could join you in your prayers for your sweet little boy. You see we have a remarkably similar story to yours. Only ours was in our parents pool and it was 23 years ago this June 3rd. (Hard to believe that much time has passed. In many ways our miracle seemed like yesterday). Our stories were so similar I was right back in all the emotions and memories as I read about your story. Now 23 years later our little miracle is about to graduate from BYU in April and is bringing his own little miracle into this world. His first child, a son due in June. Never a day goes by that I don't thank my Father in Heaven for this child being allowed to stay with us longer. We are so happy to hear you have been blessed with the outcome we were given. You never really look at life the same again. We have found that that is one of the beautiful gifts that come from this kind of experience. What a gift we have been given. We are so happy for you. Thank-you for allowing so many share in your miracle. Thank-you for the reminder of our memories we hold so dear. Karen from San Diego

Kimmie said...

amazing video...amazing little boy!

crystal said...

Like so many, I am so very thankful that this story had a miracle ending and that you are all finally back together as a family. I sit here at work just imagining how grateful you must feel being back to your normal "mom" routine! As many have also said, I'm sure that routine will never quite be the same. It feels weird not checking your blog so many times a day as I did for so many days but I'm so thankful that there isn't a reason to anymore! Happy homecoming!
Crystal

Kierstin said...

Hello, I am Dave and Sunan Laws' sister-in-Law, Kierstin Laws. I have been following your son's incredibly miraculous journey and have wept along with you, prayed for you and hoped with all of my heart for his swift recovery. CONGRATULATIONS, BRONSON!!! YEAH, YEAH, YEAH! I am the mother to three amazing children, 8 year old Mikaela, 6 year old Max, and 18 month old, Mia. Your story touched the very center of my soul because I cannot imagine the excruciating pain that you all must have gone through, but especially you, Sara. I admire your strength, and willingness to accept your husbands and Bronson's forgiveness... that is not an easy task for mommies to do. I only hope that you can one day forgive yourself. I wish so much happiness, joy, love, peace, and health to you and your sweet family. What a miracle! The Lord definitely has big plans for that little boy. Good luck and God bless!! Love from one mommy to another

Anonymous said...

"WHERE THERE IS GREAT LOVE, THERE ARE ALWAYS MIRACLES." - WILLA CATHER

TARA WARTHEN MADSEN said...

Sara - I had to write you AGAIN because your beautiful book(s) arrived today! While following your blog the last 2 weeks, I stumbled on your friend Jane's blog and was directed to Deseret Book. I purchased 3 of your baptism books: one for Luke (age 3), one for Cade (age 18 mos.), and one for a baby #3 we hope to have someday. I'd LOVE to have you autograph them for me one day. Our family wishes you the best of love, peace, joy and rest now that you are finally home!
The Murrieta, CA Madsens!
(A.K.A. Red Sox Fans!!!)

Karlee Jo Waddoups said...

You don't know who I am, but I have been reading your blog for the past two weeks. I can't tell you how much it has touched me. My husband and I live in Rexburg, Idaho going to school at BYU-I and our prayers have been with you, your family and little Bronson. I was so thrilled when I read that he was leaving the hospital, I was crying so hard I had to leave work. I have shared your story with my family and they too rejoiced with Bronson's news.
I am so thankful for the testimony of miracles you have given us. So grateful of your faith to keep hope and strength as your little boy struggled. I hope that when the time comes, I will be able to have as much faith and such a strong testimony as you and your family. You don't know how many of us are praying for you. Thank you again for your faith. Give little Bronson a hug from me.
Sincerely,
David and Karlee Jo Waddoups

joey said...

All smiles =)

Morgan said...

I hope you know how much your story is changing lives. I live in Southern California and my sister (who lives in Utah) sent me the link to your blog. What mother hasn't stepped away from the tub- just for a second? We all have, and never think a second about it. Your story has strengthened my testimony and I know that our Heavenly Father is a God of miracles. I sat my husband down and made him read your story and watch the video. We both promised each other we would never step away from the tub- even for a second. You are changing lives. Thank you for sharing. I am so amazed at your happy ending. Enjoy your sweet boy! I'm certainly hugging mine a little tighter tonight.

Carrie said...

so happy for you. the video was beautiful! best wishes for you and your family in the future! bottom line bronson's time was not up. heavenly father has more important things for him to accomplish in this world! kind of scary when you think what else could he accomplish that beats what he has already been able to conquer!

Shana Smith said...

Your blog has touched my heart more deeply than I have words to express! I have been in your position before, sleeping in those cells in the PICU, pacing the hallways countless times, and wearing the same clothes day after day after day! My circumstances were a little different than yours, my husband has had open heart surgeries at Primarys 2 times within 2 1/2 years, the last only 18 months ago! We had just given birth to our first child (also a little boy) 6 weeks prior. The only thing we can truly count on is our faith in our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ! I often thought, why us? But the Lord will not give us any trial in our lives that we cant handle, and although our trials are LESS THAN ideal, they are testimony builders, and for that I am grateful! Thank you for your blog, as hard as it must have been to write and literally tell the world about the little mistakes that we all make, It has strengthened my testimony! Bronson is a sweetheart, and he has a greater responsibility and purpose here on this earth! I am truly so excited to read that he was released and is now home! Squeeze our children and loved ones tighter and more often, life is so precious! Thank you:)
Ps. Jonathan Canlas was my wedding photographer, wonderful man!

Anonymous said...

First off I just want to tell you that you don't know me but I am so happy for your family and baby B. He is so cute and such an amazing baby! This story hit home for me, I also have a little baby boy myself. He was also born in October of 2008. So I have been praying and praying for all of you everynight! I am SOSOSOSO HAPPY that you had a happy ending!!!!!! What a blessing!!!!! Now I can cry tears of joy!
I also wanted to let everyone out there know about another danger in the bathroom that no one really thinks about. The toilet. Our family Doc told me that he has seen an increase in toddler deaths from this. These little sweeties go into the bathroom and they open the toilet lid and lean over to play in the water, they are so top heavy that they fall in and can't get out and drown. I know that there are a million people out there that are reading your words right now Sara and I thought that I would tell you about this so that you could maybe pass this word along. Maybe it will save a life someday.
hugs to you, your family and of course little Bronson. Hold him extra tight. I will be holding onto my little sweetie
xoxo

Jen Turner said...

What a wonderful outcome to your story! I have been praying with you all since almost the first day and I am so excited to see Gods work so apparent in this miracle boy! And whata wonderful family you have. God bless!

debbie said...

You guys have been through so much, but I think it is such a gift to know how your husband would react in a situation like that. wow! It really is amazing. He seems like a wonderful person.

meg said...

I remember when I came to visit and went to your house to see Kaden for the first time. You weren't there for some reason, Matt was home and Kaden woke up from his nap. When Matt came out holding him I just remember feeling so proud of this new Daddy. I hadn't seen him like that before, changing a diaper, cuddling and talking baby talk...I will never forget. I have always loved and looked up to him, even when he was teasing and tormenting me growing up in the same house. I thought he and Mike were the coolest people on the planet...still do. :) Love to you all, Happy Valentine's Day.

si tu veux said...

Beautiful expression of love and inspired joy found in the best things of every moment of your days. Hugs to you. Hope for healing and further peace for your family.

Rich and Nickie said...

You do not know me...but I couldn't continue on with my day without letting you know your trial has changed someone for the better. I am a different person for having read your blog and watched your slideshow of your sweet angel. I have spent the last week in a hotel room feeling angry and bitter over hardships that so shamefully are not near as painful as what you were asked to go through. I have turned my back on God this week even though I was well aware that was the worst possible thing I could be doing for myself, my husband, and my children. I needed to be reminded I'm not the only one going through hard times, and sadly it took seeing your trial to wake me up and pull me out of my selfish pitty party....so THANK YOU...Thank you for sharing your story of your sweet angel with me. If anything I hope you can find some joy this day in knowing you have changed one woman...one marriage...and one eternal family. My thoughts and prayers will continue to be with you and your family and all other mothers asked to go through the same difficult trial.

Briasmama said...

wow, a co-worker sent me a link to your blog with the caption "you will shed a tear, but you have to read this" he was right I did cry and I said a prayer for your family, although it seems your prayers have already been answered. I went home and hugged my little 2 year old daughter and let her stay up a little late last night so I could spend some extra time with her. You are so lucky and brave, I would have fallen apart at the seams. You have a such a beautiful family and as you already know, you are truly blessed. Wonderful blog!

Loralee and the gang... said...

Lucky you...not everyone has a love like that...

Meredith Carlson said...

Sara! I've been meaning to write you since I'd first heard and let you know that we were praying and hoping with you and for you. How grateful we are for this miracle!!! I cried as I read and watched the slideshow. So happy for you all! :)