to live with reckless abandon

OK, so, if you're like me, you will cry your eyes out once you read this family's full story (http://oursonnylife.com/).  Although I've never met them, I've cried a lot over the last couple of days when I think about their baby boy, Trek Atlas. 

Maybe it's because we have always desired to travel the world with our children. Maybe it's because our sweet Tea was born the month that they learned their little one would die young. Maybe it's because we spent weeks in Phuket, a so-called, "heaven on earth," the place where baby Trek finally found freedom from the illness that took over his body.

Whatever the reason, this story has reminded me to live in a way that will encourage growth in all areas of my family's life: spiritually, mentally, emotionally, physically...

There is a huge message here about living our lives in a way that embraces every single moment, down to each second of the days we are given.... I am really inspired by the way that these parents are teaching their children about the world; and even with the knowledge of unavoidable future grief, they set out on their journey and gave their youngest son the chance to see and experience more in his 14 months than some adults ever will.

I really encourage you to read through old posts to learn about this family. Although the images of Trek's weakened body are very hard to see, there is so much beauty in the bravery of his experience that I feel compelled to pass his story along. Prepare yourself, though, because his mom, Chelsea, continues to write in a very raw way, allowing you to come alongside her as she mourns. You are in my thoughts and prayers daily, Chelsea.

If you'd like some context, I suggest that you read the following posts first:

January 25- back story of baby Trek's diagnosis

http://oursonnylife.com/2012/01/25/genetics/


June 21st- Baby Trek passes away in Phuket, Thailand
http://oursonnylife.com/2012/06/21/we-lost-our-baby-today/

Let's be challenged and inspired by this family's experience, y'all. Let's be thankful for our loved ones, for our babies, for the time that we have NOW, and all of the sweet blessings that the great Lord has given us.