Ben.

This past week, through Facebook and other forms of social media, I became aware of the story of Ben Breedlove. He was an 18-year old young man from Austin, Texas who suffered from hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM). On December 18th he posted a two part video telling his story on a series of handwritten index cards. He talked about the times he had cheated death and how his life was spent coping with his condition. I saw the videos posted from several heart families that I am friends with on Facebook who made a point of stating not to watch them unless you had your tissues ready. I haven't watched them until today for this reason and I have to say, they were right. 

   

These videos really hit home for me. While Lukas' heart condition is very different from HCM, seeing those words from this brave young man struck me deep. Through my tears, I couldn't help but think of Lukas. Someday, he is likely going to feel some of those same things. The disappointment of not being able to play some of the same sports as his brothers, being fussed over, getting sick, having surgeries, doctors appointments, the whole nine yards.  With each card, all I could do was look at Lukas and think of him; how his heart condition will affect him and how his feelings toward that condition will develop and change over the years. I can't say I know what it feels like because I've never walked in those shoes myself. But seeing him, seeing Ben Breedlove on that screen telling his story...well it puts things in perspective. 

Today, I'm snuggling my boy extra tight. I'm sucking the marrow out of life and relishing in every good day he has. Mostly, I'm thanking God that he's still with us. I will spend everyday for the rest of my life being grateful and feeling blessed that I get to know this darling boy and call him my own. Seeing Ben's story left me with a new perspective today. What these kids deal with is real and its so hard. They don't get to breeze through life. They cope with things that are far beyond my level of comprehension. They feel fear and worry over things that children their age shouldn't have to.  Yet somehow, despite it all, these kids keep going. They cope and they go on living. They show people like me what it means to really live. What it means to never take things for granted. These kids do big things and they make their mark on the world. They take each day as it comes and they learn to shape their world despite their heart conditions. They possess courage and strength that can't be depicted in words, only felt in the heart. That's something to be admired. 

So to Ben Breedlove and all the other heart kids in our world - you guys are heroes. You don't have to be invincible or bulletproof to be miraculous. You guys are real life heroes. Each and every one of you. 

Happy Friday friends. Until next time...