One In a Million!

I am sure you have heard of it- it's one of the leading household products that "live in the basements, garages and under the sinks of America and around the world". It has over 2,000 documented uses and counting...

But, perhaps what you did not know is what an unbelievably value centered and family-oriented company that it is. Not to mention it's made up of some of the most genuinely thoughtful employees on the face of this earth! Our personal connection with WD-40 began when Hudson (our oldest) was just a newborn. It's staggering to see where this past nearly eight years has brought us! From day one we were welcomed with open arms and Adam was taken under the wing of so many great mentors.

After two children, moving out of state,  the life changing discovery of Adam's brain tumor and subsequent surgery, they are family to us! Through everything we have been through these past couple of years I can not even imagine how different it could have been without the love and support of our WD-40 family!

Over the years, Adam has enjoyed working on so many great campaigns with WD-40, especially the ones that are extremely close to his heart like the military tributes and limited edition cans. His Dad served in the US Navy and that means so very much to Adam and our family. But, little did we know that a very special group of angels were working on a campaign of their very own just for Adam!

Many of you have been with us every step of the way and lifted us up in prayers, sent cards,  encouraging words and so much more. All through Adam's diagnosis, research, surgery and recovery we have tried our best to keep everyone updated on his progress- which is still going amazingly well, by the way :)

The latest development in his physical therapy opened a door to discovering a very unique device that could completely change Adam's daily life and awaken nerves in his arm, wrist and hand that he hasn't been able to get complete communication with for nearly a year and a half of therapy. Immediately we began praying, researching further and communicating with the company (Bioness) and our insurance. The track record of the device was mind blowing (and so was the $7,000+ price tag). But, soon it became all Adam talked about.  We all thought "YES!!! Finally, a light at the end of the tunnel!!!!

But, unfortunately, there were road blocks with the insurance- it's such a new technology that it is still considered "experimental" and as such, our insurance doesn't cover it, not even partially- Now, believe me we are certainly pushing back with letters from Adam's doctors, therapists, etc. but had also ultimately came to a decision that no matter what we would get him that device, regardless on whether the insurance covered some or not a single penny of the expense. He is worth it and so much more!

At that, we both began praying about our finances- cutting out where we could, saving here and there, I print coupons like crazy and started earmarking any photography sessions and orders that came in specifically for Adam's new arm device. God is unbelievably faithful and we started making progress towards our goals. Adam, always the negotiator began negotiating terms and a purchase price for a used (refurbished) Bioness unit while we were also pushing every available option for an exception for at least partial coverage with insurance. We were covering every angle.

And then, out of the blue we receive a card in the mail from a group of Adam's co-workers at WD-40, who had taken up a collection for him to be able to purchase the Bioness unit- and not just a re-furbished one, but a brand spanking new unit all to his own!!!! And they didn't stop there- they even did their own negotiating with Bioness and got them down another $700 on the price of a new unit.

When Adam told me, I was speechless, stunned and completely humbled to see such pure generosity!!! I cried. I still sit quietly and try to wrap my mind around it, knowing that Adam will have more use of his left hand soon. I can't wait to see him doing more of the things he loves again in more of a comfortable routine- cooking, playing ball with the kids, golf...basketball, and maybe even one day soon running again!

I am still in awe of how God can work so delicately and perfectly when we just completely surrender to His will. I am so unbelievably thankful for such a precious company like WD-40 and even more so for the friends there who love us like family. I could never ever express in words just how much this wonderful blessing means to our family- and to Adam.

Thank you, Thank you, THANK YOU from the very bottom of my heart. We love you all so very, very much!!! You are all one in a million and are such an example of true compassion, generosity and love! To everyone in California and beyond who contributed in each and every way- big and small. Please know that there is a family in Georgia whose lives you have completely changed forever and are soooooooooooo thankful for you!!!! WD-40 has ultimately added a few more uses to their list of unlimited uses- inspiring hope, loving like family and paying it forward.

xoxo,
The Browns

...and, I thought this verse was absolutely perfect on the heels of this wonderful blessing- thank you for lifting us up!!!

Something Special about 12-12-12

Today's date is all the rage today...12-12-12 In itself it is pretty special- it does only happen once in a millennia you know. But, there's another reason it's VERY special- one that will always be with us and worth celebrating year after year.

One year ago today I sat in a family waiting area at Duke University Hospital in Durham, as Adam was undergoing brain surgery. Clutching onto my extremely worn collection of bible verses to pray as we waited. Surrounded by family and friends that could be there with us- and definitely feeling the thoughts and prayers of many who could not, I felt at peace and knew God was in control. And to be completely honest that in itself was a miracle. I had been so full of fear, doubt and worry every since Adam made the decision to go ahead with surgery. I can not put into words what it really feels like to have God lift that burden off your shoulders- I am still in awe!

The surgery overall was much more successful than the doctors had anticipated- they removed a significant amount more of the tumor than they thought would be possible. But, that came at a cost. Adam woke without the use of his left side and from what was to originally be two days of recovery in the hospital turned into well over 10 days followed by another month + of inpatient rehabilitation therapy. We celebrated Christmas last year in the small family apartment at North Georgia Medical Center- though it was phenomenal and every bit as special for us all to be together, it was not home.

This year we are home for Christmas and the joy in my heart is overwhelming. In this past year Adam has grown stronger in every sense of the word. He came home in a wheelchair with very limited movement in his left arm, hand and fingers...and with very little strength in his legs. His left leg could barely stand for more than 5 minutes without shaking from exertion. Nearly one month to the day- Adam had his wheelchair waiting on the front porch for the rental company to pick back up.

It's that spirit of determination that he has carried every day since and his physical strength has made steady progress. He can now walk with an almost unnoticeable limp, chase the kids (thought it's not a pretty site- ha!), wrap his arms around me for a hug and every now and then dance with me when no one is watching (but, you can't tell him I told you that). He even recently beat my little sister in an arm wrestling contest! He consistently impresses his therapists with his progress and loves to show off his new tricks. I have no doubt that he will only continue to gain more control and mobility.

And even if he doesn't that's ok. Our marriage and friendship is stronger because of this and we are still in awe of the rally of support our family received from family, friends, loved ones and perfect strangers throughout this past year.  Our faith is stronger than ever and we feel so grateful to have experienced this with knowing God was and IS carrying us through- we welcome the opportunity to share what God is doing in our lives and live with a much clearer vision of the bigger picture and of what life is truly all about. Clearly, God has a plan for him no matter what (and we are just along for the journey).

We are sooooooo very happy and thankful for our love, family, health, innumerable blessings and to be able to celebrate a year of successful recovery- and especially to sing Happy Birthday to Jesus at home this year!

Thank you all for your prayers for our family over this past year, you really made a difference with each word lifted up! And thank you also to those who continue to pray for us and Adam's continued recovery- it is truly amazing to see how very far he has come!

xoxo :)

Below is our year in review via Instagram (this I have to thank my good friend Lan Bui who encouraged me to document this time for Adam- no matter how much I did not want to). He was definitely right, how awesome it is to look back and see how far he has come! Thanks Lan ;)

Praying for Adam {By The Grace of God}

I can't believe over a week has passed since we have been at Duke. It feels like months. Time passes slowly but that also allows for some peaceful reflection amid all the chaos of life right now. It seems like each day brought it's own unique challenges as well as huge victories. Through it all we had the constant loving support of family, friends (some who were able to be here with us and others who lifted us up and prayer and stayed updated online and through texts) and the unshakable peace of God.

Every day Adam makes unbelievable progress- and that's not an overstatement for me to just feel good inside. We hear the physical therapists talking amongst themselves at how much progress he is making everyday and what a wonderful spirit he has. Adam is not only determined to work hard at physical rehabilitation but also to treat everyone as he would like to be treated- his attitude is infectious. He is quickly becoming every one's favorite patient.

As I type this update, Adam is sleeping in a chair beside me and looking at him- so peaceful and rested- a much different image than only a week ago. We have been through so much, but I would honestly not change a thing because it has brought us face to face with God and shown us first hand his limitless power and mercy. It is only by the grace of God that I made it through this last week with a peace that as the verse says below transcends all understanding. That's not to say that I did not have my moments of weakness and fear, but thankfully I was surrounded by so many reminders of God's love and presence that those moments were short.

I can not thank everyone enough- all of you who prayed for us and cheered Adam on. Our friends, neighbors, family, strangers...my sisters, brothers, parents (direct and in-laws) all rallied around us and constantly were there for us. We have lived through the promise that all things work together for God's perfect plan and will keep that promise in our hearts with each step that Adam makes through recovery and in our everyday life in general.

Love to you all and God Bless!!!

Mommy Mondays {Still at Duke}

This one will be a quick one, I am saving up for tomorrow's post for Adam. We are all doing well and it has been an unbelievable relief to have the kids here. Not having planned on being here this long it was a bit of a shock to actually realize amidst all the craziness going on how much I didn't realize I missed their hugs and kisses- and they missed and needed mine.

It's amazing the rejuvenation of energy and strength that is contained in their hugs, kisses and smiles!

Praying For Adam {Welcome to Duke}

Reflecting on the long day we had ad Duke. The simple description can be summed up easily with just a few well know words...welcomed like family! Each and every staff we encountered not only loved their job (we could see it on their face) but were all genuinely interested in Adam and how he came to be at Duke and what would be happening over the next few days.

We were even more blessed when we met Del and his wife Kate at admissions and quickly found out that Del was going to be having a similar procedure with Dr. Friedman and was scheduled right before Adam on Monday morning.

We closed the night with a late night buzz cut for Del, who was very grateful that Jeremy just happened to have his trimmer with him (alas....SWAT is always prepared for anything!)

We continue to me amazed and humbled throughout this journey and are ever so thankful for the nice surprises and blessings along the way like Del and his family- whose faith, like ours has forever been infused with even more purpose than we ever thought we were capable of our selves...but really, it's not our strength...but HIS!!!

xoxo and we appreciate all the prayers and notes of love that continually comes our way- please include Del in your thoughts as well when you think and pray for Adam tomorrow. Del's day will start at 6am with an MRI followed by surgery and Adam's will start at 7am with an MRI followed by surgery after Dr. Friedman has completed Del's surgery.

ps... the little globes all over their heads will be used kind of like a sophisticated GPS brain mapping system for the doctors while they are in surgery...very cool!

Praying for Adam {We are Ready}

We have arrived. Adam is all settled in watching football and very excited about his new iv (not!). At least we enjoyed a nice sushi lunch in the cafeteria before all the real hospital stuff began. I can not say how thankful I am that this moment has finally come but with that the anxiety over the next hours and days will definitely keep the butterflies very busy in my stomach.

We have an a army of support full of faithful prayer warriors at our side and led by none other than God himself with his had upon us as we continue to march forward.

Tomorrow morning will begin with an MRI at 7am and surgery is expected to approximately begin between 11-12ish. The average length of surgery is between 3-4 hours and once it is over Adam will recover in ICU overnight.

Jeremy arrived this afternoon with combat boots, his camping gear and a stash of twizzlers, chocolate and diet coke. Adam and him have kicked me out and decided I have to go back to the hotel for the best night's sleep and Jer will stay with Adam. The icing on the cake though was the special dinner Jeremy arranged with a bag of all Adam's faves from The Outback- steak, cheese fries, salad and bread :)

In all, we are doing well and love the staff here. We are really looking forward to tomorrow and then for the real healing to begin! Much love to you all and we will definitely keep the updates coming as quickly and consistently as possible.

But the Lord stood at my side and gave me strength, so that through me the message might be fully proclaimed and all the Gentiles might hear it. And I was delivered from the lion's mouth.

-2 Timothy 4:17

"Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see"
-Hebrews 11:1

Mommy Mondays {Surgery Scheduled}

It's been a few weeks since our last update for Adam and there's been so much that has been going on- Thanksgiving was wonderful and a nice break out of the normal day to day reality. Christmas lights shine bright outside, the tree is up and stockings hang on the mantle. Now we stand just one week out from Adam's surgery at Duke.

After speaking to 5 neurosurgeons, 3 of the 5 had the confidence in surgery. Adam has decided to go to Duke and have the surgery on December 12th. We will arrive early for all the pre-op procedures and most likely be there the remainder of the week. The overall recovery time is estimated between 6-8 weeks. So hopefully we will have a very relaxing Christmas and New Years.

We are so thankful for the constant encouragement and peace God lays on our hearts and sends our way through family and friends. Looking back through the stages of fear, overwhelming emotion, and the bitter education on something that I wished with every part of me was not a part of our lives I see all along God's gentle hand leading us to hope.

Despite the thousands of surgeon options around the nation one had always stuck out to us and from day one impressed Adam and I with their response time, kindness, commitment and compassion. Through appointments and even our week away for surgery lining up care for the kids has been easy, with so many willing and eager to help in any way. Each day was like a roller coaster of emotions- some good days, some bad days. And without fail it seemed the bad days were limited to only a few frail hours of worry and fear because God would find a way through our devotions, bible verses, a note from a friend or text from family to remind us that He IS with us. It's so humbling to feel so powerless in the eye of the storm but so unbelievably peaceful when we remind ourselves who is carrying us through.

Here's just a few verses from our ever growing collection that I have found constant relief from. Over these past few months I have truly learned the powerful meaning behind the declaration of Philippians 4:13, "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me." Purely and simply because it IS NOT by my own strength.

My soul is weary with sorrow; strengthen me according to your word. - Psalm 119:28

And He has said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for power is perfected in weakness ” Most gladly, therefore, I will rather boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may dwell in me. - Romans 4:16

But those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint. - Isaiah 40:31

So do not fear for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. - Isaiah 41:10

Thank you again to everyone who has been and is continuing to pray. We will continue to share updates and would love for you all to band together with us on Monday the 12th and the week that follows Adam's surgery. We are praying for a smooth surgery, wisdom and clarity for the surgeons and rest and healing for Adam.

Mommy Mondays {Answered Prayers}

Today we are preparing for the next steps in our journey together for Adam's treatment. We have been researching and finding out more and more (so much more than I care to know) about brain tumors. Many of you have been praying along with us for strength and guidance and we thank you! We are continually receiving both :)

After our last appointment with the local neurosurgeon we sent out several copies of Adam's scans and doctors notes to neurosurgeons at Duke, Emory and MD Anderson. Even though Emory is the closest we did not want to rule out other plans God may have for us even if it meant traveling a bit- as long as it was a Doctor of His choosing.

This week we get to meet with the surgeons at Duke (and hopefully Emory soon after). and our local neurosurgeon is having a conference call with the surgeons from MD Anderson. So, there's a lot to be thankful for!

When we began research there was not a big clear sign or direction, just a sea of links, websites, hospital and surgeon reviews that spanned the whole United States and beyond. To have a clear path to three of the top surgeons who are all within the top one percent of their specialty fields (glioma brain tumors) is a huge answer to prayer and an even bigger reminder of who is ultimately in control.

Adam has a wonderfully strong feeling and peace already towards Duke so we are very, very excited to meet with them this week. Please continue to pray for Adam and God's guidance in the many decisions that will come as well as us finding the surgeon that He has for us.

In closing I would like to share a verse that a dear friend sent us that is a wonderful reminder for us everyday to find strength and encouragement in Him! Adam and I have both been so appreciative of the numerous words of encouragement that we receive daily from those who are thinking about and praying for us. Through texts, emails, messages, calls, comments and facebook it is clear that God is using so many of you to rally around us as an ever constant reminder of His love for us...He is with us in every step of the way!

2 Corinthians1:3-4 All praise to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. God is our merciful Father and the source of all comfort. He comforts us in all our troubles so that we can comfort others. When they are troubled, we will be able to give them the same comfort God has given us.

Thank you all and hope you have a GREAT week :)

xoxo