It is of no benefit for me to put on a facade that I have it all together. I think I’ve always known that from the begining but it was made very clear to me today after last night’s apprehensive post. I might be putting myself in a vulnerable position by publicly expressing my doubts and fears, but by doing so, beautiful things have happened. Prayers have most certainly gone up on behalf of Nora and myself and because of that, it was a much better day. So many of you wrote to me with such comforting words either in the comments, by Facebook or e-mail. Your words got me off on the right foot this morning and have continued to sustain me throughout the day.
Although it might seem like my family is amidst our own personal trial, I clearly see it’s not just OURS. I’ve shared Nora through this blog before we even knew who she was, gathering quite a following! Based on the 3000 average hits that my blog gets every day, and all of the blessed comments – it is very clear that Nora has captured the hearts of many more people than just her family’s. Yes, we are definitely on a roller coaster ride here. Lots of big hills, loops and turns. I was reminded in a comment today to turn around and look at all the people in the cars behind us. Wow, is that a cool image!! Thank you so very much for getting on this ride with us, for laughing with us and crying with us. I’m not sure where this ride is taking us, but I can’t help but think it will be someplace awesome. God is right there in that first car with His arms up, ready and aware of each approaching twist and turn. Stay focused on Him and He’ll show us the way.
Every valley shall be filled in,
every mountain and hill made low.
The crooked roads shall become straight,
the rough ways smooth.
(Luke 3:5 NIV)
iwillcarryyou 
I don’t think anyone expects you to have it all together. After reading yesterday’s post I have two thoughts for you to consider:
1) Crying shows Greta how much you care about Nora and ultimately her too. Gabe sees us crying about Alex and knows by that that we love her and miss her. And he does not have to wonder if he was gone if we’d love and miss him too or that if he had a diagnosis we’d love him any less.
2) Leave the house and do whatever you want to. I took Alex to the grocery store once and the cashier remarked at how tiny she was which made me feel like I was being neglectful about taking this tiny baby in a public place in the winter. But it was the only trip she made to the store and that’s the only store memory we made. Do the things you want to do with her so you won’t ever wonder why you didn’t.
Thank you for continuing to share Nora with the world. Don’t ever feel silly about your posts if you are having a bad day. You are not “airing your dirty laundry”, but rather taking us on this journey with you. You’ve driven more people to their knees in the last 4 months than you know. You have likely made more people evaluated their blessings and thank God for the first time in their lives. God knew his plans for Nora and also knew not just anyone could take on the challenges that came with being her parents. Don’t feel like you have to censor your posts or pretend this isn’t the hardest thing ever. You have way more people praying for you than judging you. You are so brave and so, so appreciated by many. I am one of many! Prayers for a great visit tomorrow!
Aleisa, your gift of Nora Rose and yourself is awesome! You are a blessing to me and countless thousands. Being “picked up” and driven around by our Heavenly Father can only come when you trust Him completely. You clearly do…………..Love to your sweet family. Melba
I’d disagree that you’ve been putting on a facade of having it all together, Lise. You’ve just demonstrated that you’re KEEPING it together, and how you’re doing it, and that’s why people keep coming to read what you have to say. Thanks for the post!
Wow…I’ll i can say is wow. I just started following your post, but i am already in love with that little girl. I have two babies myself and for one second can’t imagine how your heart must ache everyday, and long for a normal life for her…for all your children. There is no doubt that you are stronger than you think. Even though she’s little, she is so
awear of how much you love her. I am praying for all of you.
That is one of the reason your blogs are so amazing.. you are honest and share what you truly feel. All of you are in our prayers!
The people above me have said what I wanted to say. 🙂 I’m here, reading and praying and listening, and praying some more each day for you and your family. Many many people are here for you. Thank you for sharing Nora with us all! She’s a beautiful precious little girl. Extra prayers today for tomorrow. 🙂 Take care, and keep believing.
Extra prayers for you today. Its hard to put a smile on your face when you are hurting so much deep down, but I have learned that sometimes no matter how “strong” we may be it is ok to let that guard down and let out all of those emotions that are bottled way deep down. keep sharing please…no matter what you may be feeling 🙂
It seems all that can be said – has been said and done. Prayers sent up; people becoming aware of just where you are at and feeling; me getting acquainted by way of your blog – Yes the ride has it’s highs and lows. I praise God for the many that have come forward to be there with you and take your hand and walk this journey with you. The pictures today are so very precious and I love to look at those beautiful eyes of Nora’s. My prayers continue with you daily.
The courage that you have to be so outspoken about your feelings and struggles amazes me and so many others. Though you may feel weak at times, you are actually stronger than most of us because you’re pouring your heart out on here every day and people respond with such uplifting prayers and words of strength. It is such a wonderful cycle and God is smiling down on you and everyone connected through your story. Keep on posting on. 😉
I hope you’re enjoying this beautiful day. Always praying for you and the fam. Love you.
As a daily reader, I want you to know you are normal! The wonderful day of the birthday party, family, friends, entertaining, enjoying laughter in your home, your heart is lifted, a beautiful smile on your face and for that day living returned to your house, family, and heart. Then William and you had the gift of a massage in the evening and you went to bed feeling better than you had in months. You deserved it, that’s why God gave it to you and William. The next day Nora isn’t feeling well and you drop to the depths of fear and worry. Perhaps Nora was just exhausted from all the excitement and visitors from the party. Remember, babies are like that but with Nora it is an extra concern. All the negatives multiply in your mind after the glorious day you and your family have just shared. This is so real and such a normal, positive reaction! We get settled in our adjusted way of living, and after having a day or two of normalcy, it is much more difficult to return and readjust. However, you will and can do it with no doubts or second thoughts!
Perhaps at the cardiologist’s appt., he would be able to offer suggestions on getting out with Nora. With the children back in school, it may be safer to take her for brief shopping trips, check with him. You are a brave, courageous, loving, and wonderful woman who is sharing a most difficult personal story. Thank you for being the Mother you are. Prayers for you.
A beautiful song we sang in church Sunday, made me think of your family & little Nora Rose: His strength is perfect when our strength is gone He’ll carry us when we can’t carry on Raised in his power, the weak become strong His strength is perfect, His strength is perfect. Praying for you
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Praying for Noras appointment to go well tomorrow.
Sleep well.
Pour your heart out…. you are a beautiful person and we live this with you! Know how much you and your family… and sweet little Nora are LOVED! Even though we don’t “know” you! God’s continued blessings on all of you!!! XOXOXO Lisa
I am one of those daily hits and yes, sweet little Nora has captured many hearts including mine. I enjoy reading your daily posts. Your family is an inspiration! Continued prayers for little Nora and your family.
Audrey
Just a reminder, because I feel you already know this…When we are weak, He is strong! Remember, Peter didn’t have it together and he denied the Lord. God used him in mighty ways though. Love you, girl. Praying someday we can meet.
I just read today in my devotional that “the one who is honest about his failures is the one who can be strongest in his faith.”
ALEISA, I CANNOT BEGIN TO TELL YOU HOW MUCH BETTER I FEEL AFTER HEARING NORA IS SO MUCH BETTER TODAY. I HAVE SAID ALL ALONG THAT GOD WILL BE THERE WITH NORA AND YOUR WHOLE FAMILY. HE IS ALWAYS RIGHT BESIDE YOU, AND ALL WE HAVE TO DO IS LEAN ON HIM WHEN WE FEEL WEAK AND TIRED. I CANNOT IMAGINE THE UPS AND DOWNS THAT YOU AND YOUR ENTIRE FAMILY GOES THROUGH, BUT I CAN SAY YOU AND YOUR WHOLE FAMILY ARE SO STRONG IN FAITH THAT YOU WILL BE ABLE TO FACE EACH AND EVERY DAY. DO NOT FEEL BAD AT ALL ABOUT BEING DOWN OR SAD. THOSE ARE FEELINGS THAT WE CAN ALL SHARE, BECAUSE WE HAVE BEEN THERE AT ONE TIME OR ANOTHER. ON SO MANY OCCASIONS YOUR BLOG HAS LIFTED MY SPIRITS WHEN THINGS ARE NOT GOING VERY GOOD. GOD KNEW WHO TO BLESS HAVING NORA. YOU GUYS ARE THE MOST LOVING, GIVING FAMILY I THINK I HAVE EVER GOTTEN TO KNOW. I JUST HOPE AND PRAY THAT SOME DAY I GET TO MEET LITTLE NORA AND HER WONDERFUL FAMILY. NORA HAS BEEN A BLESSING TO SO MANY, AND WE THANK YOU FOR SHARING ALL THE GOOD AND ALL THE TRYING TIMES WITH US. YOU ARE AN AMAZING LADY ALEISA, ONE OF THE BEST. LOVE YOUR WHOLE FAMILY. GOD BLESS.