Day 350 | AUGUST 26, 2022

Good evening, Friends. Today is day 350 of our new and fantastic life!

This morning I woke up to a strange sound. It sounded like a motor that was stuck.

I looked at the clock, and it was 8 am, and I didn’t see London around. I was a little confused, and then I heard my name being called by one of Charlie’s nurses, so I went downstairs to find out that one of the automatic barn doors was stuck! Luckily it was an easy fix, but what a way to start the day.

Charlie had her wound care done early in the morning, so she would be ready to take London to school! Yes! Charlie rode her wheelchair down the street, and London walked to his school. We live close to the school, which is a 15 minutes walk. I can’t even explain how amazing it is for Charlie to be able to take London to school, and anyone who knows Charlie would ride 30 minutes round trip to his school.

After this exciting moment, Charlie went to her OT session, and her therapist told her that her upper body compression garments had been shipped, and very soon, she will start to wear them, which should help her scars to become flat.

I took some time to work on myself today, and here is what I learned.

I went deep on my gratitude journey, and I am telling you, it is starting to change how I feel. As I am writing my gratitude list, it hit me that when the accident happened, and Charlie was in the ICU fighting for her life, I begged God with all my heart and would, and I implored for her life, and I dreamed of the day Charlie would be back home with us.

Since I started my latest episode of symptoms from my PTSD, I was in such a dark place in my mind that I almost forgot that she was here; I have what I begged God for!

Instead, in my negative state of mind, I was angry, feeling disconnected, I was hurting, and in my pain, I was causing Charlie and the boys to suffer.

I am still struggling with some symptoms, but I can say that today was a much better day; as I continue reminding myself of what I have and I become grateful, there is less space in my mind for negativity; my goal is to fill my mind and heart of all the things I have and that I am grateful for.

Today I reminded myself that I have Charlie alive and by my side! What also do I need or want? This alone is enough to make me happy!

I invite anyone struggling with negative thoughts and feelings or feeling disconnected to start your gratitude Journal, but you must write it down, not just say, written words have power.

I have a long journey ahead of me, and I know I will have ups and downs; with God’s help and a mindset of gratitude, I can overcome the trauma and PTSD symptoms in my life.

Gratitude is the best gift you can give to yourself.

I continue to thank God for all his gifts, and I thank you for your support!

May God Bless You!

André