One year ago today.
One year ago today at 1:15 in the morning we got a phone call that changed our lives (and most definitely a season of our lives) forever.
By this time, Dad was already in surgery to repair his aorta. It was very obvious that while yes, they were going to perform the surgery, there was not much hope.
We moved to the waiting room to do just that–wait. And people kept showing up to check on him–us. Little Olive was still in utero and so many people were concerned about me going into early labor. It was completely surreal.
And not long after we heard the phone call from Ali about Dad did God impress upon my heart this verse that I clung to for the next couple of months:
“It is because of the Lord’s mercy and loving-kindness that we are not consumed, because His mercies never fail. They are new every morning; great and abundant is Your stability and faithfulness.” Lamentations 3:22-23
God was so faithful. Every morning when things should go one way (bad) they would go another. And every day we heard from nurses and doctors to not expect a good outcome. But we did. And taped at the foot of his bed was this verse:
“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you. Plans to give you a hope and a future.” Jer. 29:11
Now here we are one year later. Dad still has a long way to go with his hip. He needs to have another surgery to remove the calcium deposits on his hip. Until that surgery, it’s very frustrating to not be gaining any more movement. His heart doctor gave him a clean bill of health–making sure he knew that he was very, very lucky.
We could never say thank you enough to everyone. To God, for more time with him. To our friends and family who supported us during such a scary time. To my husband who stayed with our kids so I could be in the hospital more than I ever dreamed. To my Mom who watched the kids all the other time. We are just very, very grateful.
And today, as we think about what all we have and how far we’ve come–we ask you to remember Thad Johnston’s family–the man who lost his life. While this year has been one of joy and thankfulness for us, I’m sure it’s been quite the opposite for them.
This is the last entry in this blog. Hopefully, there will never be another reason to post on it again! You can always read my other blog if you are interested in keeping up with us. 
Aubin- what a wonderful post a year later. I am sooo proud of you and Alison and Adam and all you’ve done to be there for your dad during this whole ordeal. Your blog has been such a blessing for many and unbelievable you could keep up with it with all you had going on in your own family (like delivering a baby!). You never cease to amaze me! It’s so weird looking back now and remembering how the doctors and nurses gave him no hope, then they would be surprised with each thing he survived – wow, what a testament to the power of prayer!
Love all the pictures – good job – and good job on this final post. I LOVE YOU!!!
Mom
Thank you for the inspiring update on your dad and all your family. The pictures are great–my how the kiddos are growing. We continue to be grateful for the wonders of the past year and the progress your dad has made. Joyce and Ron Sergent
It was good to see you today. Thank you for being so open and sharing your faith. You are an inspiration. God Bless you and your family!