Moving

I have decided to create a new blog. This blog, of course, will still be available to any and all who need it. However, this is a personal step forward that I need to take. My own way of "moving forward." Our life is continuing, whether we are ready or not. And though the wound of Chase's "condition" is still fresh, it's time to put on the neosporin and band-aid and keep going. I've held so tightly to this, I feel I may have missed other pieces of my life that I don't need to miss. So yes, Chase will always have short-gut syndrome, but we've already claimed victory over this through Christ. Now we will move forward as a family, all five of us, and celebrate every single day.
Hence the creation of the Cleckler Baby Farm blog at www.clecklerbabyfarm.blogspot.com. A way for us (me) to share what's happening with us, but this time, it'll be about ALL of us. Chase is a little brother and about to become a big brother. I feel like I need to embrace this, and let the past go. We still stand in the glory of his miracle, and definitely want to share it with the world, but maybe do so as a part of our every day life. After all, God saved our son so that we can spend EVERY DAY of his life with him.

I will never forget, nor will I ever stop sharing his story. But it's a new day, and we are starting it together as a family.....strong in God....and enjoying all of life's many, many blessings and miracles.

I hope all who have joined us in this battle will still continue with us even though our life may be just "normal" now. After all, "normal" is what we prayed for!! I don't know how to explain this feeling. It's kind of bittersweet. I feel like I'm finishing a chapter in a book that I'm not ready to finish, and moving on to the next, maybe not quite sure of everything that happened in the last chapter. Thankfully, this new blog will let me share it with you.

Believe it or not, blogging is quite therapeutic. I am terrible at speaking to someone in person or even over the phone. I get all kinds of nervous. But writing (or typing) is completely different. I seem to be able to piece the thoughts and my words together a lot easier. And if someone else reads and gives their words of encouragement or advice, or just say "howdy" .....even better.

So without further ado: Farewell chapter"Kickin' Short Gut's Butt" ....hello chapter "Cleckler Baby Farm." Looking forward to what God has in store for us next!!!!

One Word: Victory!

A friend took these pictures for us for our upcoming benefit. Kelle Hampton, you are magical!! I told her that I wanted pictures of Chase's scars but I wanted it to be more of a celebration of his victory rather than a photo to show all the pain and fighting he's been through. I think she did so beautifully!!!