8/19/24 One year. One year? It's been 1 year.

well hello there, remember me?

let's just get straight to it, shall we? it has been 1 year today since Justin's life saving craniotomy. it's hard to believe, as time is a fickle and funny beast. it ebbs & flows, fast & slow, yet constant & unrelenting.

recap of that crazy week: head cold. soccer game. no soccer. a week of headaches. dr visit "oh, it's his stomach". another dr visit, "take him to the ER to get fluids but no it's not meningitis" (implied "are you stupid?"). next day ER and thankfully a shift change that brought the dr God intended. thus the lumbar puncture, CT, and transfer to Primary hospital for MRI and 2 surgeries. you know the rest. 

the miracle of God saving Justin's life. the heartfelt prayers from around the world. the extreme hard work he put into his speedy recovery. a little bit of Bob Ross (that is another story for another time). after getting out of the hospital for the 2nd time, so many things have happened, some of which we have shared, some will be new here. 

lots of Impact United soccer including National Playoffs in FL plus beach time, so many dances, wonderful friends, always food, sinus surgery, 1st university classes, 18th birthday, Brighton soccer 1st Team All Region, cousin's wedding, camping, hiking, backpacking, road trips, graduation, family, summer jobs, selecting a University, Philadelphia art museum. oh my gosh bucket list item, LIVERPOOL in person! we went to watch Liverpool and Arsenal play a friendly in Philadelphia. some day we will make it TO Liverpool but we had the best time and made incredible memories! and they won! and Mohamed Salah scored! and the crowd was excited, divided between the teams! we saw people all over the city in their jerseys. we even had a British man and his son bring the language...😉the only thing missing was beer being thrown.

so, today, 8/19/24. Justin started as a Freshman at the University of Utah, studying Electrical Engineering. he's living in the dorm with a young man from San Diego, and one from Northern Idaho. they are super cool and he's very excited, a little nervous, but so ready for this next stage of life! some of my observations of his life since his illness, he is more relaxed & patient, takes things in stride, thankful & grateful, and very focused on the future. 

i'm honestly not super sad he's away at college, although i'm glad he and Jovi are nearby!!! i've already seen him once. i'm so happy for this opportunity and the promise his future holds. i'm just SO thankful he's alive and healthy, how could i be anything but grateful?! i will miss seeing him everyday, and greatly miss his friends popping by everyday. (actually popping in, they all have the house code 😆) 

i don't know if i'll post again. i'll put it on social media if i do. 

we can't thank all ya'll enough for supporting us on this journey and upholding us during our worst days.

love the 4 fabulous Fahrenkrogs!