Life is 10% what happens to you, and 90% how you respond to it.

“How’s March 17th?” the doctor asked. “Saint Patrick’s Day – I’ll call that a lucky day,” he added, pointing to his red hair.

Nineteen years ago today on Saint Patrick’s Day my son had his cleft palate repair at Mott Hospital in Ann Arbor, Michigan. It was one of the worst days of my life, having to hand him over to medical staff, and then for him to awaken petrified and in pain. The next several months, at only the age of one, he couldn’t bend his arms (for fear he would tear the stitches by putting his fingers or toys inside his mouth), but he adapted and even learned how to walk with balance and grace. He was a fighter then and now less than a month shy of his 20th birthday, he still is. The doctors said this date would be lucky for him, and with his Irish name of Connor, I do say that they were right. There is a quote that says Life is 10% what happens to you, and 90% how you respond to it. Connor has always shrugged it off and pushed forward. There’s lessons to be learned by that.

Connor has been studying abroad for the last 6 weeks and I get to see this face tomorrow. No, I haven’t been counting down the days – that’s just weird. Okay, maybe I’ve been counting days, just not hours or anything because that’s really weird.

For each petal on the shamrock.
This brings a wish your way
Good health, good luck, and happiness
For today and every day.

Believe,

Kristy