Unlike many stories that involve tragedy… mine has a happy ending. In fact, it is so happy that some could say it is a fairy tale.…and the best part? My story is true.
Rewind one week. One week. Our family was at the Denver Rodeo enjoying a fun family day that came crashing down with one phone call. I noticed I had a missed call from Sara and several from my mom. I immediately called Sara back and when Doug answered I knew something bad was wrong. In my entire 30 years I have known my brother, I had never heard his voice like this. In between panic and sobs he pleaded with us to get down on our knees and pray for our sweet Luke. We were on the second floor of the stock show and found the quietest place we could find as fast as we could. With tears streaming down our cheeks our family of four knelt down by the tractors and started to beg for Luke’s miracle.
That afternoon, Sara had put baby Luke down for a nap. She went to check on him 20 minutes later and found his body was limp and he was not breathing. Her motherly instincts kicked in full force and she began giving him CPR. She revived Luke and the paramedics were on their way.
After Luke was admitted into the hospital they were able to stabilize him. He was in critical condition but he was stabilized. The next 24 hours were the most agonizing hours of my life and I know it wasn’t even a fraction of the pain that Doug and Sara were going through. Prayer after prayer, we were so hopeful.
A miracle took place that night. Luke hung on. Despite all the odds that were stacking up against him.…Luke hung on for his mom and dad.
We then received a call from Doug. After all the Doctors had been able to do all that they could for sweet Luke, he had irreversible damage and was not going to make it. My body went numb and I wanted to wake up from this nightmare. No, this could not be happening to my family. Sara was the best mom I knew, from the time the doctors put Tanner in her arms, I knew I wanted to be just like her.
We were on the first flight out in the morning. This can’t be real. The flight was a blur and then we were at Doug and Sara’s house. I ran to Doug and held onto him. I looked up and that is when I saw Sara. We embraced forever. I have never grown to love anyone more than I do this girl. In fact, words cannot describe the love I have for her. With every ounce of my being, I feel connected to her as if we were bonded by steel fibers that are impossible to cut through. I can only imagine what her twin sister, Melissa feels.
From the second I arrived, I could feel the love pour in and the peace that enveloped their family. Act after act of kindness was all that I had witnessed. I was so humbled and learned so much. Every flower, every card, every meal, every bake sale, every hug and tear shed on their behalf means so much.
Saturday came and I’m not going to lie, It was hard. But with opposition in all things it was also one of the most beautiful experiences I have ever been a part of. In fact, it changed my life. In our church we believe in the plan of happiness. And if we do all that we can do keep our promises to Heavenly Father, we know that after this life, we will be able to be with Luke again.
I imagine holding Luke with my arms outstretched above my head and twirling him in a big beautiful green field, immersed with tall blue flowers that sway back and forth in a warm breeze intertwined with the most amazing sunset all around us. Doug and Sara with their boys and the rest of our families will be there. The most intense feeling of love will be present and it will never have to go away. And of all the sweetest and purest images that I can conjure up in my mind, I know it will be even better.
I’m in the running for favorite Aunt. I have some pretty stiff competition and a lot of work ahead of me and I’m willing to do whatever it takes to be with Luke and my family forever. And the reason this story has such a happy ending? Because it is so very possible. Families ARE forever. And Luke will live happily ever after with Heavenly Father, his mom and dad and brothers and all of his extended family and loved ones.
Oh Luke, I sure love you.
Luke James Cardon
October 31, 2010- January 19, 2011
"The Crown Without the Conflict"
Even though this story has a happy ending, my heart is breaking and I am aching for Doug and Sara. Please pray for them.
12 comments:
I cannot help but cry, even with happy endings the heartache is real. I cannot even imagine their pain and loss. My thoughts are prayer are with them and you all!
Beautiful story, Alisa. I'm going to read it often. There really was a special Spirit around all of us. Love ya.
Beautifully written. What a handsome little guy.
I love how you wrote about it Alisa. I'm so glad we were all able to be together this weekend. When are you coming down? I'm all for Project Luke. (:
Alisa, the tears started flowing once again as I read your sweet post. It has been a heartbreaking but amazing week as the spirit has been so strong. I am so glad you and Justin were able to be here, as well as all the other family and friends that surrounded and engulfed our wonderful Doug & Sara Cardon family! We sure love you. I agree with Erin, Project Luke, let's make it happen!!!!
Thanks for posting this, Alisa. You and your family are incredible! Loving and praying for all of you :) Becky
So beautifully written. Thank you for sharing your experience with us. Such an adorable boy! We love you!
Alisa thank you so much for writing this! I wanted to be there so bad but I am grateful for you sweet words and testimony if it. I can not stop thinking about your whole family but especially Doug and Sara. I pray for them often!
Alisa, thanks for your posts about our little Luke. Lots of emotions flowing ... it was great to see you guys again last week. -Jonathan & Melinda
Oh goodness I just read this post again and I couldn't hold back the tears. Thank you so much for writing your thoughts down. What a beautiful but painful experience this has been and I am so glad that we were all able to be there together. I sure do miss little Luke, but I am so glad that we will be able to be with him again.
Beautiful! Our thoughts and prayers are still going out to all your family.
Alisa, I am so sorry about this loss for your family. Thank you for your posts. As hard as it may be, thank goodness for sealings and the Atonement. What a precious little guy that was needed more on the other side. We never quite understand. Thank you for your testimony. We will keep you all in our prayers!
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