Last Sunday happened so quickly that it all seems so blurred.
Gabe, the boys, and I decided to have a quiet evening at home and declined an invitation to have supper with my mami and papi. I wanted to make sure we could stick to October #Unprocessed.
Knowing they would be grilling outdoors, I’m sure they would be serving some bread or condiments that might not qualify.
Mid-afternoon, I felt tired. Lagging in energy.
However, I knew I had to harvest some vegetables from the garden, snap some pics to meet my deadline for this space and prep for my college courses that I had to teach in the coming week.
I hurried out with Nehemiah to the garden where he helped me pick beans, cherry tomatoes and pull carrots.
My mind was set on carrots sauteed briefly with bacon, then roasted in a sauce made up of maple syrup.
He didn’t want to smile for pictures that day.
He was tired as well and after the thrill of ripping vegetables from the Earth in delight to see what shape they’d reveal subsided, he didn’t want to stand still for pictures.
I reminded him why I allowed him to skip a nap. To help me with my pictures.
I took these instead.
We came home and Nehemiah jumped onto the couch where his heavy laden eyes shut instantly. He was so tired that I couldn’t force myself to wake him to wash his hands.
Gabe and the boys were out and I wished to be resting as well. However, I now had beans to shuck, an #unprocessed supper to think about and classes to prep for.
Ezekiel woke from his nap and excitedly joined me in shucking beans.
In the good nature of social media, I posted what we were doing to instagram.
Nehemiah awoke and in a much better mood, joined us as well.
I was enjoying myself with the boys when I asked them what they wanted for supper.
It was getting late so when Nehemiah said, “white rice,” I jumped up and said, “that sounds good to me!”
I decided on homemade, naturally sweetened, sweet and sour meatballs over white basmati rice.
Both boys wanted to help me prepare supper.
Together, we mixed our beef with breadcrumbs, onions, parsley and garlic. We seasoned them with salt and pepper and rolled them into “kid sized” balls.
Nehemiah was making tiny ones for his school lunch. Zekie had enough and ran to the bathroom to wash his hands.
Soon after, I started to brown the meatballs while the boys took off to the living room to have snacks with Dad.
My mind was going back and forth on what needed to be accomplished that week.
The meatballs had finished browning and I had just started to simmer them in the sweet and sour sauce when I heard Gabe scream, “Diana!”
A nightmare
When I ran out to Gabe I saw Ezekiel chocking on something.
Gabe screamed to me that he had eaten a cherry tomato and it wouldn’t come out.
Ezekiel has had a problem with getting food stuck in his throat since he was a baby. This has happened before and he usually coughs it up quickly.
This time was different, he couldn’t.
I could hear him gasp for air. I took him and threw him over my lap and started to slap his back.
He was trying to vomit it out but he couldn’t, so I screamed to Gabe, “Call 911!”
He called emergency and soon started performing the Heimlich on Zekie.
His poor little body was gasping for air when I looked at him and could see his face start to turn blue and his body slowly starting to fall limp.
At that moment I remember Gabe crying, “NO ZEKIE!”
I turned around and realized Nehemiah was watching the entire thing and crying.
I cried out to God for mercy to please save my little boy.
The woman on the phone told Gabe to put Zekie on his side on the ground where he was able to catch a few breaths of air.
As soon as he did that, Nehemiah screamed, “they’re here!”
I ran outdoors and screamed, “help my baby!” In that moment my reality was whirling around me.
They immediately ran in and told us he was getting air and that was a good sign. They also told me to compose myself as I had to be there for my child.
They rushed him to the ambulance. Gabe immediately pulled Nehemiah and I aside and started to pray over our family.
As soon as I joined Ezekiel in the ambulance I had to hold an oxygen mask to his little mouth and started to console him as his eyes kept battering open and close.
He was struggling for air and all I wanted was to hear him breath. The paramedics assured me he would be okay but to keep talking to him.
I looked at him and reminded him one day we would visit Mickey’s house. He’d see Buzz and Lighting McQueen.
We’d eat cheeseburgers and watch movies.
As I was talking to him I started to pray to God.
I prayed that he would take the tomato out. I prayed that he would save my little boy.
I prayed for the Holy Spirit to fill me.
At that moment I felt His presence. The Lord was revealing how fragile our lives are. How limited in days they are.
He was telling me, “Here’s your son. Spend the time that you can with him NOW!”
I literally cried out, “I promise Lord! Please, Save My Son!”
As soon as that happened, we pulled up to the hospital. I saw Zekie look at me and he tried to sit up.
The paramedics wheeled him out and right when I stepped out of the ambulance I heard them say, “Hey, he’s got something in his mouth.”
I took a look at Zekie, and saw him take a huge breath in while the paramedics pulled out the rest of the tomato.
We hadn’t even gotten into the emergency room.
I prayed, “Thank you. Thank you my Lord.”
A Time to Slow Down
At the end, Ezekiel has recovered 100%. I praise the Lord he never stopped breathing. The situation may have turned out differently.
We did learn that Ezekiel has enlarged tonsils that have been the cause of his constant choking and snoring. We will be meeting with the ear, throat and nose doctor soon to start planning on getting them removed.
He did enjoy the extra attention and I enjoyed snugging with my child on his overnight stay in the hospital.
On my stay at the hospital, I kneeled down on the floor in the bathroom and cried out in gratitude to God.
It’s still very difficult for me to think about. Our home church has been praying for us in recovering from the “what could have happened.”
I don’t think I’ll ever lose the visions of everything that happened that night but I’m so grateful that God saved my son and has allowed me to come out of it renewed.
Renewed in his love to be there for my children. Really be there.
I can be very hard on myself. I’m trying to just make sense of it all and at the same time, be obedient.
Overwhelmed
September was an incredibly busy month for me. With teaching school, writing for a couple of other websites, a wedding cake and pies that I catered, my own blog, harvesting, preserving, trying to keep up with housework and be a mom and wife… whew, you can see, I was overwhelmed.
I started to think about it. I haven’t been on vacation for over a year and have been doing the All American thing… working, working, working.
Well, that’s not the end of it, lol!!
A New Life
Through all of this, late Monday night, Gabe and I found out we are expecting our third child.
What made this entire ordeal so difficult is that I knew I was pregnant. I just knew it.
When I saw my youngest turn blue and start to limp, thoughts started to come over me. I honestly thought I may be having to lay a child to rest while at the same time prepare for a new life.
I wanted to die.
Praise God that I don’t have to even go there and I know he’ll help me get through the “what if’s.”
I just thank God for my children and my family. After experiencing all of this, nothing else really seems to matter.
I know I can be incredibly hard on myself and that seasons of busyness will pass but the Holy Spirit likes to remind me of that acronoym.
Being
Under
Satans
Yolk
I now have a third child to plan for. A new life to care for.
I do ask that you keep me in prayer that the stress from that day wasn’t overwhelming to the new life inside of me.
A Simple Life
Right now, I just want to really live a simple life. One in which life is enjoyed by the smiles on their faces.
A life enjoyed by spending time outside in the real world.
Through this I’m considering going back to school to become an elementary school teacher being able to spend my summers abroad in Spain with my children on the beaches of Chipiona.
Yeah… I like the sounds of that.
For now, I’m going to keep on blogging on Spain in Iowa. To share with you my journey in good food, family and a life worth living.
But I’m thinking, that’s it.
Keeping this space for the pleasure of writing and creating.
Because God, the ultimate creator has given us all the gift of creativity and isn’t it beautiful?
So, I’m burning my editorial calendar and I’ll post as the Lord leads.
Have a beautiful weekend.
Diana
Congratulations my beautiful friend! I am excited for your expanding family. I have chills and cried reading your latest post. Thank you thank you God for protecting Zekie! Take care Diana and please take some time for yourself. I know you have a lot to do, but the world will forgive you if that time is well spent nuturing your family.
Thanks Christine, love you!!
Wow… Diana.. I do not even know where to start. I so very much understand about chocking as my oldest had that problem so very often and thankfully is getting better. There was one time at the supermarket I saw her turning ALL odd colors I was scared for her life. Now in terms of your other news… ohhh dear CONGRATULATIONS and indeed DO what is right for your family and especially yourself as a Mother is the pillar of a family and I will certainly keep you all in my prayers.
Thanks Sofia. I will!
Great post Sissy! Love you and my baby boys!!!!!!!
<3 to you sweet friend.
You to Danelle!!
Wow Diana! I am speechless. I can’t even imagine how you felt because I do not yet have my own child in my care, but Praise to the Lord God Almighty for protecting your little one. He is the God who saves and is strong to save. May he renew you and bring you peace during this time. Congratulations on your new addition to your family. I am happy for you.
Thanks Noelle!
Wow, Diana, what a scary thing to go through. Your story brought me to tears.
I hope that you find rest and renewal of life in the decisions that you made.
I will keep you and the new precious life inside of you in my prayers.
-Mindy
Thanks Mindy!
What is odd is my status today: “Remembering that I’ll be dead soon is the most important tool I’ve ever encountered to help me make the big choices in life. Because almost everything — all external expectations, all pride, all fear of embarrassment or failure — these things just fall away in the face of death, leaving only what is truly important. Remembering that you are going to die is the best way I know to avoid the trap of thinking you have something to lose. You are already naked. There is no reason not to follow your heart.” -Steve Jobs.
It puts everything in perspective. I hope you do not mind…I am going to repost this…Everyone needs to take a minute and realize how quickly things can change and what is truly important.
Congrats on baby number three. Both of you are very lucky!
Much Much Love-Miranda
Thanks for sharing that Miranda! It most certainly does put everything into perspective. Huge hugs!!
Diana, I am so happy that things turned out alright for you and your family!!! BIG BIG hugs to all of you. What a frightening experience. God has a funny way of making sure you hear the messages loud and clear, the longer you take to listen, the more extreme the messages get. At least that has been my experience. xo
Thanks Jenn, and you are so right! I’m listening now 😉
I love you Diana, Nehe & Zekie.
love you babe!
Thank you for sharing that story!! It made me thankful for my child and reminded how it can all change in a flash! Could be a blessing in disguise to address his tonsils. My daughter’s tonsils were enlarged lat year and we did homeopathic lymphatic drainage and clean diet for a month and she returned to normal. The enlarged gland is a sign of the immune battling something. Low grade infection perhaps. Do a cleanse for him. Support his immune. God never meant for anything to be cut out. God bless you and direct you in all your paths! 🙂
Cynthia, thanks for your comment. I would love to hear more about this. I’m going to research it online but if you have any resources you could send me to, I would appreciate it. Also, do you have a suggestion for a cleanse? Thanks so much!
What a scary experience! Thank God he is okay. And CONGRATULATIONS ON THE NEW LITTLE ONE! I wonder if it is a girl! Love,Elisa
Thanks Elisa! I’d love a girl (thinking pink!) but I’d be just as happy with a third boy 😉
I am so glad Zekie is okay. What a thing to go through! I am so glad God was with you all, all the way through it. Congratulations on your pregnancy. Take care. By the way, I like your very astute acronym for busy – it’s incredibly thought provoking!
Isn’t it though?! I know, I need to remember that more often ;D
Diana- My daughter and I had a crazy scary accident together when she was just shy of 6 months old. I tripped down our stairs and she literately flew out of my arms, hit the banister and then hit and bounced across the hard wood floors. I will never forget that moment. She had been laughing for the first time, I was taking her downstairs so my husband and older son could laugh with her. It was very difficult to get over. I think it took a good 2-3 weeks for the scene to stop running through my head especially when I closed my eyes at night. I would close my eyes and see her bounce and I was also falling and my arms weren’t long enough to get her. I was helpless. Her story is also a miracle story and thankfully she was 100% ok about 2 hours later (we did go through the ER 🙂 ) I have fought hard to not live or parent in fear as fear had a stronghold on me growing up. This was a challenge after the accident. I will be praying for you over the next few weeks especially as I can vividly remember what we went through. I even threw away her clothes she was wearing (they had been thrown up on) but I knew I didn’t want to see even see her in them ever!
I am just starting the process of living simply but have been feeling the tug for a little while! Thanks for your inspiration.
Jacq, thanks so much for sharing your story. I can relate because that’s what I’ve been doing. I can’t seem to close my eyes without seeing the past. Thanks for your prayers and it’s so great to hear your daughter made it through. Huge hugs to you!
I need to tell you that tears are running down my cheeks as I read this post. As a mother, it is your worst nightmare to be put in that situation. The power of prayer is amazing. I am SO happy everything turned out okay. And so excited for you and your new little life! I understand 100% that the decision you’ve made is the best one.
Wow that is really moving. So scary. I have a teenage son that choked on a piece of meat. Scared me so bad. My husband was able to do the Heimlich and he was okay. He also has enlarged tonsils and I never put the two together. I pray for God’s will everyday, and am thankful for my healthy, living children. Great of you to share.
When I wrote to you this morning I didn’t know about this.
God works in ways that we do not understand.
If what you do gives you peace, then it comes from above. Since He is the Prince of peace.
Te envio un fuerte abrazo Diana. Felicidades por el bebe que esta por llegar. Que bendicion!
<3 you!
Mely
I’m really happy for you despite the painful process to realize what you really want:) You don’t have to be everything to everyone. Just take care of yourself and your family!
Congratulations on baby #3!
I had chills while I was reading your post…because I had a similar experience with my son just over a week ago. He was at school when it happened. His mouth and tongue were blue when they got him to the nurse, who happens to be his aunt, my sister. She literally saved his life. It is still hard for me to wrap my brain around that day. And, when I do, I just give thanks for the life of my sweet angel boy and for my sister who knew exactly what to do. She said that she was just praying, “Dear Lord, please help me. I know that this is not Ethan’s time to go yet.” I am so incredibly thankful that God answered her prayers.
God is faithful.
I don’t know why I’m always so surprised to look back and see that He’s been so PRESENT and GRACIOUS and full of mind-blowing MERCY – but I am.
Praise HIM for each of those precious lives He’s entrusted you with, my sweet friend.
I’m so proud of you. I praise God for your choice to follow after Him and His gentle call to you in obedience.
Know that you are in my prayers!
(….you wouldn’t happen to want to go to Spain next week, would you?…. I leave on Tuesday!)
What a tremendous story!
Somehow I knew you were pregnant. I’m glad you are slowing down to enjoy the moments with your beautiful family.
I hope you find time to post garden pictures here, even without words. Your photographs are inspirational.
Wise decision, Diana. I know from my own experience that God gives us a wake-up call when we’re just too BUSY. Praise God for His loving kindness and tender mercies. With love and prayers, Ann.
Thank Holli!
Oh my goodness, Diana – what you describe is my worst nightmare. The fear, the horror, the uncertainty. I am so thankful to hear that Zeke is fine. Praise God for his mercy and grace. 🙂
And congratulations on the new life! That is FANTASTIC news. Truly so happy for you (and I absolutely love the last pic 🙂
Jen
Wow, what an ordeal! I can’t even imagine how awful that was. I would completely agree that you are doing the right thing, though. I’m also expecting my third child and pregnancy for the first 6-7 months has traditionally been difficult for me, this one is no exception. It’s a good time to simplify and take your time to spend your energy on your family and the things that are important in life, and not feel like you have to keep so many plates spinning. I think I didn’t post to my blog for about 5 months earlier this year, not until I started feeling better.
Diana, that whole episode sounds so scary. I have tears in my eyes just reading about it. I am so glad that you are all home and Zekie has recovered well. I hope and pray that the new life inside you is protected well and grows just fine into a beautiful princess 🙂
my heart goes out for you amiga! I am in tears… with joy and sorrow. Wow. Honestly, this is what I’ve been praying for you in regarding your writing and work. Though God had to use a HARD wake up call for you… in the end… it was for good. That’s what God did to me in Honduras! It was brutal for me too. A simple life has so much more meaning and so fulfilling. That’s what I am learning. I wish I could stop by your house and just talk… heart to heart. I know exactly where you are at with the blog and everything. I am sooo glad that you are choosing to let go of all the extra stuff. Congrats on your third!! I am so excited for you :o) Email if you would like to talk more. Love you!
Woah! Blessings to you and your family….
And Congratulations!!!!
Congratulations on your third child. I applaud your decision to slow down and am grateful that you shared your experience! Being BUSY is something that all moms wrestle with & we all need to hear these stories to remind us to slow down.
Find rest, O my soul, in God alone: my hope comes from him.
He alone is my rock and my salvation: he is my fortress, I will not be shaken.
My salvation and my honor depend on God; he is my mighty rock; my refuge.
Trust in him at all times, O people; pour out your hearts to him, for God is our refuge.
Psalm 62:5-8
God bless you and your family, Diana, and congratulations on the new life joining yours.
I’ve been using Herbalix detox deodorant to help clear out my lymphatic system. You can email me if you want to know more about what I’ve done with it to date. I know for sure it reduced the edema in my feet, and I’ve seen it pull out other crud from my upper body, too. I just started using it on my neck area recently and am hoping it will help address some of the inflammation there as well.
God bless you all. Praise him for his mercy to you.
You had me all teary eyed while reading this post. Both for the incredible faithfulness of our God in saving your son but also that in it all, you heard His voice and obeyed. Our babies are only with us for a short season before they launch out there in life. ENJOY EVERY MINUTE YOU HAVE WITH THEM!!
I saved this blog post in my inbox and just had time to read it. I’m so glad the Lord was with you and your family. And congratulations on the new addition. I will be praying for you all and can’t wait to hear from you next year. (I secretly stalk your blog for new farming, gardening, and other ideas I can incorporate into my life.) Take Care
Love you Diana – enjoy every moment. We’ll all be here whenever, with you in our hearts all the while. xo, Annette
Your post touched my heart and I felt it personally. God spoke to me to assure me that some of less than glamorous decisions have been the right ones. One way you could think about the choking situation is that God allowed such a thing to give you the gift of appreciating the mundane things. Children are such a blessing, and I believe your almost 3 children are quite blessed to have you.
Oh, Diana. I was just thinking of you today and know I am missing you. Last time we were chatting on Twitter, we were talking about the beautiful dessert table and cake stands for a wedding…
I am so HAPPY your little boy is OK, and I am ever so happy, you are expecting another baby!
I will keep you in my prayers.
Love,
Annapet
While I’m relieved your son is safe, by all means don’t allow doctors to remove anything at his age. I never had tonsils, ‘wisdom teeth’, or any other thing that did not need to be be removed, extracted. I suffered through fevers and what-not until I was in my late 20’s because of tonsilitis, but I didn’t die. I do have digestive problems from the over-use of anti-biotics but I’m overcoming that now. Remember…our bodies can deal with most every problem without the help of ‘modern’ medicine. Anti-bodies created from our own defense system will normally suffice.
Lastly, tell your children to CHEW their food well, and you won’t have to worry about choking on food. 30+ chews per mouthful is a good start. It also helps with natural digestion.
DaFarnz
Just dropping you a line to let you know that I miss your posts.
Enjoy this beautiful season with your family.
Hugs,
Mely
Oh wow, Diana. I’m so glad your little guy is ok and congratulations on your great news! I totally support your efforts to clear you mental calendar. We’ll be here to read whatever you feel inspired to post! xo
Hi Diana – I found myself holding my breath as I read your post. So relieved to hear everything turned out OK in the end. What a nightmare, your poor little boy…must have been so scary for everybody.
But your story sure has a happy ending… Congratulations! Love the photo of the boys and your tummy. So sweet.
LL
Thank you so much for sharing this with us at PRM, Diana! What a scary story but what a great, great reminder to take advantage of today!
I am so glad I found your blog. This post about why you are choosing homeschooling made me cry, but made me realize too how precious life is. I have decided to start homeschooling this year. It was a tough decision with me being in my last class for medical transcription, being a popcorn kernel in my sons cub scouts and taking on homeschooling. I have had people say rude things and not be very encouraging at all to people being very excited and think its great. All I know is I am doing it for my boys to get closer to God and for us to spend quality time together while they are young. I have had my doubts about homeschooling, but I have alot of friends who are encouraging. I am very thankful for the chance to try this and hopefully succeed if its Gods will.
I much rather live a simple life too. 🙂
Praise the Lord, Khristeen. If you have peace in your heart, that’s from God. Don’t let others discourage you, just accept their opinions, but follow God’s lead. God bless you!!