The Attack

I am not sure where, or how, to even begin this post. I’ll start by warning you if you have a weak stomach you might want to stop reading here.



Life has been crazy around here, to say the least, for the past few weeks. All starting with the near loss of our home to a local grass fire.


It was spring break last week and we spent time with my sister, her kiddos and my mom on a little road trip. Then the kids and I were due to fly out to Charlottesville, VA on Friday , with our team, for the first round of the NCAA tournament. But, Ryan’s season was underway and the kids had obligations etc., etc., so I decided to stay home.


After a baseball game Friday night we planned on attending my nephews 4th birthday out at my sister’s house Saturday.

He was having a Spiderman party.

With goodies

A bounce house

That little man used to show us his never ending sweat glands!

The kiddos played and took turns on the birthday boys “four wheeler”.

Then just as all the kids were coming into the house for cake I stepped on the back porch to call Gabe in. I could see my brother-in-law flying across the back yard with his dad a few steps behind. Then watched him kick their English springer spaniel flying into the air.


It was in that moment when it sunk in what had just happened. As my blood soaked child came running toward me. Their family hunting dog, chained up in the back, had just attacked my sons face and head.


As a mom you have two choices, I could have EASILY freaked out and lost all control. Or I could stay calm and HELP my child the best I could.


I choice the latter.


He never cried, he was in complete and utter shock, and felt bad that he had wet himself.


As I held him telling him everything was going to be Ok. I noticed that all my clothes where coming completely blood soaked. He had a huge bite on the back of his head that was bleeding profusely.


This is when I began screaming to call 911.


We made our way to the front of the house to wait for the paramedics. That was my first look at my sweet boy’s face that made my stomach churn.

The paramedics arrived and shortly thereafter the police.


Gabe was stable, but in shock. I decided it best to have my dad drive us into Children’s Hospital, about 35 minutes away. Rather than the added trauma of an ambulance ride.


I had to call Ryan, just as his baseball game had started, and let him know  he needed to meet me at Children’s, there had been an accident.

He had 20 stictches to his mouth and seven staples to the back of his head.

I tell you this in such detail because looking back on it all now I see all the blessings that took place at each step.

                                 { Yes, his shirt he had on that day said TOUGH}

First, no children, including Hannah, had to witness the attack. Gabe has his teeth, eyes, and nose . Ryan happened to be playing at home this weekend and was not out of the state.


God had given me the strength and grace to completely trust Him in taking care of Gabe. He has yet to remember the attack or the ride to the hospital, and may never remember.


I am in the middle of reading One Thousand Gifts and it has blessed me at a time when I needed it the most!


This was a true and freak accident. The dog did not “attack” Gabe and Gabe had not teased the dog. Simply got tangled up in his chain, choking the dog, and causing Gabe to fall on top of the dog. With adults mere feet away. It all happened in a blink of an eye.


Yes, he will have scars but no permanent disfiguration.

He has been enjoying the many get well cards, meals and Lego sets {smile}!


God is good!
Isaiah 61:10


Needless to say my crafting creative mind has been on hold. So please forgive the severe lack of my usually posts. I am hopeful to be back soon in full swing.