Another New Year began at midnight. While I have no reasonable predictions for 2009, I can't imagine it, or any successive year will come close to what '08 brought my family and I.
On New Year's Day one year ago I traveled the 200+ miles from home to Duke University Hospital where the pastors from my church (at my daughter-in-law's request), along with family and friends gathered to pray for her. I had just seen her barely a week earlier when our family had an early Christmas in Nathan and Tricia's motel room. A week later her health had continued to decline to the point that we had genuine fears her time left was very short. And to complicate things, she was still at least a week away from being able to deliver her child with the minutest of chances of survival.
The prayers said, Scriptures read and tears shed that January 1st, as a dozen or so of us crowded in her room on the 7th floor at Duke worked together to result in an emotional worship gathering. Watching Tricia's body fight so hard to take in what little breath she could was a vivid reminder that life is to be lived every moment for all it's worth because it is so very fragile.
We left the hospital for a long quiet ride home wondering if we were strong enough to go through the trials coming to our family; wondering if the faith behind our prayers was pleasing to God. More than likely you've read the story.
This morning I cooked breakfast for Tricia, Nathan and Gail. I watched Gwyneth laugh and enjoy her family and toys (even as she cuts her first tooth). The day was spent getting their new house ready to become their home.
Life is so "normal" for us today. Actually way better than normal. Mostly I've learned much about God's immensity and about my inadequacies.
It is quite astounding what can happen in a year.
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12 comments:
My cup runneth over!!
What a journey you guys have gone through this year! It was heart wrenching at times to follow it from a distance! But your families faith, perseverance and willingness to share the adventure inspired thousands of people. We hope your 2009 can be a tad more normal, but you never know. Thank the Lord for the miracles in your family!
Your family is such an inspiration, and really reminds me to be thankful for everything I have. I hope '09 brings wonderful things for all of you.
Praising God for the miracles He worked in your family in 2008! Trusting HIM for 2009.
Amazing!! God is so good. Thanks for sharing that Rick.
It certainly has been an amazing year for your family. God is GOOD.
Happy New Year
What a blessing to see such an amazing turn around in one year. Our prayers are with your family! May God bless you richly this year!
its beautiful. its amazing. I cannot begin to relate at all, but just being a "part" of your story thru Nate's blog has brought so many people along on a "God ride" We've seen faith in action, against all odds. And I'm so happy that to this point the outcome has been healing for more time here. Ahhh, but one day...it will be so beautiful, and unending. For that perspective, we thank you all for letting us glimpse into your lives.
It must feel like so long ago! What an amazing journey!
It really is amazing and kind of an out of body experience to think what all you have been through. Yet here you are. Praise God for miracles that still happen today.everyday!!!
This made me get all teary eyed. What a blessing this time is.
.. I often wonder why I continue to read blogs while working..(moving, heartwarming, thought provoking blogs like yours)
My co-workers tend to wonder why, at any given moment and without warning, I shuffle off to the ladies' room for a tissue.
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