2 Years Ago

Two Years ago today we found out about Stephen's heart condition.  It is one of those few moments in life where I can vividly playback the entire experience.  I can still hear the doctors words, feel the tears stream down my cheek and remember the thoughts that rushed through my head.  Two years ago I was broken, scared and felt hopeless.  I questioned God and blamed myself.   While I could hardly comprehend the road before us I cried in Joe's arms until I had no more tears and eventually that night came to rest on the foundation of our faith.  I remember promising God I would do my part to remain faithful to Him...and telling Him that if my son was going to suffer...good was going to come from it, and I wasn't going to stand in His way.
Looking back on these past two years I see God's abundant faithfulness.  God has used our journey and Stephen's heart to touch so many lives.  Recently we have been blessed by hearing how our faith has inspired a commitment to God and I can hardly begin to let you know how that makes me feel. Knowing that one more soul will be in heaven, that one more life has experienced God, that news gives purpose and meaning to our suffering.  I literally smiled and thanked God.  I thanked Him for His faithfulness.  I thanked Him for using something so painful to bring about something so beautiful.
As I mentioned last year, the Christmas season brings out a variety of emotions.  I love the songs, smells, colors and "cheer" that comes with it.  But for me this time of year also brings the reminder of our desperate need of a savior.  The song "Mary Did You Know" makes me full on ball.

"Mary did you know that your baby boy would some day walk on water?

Mary did you know that your baby boy would save our sons and daughters?

Did you know that your baby boy has come to make you new?

This child that you've delivered, will soon deliver you.

Mary did you know that your baby boy would give sight to a blind man?

Mary did you know that your baby boy would calm a storm with his hand?

Did you know that your baby boy has walked where angels trod?

And when your kiss your little baby, you have kissed the face of God.

Oh Mary did you know 

The blind will see, the deaf will hear, the dead will live again.

The lame will leap, the dumb will speak, the praises of the lamb 

Mary did you know that your baby boy is Lord of all creation?

Mary did you know that your baby boy would one day rule the nations?

Did you know that your baby boy is heaven's perfect Lamb?

This sleeping child you're holding is the great I am"

These words are beautiful to me.  Jesus's birth, death and resurrection are what kept me from despair.   He will save our sons and daughters and will make us new.  The blind will see, the deaf will hear and my son with half a heart will be made whole.  Christmas, my favorite time of the year, took on such a deeper meaning to me two years ago.   

Okay...I didn't mean to get all sentimental...but well I did!

On a much lighter note...

Stephen in doing incredible!  We go back in January for a 6 month check up (x-rays, EKG and cardiology apt) so please pray that his heart is still fabulous.  

Here are a few recent pictures...

LOVE that smile!!!!!

We wish you all a very Merry Christmas and pray that you have a blessed year!!!

Love

Joe, Kim, Michael, Lizzie, Audrey & Stephen