Day 7

 On behalf of the family,

Being positive in the face of adversity is never easy and as the first week draws to a close, it is an intentional act more than a natural thing.  As a matter of fact "unnatural" is a word often used to describe this whole process.  Nothing about this is natural.  Parents and children should only be separated when they go away to camp, college or get married.  This is not natural.  But as children of God we must practice the art of being thankful and being positive.  So as the first week of this journey draws to an end.  We gave thanks...

 

We are thankful that God has provided a facility to care for her and one that we can drive to weekly.

We are thankful for her team of doctors who have worked together, pouring all of their knowledge to make her well.

We are thankful that friends have provided a place to stay to lessen the burden.

We are thankful for the countless prayers on behalf of Smiles and her family.

We are thankful for the sea of love shown to them.

We are thankful that the weekend is almost here and we will visit with her soon.

We are thankful that the work that He began in her will be finished.

We are thankful she is His and that He loves her more than we could ever understand.

We are thankful that He has provided us His Word to comfort us and sustain us.

We are thankful that He has never left us and He never will.

 

 

 

Day 6

For the Family...

“Courage isn't having the strength to go on - it is going on when you don't have strength.” ― Napoleon Bonaparte

The passing days have not been easy.  The separation has been difficult for both Smiles and her family.  When we face such indescribable pain, we tend to question if we have made the right decision.  But it is here, at the crossroads of pain and despair that we must choose to go on knowing that she can only get better by walking this difficult road.  Even when things get so tough that the only thing you can do is cry,, God is still in control.  Tears may be the silent cries of our broken hearts but God sees our pain, our hurting hearts, and He understands our prayers even we can't find the words to say them.  God will not only bring all of them through this storm, but he will bring them through much wiser and stronger.  Just remember that when things seem to have fallen completely apart, God will not only put things back together, He will do so better than ever before. Together we stand firm on God's Word and believe that when the time is right, He will make everything right.

Until then, please continue to pray for peace and patience for Smiles, wisdom for the doctors as they continue to mark the best course of treatment and may His unfailing love bring comfort to the family in this time of need.

2 Corinthians 1:3-4 

Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God. (NIV)

Day 3: 13 Miles of Road

On Behalf of Mom

“Never stop just because you feel defeated. The journey to the other side is attainable only after great suffering.”

― Santosh Kalwar

  

Day 3 was an inspiring and humbling day in this process.  Smiles was registered to run the half marathon with her "sister" Hope.  However, God had a different plan.  When the date of her admission became clear, we realized she would not be able to participate.  After the most difficult 2 days so far, the road seemed a recurring theme.  What was behind them and what lay ahead.  The pain of leaving her behind is clearly visible on the faces of all who love her dearly.  It is a time where even smiling seems wrong.  However, her younger sister expressed her commitment to complete the marathon in honor of Smiles. 

After traveling much of the night and with little sleep and tired hearts, they arrived in downtown Miami wearing Smiles' bows and shirts marked "Walking for Smiles", ready for the challenge ahead.  It's awesome to see what love can conquer, the strength and determination we can have to push even when it hurts so badly.

Together these two beautiful girls walked and ran their hearts out!  They didn't quit when the road seemed endless, when their knees and feet were throbbing, because they were going to do this for Smiles.  Their goal clearly in front of them, to take a medal to Smiles next weekend.

We are so proud of these girls and we are so proud of Smiles.  All three of them brave, big hearted girls.  We are full of pride and humbled by each one of them.  In their own unique way, they inspired us to continue to press on, regardless of how painful and how long this road seems.  The throbbing broken hearts of parents and sisters and families disregarded for the greater goal of seeing Smiles healed and restored in the name of Jesus. 

If only for a brief moment, we rejoice in the example of determination in the midst of suffering, knowing we too will soon see the day the marks the end of this long and painful road.

This is for you Smiles!

Romans 5:2-5 Through him we have also obtained access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and we rejoice in hope of the glory of God. Not only that, but we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, and hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us.

Day 1

 

It helps, I think, to consider ourselves on a very long journey: the main thing is to keep to the faith, to endure, to help each other when we stumble or tire, to weep and press on. Mary Richards

 

Thank you for all your calls, text and especially for the endless prayers.  It has been a long first day for everyone who loves Smiles but more so for her parents and sister.  Let us testify of His Goodness, that there is no doubt that for the Grace of God, we would not survive the heartache, but we rejoice in His Mercy and His Strength who have seen them through

Day 1. 

Update from Mom

We left our sweet girl at a residential facility in Orlando today. We spent about 5 hours filling out forms and speaking to different doctors and people that will be working with her. Everyone was very nice and the place is very nice. Still, none of that made the fact that we were having to leave her there any easier. 

My girl was very brave though, even when I was starting to break down she reassured me that it was OK. That she was going to get better and be back home soon. 

Our goodbyes were hard, as I'm sure they will be every time we visit but we know that God is with her. He is taking care of our little girl because He loves her more than we can ever love her.

Looking back at when this journey began it is hard to believe that we're in this place today. As dark and painful as it is though, we are incredibly humbled and grateful at the out pour of love that we have received from our family and friends and church family. This is a hard road. But its one, we know, we're not walking alone. 

As many of you already know, today marks the first day in a very long journey for my dear sister and niece.  After months of much hard work and tireless efforts to get her the best treatment possible, Smiles will be entering an inpatient facility for an undetermined time.  We are praying and believing in faith that it will be for a short time, but we know that this has been immersed, not just bathed, in prayer and that God is leading the way to her completed restoration. 

Many of you have asked what you could do for the family and for Smiles.  At this time, we ask that you continue to pray without ceasing for complete healing.  We ask for strength for the family who are obviously heartbroken at the thought of leaving her there even for just one day, and for her sister who has so bravely and valiantly walked this journey with her. 

In the coming weeks, we (me, as an advocate for my sister) will try to post updates on her recovery and any messages that the family would like to pass on.  This form of communication will lessen the burden on them to have to repeat the responses to your heartfelt and loving inquiries.  I will also post any tangible way that you can help them out as they will be traveling back and forth weekly.  So many of you have already answered so many of their prayers with well wishes, hugs and incredible selfless acts of kindness. Thank you for loving them.  If you would like to send a card or letter to Smiles, please drop them off at the church office and I will make sure they get to her!  I'm sure she will appreciate knowing so many of you are thinking of her!

God knew we would have days like today and His Word provides us with hope:
Blessed are those who trust in the Lord and have made the Lord their hope and confidence.  They are like trees planted along a riverbank with roots that reach deep into the water.  Such trees are not bothered by hear or worried by long months of drought,  Their leaves stay green and they never stop producing fruit.  Jeremiah 17:7-8.

This is not my story to tell, it is theirs.  I just want to do what I can to lighten their burden.  That's what family is all about.
Smiles, we love you!