From Stephanie

Steph sent this to me tonight and wanted me to put it up for everyone to read. I have never been more proud to call someone a pseudo-sister in my life.

I just want to take this opportunity on the night before I have surgery to thank you all. Thank you for all of your thoughts, prayers, phone calls and e-mails. I experienced a similar feeling to this when Drew was born with heart problems, but this time it’s different…this time it’s me. I can’t even begin to explain to you how powerful your prayers have been. He has heard every prayer that you have lifted up to him. I have never felt such an intimate relationship with God. This time, unlike with Drew, I’ve been able to let go and allow Him to take control. My faith has led me to let go and trust in the Almighty and I’ve been listening to him very carefully. I truly believe that there is no valley too dark for God’s sight, no place too low for the touch of His hand, no whisper too faint for the Good Shepherd’s ear, and no sickness that He cannot heal. It’s the most real feeling in the world, the most wholesome and the most peaceful. “Because the Lord is my Shepherd, I have everything I need!” (Psalm 23:1) For the first time in my life, I know that He is watching over me every minute of every day. He’s holding me in the palm of his hand and carrying me through what should be a difficult time. I am not afraid. I am strong and I am confident. I believe that the decisions that we’ve made up to this point are the right ones and that God will guide us through the decisions we have to make in the future. Please continue to pray for us as this isn’t easy on our family or our friends. We have many challenges and decisions that lie ahead of us. This is just the beginning of a long journey.
I also want to thank everyone that has been so helpful to us. Mom for taking such good care of Levi and picking up formula, diapers, food, etc. Kenneth and Cheryl for spoiling Drew rotten (he doesn’t even want to stay with me anymore), Chrissy and Jarad for setting up this Blog and the website with the Foundation. Marty and Trish for coming over and talking and for sharing your book. John and Robbie for mowing our yard and bringing us baked goods. Dad and Pam for the laptop so I can keep up with the Blog while I’m in the hospital and at home. And everyone else that has done anything to make our lives easier. I’ve only mentioned a few above, but we have been completely overwhelmed with kindness.
I’ll say goodnight and thank you again as I leave you with this poem. It’s been one of my favorites since I was a kid. I know the Lord is carrying me right now, I can feel Him.
Footprints in the Sand
One night a man had a dream. He dreamed he was walking along the beach with the LORD.
Across the sky flashed scenes from his life. For each scene he noticed two sets of footprints in the sand: one belonging to him, and the other to the LORD.
When the last scene of his life flashed before him, he looked back at the footprints in the sand.
He noticed that many times along the path of his life there was only one set of footprints.
He also noticed that it happened at the very lowest and saddest times in his life.
This really bothered him and he questioned the LORD about it:
"LORD, you said that once I decided to follow you, you'd walk with me all the way. But I have noticed that during the most troublesome times in my life, there is only one set of footprints. I don't understand why when I needed you most you would leave me." The LORD replied:
"My son, my precious child, I love you and I would never leave you. During your times of trial and suffering, when you see only one set of footprints, it was then that I carried you."