Sunday, June 17, 2012

Butterfly kisses for Dad

For the last month, Michelle has faithfully updated our blog. Sometimes we've collaborated, but mostly, she has been the writer. There have been times where she was not even sure that she authored the words that came up on the screen, but rather, God was guiding her fingers. Life has been a blur. The blog has been a mix of all that has consumed our lives these past weeks. I thought it appropriate that since its Father's day, I take my turn.

This past month has been the most difficult of our lives. We have moved from shock to despair to hope. And sometimes back again. And sometimes we are just numb and raw from pain we didn't think we could endure. But in the midst of this we have also experienced this Peace. And it does pass all understanding. We have been encouraged and blessed by many people in our lives and sometimes, miraculously, by complete strangers. We have been upheld.

This morning we were talking to Lydia about some of our favourite things. I gave her some butterfly kisses like I used to when she was a baby. We talked about wrestling which would turn into tickle fights for Lydia. We told her about news from home. Through all of this chatter she had several great smiles for me... Some of the first I've seen in person. Its been a great Father's day. One I will remember.

This week has been full of ups and downs for Michelle and I. There is so much uncertainty on this road we are on. Sometimes it can be overwhelming. We are certain of several things though and we cling to these.

We are certain we live in an amazingly supportive community that has rallied around us in countless ways. It has been humbling to be so blessed. We have found that it is in the midst of tragedy that community can truly be community.

We are certain of the love and support of family and friends.
We have been upheld.

We are certain of God's love and provision for us; that He is with us in our deepest, darkest places. Sometimes those are scary places to be. We have had to trust God more deeply than ever before. Trust can be hard, but we do trust Him. We trust the Great Physician.

Thank you to those who are praying without ceasing. Again we are upheld.

Lydia has had a good day. Her rash has improved. It was great to see her without her neck collar on - she looks so much more like herself.

Happy Father's Day!
Sent from my BlackBerry device on the Rogers Wireless Network