Monday, November 26, 2012

Lydia had her first classroom visit at Baden Public School on Thursday.  She was able to spend the last block of the day with her home room, 8B.  She was so excited to go!  She wore her cheerleading hair ribbon in her hair, and jumped for joy in the office upon arrival!  (Her jump is supported, and doesn't entail feet leaving the floor, just legs bending and straightening rapidly.)  She received her planner, and a class photo was taken.  Lydia loves school, and longs to return, but unfortunately, she is far from being able to return for regular classroom instruction. 
She was surprised and delighted to receive the Student of the Month award for her class.   The attribute of the month for November is Hope.   The students in her homeroom class voted her to be the classmate who best embodies the attribute of HOPE.  How beautiful is that?  Her award is proudly hung on our fridge.
In Lydia's music therapy this week, her teacher brought a recorder for her to try.  She figured the recorder was a good stepping stone to the flute, an instrument Lydia began to play in grade 7, and hopes to return to.  We would have never thought that Mary Had a Little Lamb on the recorder, could bring tears to our eyes, but it did, as she played it proudly for us on Saturday morning.  She called Grandparents on Saturday to play the tune for them too.  She has taken her recorder with her, or had it close at hand, to play for all therapists and teachers who come to see Lydia.

On Saturday, we were excited to have the writer personally deliver to our home, several copies of Most Magazine.  Remember the aestheticians and the photo shoot, earlier this month?  They were for this special feature in Most Magazine.  The photography, the story, and how beautifully they are shared, moved us greatly.  Thank you to the team, whose artistic talents collaborated wonderfully.  For those who do not receive Most Magazine, you can view it online at http://www.mostwaterlooregion.com.  Just click on the current issue tab on the far left.  Our story begins on page 24.

We battled with discouragement at times over this past week, as Lydia would ask, "Why is it so hard for me to eat?  ... to brush my teeth? ... to do my hair?"  She is aware of her limitations and frustrated by them.  We encourage Lydia (and ourselves too) by talking about things that she wasn't able to do before, but can now.  We try to get perspective by considering that she has only completed 25%  of her recovery. (This is based on  the 2 year projected recovery time frame for a brain injury patient.  The most significant gains are made within this time frame.  However recovery continues for years. )  
Perspective also returns when we give thanks to the One who gives us all, and when we turn our hearts to Him, trusting in His ways, His timing, and His provision for us all. 
Phil 1:6 ... being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you, will be faithful to carry it on to completion until the day of our Lord.

The opening line of a song that often steadies me, is God I look to You, I won't be overwhelmed.  Give me vision to see things like You do.  Amen 
http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_detailpage&v=CR5IoWH9OiI
God I Look to You by Brian Johnson, sung by Jenn Johnson, from the album "Be lifted High"

God I look to You
I won't be overwhelmed
Give me vision to see things like You do
God I look to You
You're where my help comes from
Give me wisdom, You know just what to do

I will love You Lord my strength
I will love you Lord my shield
I will love You Lord my rock
Forever all my days, I will love you God

Hallelujah our God reigns
Hallelujah our God reigns
Hallelujah our God reigns
Forever all my days Hallelujah



Monday, November 19, 2012

Blogging less frequently

We have had a good weekend.  I am feeling better; not quite 100%, but much improved.  Lydia rested well, and is ready for another full week of therapy and school and rest.   She works so hard.  She has always been very disciplined, and we see that trait in her again, as she gives herself fully to her tasks each day.  She is now regularly tieing her shoes by herself!
Today, she went to the University of Waterloo School of Optometry for a complete eye exam.  She has suffered some impairments to her vision.  She will need reading glasses, and she requires some visual therapy to help with muscular control.  We are hopeful these difficulties can be overcome.

On Sunday, at our home church, Waterloo Mennonite Brethren, we shared our stories of how God has been caring for us, and the power of prayer.  James and I spoke during our worship services. Lydia shared via video.  The video, entitled Warrior Butterfly, beautifully captures Lydia, speaking about her journey with Jesus.  It is a short but powerful clip.  http://www.waterloomb.org/stories/warrior-butterfly

For a few weeks now, we have pondered for how long, and how regularly, we should continue to update you on Lydia's progress.  The blog has been an efficient way to share our journey with the many who pray for us, and who care about Lydia's recovery.  We are ever so grateful for your prayers and support.  It has been overwhelming.   
Often, the blog has been cathartic to write - a sort of "on line journal".  Just as often, it has felt divinely inspired.  We have heard countless stories of how God has used the blog to draw people to Himself, and to encourage them in their faith.  To Him be the glory in all things.  We have trusted Him for his guidance, and He has been so faithful.  We will continue to trust His leading with the blog.  We are certain that He will help us to know when it is time to stop.  For now, we plan to update you weekly. 
We are thankful, that 6 months after the accident, Lydia is doing as well as she is.  She still has a lot of recovering, relearning, and resting to do.  We wait, we hope, and we pray for her full recovery. 
We celebrate the gifts that God has graciously given to our family.  We have been forever changed by these intimate faith experiences. 
Romans 15:13  May the God of hope, fill you with all joy and peace, as you trust in Him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of theHoly Spirit.
Talk to you next Monday!
 

Friday, November 16, 2012

Lydia is still feeling the effects of Wednesday's excitement at WeDay.  She is tired and needing to rest more.  It seems to be that in the days following a big event, she is particularly tired.  While she is progressing in her capacity, it is still very small, compared to what it once was.
When we look at a calendar, we can't believe that tomorrow, November 17, marks the 6 month mark in this journey.  Where has the time gone?  Half a year!  We are grateful for the provision, love and support we have received, over the past half year, and we know that it will continue, in different ways.  God has met us powerfully, and we have known the peace that passes understanding.  Our hearts are forever changed, forever drawn deeper into the intimacies of walking by faith.  But, the journey is long, and the journey is hard.  Yes, there is peace, and there is joy, and beauty, and hope; but it is still a difficult path to walk.
I have continued to suffer from a sore throat and cold this past week.  I need to take a break from many things - blogging is one that I have chosen to rest from for a few days. So, may you have a good, and restful weekend too.

Thursday, November 15, 2012

Lydia had a very full day today.  This morning, she went to Baden Public School to meet with her new principal, and vice principal.  She let out a whoop of delight, as we rounded the bend in Livingston Blvd, and she could see the school.  How she longs to return to school!  She received a welcome back card, signed by many grade eight students, which she enjoyed reading today.
Later today, she had an appointment with the Wheel chair seating clinic at KidsAbility to finalize the details for ordering her own wheel chair.  We are currently renting one, and while she is making great strides in walking, (pun intended!), she will need a chair of her own for distance mobility for some time yet.  She was measured up and sized for a chair that will be made specifically for her.
Lydia understands the need for the wheel chair, but, she struggles with it.  She does not want to appear different.  She sometimes asks that we not park in the reserved handicap parking spaces.   She does not want to be pitied.  She asked that we not take her chair to WeDay, yesterday, but realized the need for it, as the short walk to our car, with a sore knee, was painful.  Once in the car, she asked that her chair be taken along to WeDay.  One day a while ago, she uttered a heartbreaking statement:  "I guess I'll have to get new friends - ones with disabilities like me."
We deduce from these reactions, that Lydia views people with disabilities as segregated, different, not normal.  Does this perception stem from some of her experiences, or from her notions about individuals with disabilities from before?
Since Lydia's entrance into the world of the differently abled, our perception has changed too.  We have seen such a vibrant faith in Lydia, and a beautiful tenderness and sensitivity.  She walks more intimately with Jesus now than before.
James 2:5 speaks to us:  Listen, my dear brothers and sisters:  Has not God chosen those who are poor in the eyes of the world, to be rich in faith and to inherit the kingdom he promised those who love him?
So maybe our able bodied culture views those with disabilities as poor, in the eyes of the world.  But we have seen richness that is great.  We have a friend with CP, and he knows what it is like to live with disabilities, and yet, he has a heart and spirit that are incredibly connected to God.
Lord, may we know your love, and hold your view of all your children - abled and differently abled.

Wednesday, November 14, 2012

Today, Lydia and I were able to attend the last hour of WEday at the Auditorium!  What an inspiring experience that was!  We heard Liz Murray share her incredible story.  She was homeless, and yet was able to graduate from Harvard.  Although orphaned, she was surrounded by a community who supported her, cared for her, and helped her.  It caused me to think about how we have been surrounded, supported, cared for, and helped.  Thank you.
She encouraged us to be grateful for what we have, because everything we have, we could easily not have.  Yes!  This statement rang so true.  Lord, thank you for our children, our health, our families, our friends, our homes, our schools, our community, this country we live in.   Thank you for all that you give to us to enjoy.  Every good and perfect gift comes from you.
She challenged us to not let what we can't do, interfere with what we can do!  This pierced my heart for Lydia.  I was thankful that this spirit of resilience is in Lydia; that she doesn't let a trembling right hand keep her from eating with it, or printing shaky letters and words.
In the WEday finale, Marc and Craig Kielburger, spoke about the Three Laws of Social Change.  As they talked about law #1, The Power of the Few, they mentioned Lydia.  They spoke about what an inspiration she is to so many people, and how she illustrates that one person can impact many.  Lydia smiled at this.  She wants to be the change in her community - pointing people to Jesus, and His love.
At the end, she was on her feet, trying to jump in time to the music and clap her hands over her head, along with the auditorium full of energized youth.  She didn't want the ear phones I had brought to help her cope with all of the noise.  She assured me, "It's ok, I've been to WEday before, I know how crazy it can get!"  Then she smiled and tried to jump again.

Tuesday, November 13, 2012

 Tonight we were enjoying a delicious dinner made by a dear friend, whose husband is a prolific hunter.  It was a stew of meat, potatoes and vegetables.  As we were eating, I mused out loud as to what kind of meat was in the stew.  I suspected it was venison but couldn't be sure. Without missing a beat, Lydia piped up, "once it's in the pot, it's all beef."  This is quote from one of her favourite books, The Hunger Games, in which the heroine supplies all manner of game to the local soup maker who feeds the starving townsfolk. Lydia's quick response surprised us all.  Her eyes glittered with glee as we praised her quick mind.   We view it as another sign that her mind is healing and new pathways are being formed.  She continues to work hard to reach her goals.  Her day was filled with therapy and rest, lunch and rest, tutoring then rest.  Sleep well.

Monday, November 12, 2012

We love it when Lydia is joyful, bright, and light hearted, and we were happy to see her return to this demeanor yesterday and today.  She recovered from her cold, and was feeling much better.  True to her sensitive nature, she apologized for insisting that she might not wake up.
On Sunday, she was able to visit with close friends over lunch, and when she came home, she reported to me, "I even ate with my right hand".  We regularly encourage her to eat with her right hand, or do any task she would have done previously, with her right hand.  This is hard work.  Her right hand shakes, and eating can become very messy and frustrating.  No teenager wants food to be flying across the table, especially if you are the guest!  Actually, some teens (I'm thinking of Sam in a couple of years!) might think it fun, but not Lydia!  She is very sensitive to appearing or acting different.  She chose to have lunch the "right way" or the therapeutic way, although that is the hard way.  We congratulated her on this decision and her success.  She knows that practice makes perfect.  Is it any wonder we are inspired by her drive to improve?
Today, Lydia was telling everyone she saw or talked to, so she would want us to tell you, that she can stand up on her own, and walk by herself.   She no longer needs to have arms on a chair to push herself up, or have someone help to lift her up.   She is steady and strong enough to do it on her own.  In our home, she is able to walk around unassisted.  We are usually within arm's reach of her, in case she loses her balance, but we are not right at her side, or supporting her all the time, like we used to be.  When she is tired, she needs help, and when she is exhausted, she is not too old to still enjoy piggy back rides up the stairs!

This evening, Ben was singing a song with lyrics "we could be starving, we could be homeless, we could be broke".   Lydia heard this line, and asserted - "it wouldn't matter if you knew Jesus.  He'd be with you all the time."  Her faith is inspiring.

Saturday, November 10, 2012

Lydia awoke this morning, feeling somewhat better, stronger and most notably, hopeful again.  She apologized a few times to us for disagreeing with us yesterday, and asserting that she didn't believe that she was getting better.  (Remember yesterday she thought she might not recover from her cold!)
In general, Lydia is very sensitive to anything she has said or done, that may have hurt another person or been inaccurate.  She has a heightened sense of right and wrong, and wants to set all things right -especially when she perceives there have been hurts.  She repeatedly wants to apologize, sometimes for seemingly insignificant things.    She does apologize, but then she forgets that she has, and somedays, it is difficult helping her to remember that she has apologized, and to release the matter entirely.  She fixates on these things.
Fixation is common with a brain injury.  It happens.  For awhile, she was fixated on food, constantly hungry and wondering what there was to eat.  This food fixation may have coincided along with a growth spurt, because she did eat a lot, but it has disappeared.  She eats regular meals now, and is not complaining of hunger all the time.

Friday, November 9, 2012

Green Ribbons

We have learned that for some, it is not the right time to take down their green ribbons.  That is fine with us!  We still have ours up at home, most notably on the tree in the yard where we took the photo of Lydia this fall.  We extend to each of you the full freedom to choose when you want to take your ribbons down.  There is still much prayer needed, so let us continue on together (with or without green ribbons) in Romans 12:12  Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.
Below are two different emails we received about this matter.  To both individuals, and the many who carry our family in prayer, we thank you for your petitions and prayers.

I have not taken down our green ribbons yet. I go to do it and then I can't. Today I was wondering with God, "where does this green ribbon belong?" No longer does the sight of it bring me to my knees with petitioning tears,  however the days of petitioning are not yet over....the days of asking for God to carry you and sustain you remain. And so they'll stay up a little longer....

I don't want to take my green ribbon down yet. I feel it is a symbol of hope and prayer. I don't want people to forget what happened and to continue to pray for Lydia and your family. It is like the poppy. Let us not forget, ... 

Everyone in our household is feeling under the weather, and at various stages of a cold.  For the boys, it is nearly over.  For the rest of us, it is just beginning with sniffles, aching bodies and scratchy, sore throats.  This is the first time that Lydia has been sick since her accident.  We all know how lousy it feels.  For Lydia, who can fixate on things, it feels insurmountable!  In her bed, body aching, she moaned: "I may not recover from this cold.  I don't know if I'll get up tomorrow!"  We laughed and encouraged her that after all that she has lived through, surely a cold is not going to keep her down!  We had to help her see that in a couple of days, she would be feeling better again.
(Perhaps this is some of the reason for her difficult last few days, and her higher emotional needs.)

In this blog, the last word goes to Lydia.  She requested several times today that I say, on her behalf:
"Thank you everyone for praying for me.  I really appreciate it.  (pause) And no offense intended, but green isn't my favourite colour any more!"  It's all about turquoise now. Such is life with a teenager !

Thursday, November 8, 2012

We have had an exciting day!  (Of course, with excitement, comes stress, something that is difficult for Lydia to process.)  A hair stylist and an esthetician from a local Salon came to our home today to do our hair and makeup, and a photographer arrived soon after, to take photos for an upcoming magazine  publication.   Exciting!   Unfortunately, these are all the details that I can share at this time.
Lydia has had a hard time handling emotions today.  She did very well during the time that stylists, editors, writers and photographers were here, thankfully.  In the morning, and afterwards, her mind kept racing, and sleep evaded her, even though she was exhausted.  (We think that she is still recovering from yesterday in Toronto.)  Tonight she required a lot of care to settle and fall asleep.  She wants me to be with her all the time, and I can't be.  I need to tend to the boys needs, have time with  James, and for myself too.  To say that this leg of the journey has hard moments for us all,  feels like an understatement tonight.  The weightiness of the last thirty hours have been keenly felt.
So I lean into Jesus.  In a day where I have struggle to give sacrificially, to love deeply, I cling to Jesus. I am holding on to Him.  He is already all I need.

Wednesday, November 7, 2012

Today we returned to Sick Kids Hospital for another follow up appointment - this one for a blood clot that had been discovered in Lydia's right arm in late May. An ultrasound completed today showed that the clot is still there, albeit slightly smaller, but since it is in a superficial vein, and it has not caused any alarming symptoms, and it has not grown, there is no concern or need to return to the Thrombosis clinic.  We check off another medical issue from Lydia's list!
Prior to Lydia's afternoon appointments, as a family, we went up the CN tower. In May and June, when we stayed at Ronald McDonald House, we regularly enjoyed the beautiful view from our room, of the CN tower.  We had a clear view of the entire tower that was framed by trees, and many nights, we would watch the lights on the tower before going to bed.  During these times, we dreamed of being able to go up the tower as a family. We thought it would be years before we could experience this together, but, by the grace of God, we were wrong. We enjoyed our time there together today. The boys loved the glass floor, and the speed at which the elevators zipped up the tower. They were even ready to do the sky walk! Perhaps another day. It was a quiet day at the tower, so it was perfect for Lydia.
At Sick Kids, we connected with Ryan, Lydia's Physio Therapist.  When I introduced her to him (because she has no memory of anyone at SickKids), she said "Hello Ryan, it is nice to meet you."  He responded by saying, "Hello Lydia, it is nice to hear your voice!"  He had never heard her speak before!  He treated her for 5 weeks, taking her to the gym, casting her feet, and doing exercises with her, but during this comatose time, she was silent, unable to speak.
This brings perspective at the end of a long day; a day where, towards evening,  Lydia was having trouble coping.  The noise, the smells, the lights of the big city were overwhelming to her.  She wanted to never, ever, have to return to Toronto again! While nearing home she stuck her hands and nose out the the window and declared that she had finally found air fit to breathe! She was happy to return to the comfort of home.  Lydia has come so far.  She has recovered incredibly from the  comatose patient that lay in Sick Kids for eight weeks.  Yes, we see too, today, how far she still must come, but we look back with gratitude on her journey of recovery so far.
Philippians 1:6  ... that He who began a good work in you will be faithful to carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus. 
We trust Him for the full measure of his divine work in our precious Lydie bug.

Tuesday, November 6, 2012

We have had a good day.  Lydia is learning how to rest well.  It is still sometimes a struggle to turn off her mind, but she is doing better at resting quietly at times throughout the day.  She is also learning how to use her new therapeutic device - an IPAD!  In therapy terms, it is called an ADL, an assistive learning device.  She is playing different games to work on her fine motor and cognition skills.  The boys want to improve their skills too!

Recently, when James was playing his guitar, we sang together a song that we sang several times to Lydia in ICU, but had not sung together since that time. It is a song that was sung at our wedding, and expresses marital commitment. When we sang it in ICU, we were expressing to Lydia our steadfast love for her through whatever lay ahead.
Our hearts were full, as we sang it to Lydia the other night - choking on words we had not been able to sing in ICU, and finding new meaning in the lyrics as we sang.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PlxQbYPawT8&feature=player_detailpage

I Will Be Here - Stephen Curtis Chapman

Tomorrow mornin' if you wake up
And the sun does not appear
I...I will be here

If in the dark we lose sight of love
Hold my hand and have no fear
'Cause I...I will be here

I will be here...
When you feel like bein' quiet
When you need to speak your mind
I will listen
And I will be here
When the laughter turns to cryin'
Through the winnin' and losin' and tryin'
We'll be together
'Cause I will be here

Tomorrow mornin' if you wake up
And the future is unclear
I...I'll be here

Just as sure as seasons are made for change
Our lifetimes are made for these years
I...I will be here

I will be here....
You can cry on my shoulder
When the mirror tells us we're older
I will hold you

And I will be here
To watch you grow in beauty
And tell you all the things you mean to me
I will be here

I will be true
To the promise I have made
To you and to the
One who gave you to me

I...I will be here

And just as sure as seasons are made for change
Our lifetimes are made for these years
'Cause I...
I will be here....
We'll be together

'Cause I will be here

Monday, November 5, 2012

We regularly hear from Lydia how thankful she is to be at home.  Generally, she is thankful for where we live, our home, our family; and then sometimes she gets specific: " I am so thankful for my bed!  I love my bedroom!"    Whenever she remembers her last weeks at Holland Bloorview, she cries.  We are begining to learn about some of her confusion and fear, when she was there, that she would never be able to come home, that she did not know where she was, or how to get home, even if she could.  This pulls at our hearts.  It is confusion and desperation we cannot begin to imagine.  We are thankful that we brought her home when we did, and thankful she can recover at home.

The ache for home lives in all of us, the safe place where we can go as we are and not be questioned. 
Maya Angelou

Saturday, November 3, 2012

Lydia is still recovering from her big day on Thursday.  She was tired again today.  She has also been suffering from a very sore foot this past week, and on Friday her PT did some acupuncture to relieve some of the pain.  The fascia on the bottom of her left foot is inflamed, and so (like her mom!) she has plantar's fasciitits which makes her hobble.  She is required to rest her foot, use her wheel chair more, and take it easy - no more walks down the lane!  Lydia, while bothered by the pain of it, also views it as a set back in her goal to play soccer this spring season!  (We encourage her in her goals, but this one seems incredible!  Who knows what she will learn to do in the next 6 months?  We keep hoping and believing.)
Lydia regularly aspires to return to the activities she enjoyed previously.  After reading articles about Katelyn Osmond and Tessa Virtue and Scott Moir in school this week, she is keen to return to figure skating too!  With her flexibility, she is already practicing holding her leg up for a spiral.

We will weekly be taking Sundays off from updates.  May your day, tomorrow, be restful and restorative.  We are grateful for an extra hour of sleep.

A new worship song for us is 10 000 Reasons by Matt Redman, and we have sung the chorus many times this week.   Bless the Lord, Oh my soul, ......

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XtwIT8JjddM&feature=player_detailpage

"10,000 Reasons (Bless The Lord)"
[Chorus]
Bless the Lord, O my soul
O my soul
Worship His holy name
Sing like never before
O my soul
I'll worship Your holy name

The sun comes up, it's a new day dawning
It's time to sing Your song again
Whatever may pass, and whatever lies before me
Let me be singing when the evening comes

[Chorus]

You're rich in love, and You're slow to anger
Your name is great, and Your heart is kind
For all Your goodness I will keep on singing
Ten thousand reasons for my heart to find


And on that day when my strength is failing
The end draws near and my time has come
Still my soul will sing Your praise unending
Ten thousand years and then forevermore

Friday, November 2, 2012

Green Ribbons holding life

In yesterday's post, I forgot to tell you what Lydia thought of the ribbon waving: "It was very, very, very, very, very fun!"  And again this morning, she awoke saying how great it was!  Yes, she was still tuckered out today, so we tried to rest more.  She was always ready to talk about who she saw yesterday, or what she felt.  I was struck by her statement that she "wanted to hug all of the little children".  It reminded me of Jesus' words about letting the children come to Him, because the kingdom of heaven belongs to little ones .....

As lime green ribbons have been taken down around our community, often with gratitude and celebration, we have received two wonderful emails that we want to share.  It seems these lime green ribbons have been sheltering life in their own way.

"We just have to share something with you. Last week, when I was raking leaves, I noticed something hanging from our green ribbon. It was a chrysalis - an empty one! Which, of course, means that some caterpillar found shelter and safety in Lydia's ribbon and used it as a place to transform into a beautiful butterfly!"

"As I removed my green ribbon from my tree, there was a thick line of green moss underneath it.  A reminder from God, that although the ribbon is coming down, continue to pray."

Thank you for your continued prayers.  Thank you for the green ribbons that have encouraged us, and heralded many prayers for Lydia over the past five and a half months.  We believe that God will continue to heal Lydia and work in her.  We continue to pray for a full recovery.

http://www.therecord.com/news/local/article/828812--region-welcomes-home-lydia-herrle

November 1 has long marked a new season in our lives, because we annually close our Farm Market on October 31.  November brings less intense work responsibilities and commitments.  It brings more family time, and a more gentle pace.  It ushers in rest.  As the land rests, after yielding its crops, we rest after our hard labour.
Lydia's homecoming ushers in a new season in her recovery too.  She is at home full time, with her family.  Our divided life has come to an end.  No more daily trips back and forth to Toronto.  No more separation from the boys.  No more hospital food (this is a big thing that Lydia continues to be thankful for!), and no more institutional noise and routines to follow.  Lydia regularly says how thankful she is to be at home.
Yes, this November brings a new season to our lives, in many wonderful ways. 


Thursday, November 1, 2012

Lydia's homecoming was a joyful celebration of her recovery to date!  Many came, despite the cold and the intermittent rain, with their tattered green ribbons to line our lane and cheer for Lydia as she walked home.  She walked the whole way - from our Farm Market to our house, a distance of about 250 m.  She didn't sit on the golf cart once!  She is one determined and inspiring girl!

For us, one of the most beautiful and grace filled moments was when Lydia saw her bus driver, whom she hadn't seen since May 17, and she responded by giving him a big hug.  He was the first person that Lydia hugged on her walk down the lane, and as we witnessed it, we were moved to tears.  Grace and mercy flowed.  How loving and tender is our God!

Lydia wore a new shirt today, that a friend had made for her.  It simply read:  I am a beautiful thing.  He is making me new.  Oh, how you are, and how He is!



There were many cameras snapping photos, and a film crew from CTV news too. 
http://kitchener.ctvnews.ca/video?clipId=797672&playlistId=1.1020993&binId=1.815923
Tomorrow's Record will also carry a story.

To all who came, and to all who, from afar, waved ribbons in their hearts, thank you for blessing us with your prayers and support. We are surrounded by such love.  May the blessing extend to you as well.  To God be the glory, great things He has done!



The Herrle5 home together. 
With joyful hearts, with faith, hope and wonder, we continue our journey.
Psalm 27:13,14  I am confident of this: I will see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living.  Wait for the Lord.  Be strong, and take heart, and wait for the Lord.