715 posts...

This post is number 715. That's a lot of pictures and stories and ups and downs and thoughts and ramblings, wouldn't you agree? The truth is I never dreamed I would like blogging this much when I first created Nitty.Gritty. I had read blogs for about 5 months when I finally hit the button, 'create your own blog'. I really thought it was just going to be an easy way for me to share bits and pieces of my life and that of the rest of my family with my family and friends- near and far. Since our tragedy, I had been very good about sending emails and often times found myself 'needing' prayer support or encouragement for some new life challenge we were facing, or just had to share something exciting that had happened in our ongoing recoveries.
When the world of blog opened up before me, I had no idea what I was getting into, nor did I realize how many connections I would make or how many other people would feel compelled to share their stories with me.
It's been quite a ride, I must say. One that has really touched me in many ways. So this post today is kind of a compilation or update post on some of those stories that many of you have followed here in the past 715 posts.
First things, first.
I have been in the midst of a personal concern that has caused some stress in my life. I still am in that...but feel that God has given me peace to accept however it turns out. Still, if you feel led to do so, please pray for that peace and for the final results for me. Also, in regards to the issue of clutter. Thanks for some of your emails and tips on how I can address this. Part of it is just the added stress in my life sort of maginifies all the other 'stuff' that drags us down. I felt much better yesterday after tackling the closet/room that holds most of my girls' clothes. I emtpied out two bags of things they had outgrown and folded and hung up everything else that was out of place. That felt good and made me feel just that much more 'in control'. I think my advice for some of you at this same place I am in is to do ONE thing. Start small- whether it is a drawer or a closet or a single room, or even just cleaning everything off the front of the fridge.
A single clean space sort of gets the ball rolling and I really think it's all part of a larger mental game here. As spring bursts on the scene for many of us, we have this urgent sense to make things 'fresh' around our homes. I am happy to say that my one small step yesterday really made a big difference...and really it isn't that bad around my home. Nothing like the hoarders some of you wrote me that appeared on Oprah. I just feel like I needed a little jumpstart, and I wish you the best as you find ways to feel good about your homes and spaces too. Small steps are the key.
Secondly, many of you were moved and curious about the lives of our friends (the Cerak family of Gaylord, MI) who were told their daughter was killed along with others from Taylor University in a terrible van accident almost two years ago. Weeks later, they learned she had been misidentified as another student in the crash and actually was alive and recovering. They recently co-wrote a book with the parents of the family whose daughter had been killed and now will be sharing some of their thoughts on various tv programs. If you are interested in hearing some of that story and more of how they are doing now, you can see them on the Today Show (today- Thurs. 27th), tomorrow night on a Dateline 2-hour special, or on The Oprah Winfrey Show next Tuesday, April 1st.
I owe a few of you replies to the emails and donations you sent to me on behalf of Teagan's birthday when I invited you to be a part of the gift we are sending to our friend Roxanne Robbin who is serving some needy/special children in Uganda- many who are suffering from cancer and other serious diseases/injuries. We are touched by your generosity and have been in contact with Roxanne. She had sent us an update on Okello Dikens- whom I asked you to be in prayer for as his story had gripped my heart. He was given a fairly good report from his doctors just over a week ago, but this past Thursday he took a turn for the worse and is in a coma and having major complications- including vomiting blood and feeling pain. Roxanne spent all Easter weekend by his bedside and I know she would appreciate more prayers for little Dickens. Chip is planning a golf event to help raise even more money for the hospital and the needs of the children of Uganda. Roxanne said that she would make certain our money goes to meet very specific and simple needs of these children- many of whom don't even have a mattress or pillow/blanket as they lay in the hospital needing care. We have been receiving donations through our paypal account which is chip2jody@hotmail.com should you feel compelled to be a part of this gift as well. We truly appreciate your gifts and prayers and I will continue to bring news as Roxanne is able to share with us even though she is thousands of miles away.
My dear blog friend, Angie, and her whole family can use more of your prayers too. They are facing the birth and death of their daughter, Audrey Caroline, who has multiple concerns and is not expected to live as a result of her issues. I invite you to read their story and pray for God to be glorified even in this most trying time in their lives.
As for our own Wyndham, she is nearing the end of the process she has been through as we wean her off one anti-seizure med and onto another. It has taken weeks and we are almost 'there'. I have appreciated so much support and prayers for her too as she has gained strength and gotten her enery levels up again. She still has some catching up to do with the strength/muscle tone she lost, but she has made much progress and now we are just hoping that this single medication will control her seizures and help us live a 'normal' life again.
Yes, there are more stories and updates I could bring you, but I think that fills many of your hearts/minds. I thank you all for being a part of my blog...our lives. It has been a truly wonderful thing to not only be able to share parts of us and others with you...but to also hear your stories and to be supported and encouraged and inspired by you too.
I hope to continue to do this for many, many more posts. =)