Tuesday, May 27, 2008

For the grandmas/pas that read Nitty.Gritty.



Last Friday night both Wyndham and Isabella participated in their graduation ceremony. It was a big night and a big deal for them and all of the kids in their class. They did well in their special parts- singing and reciting poems and the pledges and standing/sitting at all the appropriate times.
Of course, I was feeling choked up as the whole night just was such a gift to us. We've never been given a prognosis for Wyndham since her head injury at age 7 months, other than "she'll likely never walk or talk". To have this night happen then, was a gift that I don't take lightly. It's just a reminder and picture to me that God is in control of all the things she will and won't be able to do...as her Mom, I feel privileged to see these moments happen. These are big accomplishments in her life that are evidence to me of how much she has been able to overcome. Her grin before the ceremony took place was one of the best I've ever seen on her. It melted me.
Bella too, worked hard all year and her big moment that night happened just as I took off her cap so we could head to the reception for cake. She burst into tears and couldn't even talk because of her sobs for a couple of minutes. When I finally got her to voice what was wrong, she said {still crying} "I'm not ready for it to be over!... My class is done forever!" She kept crying well into the reception time- even when we let her choose the flavor of her piece of cake and got her some berries too.
Chip and I couldn't help but smile {and roll our eyes too} as we had a vision of her graduation day sometime in the year 2020. I have an idea it's going to be even more dramatic and emotional!
So, for my parents and Chip's parents and some of the other granparents/family that read this blog, I thought you'd like to see some pictures of our very special night.

At that same time, the Chapman family were surrounded by family and friends at Maria's viewing. My heart ached for their sorrow while I was experiencing joy. I remember in the early days of my own grief just how hard it was to accept the fact that life goes on and sometimes my hardest days were other people's most glorious. I hope that many of you will continue to pray for them and the journey of their hearts to accept, to realize, to surrender and to ulitmately find much peace and Joy even in death. Here is a link with detailed stories and updates into some of these intimate and difficult moments. I am thanking God that He is showing Himself to be real to their family- that He is giving them comfort in many ways and through many people. I will forever be touched by Maria's beauty and I hope that her legacy will touch many lives for years to come.

7 comments:

Anonymous said...

Thank you God for miracles! Keep providing them for Jodie and Windham. Thank you for giving her the eyes to see all the milestones in her daughters life. You are awesome Lord!

Anonymous said...

Jodie, You are an inspiration to all us christian Moms, your life and light of Christ is hown through your gift of writing.
I lost a baby boy nearly 6 years ago, not a day goes by that I don't think of him, and see a child that "would" be his age of size now.
May God continue his work on Wyndham, and your families hearts, with Teagan smiling in heaven. May your family also be blessed with anew baby brother.

Many hugs,
Carrie
NJ

(born and raised in mid-Michigan)

Ashley said...

Jodie - I've been reading your blog for a while now and I'm always encouraged and lifted up by your words and photographs. You truly have a beautiful family and your words have been a witness to me.
I had to comment because in this post you said, "I remember in the early days of my own grief just how hard it was to accept the fact that life goes on and sometimes my hardest days were other people's most glorious." Wow. I can't tell you how much that resonated with my soul. That has been the precise feeling I've been having, but the words eluded me. Thanks so much for your insight.

dena said...

Jody,
I absolutely LOVE your blog. Your family is so sweet and you write so incredibly well. I cried as you posted how proud you are of your little girls. I too was celebrating a graduation as the Chapmans were attending a funeral, and I thought of them all day. It was such a bittersweet day. I also feel so much for Angie as her family again faces the devastation of loss. You are such an inspiration to me and I learn so much from you that encourages me in my walk with Jesus. Have a blessed day Jody......Dena

Sarah Garner said...

Jody,
You have inspired me! I found the link to your blog on Audrey's blog. You have a beautiful family, inside and out. You resonate with the light and love of our Savior. There are so many trials that seem insurmountable, but the Lord never asks anything of us that we can't handle. You are living proof of this. For you to be able to keep the eternal perspective and use that to forgive, inspire and bless others is truly a miricle! Our Father lost His Son too, but he allowed him to die so that our parting would only be temporary.
My daughter, Savannah, was stillborn on Feb. 9 of this year. Perhaps she and Teagan are doing the Lords work together on the other side.
Thank you for sharing your inspiring story!

Anonymous said...

Hey, Jody.

I'm guessing you already know about Todd and Angie's nephew...I once again assume you'd want to get us all praying. I can't even fathom what this family is going through, it seems so unreal to me, and I'm not in the midst of it all.

http://www.audreycaroline.blogspot.com/

Praying for you, too! Thanks for sharing all of this - I continue to pray for you and your family, and the sweet little one growing in you!

Blessings,
Jodie

kristi said...

My baby graduated kindergarten last week! Too cute!