Psalm 111:1 I will give thanks to the LORD with all my heart.
This morning I have packed three paper bag lunches, fixed breakfast and drove two of my kids to school. Simple, ordinary, daily mommy duties and at one time the deepest longings of this moms heart and my whispered midnight prayers.
Everyday when I take them to school we have a little tradition. Before they get out of the car we say “I am special. I am a special child of the King.” Hopefully, it is also getting imprinted on their hearts as well as their brain. Just before John reaches for the door handle this morning he glances over at me and says “I love you, mom. Happy Heart Day." I mentally store a snapshot of that moment.
I arrived home to find the cutest little white bear with red kisses all over it, sitting by my computer from my kids. When you squeeze the bears hand it says stuff like “You make my heart flutter”, "Give me a kiss", "You make me so happy", (with giggles) "I love you soooo much". I can't stop squeezing this cute little bears hand. It reminds me of another cute little bear they gave me when I was waiting on the heart. I kept it close at all times. I am sure some people thought it was a bit weird, and perhaps even odd for a grown woman to hold on so tightly to a cute teddy bear, but inside the bear's paw I could activate a recording of my three kid's voices. It had their sweet little voices recorded saying “ I love you, mom. I hope you get better soon. Hurry Home.” ( Thanks, Aunt Jini) I held that cute little bear close to me the entire time I was in the hospital. It made me feel close to them. I wonder if it brought back any memories for my kid's when they bought this new little bear.
My eyes are misty this morning. It's 5 years today. Can you believe it? I ran in the laundry room to get something this morning and just fell to my knees thanking God for all he has done for me. Forever close to my heart is my donor family. Please Lord, hold them close today. This day also floods my heart with memories of everyone who has walked this journey with us. The doctors and nurses who cared for me, the prayer warriors who lifted us up ,family, our church, friends and teachers who took such great care of our children. We were carried by your prayers and those who lived close by who cleaned my house, took care of our children and made sure they had clean underwear, and food and birthday parties in our absence.:) You, my friends, were the gospel in action.
Jehovah Rapha, my healer He is real. Without Him I would not have made it.
my shelter from the storm
my strength when i was weak
under His wings was found a place of safety
a strong tower where i would run
He heard my cries and carried me out of the pit
and calmed my fears
all the while caring for my children
He supplied ALL of our needs
He gave us a NEW HEART...........and a second chance
Thanks again for all of your love, prayers and support over the past 5 years.
In the words of my new little bear, "I love ya'll soooo much!"
Numbers 6:24-25 The LORD bless you, and keep you; The Lord make His face shine on you, and be gracious to you
