April 9th
On April 9th, Jeff wrote a letter to Poppy, his sweet daughter whom he had just found out might not be able to survive in this world. At the time I sobbed when I read the following words:
Selfishly hoping that God will work a miracle, we will install another car seat in the beast just prior to delivering. We will hope and pray for the best, recognizing that we have no control over your destiny and that our understanding is finite. You are in the good hands of the Father and the days of your life are known to him. But oh, how I want to bring you home, Poppy, where cuddles with mom, dad and sister will be abundant and Ellie will apply her kisses directly to your face. She will tell you all about animals. And doggies. And the noises doggies make. She might even tell you about the “monkey.” Curious George is a big hit in our house. Mom will do her baby swing and rock you into a blissful sleep as only she can do. Daddy will try to do his best not to mess up, but forgive him as he means well. There will be laughing, tears of joy and a dissipation of all the fears and tension that the terrible T-word brought. What a celebration we would have.
Four months to the date after that was written, our Arabella Grace was born. Screaming. Breathing.
Today, August 12th, we will drive home. With a car seat in the beast. And a baby in the car seat. And a sister waiting at home to plant kisses on her cheeks.
And oh the celebration we will have.
There is much to tell. I will likely never be able to fully express the depth and length and breadth of the Lord’s grace that has, in broad strokes and minute strokes, been poured out in the past few days. But I will try – when I actually have Internet and more than a few hours of sleep in me. I must try, because His story is a story too great not to be told.
But for now, all I can say is thank you. Oh how inadequate those two little words are! You have striven with us in prayer, which means today? This is your day to celebrate with us as well.
Watch out Wenatchee. Here we come!
Our hearts are bursting with joy! What a miracle- God is good and His love endures forever.
Oh, how I have been praying for this miracle!
I’m a quiet little blog reader from California who has been praying along with you and for you since April. And what a joy to wake up to this news!!
How deep is the Fathers love for you!!!
Spilling tears, again, over God’s beautiful provision for you… I hope to meet your sweet family one day. I am with a sister in Christ in AZ, who has been loving you and praying for Arabella from afar. God’s loving family has no boundaries. Thank you, for sharing your beautiful story with the world.
So happy for you all! Weeping at Gods love, grace, and mercy poured out on your little family and poured out on us all! Amen, Lord!
Where is my “humbled,” “in love with this post,” and “thankful to God because He is GREAT all the time,” buttons. May your family continue to be blessed beyond your wildest dreams!
Praise the Lord! We have been praying for this miracle!! You made my day!!!!!!
I am so happy for your family. I’ve been following along via Kristin Wall. May things that you have shared resonate deeply with me. The latest being that you brought a car seat with you to the hospital, not knowing if it would be put to use. We did the same thing for our Charlotte. And although her seat remained empty on *our* way home, I have always used that tangible moment as a hallmark of our faith. Praise be to God for the life you were given.
Thanking God with you! I have a miracle baby as well and man, oh, man, they are precious!
My daughter-in-law shared your amazing story with our family. (She’s a friend of a friend of yours on Facebook.) Praise God for showing His power and mercy! Looking forward to hearing more in the days to come.
“Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen.” Eph. 3:20-21
God is a God of details! He knew when dad wrote this note on April 9th that in just four short months to the date what the outcome would be. We serve a might Saviour!
I’m overjoyed for your family! Actually taking her home from the hospital! Truly a demonstration that miracles still occur and that God knows so much more than mankind. The picture of your two daughters is beautiful. What a cherished day!