It is hard for me to believe that one year ago today I was in the midst of the hardest day of my life and I was waiting. Many of you were also waiting for news from Liam's operating room. Can you believe it has really been one whole year? This photo was taken right before Liam and I went into the operating room together. As I look at it, I find it hard to believe that I did not really know how things were going to turn out that day and if I would get the same son back that I had kissed good-bye.
One year ago today on November 5th, 2008 Jason and I sat with family and friends and waited and prayed for Liam and his surgeons, and I was blessed. In the midst of this
incredibly difficult time I learned more about my God. His infinite grace, His love for us, His faithfulness, His plans and how they are different from mine, and the way that He continues to work through His people. For the most part we are now on the other side of this difficult journey with Liam and looking back it is easy for me to see God's hands all over our walk in the valley.
Looking back it is quite clear to me all the moments of beauty that He designed to encourage us along the way. Looking back I don't just remember the tears and the heartache, I remember the moments when I felt God's presence through a hug, a warm meal, heartfelt prayers from people we did not know, emails of scripture and
encouragement and God's church working at its best. Many of you stood in the gap for us during this time. Times when I felt all prayed out. Times when I no longer had any words to express how I was feeling. Times when I was so tired that I am sure I did not thank-you even though I was so very grateful for all you did. Times when I was so scared that even the tears would not flow. You prayed and you prayed and you prayed and God's peace overwhelmed us. Every time Satan tried to get a foothold, you prayed for us and you loved us and he was no match. As I look back it really was an
incredible time that has become an important spiritual marker in my walk with Jesus. Thank-you to everyone who played a part. God continues to be glorified in this situation, as just this week we have again been asked to speak at McMaster Children's Hopsital Event on December 2nd. One year ago today I could have never dreamed all that our God had in store. He truly is amazing!
If you want to know more about Liam's journey click on Liam's health at the side of this blog under Labels and you can read all the posts about his story (it starts from the newest post so you would have to work backwards to get the story in order). Here is a link to my first post about our journey which started July 2008. It is called
Breathe.
Wow... I can't believe it has been a year already...how quickly time has past. So much to be thankful for. I am also so incredibly thankful that without a doubt God carried Liam in his arms for many days, nights and weeks and continues to. We love you guys and send hugs to Liam...xxoo CHeri & Gerald
ReplyDeleteDear Kimberly, Jason and Liam,
ReplyDeleteit was a God incidence when I met Jason's parent on Friday at the old Whiteoaks restaurant (a fovourite place of yours for a while, they said) on LAkeshore Rd. on Friday. They told me, that it was a year ago on the 5. that Liam had his operation. God is so good, as He answered your prayers and and stood by you all. You have a loving family, including Daniel, Caroline and Trinity, your parents and the church family and may He continue to bless you and make you a blessing to others as you shared with us.
Much love, Monika (and Wolf)
p.s. I love "Jason's Rocking Chair" CD and play it in preschool often.
Kim, I love your reminder of God's plans being different from ours. I know it's true, and reading it again it makes me thankful. I've been thinking about you guys a lot this week as we just passed Elijah's 2 year anniversary on the 7th. Nothing compare to your journey, but it made me thankful to be sitting at home in a rocking chair holding Zoe and not trying to crunch my hand through hospital crib bars to hold her hand. This week, every time Elijah wakes up in the middle of the night (which he still does often)I am remembering to be thankful that he can crawl into bed with me for a cuddle. Even with all the squirming, it is so much better than those pull out chair/beds in the children's ward at Mac.
ReplyDeleteCelebrating for you and with you. Our God is just so good!
Love, Jenn