As I sit to right this post, I did not at first think the picture had much to do with what I intended to write but once I finished it seemed perfect. I just love this picture of John Michael for so many reasons. It is a time in our lives and a memory I will cherish forever. It shows his crazy personality and the sheer fact that he was playing in the All American games and the poster I WILL at the top of the photo says everything about him.
I write this post today not really to give an update but to tell you how hard this week has been for me. I have been cleaning out closets and our huge storage unit and have finally gotten to the massive pile of EVERYTHING given and sent to us while we were at the Shepherd Center and the first couple of years since we came home. It took two car loads to get it from the storage unit to the house! There was everything from hand written letters, notes, cards, pictures, mass cards, blankets, signed footballs, basketballs, baseballs, lacrosse balls, bobble heads, socks, t-shorts, countless jerseys and so much more! It really was a sight to behold. As I began sorting through it all, I remembered most of it, but there was so much I had forgotten or I never even saw. I have read letters and cards from people very close to me to some I haven't seen in years and many I do not even know. Most everyone said they were praying for us. It was so overwhelmingly powerful. I truly want to take this opportunity to say THANK YOU to each and everyone of you! I may not have read it then, but I think God wanted me to read it now because I need it now every bit as much as I needed it then - some days maybe even more. The love and support we received - and continue to receive is just incredible. I thank God every day for ALL of you. I pray that God will bless you for your faithfulness to pray and support our family in any way. I never expected to still have so far to go almost 5 years later, but reading those letters and being reminded of how many people - all over the world- have prayed for John Michael, gave me renewed energy and hope that:
"It is coming! It will surely take place, declares the sovereign Lord. This is the day I have spoken of." Ezekiel 39:8
We are headed to Boca next week so please pray for many gains to be made!
Love to all,
Vickie