A Year of Heartache, Triumphs, Struggles, and Great Faith

Everyday, first thing I do, is read my Timehop.  If you're not sure what Timehop is, you can click here to check it out.  Usually, I love reading about previous years.  It usually sparks a memory and a smile.  Today...not so much.  Today, I read these...

It brought back so many memories.  The phone call from my mom saying that my sister, Kim, was getting worried because she hadn't heard from Joe.  Then the frantic phone call just a short time later saying he had collapsed at the gym and had been taken to the hospital.  I remember rushing to my sisters so that I could be with her kids, my precious nieces and nephew that were just 4, 3, and a little over a year old.

I remember the phone call with my brother where he said he talked to a friend that was a nurse and that it didn't sound good.  Then my mom calling, saying they thought he was dying.  I remember going up to my nieces' room, their sweet pink room, kneeling at a white bench they have there and weeping and praying that God would spare Joe's life.

God did spare Joe's life and the journey of the past year began.  It's been a long year, especially for my sister and her kids, but it's been a good year as well.  There have been ups and downs and sometimes the downs were really low, but God has been faithful every step of the way.

Kim and I are probably closer than ever, which I am very thankful for.  Her strength and her faith inspire me every day.  Her love and care of Joe is amazing to watch.  That man owes her big time when he's up and about :)

And he will be up and about.  God has promised it.  We so long for that day.  Look forward to that day.  My sister, more than any of us, I'm sure.

What a morning that will be!  When I get to wake up to a Timehop with a reminder that one year ago, Joe was completely healed!

Until then, we continue each day leaning heavily on God and His faithfulness.  I've been thankful for this year.  I'm thankful for so much time that I've got to spend with my nieces and nephew.  I'm thankful for long talks with my sister where I get to encourage her and she, so many times, encourages me.  I'm thankful for a mom that is willing to sacrifice almost every spare moment she has to help my sister and make this time easier.

Most of all, I'm thankful for a God that understands.  A God that has been there every step of the way.  Through every tear.  Through every smile.  Through every single moment.  We could not have made it through the past year without God in the midst of it.  So thankful that we didn't even have to try.  His hand has been in this from the beginning and He will see us through.