I feel very confident that Josh is going to get some of the best treatment available through UAB.... for those of you who haven't been to the Kirklin Clinic, it's huge, a really nice building, and bustling with activity... no offense to my fellow Alabamians, but it feels like it should be somewhere other than Alabama (like DC or something). The doctors and nurses were very friendly, professional, and knowledgeable. I really feel like he is in good hands there and generally feel more hopeful and positive after our first visit.
Thank you again to everyone who has sent us cards, emails, or called or visited to let us know you're thinking of us and pulling for us. We like getting food, too. And pictures of children and/or pets are appreciated. :) It really is a big comfort to know there are so many people who care about us and are willing to help us. We are continuing with our usual routine and activities as much as possible and will continue to do so as long as we can. We have our moments of fear and worry and sadness, but we let those pass and move on with things.
I have started to indulge thoughts of "Why us?" or "Why now?" at times, but those thoughts are a waste of time and energy that can be better spent being proactive and handling this the best that we can. I don't see the point in wondering "why bad things happen to good people," since no thing and no person is entirely good or bad... we just have to accept that THINGS happen to PEOPLE and decide to make meaning out of the THINGS that happen to us, and use them as catalysts to grow and change and deepen our faith and our relationships with one another. Because ultimately THINGS are in God's control, not ours... it is our responses to and attitudes toward THINGS that determine whether we will grow and mature, or get stuck and stagnate. That's what I think about all that. :)
Peace everybody,
Kimberly
3 comments:
Two Horses
Just up the road from my home is a field, with two horses in it.
From a distance, each looks like every other horse.
But if you stop your car, or are walking by, you will notice something quite amazing.
Looking into the eyes of one horse will disclose that he is blind.
His owner has chosen not to have him put down, but has made a good home for him.
This alone is amazing.
If nearby and listening, you will hear the sound of a bell.
Looking around for the source of the sound,
you will see that it comes from the smaller horse in the field.
Attached to her halter is a small bell.
It lets her blind friend know where she is, so he can follow her.
As you stand and watch these two friends, you'll see how she is always checking on him,
and that he will listen for her bell and then slowly walk to where she is, trusting that she
will not lead him astray. When she returns to the shelter of the barn each evening, she stops
occasionally and looks back, making sure her friend isn't too far behind to hear the bell.
Like the owners of these two horses, God does not throw us away just because
we are not perfect or because we have problems or challenges. He watches over us and even brings others into our lives to help us when we are in need.
Sometimes we are the blind horse being guided by the little ringing bell of those who God places in our lives.
Other times we are the guide horse, helping others see.
Good friends are like this .
You don't always see them, but you know they are always there.
Please listen for my bell and I'll listen for yours.
Josh and Kimberly,
Shannon, the boys, and I are praying for you everyday. Unfortunately, we have more experience with this than we would like. Something that my sister took comfort in during her fight with cancer was Romans 8:31, "If God is for us who can be against us?" Keep your faith and a positive attitude. Let us know if there is anything we can do for you.
Love,
Mark and Shannon
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