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Sunday, June 22, 2008

Two Short Years Ago

On this very day, two short years ago, my sweet Sara Kate was in the hospital. By this date, she had been in the hospital about 4 days and would be in the beginnings of kidney failure, that would eventually have us transferred from Chattanooga to Knoxville for a two week stay in the PICU at UT Medical Center. This was by far the most terrifying and horrific experience of our lives. But, the dates always stick out in my head, and the memories are so vivid; and honestly I just can't pass up the chance to be publicly thankful yet again......

Thankful for so many things, and although I've already posted them on Sara Kate's site once, I can't help but express them again. For the next two weeks, I will be remembering, reliving, and recounting all of my blessings. One of which was God's nearness. God was so incredibly present during that time, so real that it was almost unreal. I won't lie and say that I had peace the whole time. In fact, there were several times that I completely lost it, the life and vitality of my baby was very much in question, very much up in the air. But He was there, and He was faithful. Faithful in the small things, and faithful in the one thing that mattered most to us: her healing. I'll never get tired of thanking him for that.

Another blessing was the nearness of family. I've really never had any doubt or question that our families love us and are devoted to us; but if I ever had, this would have expelled them forever. Our families very literally got us through. They came to our rescue in an unrescue-able situation. In my mind, there is nothing more dear to my heart than our family. I have tons and tons of examples that I could list, but it's not necessary. They're not looking for any accolades, their one and only motivation was love for us. And, boy was the love ever shown; shown in tangible ways over and over during those three weeks and the weeks that followed. Just know everybody, that we love you too, and the love you poured on us will never be forgotten.

The blessing of friends and church family can not go uncounted. We've never felt more loved or cared about in all of our lives. Genuine concern and over the top love and care were lavished on us in so many ways I couldn't possibly recount them. Your acts of service to us were touching and heartfelt and quite frankly, life changing. And, please don't think I'm saying that flippantly. Your examples of community and bearing one another's burdens were ingrained in my heart and I quickly resolved to "pay it forward" as an opportunity presented itself (and I hope I have).

I must mention also, the blessing of wonderful medical facilities; kind, compassionate doctors and nurses, and the blessing of medicine and medical technology. God used these things to heal my baby, and I'm grateful.

I guess, all in all, I'm just thankful. Thank you Jesus, for healing my KatieBell. Thank you for family and friends who love us. Thank you for the lessons you taught us along the way. Thank you for your faithfulness, and an opportunity to share about it.

10 comments:

-brittany- said...

I could not fathom what it was like for you guys that week. It sounds like God wrapped you all in his arms and did not let go. When hard times strike I think this is hard but unfathomable what it would be like to go through trials with out the Lord.

All kids are miracles but Sara Kate is a miracle two times around! She is one little blessing!

The Wild World of Richmond said...

Wow!!!! It's hard to think about two years ago. It seems so far away. I didn't know you nearly as well then, but thanks to your really great community of sisters-I did know about your trial and your pain. I'm glad Cyndi helped you blog it-I think it opened up the arena to thousands(I'm not joking here) of people praying for you. I know that I shared with my church what was going on and asked for their prayers. My mom followed it and shared with her church, etc. etc.
God is really, really good. I'm so thankful that my kids get the privilige of growing up next to the miracle girl. She survived the worst of the worst and probably has little recollection of it. Give her an extra hug from Terri today.
love you guys,

The Wild World of Richmond said...

ugh!!! typo----Privilege...sorry, that was bugging me.
Terri

Maddie said...

It's hard to believe it's bee 2 years. In some ways, it seems like forever ago and in others, it seems like just yesterday. God moved in a huge way and will use Sara Kate's story for His glory for years to come. I am so thankful that I get to be a part of her life!! And yours!!!

Jenny said...

Wow, it really does seem like it was a long time ago at times. Like Tammy said, God moved in a might way and is just getting started. He's going to be using all 3 of your children for His glory. She's a delight, as is Bryce. You guys are so awesome and we're all thankful for what God has done and is continuing to do!

chelle belle said...

So glad your safe, Sara Kate! God has woven beautiful moments into the tapestry of your life!

Jess said...

That is so awesome.
What a testimony. So glad to know she's happy and healthy today. :)

~jessica

Cyndi Lou said...

Wow! You brought me to tears again and the awesomeness of His providential care for us and His amazing grace for us! Sara Kate is such a blessing and such a little light. God DID work a miracle in her 2 times over. As others have said, that seems like so LONG ago and then it seems like just yesterday.

We love Sara Kate and we are so honored to be a part of her life and of your lives! God has blessed you beyond belief and we know that He will continue to do so! Praise the Lord for His faithfulness, goodness, and healing of Sara Kate! To HIM be the GLORY for ever and ever and for many, many years to come as Sara Kate grows and can tell others her sweet, sweet story!

We love you Farmers!!

Love,

Cyndi

Joe_R said...

Every time I see Sara Kate, the first thought that comes to my mind without fail is "GOD IS GOOD!".

I was so burdened for her, and for your family, during this time and I remember praying (and begging) God to heal her. And His work in her life was truly a miracle, and will forever remind me of His faithfulness and His love for His children.

Brad and Shana said...

Wow, Joe....

I can't wait for her to read that comment one day when she is old enough to understand the work God has done in her life.

It seems y'all have a very similiar story about God's faithfulness that we're all reminded of when we see two brown headed cuties named Austin & Anna Grace.

God is Good.....all the time!

Thanks again, so much, for the burden the Roger's had for us. I mean it so much that we couldn't have lived through it without the awesome support of our family & friends.