Tuesday, January 19, 2010

My hands are small I know....

I have had a hard time posting lately. And it's not because there is a lack of things on my mind, or a lack of things to say. In fact, there is so much on my mind, so many things I am thinking and processing, I do not know how I would be able to write them all down. I have been dealing with some medical issues (nothing life or death), and it has again put us back in the "dealing with stuff" mode. And I am tired of dealing. I am worn out, exhausted and all-around over it. I have taken to writing things down I am thankful for everyday to remind myself I am blessed, despite the mounds and mounds of horrific events we have been through. One of these major things I am thankful for is the health of Bo and Whit. Thanks to all for your prayers for Bo's HSP. His last urinalysis was negative for protein, and we are now 3.5 months past the HSP diagnosis which is a good indication his kidneys have been unaffected by the disease. We will continue to monitor it and continue to pray his body suffers no more effects of the HSP. Whit has also been healthy this season, after a bout of croup and double ear infections. Once you lose a child to an illness, healthy times take on a whole new meaning. I never take my children's health for granted. In fact, if nothing else goes right, but they are healthy and safe, I will be happy despite any other challenges being hurled our way. I do have some fears I have been struggling with besides my children's health....I am in such a strange stage of my grief. While Webb's death still seems so current and present for me, it is no longer at the top of everyone else's list. I know there are many who probably think we are "over it," or at least "moved on" as it has been 13 months. However, nothing could be further from the truth. As those who have loved and lost know, we will never be over it or move on. We have shifted into a different reality, but let me tell you, that reality still sucks. We are forever changed by losing our baby. Out faith has been solidified, validated and strengthened. We are soldiers of the cross, fighting this fight with Christ on our side, but the days and nights without sweet Webb are just as unbearable as they always have been. I know God is here and hears our cries. I know He is supporting us, holding us and pushing us when we feel like we can't go on. He is a very real presence in the midst of unspeakable tragedy. We will not turn from Him. The devil would like nothing more than for us to throw up our hands and say, "That's it! I can't take anymore! We are cursed!" I will not give him that satisfaction. We will march through these trials with the Lord on our side, by our side. And in the end, when I finally hear, "Well done good and faithful one," I will know I have led the life I was called to lead. I am one person, with a small voice, but I will sing to the Lord, because He has been good to me.....

2 comments:

  1. Thanks for posting, Ashley. What a powerful reminder to trust God in the dark. Again, I think of Bob Sorge's book on Job ('Pain, Perplexity and Promotion') as I read your blog. I will continue to pray for you all. His compassion doesn't fail and He is the God of healing and restoration. I'm trusting Him for that on y'all's behalf. Though His ways are far different than ours I'm hanging onto Ephesians 3:20 that His ways are also far, far better. Your courage and vulnerability are so refreshing. May His love and healing surround you all.

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  2. Ashley, I am new to this blog thing. A couple of friends and I started a blog to help reach out to women (just by sharing our everyday lives on paper). Anyway, I am so moved by your story and your blogs. As I read some of your stuff my heart hurt for you and your family, but there was such a peace in your words that gave me encouragement for you. I pray that as you continue to deal and live, that Webb's presence will always be with you, that you will feel his laughter and joy that was once there in your home, that you see him with the Father in heaven and have peace with knowing that you will see him again one day. I also will continue to pray for you as I know that life throws things at us and some days are a lot worse than others. We are very hormonal individuals and sometimes we just need to cry and sometimes we just need to laugh, but whatever it is you need for that moment I pray that you receive it and feel God's arms around you the whole time. I can't say that I know how you feel and I do not want to even pretend that I do, but I have been blessed by reading your blog. Thank you for sharing and I pray for continued healing on your heart.
    Jennifer

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