Sacrifice



Emma April 2007,  2 1/2 months after her accident.

  Today I want to take the time to share a little about our sweet daughter Emma. Some of you know her story and some of you do not. It is one that will forever change your outlook on God's faithfulness and grace.

February 5, 2007 was just another day like most other's before it. Emma was 2 1/2 and full of life, Brady was 9mths and had taken his first steps the night before. That weekend had brought us a lite dusting of snow and some icy spots on the roads. We woke up that morning to goopy eyes & runny noses so a trip the the doctor was in order.  After a quick trip to the doctor, lunch with Daddy, and dropping of prescriptions to the pharmacy we returned home for some much needed naps. On the drive home I took our normal route although I knew there could potentially be some slick spots. I proceed with caution along the winding back roads towards our home but as we grew closer to home I noticed a large icy patch. We made it safely across the patch with little to no turbulence and I made note of its location to ensure safe travel back to the pharmacy later that day.  Well safe travel was not what occurred and Emma, Brady, and myself were involved in an accident that almost took Emma's life.  As I sit here now so many emotions of the day rush back as though it was just yesterday. Brady, my chubby 9month old trapped in the car & me reassuring him that Mommy was right there. And Emma, oh sweet Emma, fighting to take every breathe. As I stood there knowing that this was probably my last chance to say all the things that mother's say in order to soothe their babies I clung tight to the faith that was the root of who I was. I did not beg God to save her but instead ushered her into His presence telling her that Jesus was there with her & that we would meet her again in Heaven someday.

When the ambulance arrived I stood by as they cut her from the vehicle holding tight to Brady not knowing what the next moment would bring. In that moment I sacrificed so much of myself to remain calm but to be honest my strength was not my own and it hasn't not been my own strength since that day.

Today has been a day that has reminded me of so many of the sacrifices that have been made since that fateful day in February 2007. Emma is being considered as a candidate for a new piece of equipment that would greatly improve her long term quality of life. The piece of equipment is possibly not covered under insurance so yet again we embark on the journey of sacrifice as so many families in our position do; you decide what is more important and do what it takes to obtain it. I sit here trying to remember the last pair of jeans that I bought for myself that did not come from Goodwill, I love the Goodwill so do not misunderstand. Sacrifice has come in so many forms in the last 4+ yrs but I would never trade them because they have gotten Emma to where she is today as well as made our family what we are today. I am thankful for every sacrifice that we have made along the way, so do not think this is a pity party.

I have shared all of this with you to get to this question? Have you ever weighed in the balance the sacrifice that has been made for you? Have you ever truly sat down and reflected on the level of sacrifice given? I challenge you to take some time during this busy holiday season to reflect on what this season is really all about. It is about a baby born in a manger who 33 years later bore a cross so that we could have life eternal. He endured a beating that cannot be described in words, shed His blood, and took the cross completely blameless. He was the sacrifice for our lives, sinless and without blemish He was the perfect sacrifice for people who were undeserving. How's that for sacrifice?

So as we all begin to prepare for family gatherings, Christmas parties, and the other events that come with this time of year let's keep our focus where it should be, on Jesus Christ.

Let's also remember those less fortunate than ourselves. You may not be able to give money but you can give the gift of kindness. Make a meal, bake cookies, donate items to a shelter, serve at the Soup kitchen. There are so many things you can do to bless others around you. You can sacrifice your time, your talents, or your resources. Maybe instead of that cup of coffee or dinner out you can buy a book or toy and donate it to your local Children's Hospital or Ronald McDonald House... we are huge supporters of RMH because that was our home while Emma was in the hospital. I challenge you to think about what you can sacrifice to help someone in need.

Also, if you would be interested in purchasing a book that you could feel good about donating to charity check out www.squigglyandfriends.com  It is a great book for every kid in your life. Squiggly is a great example of how God can take an unlikely person, or snail, and turn them into a hero.

Merry Christmas to all of you and remember to keep the sacrifice that mattered the most at the center of your celebrations.

Helena