Strangers

Charlie's name was posted next to another little girl's name several times on social media.  In this great big gigantic world two strangers, Charlie and Bennett, were prayed for at the exact same time by so many people.

Bennett's mom and I don't really know each other, but reading through their story and living in the same place for a little bit of overlapped time makes us something more than strangers.  We have experienced something that rocks your entire world.  We know what it feels like to be completely 100% out of control.  The worst part is that it isn't our laundry that is "out of control" or our hair that is "out of control," it was for me and is for her one of our children that is hurting and sick.  We cannot help make them feel better.  We cannot change our circumstance.  We are completely 100% out of control.  We drink cold coffee (or nothing at all) and we stare at the bunny holes in the ceiling of a place we do not want to call home.

Right now, if there is one thing I could say to this family that I feel so connected to, it would be; pray and know that if you can't a lot of other people are.

The days are lonely and scary.  The excruciating pain of watching your child hurt piles high and rests on your shoulders.  You will be weary.   Please know that I am not comparing how I feel or what happened to us to Bennett because I know that it is not the same.   No one else understands what you feel except our Heavenly Father.  God's plan for Bennett's life is different than his plan for Charlie's life.  And while we do not know how his plan will be fulfilled we do know that God loves Bennett just like he loves Charlie.

Katie, when I think back to what I needed while we were in the hospital this is what comes to mind and this is what I pray for you.

I pray that you feel a little bit of comfort from our Father each day.  I pray that you have a moment where you can smile because maybe your coffee isn't cold.  I pray that you can breathe a sigh of relief, because one of the doctors smiled when they were giving you news.  I pray that you can hold Bennett and know in full confidence that God wanted you to be her mom through all of this.  I pray that you can be still and know that God is in control of the out of control mess.              

And while we may not be friends or even acquaintances at this moment in our lives I pray that you know that someone right across the river from your home away from home will be there for you if you ever need them.  I know the way to Children's with my eyes closed.