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01/05/2009 OU vs Texas AM - May 15th - Norman - 6pmDear friends, Friday, May 15th is going to be a very special day for Team Whitaker and the Leukemia Lymphoma Society of Oklahoma. As many of you know, the OU Baseball program - especially the coaching staff, has been very special to our family while Mitchell was in treatment, during his last days, and since his passing. Last year, Head Coach - Sunny Golloway, changed his uniform number to #18 in Mitchell's honor for the entire season. This was done so that Mitch would see all the ballparks that he would have played in as a Sooner. If you don't understand how significant that is.....then you don't really understand baseball :) Furthermore, there is a framed "Whitaker - 18" game jersey in the OU baseball lockerroom that the players pass everyday. This year, OU contacted us with an offer that we couldn't refuse. Power Roofing (www.powerroofing.net) pledged $50 for every homerun would be donated to the OU Baseball charity of choice. OU Baseball selected the Leukemia Lymphoma Society in Mitch's honor. Every time that OU hits a dinger....the radio/PA announcer declares: "That homerun means that Power Rooding just donated $50 to the Leukemia Lymphoma Society in Mitchell Whitaker's honor....." Obviously, 2009 has been a great year with Team Whitaker fundraising and roofing companies! PowerRoofing and Heartland Roofing - OKC are making a difference in battling this disease. To date, OU has hit 74 home runs and the team record of 114 is within reach! PowerRoofing will be making an honorary check presentation that night...Mitchell's 12th birthday. We are encouraging all of our friends to show up to the park, WEAR BLUE for MITCH, get loud, and show support for OU Baseball/Power Roofing. When: May 15 - 6pm Where: L Dale Mitchell Ballpark - OU What: OU vs A&M - PowerRoofing/LLS/GoMitchGo Night Why: To raise money for a cure, give thanks, & wear blue 19/04/2009 Put one foot in front of the other......My title reminds me of a song from the old "Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer" movie........anyway....Team Whitaker has been crazy busy, more so than usual. I really don't like to be too busy...I am not sure what John means when he tells me I create my own craziness......
 Last week I had the opportunity to go home to my parent's house in Nebraska. It was a refreshing and well needed retreat. There are 2 things I love most about going home 1)spending time with my family and 2)the simplicity of being in a town with a population of 186(my parents moved outside of the city after all of us kids were out of the house). I was able to head out for a run a couple of mornings, due to the location I run on the open highway(it's not a busy one) and get to take in the fresh air....actually the "farm air." I really enjoy it, there is a sense of freedom yet an even bigger sense of God's presence when I am out in "nature" and this always makes me feel closer to Mitch as well. I had some time to think while on my runs....this is usually my time to talk to God and think about Mitch and life in general, but due to my busyness these times have been fewer and farther in between. I miss them......I got to thinking about how easy it was to run on the highway, I ususally stay on the pavement due to fear of holes and what might crawl out of the holes in the grass, it was smooth and straight for miles. This path is unlike many paths we travel in life(or unlike many roads here in OK...). Many are bumpy or curvy or narrow or my favorite detoured due to a road block or construction. No matter the condition of the road many times it MUST be traveled.
The Lord says, "I will guide you along the best pathway for your life. I will advise you and watch over you. Psalm 32:8
Notice He does not say the smoothest or easiest but the BEST. Many times we would choose the quickest and easiest, the one that is for sure less painful and most beneficial to us. Although John nor I would have chosen this path for our lives, we have definetly seen God's work and love along it.
Another thought I had regarding roads and running is you do not get anywhere running in place....sure you can burn a few calories but you are still in the same place you started and you are getting no where. I have shared many times that the Lord Himself puts my feet on the floor each morning. Not only does He choose my path, but He also guides my every step, watching over me each and every day.
Make me walk along the path of your commands, for that is where my happiness is found. Psalm 119:35
The path of the wise leads to life above; they leave the grave behind. Proverbs 15:24
I do not want to spend my days running in place and avoiding the roads less traveled. Praise the Lord! He WILL see me through!
On another note.......Running has become my purpose in life.......actually it is the fact that I am running to raise money for the Leukemia/Lymphoma Society in Mitch's honor to spread awareness and to help find a cure. We have now made our Go Mitch Go an official foundation and will be sharing more details about that later. Below you will find the speech I shared with a group of people at a Team in Training event recently. If you do not have a cause that you are involved in I invite you to join ours. Put one foot in front of the other and make a difference in someone's life today.
I ran my first marathon with TNT in San Diego June of 2008. Next to being pregnant and having babies, it was the most physically challenging thing I have ever done. I had a great experience. I’m not sure what other runners do with their medals, but I placed mine where I felt was most appropriate, I placed mine on the headstone of my honored hero, my son, Mitchell. Mitchell was diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia in August of 2005. He had what we called the “vanilla” of leukemia, very basic and had a 90% chance of survival. However, Mitchell did not follow the norm and he was labeled a “slow responder.” Because of this we headed down the heavy and hard chemo road. Mitchell was a trooper. He did what he had to do and usually had a smile on his face. And we all adjusted to a new normal. After many spinal taps, bone marrow aspirations, what seemed like gallons of chemo and way too many nights in the hospital Mitchell finally went into remission. He was able to attend most of his 3rd grade year. He was back to playing sports, in fact, he had a great baseball season. He basically was able to return to being a kid. His hair had even grown back. We seemed to be returning to our pre-normal state. But almost 2 years to the date he was first diagnosed we received news that Mitchell had relapsed. The cancer was back. Due to the fact that Mitchell had seen just about every chemo used to kill the leukemia cells, the doctors were in search for a new drug to rid Mitchell’s body of the leukemia. Mitchell put on his fighting gear and we headed back into the ring. This time it was different, this time Mitchell was sicker and after a month of treatment the leukemia had hardly budged and other complications had set in. After giving it his all, on September 27, 2007 Mitchell handed in his boxing gloves for a pair of wings. As parents you start making decisions for your children even before they are born. You choose their name, what color their first room will be, what they will wear and eat each day. Never did I plan on making the decision of what to put on my son’s headstone. Mitchell was a great kid. He was a tenderhearted, sweet, polite blue-eyed boy. In fact, when we would check into the hospital the nurses would fight over who got him for a patient. He was smart, funny and competitive. It was almost impossible to play board games with him……he hated to lose. He was the most courageous 10yr old I know. Mitchell had said many times during treatment that he wanted to become a doctor and find a cure for cancer. My husband, John and I would often tell Mitchell to “Keep Fighting!” and he did right to the end. 3 days before Mitchell passed away, after he had been unresponsive for a few days, Mitchell spoke his last words. He opened his eyes and clearly said “Keep fighting!” These words have now become my purpose. THIS IS WHY I RUN. TNT is not just about getting in shape or conquering a physical challenge. It’s about fighting for someone else when they can’t. TNT is not about having the best running shoes or the perfect running gear (however, a good pair of shoes is very important). It’s about raising the awareness that blood cancers are taking lives……even those that have only lived for 10 short years. TNT is not just about the change it will make in your own life. It’s about the difference YOU WILL make in someone else’s life. It made a difference in ours……because of the efforts made through research from the funds raised through the Leukemia/Lymphoma Society and Team in Training, we were given 2 extra years with our son that we would not have had. Lace up your shoes, put one foot in front of the other and join us in finding a cure!
Much love,
Tracy 07/03/2009 That darn Lego magazine and precious pennies......About every 2-3 months we receive the Lego Club magazine addressed to Mitchell Whitaker, Mitchell had subscribed to it some time back. Every time I reach in and pull it out of the mail box my heart sinks down to my toes. I usually rub my fingers over his sweet name and thumb threw it to see what I think Mitchell might like and then it sits on the counter for a few days. I go back and forth with what to do with it...I have given it to one of his buddies before, but then I didn't know if maybe it made him have some of the same feelings I had about it. I will lay it on his desk in his room and eventually I will put it in the stack of the others in his closet. Why oh WHY is it so hard to throw it away?! Mitchell is not going to ever look at it and Meredith is not into Legos. We still have his big Rubbermaid container of Legos sitting on the floor in his closet and on a shelf in his closet sits in a baggie holding his last structure of Legos. I remember the night he worked so hard to complete it. It was the day after he had his lunges drained. He had been in so much pain prior to having this done that he was unable to do anything except lie in bed. His surgery was on a Monday and Tuesday was the first day in weeks that he felt good enough to sit up and someone had brought him a new Lego to build. He was so detemined to finish it. I could tell he was getting tired and told him he could finish it tomorrow, but he did not want to...finally he became too tired and weak to continue so we placed it in a bag for him to finish the next day. He didn't get to finish it the next day....I do not recall why, but by Thursday he was in ICU......and well most of you know the story from there....he didn't have anymore good days.
Maybe that is why I can't seem to throw that darn magazine away, it is a reminder of one of the lasts days Mitchell "played" and talked and was ok......
I have had kind of a yucky week ever since that magazine came. Friday we celebrated the life of John's Grandpa here on earth as we said our goodbyes to him, he is now with Jesus and Mitch. As we drove home from the funeral home I was thinking how I was jealous of Grandpa.....he is getting to see Mitch.....oh and Jesus(I am glad that the Lord knows I am just human.......in my human nature my first thoughts are of seeing Mitch when I get to heaven....I am just being honest).
Pennies from Heaven
I am not sure if i have shared the "penny" story or not, if I have please forgive me for repeating myself. After Mitchell passed away, his best friend's teacher told him that every time he saw a penny on the ground that was a "hello" from heaven. I shared this with Meredith and we have been collecting pennies ever since then. They show up at the craziest times, yet at the times we need them the most. Friday night we had a school function, Family Fun Night, it is still hard for John and I to attend things at times, especially things that we went to with Mitch or where we know his friends will be, but we know we need to do things for Meredith and this was one of those things. As the night ended and we were heading home I was feeling sad, John had shared with me earlier that he had a sad day as well, when we walked in the door I suddenly felt something in my left shoe. I had these shoes on all evening and had felt nothing all night until this moment, I took my shoe off and what do you think I found......it was a penny! We all just grinned...it was a perfect ending of a not so great week.
God continues to show us in many ways His mighty love for us and for that we are grateful. 23/02/2009 Those little reminders..........Tonight I sit here typing with the aroma of Johnson and Johnsons' baby lotion on my hands and tears in my eyes. When I was putting Meredith to bed or maybe I should say rushing to get her to bed so I could finish up folding laundry and get myself into bed, she told me her feet were dry. My response was "put lotion on them." Then she asked if I would rub her feet with lotion.......... At first I was a little annoyed...I had things to do, but I did it anyway. As I rubbed Meredith's little feet(that aren't all that little anymore....)I closed my eyes and inhaled....if you remember back, this was a 'special' thing I did for Mitch each night before he would go to sleep in the hospital or I would do it to help him to calm down if he were upset.......all of the sudden the laundry could wait. She asked me how come my eyes were closed, I simply said I was remembering when I did this for Mitchell....she then said "Are you going to cry?" I didn't, but am fighting the tears back now.....
I checked in on a friend today on her website and found this so fitting for my days lately. I was annoyed that Meredith couldn't put her own lotion on, but her 'piggys' were where my attention needed to be tonight......not on the laundry and whatever else may have been on my to do list.
Remember to kiss those piggys goodnight......it IS a BLESSING.
I am studying the book of Esther with some friends. I learned something new this morning. Before Mordecai made Esther aware of the edict against her people, her biggest problem was probably deciding what to wear, or what to serve at the next banquet. When she was confronted with a life and death situation, those other things ceased to matter.
I remember one day when Anna was sick, Jacob came to me and confessed that he had broken one of the bowls I had gotten as a wedding present. Before Anna was sick, I would have lectured him and then made him use a plastic bowl. On that day I said "That's okay, get another bowl." When faced with life and death, broken bowls aren't important. There was also a time when the neighbors got upset because of a car parked in front of their house. I remember thinking, "Why does that matter? Don't you have anything else to get upset about?" "Here's the trap...If we distance ourselves long enough from real needs, we replace them with those that aren't...We are wise to force ourselves to keep differentiating between simple inconveniences and authentic tribulations. The more detached and self-absorbed we become, the more we mistake annoyances for agonies." ("Esther" by Beth Moore, p 92) I read that this morning and immediately thought of socks. Yesterday when I went to get Will at gymnastics he couldn't find his socks. His shoes were in the cubby, but his socks were no where to be found. My response was to treat this like an "authentic tribulation". I couldn't believe that he could lose ANOTHER pair of socks. Doesn't he know that I can't just keep buying socks? Why doesn't he take better care of his socks? Doesn't he know that socks don't grow on trees???? I was ANGRY!!!! Why did that bother me so much? Would it have bothered me if I had something more important to be concerned about? How many times do we let little things bother us when they are nothing compared to genuine problems? Have I forgotten what is important? Have I forgotten to be thankful for a boy who is healthy enough to go to gymnastics? Obviously I have. I don't want to forget the lessons I learned from Anna. I want to stay changed. I don't want to fall apart over missing socks.
"Lord help me remember what life and death feels like. Don't let me lose what I have gained. Forgive me for being concerned about things that aren't important rather than things that are. Don't let me become detached from the suffering of others as I lick my own wounds. Don't let me get away with treating inconveniences as tribulations. Don't leave me to myself. Continue the good work that you began in me." 17/02/2009 So many thoughts......so little time.....I was asked last week by one of my friends what the "deal" was.....why hadn't I written on the blog is so long. Truth is I have wanted to, but I have had SO many thoughts that it has been hard to condense it on to "paper."
Upon returning from the marathon in Phoenix, I needed some "down time." It was SO SO amazing and I was SO SO overwhelmed with emotions. My heart has been on quite the rollercoaster over these last few weeks. As I said, the marathon was truly amazing......I thought John did a great job describing the weekend.....well, for the most part anyway. He was a trooper keeping up with all of us women. My girlfriends threw me the most beautiful surprise birthday party.....and i was REALLY surprised that out of 49 women not one of them spilled the beans......I wasn't expecting anything because to me they had already given me the best birthday gift when they signed up to run a marathon in Mitch's honor. But is was awesome and I loved every moment of it.
I will have to say my favorite part of the whole weekend was getting to greet many of the girls as they crossed the finish line. After I finished, I was able to sweet talk my way back up to the finish line area, my calf muscles were so sore because I waited standing on my tip toes....I didn't want to miss a single angel passing by. I loved screaming their name and running to hug them as they crossed that finish line. It was more emotional for some than others as they finished what they set out to do, as they stepped outside of their comfy zones and took my challenge to step into an unknown zone. All 49 crossed that finish line.......it was amazing beyond words...They honored Mitchell with beauty and grace and raised over $200,000 to help us find a cure. I will forever be grateful for them.
The week that we returned was hard for me.....it seemed every where I looked/went there were reminders of Mitchell and him being gone and I felt alone. I have missed my Saturday runs with my girlfriends during these days not only could I see the support, but I could feel it as well. Life around us goes on....we try to, but even 17 months later we seem at a standstill most days.
Maybe this is why I have not sat and written. It is hard to put heartache into words....it is hard to admit that 17 months later I am still struggling, still feel the pain and still wanting to ask God WHY?
But I am also still resting in His mighty hands.......hoping....knowing He will carry me through.
John and I continue to be overwhelmed by the support shown to us. In a world with so much hate and ugliness, you have showered us with love and beauty. We have some neat things happening with Team Whitaker and we look forward to sharing our new adventure with you soon.
Much love,
Tracy 20/01/2009 Friends, Footsteps, Fighting, & "Feenix"Greetings all.....i hope this note finds you finds each of you well. I am reporting this glorious morning on my last day in Phoenix......the temporary home of Mitchell's Angels and site of their most recent triumph! (pics to follow later)
As many of you can see as you have followed this blog......I haven't been writing nearly as much......I have just been "living" with nothing amazing to report. However, as I was awakened this morning by the creaking sound of nasal passages tightening around 530am.......I had time to reflect while enjoying a 2nd morning of lactic acid build up in my legs! LOL (Lactic Acid - it's not just for breakfast anymore?)
I love women. I really do. However, collectively - they present their own unique set of logistical challenges for my linear - ready, shoot, aim - hulk smash - let's get moving......mindset. They have an amazing need to build consensus among the group before making a decision. They can get to indescribable volume in a nano second......truly incredible to behold......and I have seen it ALOT the last 4 days! As I have got to observe this wonderful group of chicks over the last few days it has become readily apparent that they are little bit hypocritcal.........because I can assure you that every dude reading this has gotten the "raised eyebrow" over their "boys will be boys" humor/jokes.......dude, women are just as bad - IF NOT WORSE - than we are! They like to laugh alot at fart noises, glitter applications, & strange cacti. Refreshing to see......I feel like I have discovered a whole different universe. Good times, indeed!
You want to know what I really love about women.....especially these women?
They take care of each other. They love each other. They express themselves......and cry alot....in a good way. They don't quit......they have each others back and aren't afraid to comment on each others backside :) I am so proud of these girls. I love their resolve and their willingness to get involved with a cause that is bigger than Tracy, bigger than Mitchell, bigger than all of us.......and getting "involved" meant a level of commitment, dedication, injury, and sacrifice of time greater than any of them had ever taken on before. Sunday was so wonderful..........because Chicks Win! Sunday was the culmination of alot of hard work and I got to see so many dear friends that I love accomplish things that I never thought possible. Those are the moments in life that make it worth living folks. They have made my life richer just by allowing me to be a part. Tracy is chief among these "little indians"......she has been glowing all weekend......and clucking over her "flock".
Girls - I always believed in you. I just never believed that you would run. You have shown time and time again that you love our family - that you love my Mitchell - and you have gone above and beyond with grace, compassion, & beauty during the last 3 1/2 years......................so I wasn't surprised that you would want to get involved with Team in Training to raise money for a cure. I am shocked, humbled, and so very proud of you. I love you all. You "kept fighting".....regardless of your time.......you finished this race and honored my son.........and did yourselves proud. Mwah.
Great moments on the run.......the "a-ha, thank you God variety"..........
* The entire group was recognized during the pre race event for their efforts....raising $200k leading up the the event. They all looked cute in pink!
* Sharing a little of Christ with race director....about our story, Mitchell, and "how we do it"
* Becky Cox soldiering through her marathon.....at her lowest point.....and seeing a penny....."a little hello from Mitchell".....and kept rolling.
* Jennifer Hodge carrying Mitchells picture in her hand every step of the 26.2 miles
* Amy Sanders patting Mitch's pic.....for "one more step".....
* Hearing all the Go Mitch Go's on the race course......so good to hear his name from others
Some last thoughts............
I'll take the "dry" heat of summer all day in PHX in exchange for a January like this. Amazing. Perfect. The entire trip has been framed by spectacular weather....and it made race day that much more exciting. Obviously, I was a last minute "addition" the Angel Running Club.......one lil' devil to add to the Angels.....but I wanted to be a part of this awesome event.....and I needed to do some cardio while I was out here anyway.
Our hotel is in the heart of downtown....great location for all the race events.....close to fun restaurants, clubs, etc.......a true contrast to the golf course that I played on Saturday. PHX is surrounded by some great mountains/foothills........and you have to drive out of the valley quite a ways to get to the course, Troon North.......and you can see quite a different view from way out there. That change to a higher elevation provides you with some perspective as to how far you have come to arrive at your current destination. The funny thing is.......while the downtown hotel location is very convenient for me/our group......after 4 days, I am ready to see......something other than the buildings that are in my immediate vicinity.......and block my view..........and hinder my perspective.
Metaphor.......so much of our lives (preaching to the choir) is fighting the temptation to "live downtown"'......convenient, easy, everything we think we need is in reach, hidden by our surroundings. Christ has called us to leave our "downtown" locations.........and gain some perspective on the journey. Getting to the hills takes time....it is frought with hard work.....it is very tempting to stay "conveniently hidden"......who wants to be on the hill where everyone can see you? Who wants to climb the hill when all of my potentials slips are available for all to see? What if I fall?
I can tell you friends, that I have lived my life downtown (more than I care to admit) and I have lived my life on the climb (not nearly enough).........and there is no question as to which is easiest.........and which is most rewarding. I am going to start climbing today.......for Christ has already shown me the path......marked with His precious blood.....and taking "one more step" with Him is truly all that matters in this life.
C'mon.........let's race. ~jwhit
12/01/2009 Angels all around us.......It's hard to believe that in 5 days Mitchell's Angels will be heading to Phoenix to finally run our marathon. However, it has been a different kind of marathon getting there........
This past Saturday, with the help of some dear friends, I hosted a pre-race pasta party for 40 of the 49 angels and their spouses. This was a small token of my gratitude.....just wish they all could have been there. As I prepared for this evening this last week and then as I stood in front of them to attempt to verbilize my gratitude for their support and hard work. I was overwhelmed with emotions. However, these emotions were emotions that at one point I thought I might not ever expereince again after Mitchell's death. I felt excitement AND joy all at the same time. I have expereince 'tidbits' of joy here and there, mostly from Meredith. But not excitement and joy together without the feeling of guilt following these feelings.
It has been a BEAUTIFUL journey with these precious friends. I have watched these women plan events, develop a cookbook(FYI we sold all1200 of them!)and do a variety of things to raise money. I have seen new freindships develop and grow, supporting one another along this crazy ride of mine. I have watched them physically challenge themselves each week, sacrificing their Saturday mornings to run in freezing cold and usually windy conditions. I have watched as those with physical issues have pushed themselves passed their pain/injuries to accomplish their goal. Many have shared with me that when they think they cannot run one more step they remember Mitchell and his courage helps them to continue on. I have watched these beautiful women come together as one to stand up for a cause. And in this world where it seems selflessness is no longer a part of anyone's vocabulary, they have given it a new meaning, they have made a difference!
For me it have been a ride I will never forget. Because for me during this time I have watched as God has worked in and through me, I have been blessed beyond measure. My friends have given me a wonderful 40th birthday gift of honoring Mitchell in a way I could not have done alone. Along the way I have been given another gift.......the gift of healing that only God can provide.
To my Angels.......my words will never ever be enough to express my gratitude. Thank you for joining me along this journey. I love each and everyone of you. May God bless you as you have me.
Please keep us in your prayers. The race is Sunday, Jan. 18th. Tune is next week for the post race entry.
Much love,
Tracy 29/12/2008 The sun wil come out tomorow.........Saturday night Meredith and I had the opportunity to attend the musical production of "Annie" in Fort Worth, Texas with Aunt Dona and Mike and Vicky and kids. It has been a long time since I last saw Annie and heard that familiar tune......"The sun will come out tomorrow......." Driving home today I couldn't get that tune out of my head. It got me thinking....how so many days this past year i just wanted my day to end.....i just wanted to crawl in to bed and hoped that tomorrow would be a better day, maybe tomorrow the pain would subside and my heart wouldn't hurt so much, maybe the sun would come out tomorrow. Well, some times my tomorrows were better and somtimes they weren't.
While I was drivning another tune came to my mind, this time a hymn(forgive me, but I cannot recall the name of it)......"for I know who holds tomorrow and I know who holds my hand. As I anticipate and look to the upcoming new year, I am not sure what my tomorrows will bring but I do know who holds them and will place my hand in His. 22/12/2008 Merry Christmas Family and FriendsDear Family and Friends,
I have discovered this year that keeping up with “traditions” is not the easiest thing to do. John and I have sent a Christmas letter/card for many years now. I remember how excited we were to send our Christmas card in 1997 with our new addition……Mitchell. This year we have struggled with sticking with our tradition of sending a picture. You see, last year we had taken family pictures right before Mitch passed away…..this year will be the first of many years to come without him in our picture. We have also, always written about each member of the family, this year it is hard not to include him so, I have decided to start with him.
Mitchell Mitchell in heaven continues to touch lives just as he did here on earth. His story of his courageous battle with cancer has been spread throughout the nation. John and I have become very involved with the Leukemia/Lymphoma Society and have set a goal to raise 1 million dollars in Mitchell’s name and to continue on with his dream to find a cure for blood cancers. Our Mitchell size hole remains unchanged. We miss him beyond words. But, we are reminded daily of what a wonderful gift from God Mitchell was and feel so blessed to have had 10 years with him.
Meredith It is hard to know where to begin with this one…..Meredith puts our feet on the floor each morning and brings joy to our souls with each breath that she takes. She is now in the 4th grade and ready for high school. She is in orchestra and plays the cello, we started the year off with the viola, but I guess it just wasn’t challenging enough. She is now in competitive gymnastics and is constantly upside down, flipping around the house. Meredith has decided that she wants to be a veterinarian and a hip-hop dancer so we have started taking dance as well. Like I said, she brings us joy with each breath she takes. J
John John started back with Physio Control in June. He has been very busy and is a hard worker. Meredith and I are glad that he works out of the house or we might not ever see him. He played on a city league baseball team this spring and takes every available opportunity to play golf when he can. We organized our first annual GO MITCH GO golf tournament this last October and look forward to it being even bigger next year. To my amazement he has not booked a snowboarding trip yet…..I’m sure there will be one (or more) scheduled soon.
Tracy I went back to work this past August. I am working for an outpatient clinic called NeuroResouces. We treat spinal cord and brain injuries as well as patients who have suffered a stroke. It is the most challenging job I have had in my occupational therapy career, but I believe God has placed me here for a reason and I am enjoying it. I completed my first marathon in June and will run my 2nd half marathon in January. I have gathered about 46 of my friends to join me for my 40th birthday in Mitchell’s honor and to raise about $150,000 for the Leukemia/Lymphoma Society. It has been an amazing journey and you can read more about it on our websites. In June I will become a coach for Team and Training, I am thrilled for this opportunity to be able to continue on Mitchell’s dream of finding a cure.
Mac Dawg May seem a little silly to include the dog, but in observing him I have learned something. When we give him a new bone he runs off to find the perfect hiding place for his “treasure.” We have found them in a variety of places in the clean laundry basket, under our bed covers in suit cases and most recently under the Christmas tree skirt. Watching this reminded me of a bible verse found in Matthew 6:19-21(The Message version).
“Don’t hoard treasure down here where it gets eaten by moths and corroded by rust or worse stolen by burglars! Stockpile treasure in heaven, where it’s safe from moths and rust and burglars. It’s obvious, isn’t it? The place where your treasure is,is the place you will most want to be, and end up being.”
These last 15 months have been the toughest months of our lives, but we have learned that life here on earth is temporary, we know where our hearts are and where we want to end up when our time here is complete. Our prayer for 2009 is that we will keep our eyes and hearts heavenward and continue to seek God’s guidance for our lives. We are more than grateful for all of your prayers and support over these last years. Thank you for being the body of Christ to us. We covet your continued prayers as our journey continues.
We wish you and yours a very Merry Christmas and a wonderful 2009.
Team Whitaker 05/12/2008 Holidaze.........it is just the little things, ya know.Hey Friends,
I haven't posted here in awhile.........lots of work to be done as I start "hitting my stride" again with Physio. I will echo Tracy's sentiments in the previous post about "the second year being harder"........actually, I don't think there is any comparison. The obvious signs are there and you "live" it everyday - the empty room, empty seat in the car on the way to school, the quiet xbox and tv, no new songs on the "mitchell" iTunes playlist, etc. Every day is filled with those challenges as you fight to put one foot in front of the other and walk through the days without your son.
Those are difficult enough to deal with.....but that is the hand we have been dealt........and we shall play it out to the end.
However, it is the little things that take the wind out of your sails:
This was MItchell's favorite time of year......simply because he loved to be home with family. That became much more evident during his treatment.....any place other than the crappy hospital was at a premium......and home was a treat.
There is so much to be thankful for in this life..........in this story that I would have never written by my own hand........but there are still many days in which every breath I take labors under the weight of missing Mitchell.
Thankfully, Christ has showed us all the end of the story...............and that is what makes all of it worthwhile. ~jwhit
27/11/2008 Being thankful.....Someone had told me that the second year after losing a loved one was harder than the first. I had thought impossible....no way could my heart hurt any worse than it did a year ago. I had wished it would not be true. Today I am learning it very well could be true. Mitchell's absence has been so strong in our home these last few weeks and even more so today. I think last year at this we were still numb, Mitchell's death was still very fresh and we were running on "auto pilot."
Last week our Sunday School teacher challenged us to read Psalms 100 and if we felt lead to share other verses and things we were thankful for. In all honesty, I struggled with it and still am today. I do have so many things to be thankful for.........but my list of the things I am not so thankful for seem to be weighing heavily on my heart and mind. How can I be thankful when my son is dead!?
Thing is.......God has given us freedom of choice......I must make a conscious effort to be thankful and rejoice in all circumstances......like Paul was when he was in prison for serving Christ. I must not let my grief become chains that cause me to walk down a path of ungratefulness. So I have been working on my list of things I am thankful for......(i have shortend it so you do not burn your turkeys reading this...)
I am thankful for:
A God whose grace and love are suffiecient for even me.
A husband who loves me unconditionally.
A daughter who brings me joy each day.
Family and friends who have given us so much support that we will never ever be able to repay it.
The gift of Mitchell........my precious son. We will forever be grateful for the time we had with him and even more grateful that because of God's love for His own son, we will see our son again one day.
"Enter into his gates with thanksgiving and into his courts with praise. Give thanks to him and bless his name. For the Lord is good. His unfailing love continues forever, and his faithfulness continues to each generation."
Happy Thanksgiving from Team Whitaker
12/11/2008 Soaring on 'Angels' wings"Yet, the strength of those who wait with hope in the Lord will be renewed. They will soar on wings like eagles. They will run and won't become weary. They will walk and won't grow tired."
I have a confession, I did not get up and run today.......my alarm went off @ 5am and I shut it off and rolled over. I just did not have the energy....I couldn't do it. This is after I have given my angels the talk on "just do it" because that's what Mitchell did. I have been more than overwhelmed these last few weeks and I am weary. My mind has been flooded with thoughts and memories of Mitchell. Maybe it is because every where I would go I would see his picture or hear his name due to all the wonderful fundraisers "Mitchell's Angels" have been doing. Which is great, but also bittersweet for me. I am excited about what we are doing, spreading the word about the number one childhood cancer and raising money to find a cure for leukemia and other blood cancers........but then I am reminded why.......
The "why" hit me about 27 minutes into my run on Tues morning, I do not nomally listen to my ipod when I run, but I decided I needed a little boost. A song came on that brought me back to 3 nights before Mitchell passed away. He had been pretty restless the night before so they had decided to try a sleeping pill.......needless to say just like many other times, Mitchell had the opposite reaction. My sister-in-law, Vicky, had stayed with me that night, John was in another room trying to rest after spending 3 days in ICU, nothing we did soothed Mitchell. I finally crawled up in bed with him, wrapped my arms around him, pressed my cheek to his and began humming any song that came to my mind. If I would stop, he would stir.....after about 30 minutes I was fresh out of songs and exhausted. I found John's ipod, I put one earphone in Mitchell's ear and one in mine, still laying with my arms wrapped around him cheek to cheek we both rested.........So 27 minutes in to my run Tuesday I hear a song that reminded me of that night and began weeping.....many people ask me how can I run 26.2 miles without any music.......truth is.....I can't run with it.
I came across the above verse this last week. Grief, I have found, can be very exhausting. I have 'waves' of weariness and I never know when it will hit, this week it has hit and I cannot seem to hit the pavement running. I am disappointed in myself.....after all I am "Charlie" I am the one making all these other girls get up at the crack of dawn and run. But as I read this verse I was reminded where my strength will come from. So, I will contiue to wait with my hope in the Lord and though I do not have any eagles near by at the moment to soar on their wings, I do have many earthly "Angels" that have allowed me to ride on theirs. Thank you "Mitchell's Angels" for all of your hard work and determination. We ARE making a difference one step at a time!
If you would like to join in fighting to find a cure go to mitchellsangels.com
We are grateful for your friendship and support, much love,
Tracy
01/11/2008 A chang of seasons.....Fall has always been my favorite season......I love the crispness of the air, the cool mornings and my very favorite, watching the leaves change colors. Since the kids were little, I would always point out "pretty" trees, I wanted them to see another amazing part of God's creation. Even when Mitchell and I would be making the dreaded trip down to the clinic he would spot the trees changing color. Last year I do not recall noticing the changing of the leaves, not on one single tree...........I just remember seeing them bare, looking cold and lifeless and thinking that is how I felt.......stripped of a part of me that made me who I was, stripped of my colors, stripped of my purpose.
This week, I continue to experience God's healing in my life. I HAVE notice the leaves changing colors, sometimes through blurred vision due to tears, but I HAVE noticed them. For me, there is comfort in God's creation. Another beautiful creation of God's that I have experienced this week......and not JUST this week, but through this whole time of Mitchell's sickness and his passing, is freinds. God has blessed me with THE GREATEST friends, at times I feel unworthy to be surrounded by such beautiful people.
I have shared about my new adventure in gathering 40 friends to celebrate my 40th birthday, by running a half/full marathon. Would you beleive they are STILL my friends even after 11 weeks of not so fun training?! I wanted to update you on our progress.
This last Monday, we held our first annual Go Mitch Go golf tournament. It was the coldest and windiest day of the entire week, but the sun was shining bright and we had 74 golfers come out and enjoy a day of golf. "Mitchell's Angels" did a fantastic job in organizing the event. John and I were in awe and grateful to all involved. For me as time passes I fear so will my memories of Mitchell.....this tounament gives us something to grasp on to, something to plan and look forward to each year and something to keep Mitchell's fighting spirit alive. Thanks Angels!
We have 11 weeks to go and a few more fundraising events, be sure to visit mitchellsangels.com and check them out. Thanks to all who have already donated. I am thrilled that we are spreading the awareness of blood cancers.....each dollar brings us closer to a cure.
I came across this scripture last week. "This is too much work for you. You can't do it alone!" (Exodus 18:18) I know this pertains to Christ, and there is NO WAY I would be standing today without Him. But I also believe that He created friends(and family) for this very purpose....to share our 'load' and my friends have definitly done just that. Thanks girls! I love you each dearly!
May you see God's beauty in the colors of each leaf.................and in your friends.
*be sure to check out the new pics
12/10/2008 SundaysSundays........I am still experiencing that 'love/ hate' relationship with them. It was always the one day of the week where we were always together as a family. Today we rode to church in our new car, first time we were all 3 in it...... As excited as I am about having a new car today my thoughts were on how Mitchell has never been in it.... he would love it. We have considered off and on throughout the year about moving into a new house, but decided against it for various reasons, one being having to box up Mitchell's things and move into a house where he had never been........weird, I know, but our reality.
Sundays are usually an emotional day for me....today was not an exception. Today there was a baby dedication.....both baby boys......and then we had the introduction of our new children's pastor. Our pastor had all the children from 1-5 grade come up front.......Meredith marched on up there(she is getting so big). It was a big group of kids, a goodlooking group of kids. As I scanned over the kids the tears began to flow......there were all of Mitchell's buddies.....no Mitchell. I started thinking about all that Mitchell was missing out on.......or more selfishly what I was missing out on.
I was sitting and stirring in my selfish thoughts as the pastor began to speak, telling the story of Paul in chains. How Paul used his time in prison and in chains to advanced God's word. He did not choose to complain or turn from Christ instead he would share Jesus with each of the guards he was chained to. The point was that we can either collapse or convert during our times of struggles. Oh, how I have wanted to many times.......it would be so much easier to just collapse........I remember listening to Steven Curtis Chapman and his wife speak on Larry King one night about losing their 5 yr old daughter in a tragic accident. His wife said something that held so much truth for me. She said "We fell hard, we fell far and we landed face down, BUT we landed on SOLID ground." Actually, I have collapsed......several times but each time I have collapsed into Christ's arms because He alone is the ONE that can convert my struggles into joy some day.
I was also reminded that Mitchell is NOT missing out on anything.....he is living the life that I CANNOT wait to live one day, until then, like Paul, I will continue to do fruitful work for Christ.
"For to me, living means living for Christ, and dying is even better." (Phillipians 1:21)
Grace and Peace
Tracy 06/10/2008 Cookbooks are here!
Make room on your shelf for your new favorite cookbook. Mitchell's Angels present 'Angel Food.' I cried when I first saw it.......not just because it is so adorable, but because it was truly made with SO much love by my girlfriends. The girls really put a lot of thought and work into this cookbook to make it just perfect and I think it is. On the back is a picture Meredith drew of her future family and home.....with her angel, Mitchell, peeking over the clouds. You won't want to miss out on this 170 page book full of wonderful recipes. If you would like one you may go to mitchellsangels.com or make checks payable to GO Mtich GO ($20 + $5 SH) and send to: GO MITCH GO fund c/o Dona Whitaker, PO Box 1777; Choctaw, OK 73020. Proceeds will go to the Leukemia/Lymphoma Society to continue Mitchell's dream of finding a cure. Thanks for your support!
05/10/2008 ComfortWell, we have now made it past/through all of the "firsts." Some days during these last couple of weeks have hit me like it were a year ago. The smell or feel of the air would take me right back to those last days. Wed, was Oct. 1st, I was meeting a friend to run right after I dropped Meredith off for school. As I sat in my car waiting for her, I watched as Mitchell's classmates loaded the bus to head out to 'Camp Classen,' a camp that the 5th graders get to go to for a few days. Of course I cried.....Mitch would have loved it. I could feel my anger and bitterness begin to creep up(God get out your "claw" for those weeds again....) all I could think about was that one year ago on that day, was the last time we saw our Mitchell. Although dead......we could still SEE him and TOUCH him. The next day the casket would be shut and lowered into a hole dug for our son...........still so painful, so unreal.....yet very real.
I have been reading a devotional book(Grace for Grief)since the Sunday after Mitchell passed away. This week focused on The Beatitudes. Yesterday was the final devotion for the week and the book. Appropriately, the verse was...
"Blessed are those who mourn. They will be comforted."(Matthew 5:4).
I got to thinking about this....I guess if I were to look back, in all honesty, I did not think comfort would EVER come in any way, shape or form. In my line of work, I have worked with burn patients...it is my least favorite thing to do. Never have I ever seen people in greater physical pain than in the burn unit. No type of ointment or treatment seemed to soothe their pain. After Mitchell died, I felt like this.....NOTHING soothed my pain nor did I forsee the pain ever subsiding. I ran into a friend of mine this last week, her son and Mitchell were buddies. She hugged me and said she was thinking of me. She continued on to say " I am sure there is no comfort in words......." In the beginning words were not comforting.....my least favorite were "He is in a better place now....." In MY mind, as Mitchell's MOTHER there was NO better place than with me, even though I belived in God and knew Mitchell was in Heaven.....he still was not with me.
You know the saying "Time heals all pain." I am not saying that it is true....the pain is still very much there and very strong. I guess like a burn victim, my scars are still very visible and the new skin is still tender to the touch, but my soul has been comforted over these last 12 months and there has been healing. I am comforted by the words and actions of others, by knowing that they still think of Mitchell and remember our loss. I have shared with you about my new adventure of gathering 40 plus friends and joining together to raise money and find a cure. It has been very comforting for me to watch these women work so hard for this cause in honor of Mitch and to know that we are making a differnece for others(go to mitchellsangels.com to learn more).
I know there is much more healing ahead and more comfort to be had. I hope in time that because of the comfort that I have experienced through Christ, family and friends that I will be able to comfort others who may experience our same loss. 29/09/2008 Go Mitch GoA friend of mine wrote this poem...thank you Jen for your beautiful words.
Go Mitch, go -- We'll rest on the Mountain. Tears are spooling from the Fountain. Go Mitch, go -- You brought us here To repentance and love, from doubt and fear. Go Mitch, go -- For we’ve come to the side Of the wounded Christ -- for the world who died. So, Go Mitch, go -- Swiftly from this world. Your suffering be over, our grief unfurled. Go Mitch, go – Oh, the happy golden shore! What a day it will be, house to house and door to door. Go Mitch, go -- The Balm of Gilead is there. Your Rock of Gibraltar, our Sweet Hour of Prayer. Go Mitch, go -- Way beyond the blue. Do Lord, oh do Lord, for me, for you! Go Mitch, go -- What a time we’ve had! Fly away suffering, for the morning is glad. Go Mitch, go -- You fair-haired boy Push on to glory, push on to joy. 27/09/2008 Grace and PeaceDeep cleansing breath......sigh. I have anticipated this day for several weeks now. I had my day all planned out....I would keep myself busy every moment that I could. Would you believe that at around 8:30 pm last night I came down with the stomache flu and now I sit too weak to do any of my planned activities. If I have learned anything over these last few years it is that God's plans and my plans are seldom the same........
I have been trying to think of words/phrases to "sum up" this last year. I have been at a loss. A few Sundays ago our pastor spoke on Grace and Peace. These words have stuck out like a sore thumb to me and it dawned on me that these 2 words could totally describe our year(oh there are many other words, but I will just focus on these for now.....).
First of all, in my opinion, you cannot experience true grace and peace but through our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. It has been His grace and His grace only that has carried us through these last devasting 12 months.
GRACE
I have seen and experience God's grace in many ways(I would have to say that grace is weighing in much heavier than peace for right now). So many that I cannot even begin to list them all, but I will share a few
First of all there is Meredith. Oh, I cannot even imagine what our life would be like if we had not had her.....She is pure(well, pretty close anyway) joy. She has made us put our feet on the floor each morning, she has made us laugh in our time of deepest grief. I often feel guilty at how easy of a child she is. Many have asked us how she has handled the loss of Mitchell...truth is she hasn't even skipped a beat. I do know she thinks of Mitchell and misses him. Since he passed away she has asked for every creature under the sun, a bird a hampster, a rabbit, a turtle, another dog and a fish. I vetoed the fish early on as I know they seem to have the shortest life span and I didn't think we could take another loss. Her new favorite color is blue and she always notices the number 18. Meredith lives in the present, not the past and not even the future and she is just plain happy....just a few minutes ago she came skipping through my room looking for the step stool. When I inquired what she planned on doing with it she said. "I am going to sing!" God shown His grace on us when He gave us Meredith Grace 9 years ago.
God has shown us His grace through many of you over the last 3 years. I cannot even begin to count how many cards, emails, text messages and phone calls that we have received. We KNOW we are loved and covered in an abundant amount of prayers from each of you. We will never be able to thank you enough or be able to describe in words what you each have meant to us. Just know we are more than grateful.
When I am kneeling at Mitchell's grave and I cry out in my pain and my own selfishness "Lord, why Mitchell, why MY boy, why did you ask this of OUR family!?" When I say to myself...." I do not care how many lives have been changed through our loss....mine has been ruined and I want MY son back!" God's grace IS suffifient as He allows me to be human and continiues to shower me with His love, telling me "Some day, my child, you WILL understand."
PEACE
I do not think I will experience true peace until I reach heaven. I have stuggled with allowing my self to feel joy and I think joy and peace go hand in hand. I have had days where I feel "good," when I tell myself Mitchell is SO good right now. He is free of pain and suffering, he does not have to face all of these earthly trials anymore. As a parent he is right where I would want to to be.........just a fews years later though. I am being patient, I have not expected peace to come anytime soon, I anticipate it and know some day it will come.
I received a letter in the mail this week from a lady in our church. I do not even really know her, we've only spoken a couple of times, but her note to us this week spoke so loudly and in a slight way brought me peace. This was one of her journal entries:
Oct. 1, 2007
Lord,
Forgive me for my childishness and my anger. My heart hurts for the Whitakers and their loss. My heart questions why. My emotions are dark and heavy yet in the midst of it all you are Lord and you have a plan. Help me accept your answer to our prayer.
Karen,
I have a GREAT plan...trust My goodness. Rejoice that this precious boy is with Me runnning, rejoicing and no longer in pain. He's no longer afraid. He is in my arms and I will be glorified. Human understanding cannot comprehend my goodness but you must trust that I know best. My kingdon will advance, my light will extend into lives, my peace and grace will be extended and all will have growth if they will allow it. Open your heart to my teacher Pain and learn from this. Learn that I allow that which will strengthen your character and your faith. Your faith grew yet when I took him your faith shrunk back as if death was a mistake. I overcame death at the cross and Mitchell crossed over from a life of pain to a place of perfection. A place you should long for. Instead, you are sad that I took him from darkness to light. Think about it! Earth is a growing/learning place, he learned what I placed him here to learn, and then I brought him home. You should rejoice that his hardships are over and that he ran a sprint and WON! I have called some to run endurance races, but some are put here to sprint. Run the race I have laid out before you. Focus on eternity. This life will pass away. Run a race that glorifies Me. Please Me in what you say and do. Do what I place before you with a good attitude and daily come and rest in my arms. Allow Me to restore your vision. Focus on eternity. Lift your head and see your Redeemer.
May we glorify God in all we do, may we run which ever race He places in front of us and may we all meet up in heaven again some day.
Grace and Peace to you all!
Tracy 21/09/2008 Still Fighting
Galations 6:9 “We must not become tired of doing good. We will receive our harvest of eternal life at the right time if we do not give up. When we have the opportunity to help anyone, we should do it.”
Dear Friends and Family, As many of you know, I completed my very first marathon on June 1st of this year. I ran with Team in Training through the Leukemia/Lymphoma Society to help raise awareness, as well as money to fight against blood cancers. But more importantly I ran in honor of my precious son, Mitchell, who lost his battle to leukemia September 27, 2007. When Mitchell was going through treatment he stated more than once that he wanted to become a doctor and find a cure for cancer. Although Mitchell did many great things in his 10 years of life, finding a cure was not one of them. For me, joining Team in Training is my way of continuing Mitchell’s dream of finding a cure. In January of 2009, I will turn 40(I know for some of you reading this that makes you feel REALLY old…). I have invited/challenged 40 of my girlfriends to join me in raising $144,000 for the Leukemia/Lymphoma Society through Team in Training. Many of these girls stood by me as I watched Mitchell suffer through chemo and radiation for 2 years. Unfortunately, these treatments were not enough and we must fight to find a cure. Our group, appropriately named “Mitchell’s Angels,” will be running in the PF Chang’s Rock n’ Roll marathon in Phoenix, Arizona on January 18th. For many, this is their first endurance race for some their first try at running. I am in awe of their dedication to this endeavor and forever grateful that they are joining me in this journey. I asked before and I will ask again……are YOU up for the challenge? Please help “Mitchell’s Angels” reach our goal. Help us be the “light” at the end of the tunnel for those families facing this battle. We have set up a website: www.mitchellsangels.com. There you will find many ways to help out. Choose one or choose them all. J All proceeds will go the Leukemia/Lymphoma Society and are 100% tax deductible. Make checks payable to GOMITCHGO fund, this is so we can divide the money among the group, and mail to: GOMITCHGO Fund c/o Dona Whitaker, PO Box 1777, Choctaw, OK, 73020. You will be sent a receipt for your tax deduction information. It is hard to believe that it has almost been a year since Mitchell headed home into Jesus’ arms. Our lives have been changed forever. Our hearts will never be whole again here on Earth. God is good and has comforted us through your prayers and support. We covet your continued prayers as we carry on without Mitchell. Thank you for your generous support in helping to keep Mitchell’s dream of finding a cure alive. To learn more about Mitchell’s battle and to follow our marathon preparations, go to: http://www.gomitchgo.com . Sincerely, Tracy Whitaker http://pages.teamintraining.org/ok/pfchangs09/twhitaker 19/09/2008 REWIND - FAST Forward - Slow PlayHello Friends,
It has been awhile since I posted over here........
These are indeed trying days for Tracy and I. I have been blessed cursed with a pretty good memory......such that I can usually remember dates/places/people/emotions/music, etc quite clearly from most every month/year of my life. That is a blessing and a curse. As we enter the last "new" week, since Mitchell passed away.........I am "heavy" with all of the emotions that come to bear as I remember one year ago.
One year ago this very night..........was the worst night of my life. Dad and I took care of Mitchell and watched him go from bad to worse.....I truly felt like it was the tipping point when I knew that he was going to pass away because of his struggle. We were up, literally, all night because Mitchell was so sick from all the drugs they were pumping into him.......he was so weak........and there was nothing that anybody could do to help. There is no feeling so powerless as to see your very son suffer with no relief in sight. Earlier in that evening, Mitch was as great as he had been in a few weeks. He and I joked together and had regular conversation..........it was the last "normal" conversation I got to have with him. Within hours, he was getting much worse and as we tried to comfort him all through the wee hours of the morning........it was if hope had left my spirit.
The next morning we headed down to ICU for 2 1/2 incredibly difficult days.........and learned that Mitchell wasn't going to make it. At this point, for the most part, Mitchell could not communicate very well and I distinctly recall holding him close in one of the few moments in which he was awake and alert.............and I told him that he had done everything that he could do..........that I was proud of him...........that I loved him more than he would ever know........AND if, when he fell back asleep, he was to see Jesus.......or the Light........run to it. It was ok to quit.........you have run the race laid before you and I will be right behind you on the way to Heaven. The tears stream now as I write this just as hot........and stifling...........as they were a year ago.
The only legible words that I ever heard Mitchell say after that was on Monday, September 24th........3 days before his death.......after he had been incoherent for 2 days because of the drugs for pain..........as I whispered those same loving words in his ear..........he opened up those eyes and very plainly said with his trademark grit: "Keep Fighting". He then closed his eyes peacefully and was gone soon after.
You see it is a daily struggle to balance the memories of Mitchell's stuggle.........with the realization of the joy, peace, & love that he had in Christ.
In many ways, Mitchell's struggle is very much like our daily lives........depending on what we focus our eyes/ears/minds upon. Christ gift on the Cross is greater than a child that passes away, or illness, or a bad marriage, or abuse you may have suffered, or financial problems you may endure..........or all the other "stuff" that makes up this "life" we live as fallen people on this fallen earth. Christ is greater than all of that! He is the Alpha and Omega - the beginning and the end - and he sees how all the pieces fit in place because He is the Author of it all. Although we live in a fallen world in which "bad things happen to good people"...........Christ can work through all that is wrong........to make it right.......for His Glory......through the Cross. Amen!
Christ is calling out to each one of us........."it is ok, i am so proud of you, i love you...........you can quit and let me handle it"............and I can't think of anything that makes more sense in this life than to listen, and try to follow, Him.
We love you all - please continue to pray for us........john |
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