Strong Family and Network of Friends

We are at our last Houston appointment this morning. We are currently at the prosthetic center where Amanda and her new leg are being tweaked. I am sitting in the lobby thinking about the last three weeks and how it loomed so heavily upon us a few weeks ago, and how at this point, we are heading back home with a successful surgery and promising prognosis.

We are very fortunate to have such a strong family and network of friends. Being gone for so long and under such circumstances is difficult for everyone. Mostly for Amanda, of course, who has to actually have all the stuff done to her ... but the rest of the family as well. They don't complain, but Denise and I think of them often. At a time when Amanda would normally have a lot of people around her, cheering her on through the operation and the recovery and the good days and the painful days .... but instead, most of her family and friends are many miles away. It's a long way from Columbia to Houston.

And yet, because we have such a strong family and network of friends, we know that in spirit we are not alone at all, and that just as we are thinking of them, they are thinking of us. Knowing that really helps.

And so to all our family and friends who care for us and think of us often, we are very thankful for who you are and all the value and richness you add to our lives.

And a very special thanks to:
Amanda ... for carrying us through this and showing us how a child of God deals with all you have endured. You are my hero.

Denise ... for being mom to all six kids, no matter what state you are in at the time, and maintaining your joy and laughter all along the way. You stay strong for Amanda and yet always have an ear for others. You face every challenge with a sincere willingness to press on.

Joshua ... for being the oldest big brother that cares so deeply for Amanda and comes by the hospital and home whenever he can, and always has Amanda on his mind. He will come to the house and sit down near Amanda and be happy to visit for as long as she wants, about anything she wants. Joshua is an outstanding example of a caring big brother.

Haley ... the oldest big sister who loves Amanda so much, and finds ways to bring even more joy to her... for staying with her in the hospital and thinking to paint her toenails on one foot, making flying trips home to help her with something, and just doing an awesome job in general of making Amanda feel as pretty on the outside as she is on the inside.

Abby ... for being the sister that is the helper, especially on the girls floor. The one who picks her up and carries her up the stairs, and wrestles with her on the floor, and shares shoes and clothing items, and genuinely has a heart for being a crucial part of Amanda's world. Many times I've heard Abby say that in addition to being a sister, that Amanda is her best friend.

Caleb ... for being the most awesome twin brother anyone could hope for. Caleb is always very aware of Amanda and her presence. He would do anything she asked, and does. It is his greatest treasure to be Amanda's brother. And it is one of Amanda's greatest treasures to have something to tease Caleb about ... especially if can be related to Boy Scouts and/or paddling a canoe. :-)

Anna ... for being the one who helps keep Amanda's home-front organized and is eager to help Amanda however she can. When we are away from home, she sends text messages of encouragement to all of us, and keeps me posted on what Grandma Audrey is doing. Anna does such an outstanding job of keeping track of Amanda, and loves to assist in any way she can.

Grandma Audrey ... I probably shouldn't start mentioning people other than our children because of all who have been there for us ... but I would like to say that Grandma Audrey is a solid rock in any storm, and all the time some of us have to be away from home, she will come and stay at our house with the other kids. In my FB profile for religious views I have the following text: "There is this lady in Iowa that I think God really likes .... so I try to be more like her." That lady is Grandma Audrey, for those who didn't already know.

Well ... it's about 11:00 a.m. here in Houston, and we should hopefully be done with this last appointment within a couple more hours and headed home to Columbia. We will be very glad to get there .... but at the same time very thankful for where we've been.