Many, many friends have asked us, "What can I do?" or "Let me know if there is anything I can do." We really appreciate the desire, but we never know what to say. Tonight, I have some thoughts...
1) Consider sponsoring a child through Compassion International. Jude had wonderful medical care. The vast majority of children do not. We hope to have a table set up on Saturday with information on specific children who are in need of sponsorship. We hope to specifically have children with special needs included on the table as well. For more information on Compassion, please click here.
2) Save up your pop tabs to benefit the Ronald McDonald House. We are so thankful for the Ronald McDonald House. We had a free place to stay that was close to our little guy, and we were fed lovely meals every night. I hope to share more in a future post about what life was like for us there, but in the meantime I wanted to let people know about this program. We are planning on having something on Saturday for collecting pop can tabs. So, if you drink a can of pop between now and then, please save the tab. Read more about the program here.
3) Give blood. Jude had all sorts of blood transfusions throughout his stay in the hospital. He had platelets, plasma, red blood cells and other blood products I can't recall. We were so thankful to those people who donated...enabling our beloved boy to live past his second day of life. Giving does save lives. To schedule an appointment, go here.
Thank you, friends.
Our life with Jude seems like a dream sometimes. Life has continued here since we left in August. Because mine stopped, it seems like everything else should have as well. But, it didn't. It seems like we should have returned to summer. But, we didn't. It is already homecoming on campus. Students started school while we were gone. The leaves began falling off our trees. Christmas decorations are out in stores already. Life has gone on.
And, it wasn't a dream. It was very real, and our hearts have the wounds and my body the scar to prove it. As we adjust to life back home, the pain remains fresh...with the service, the burial, and the packing of Jude's room still looming before us. Yet, we are certain that the One who has walked with us through these past few months will continue to walk with us through the months to come.
Thank You, Father.
Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ,
the Father of mercies and God of all comfort,
who comforts us in all our affliction,
so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction,
with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God.
(2 Corinthians 1:3-4 ESV)
(2 Corinthians 1:3-4 ESV)
4 comments:
Hi Mandy and Brandon - I have not written sooner, but you have been on my mind and heart constantly! I am stunned (really) by your faith. I knew God walked with His people through the valleys of life - but you both are a real life example of God's goodness! Your blog and I know your lives SHOUT OUT what an awesome God we have. I continue to pray that He holds you very close this coming week. So much love, Karen Naim
Continuing to pray for your sweet family as you grieve and heal. Our thoughts are with you this week especially as you plan services and the finality of Jude's passing sets in. So thankful for the hope we have in knowing this life is not the end. We pray you will continually feel God holding you in the days and weeks ahead. Much love from Kansas!
Continuing to pray. May your hearts be protected during this time and may you feel the peace of God all around you. ((hugs))
Hi friends! Such interesting timing of your post. At work today a lady came around and encouraged us to sign up for the blood drive. I was able to share with our class Jude's story and your encouragement for people to give blood. 8 of 11 of us signed up. The lady said it was the most a training class has done. One pint helps three people...so God used Jude's story to touch 24 people today. Loved that and wanted to share it. We love you and pray for the days ahead! Thank you for your encouragement and sharing with where you are in the journey.
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