Today is January 8th, 2011 and in 2 days it will be my birthday and then on the 15th it will be Jessica's 23rd birthday!
When I think about how last year began here in Mexico and how this year is unfolding, I am simply amazed at what a big difference a year can make!
Last year the one word that became a major focus for this journey that Jessica has been taking towards having a life again without constant pain and sickness was "HOPE". I remember one of my postings last year about the word "hope". I said then that, for me, hope is defined as the following:
H aving
O nly
P ositive
E xpectations
This past year, Jessica's journey has been about hope and about trying to remain positive, even when all around you is so negative. Quite honestly, it is sometimes a very hard thing to do!
Before arriving to Monterrey with Jessica, our "hope" was to give Jessica a fighting chance at a better life. We knew that the chances were great that we could lose Jessica in Mexico due to the severity of her case. I remembered being asked first by Dr. Kirkpatrick in Tampa and then by Dr. Cantu in Monterrey, if I, as her Mom, was prepared for that in the event that it happened? As you can imagine it is the type of question no mother wants to think about, let alone even answer!!! But, I remember vividly my answer. I said the same response to Dr. K in Tampa, as I then said later to Dr. Cantu in Monterrey. My response was: "I came here with the full knowledge that this could happen! My "hope" is that God will answer my prayers for Jessica, but, quite honestly, if that is not His plan, then, Yes, I am prepared for that, because she doesn't have a life anyway!!!
Even writing that now brings with it a lot of different emotions. But, I am saying this to you today, that, in life, we have to remain "hopeful"! We have to try to think positively, because by doing so, we all can ultimately have the "miracle"we "hope" for! It is all possible with God, his grace, his love, and in His timing!
So...Peace, Love, and most of all Hope, for the New Year!
With hope and in God's love,
Sarita ( my name in Spanish)
" May your unfailing love rest upon us, O LORD, even as we put our hope in you."
Psalm 33:22
"But now, Lord, what do I look for? My hope is in you."
Psalm 39:7
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OK, now I wipe the tears from my eyes and respond. I remember that conversation with the doctors well. Many of them! I remember the eyes of my husband, resolute, strong, and HOPEFUL! Yoou are so right..... no one can comprehend the emotions that come with that position either. God has shown us all so much in this walk with you and with ourselves. We are all learning that the master's plan are not always what we would want, desire, think of, but they are always PERFECT
ReplyDeleteI thank God for his healing in Jessica and pray that it continues I also pray for continued strength for you all as the days and weeks and months march on. I praise Him with joy in my heart that my friends who are suffering are finding solace in His arms and that is the safest and best place to be!
Thanks again for the reminder. A good kick for me to get out of this slump and continue the journey!
Love you
It has been truly amazing to watch Jessica's Journey through this past year (along with Mom at her side). I don't know of a situation that could have been more difficult.
ReplyDeleteBut what a beacon of hope you and your family have been. Your hope and unshakable faith in our mighty God and ALL that He can do have been such an wonderful example of how we should be. God is not limited by what we think is possible. We have so many examples of this in the Bible but yet, He is kind enough to give us an example in your lives NOW so we can remember and know He is unchanging: always merciful, kind, compassionate and loving.
Your hope has been well placed and a wonderful reminder to us all to place our trust there.
We hope and pray that this will be the year that you will both be reunited with your loving family (and many friends) waiting for you back in the States.
All those little steps, Jessica, will take you back. Keep going, you will make it!
May God continue to bless you and your family, the doctors, nurses, your family in Mexico, and all those who have who have played a part in His wonderful plan for you.
With love & prayers,
The Turners
My dear sweet Sarita,
ReplyDeleteIn five minutes, you will be turning 29 (or something like that!!!). I wish so much that I could be back there with you in Monterrey - maybe having a margarita or two to celebrate this incredible day. The world was truly blessed the day you were born. Through you, I have learned that we never have to run out of patience, love, or hope. You have shown me (and so many others) that it is possible to survive and endure, even when the challenges are unbearable. Thank you for all that you are. I wish you every ounce of Gods blessings on this special birthday of yours. Love and hugs.
Nita
Dear "Sarita" & Jessica,
ReplyDeleteHaving read the three entries above there is little for us to add as they summed our thoughts and feeling up very well. Thank you for being in our lives and thank you for keeping the flame of hope burning!
Your birthday tomorrow should be a national holiday!
Love,
Rosemary and John
I'm with Rosemany! How can you verbalize the heart felt gratitude to God and Sarita for the answers to the HOPE prayers we all offer up.
ReplyDeleteHappy Birthday sweet Sarita!!
You are all that Jessica has said as well as the Messenger for all of us, directed by God, to NEVER GIVE UP!!
Here's a BIG HUG and can't wait to see you all in person again.
Carol and I will have a toast to you and Ray on your shared birthdays!!!
Love Nancy and Joe
Dearest Lymie Family,
ReplyDeleteOur story is the same, just different hospitals, wheelchairs, beds, doctors and meds. We have been on our Jenna's Jesus Journey for four years. Jenna is 19 and we are doing an in home herbal coma like treatment. We are hoping for the reset also. As a mother of a lymie my heart and prayers go out to you for unless you are in it, no one really "gets it". Our journey is the same, trusting God's will for our daughters. In His Grip, Lisa
Jessica your are an amazing imspiration to all who have followed your journey and although hard for your it is so awesome to see how far you've come my the Grace of God, your strength, courage and faith and of course...you mom! Now may this year of 2011 be your year in every way....we still pray for your total recovery and return home!!!
ReplyDeleteWe also want to wish you on this Saturday....a Wonderful "Mexican" Birthday....may you be blessed and enjoy a wonderful day with your mom and others...Enjoy and God Bless you always!!!
Love
Angela & all the boys xoxoxoo