Prayer Focus Sunday-September 11 Reflections

This week many of us stood still for a few moments or perhaps the entire day to remember what happen to our country on September 11th eight years ago. The day that life as we knew it would change in so many ways. The majority of us returned to something very close to the normal that we knew just days before that. Those who lived near the devastation or had family members on one of those flights or in any of those buildings never returned to any semblance of normal.

Many of the families I have asked you to pray for have what I think of as their own personal 9/11. The day that their child is diagnosed or the moment the prognosis is given becomes a surreal nightmarish kind of experience with ashes and the crumbling dreams that fall around their feet. So much that they had hoped for their family is forever changed. The hopes they had for their child look nothing like they did before yet like our Nation, they have to move on. They have to get up and fight against disease. Sometimes they are surrounded and supported. Other times, in the middle of the night in a cold hospital room, they can feel so very lonely.

Today's prayer request is for the parents of the sweet children that this blog has been introducing you to each week. Scan the list of links and catch up on their stories. If you know of a family that isn't listed here, please email me their link so I can follow them too. Prayer is a powerful tool. I can't overstate the importance for our own hearts to pray for these families. To be aware of their needs and to present them to our Creator for strength and encouragement as well as healing.

Birthday Edition

I have prayed about this and because its my birthday, I am going to take the liberty of asking that you pray for my family today. (Hey, its MY birthday, don't I get to do what I want?) Allison is in stable health at this time but my adorable husband had to leave town for work for several weeks. That means that even though I have a teenager who helps, it is nothing like having another parent here to manage her daily needs (food, baths, diapers, clothing, activities, etc.). I am not only missing my companion, I know that both of my girls feel his absence.

One more reason for this posting, I wanted to bring attention to those of you who have not walked this path of having a child with medical needs, life still goes on around us. Birthdays, anniversaries and holidays take place while our children are sick or hospitalized. The calendar doesn't stop. We learn to adjust our celebrations. In the past ten years, we have spent a July 4th, Christmas week, Valentine's day, St. Patrick's day and an anniversary sitting in our little girl's room wondering how it would turn out.

So I am asking, not just for today, but when a holiday comes along, and you are praying for the meal or the day, lift up those kiddos and families who are just hoping for a regular day let alone a holiday. One more, I am acutely aware that I my solo flight in special needs parenting is temporary, for many it is not. I am sure that they grow weary and discouraged with the daily tasks and would love your prayers as well.