Ever since I wrote the previous post about missing tiny Samara, I have become convinced that being able to miss Samara while still holding her (i.e., the happy kind of missing) is an absolute luxury - a luxurious gift from God. God has reminded me of this by showing me stories of other children.

1. Alexis Grace



Alexis has neuroblastoma - the same kind of cancer that Samara had, but a more aggressive form. Alexis' mom, Jill, whose faith is so strong, wrote this in a recent post on her page:

I remember a very “dark” day in January this year, when the doctor sat down with me & I said “I can’t believe you say she will probably only live 3- 6 months from now”, she said 3 months is more realistic; without any treatments. Well, 3 months has passed! Alexis is stronger and healthier than ever before in this process. Only God knows when Alexis’s life will end, as with everyones. If we can give her medical treatment to prolong a happy, virtually pain free life, we will do that. If we could take every painful thing from her and give it to ourselves for the rest of our lives and keep her healthy, we would do that. But she doesn’t deserve to pay the price.

Again, we’re reminded to live in the moment! Not 6 months from now, not even next week. God has given us miracle after miracle in this process. Alexis is a shining symbol of hope!

So, today even though I’m sad to be reminded that we may lose her and that the disease really isn’t better, I’m thankful that the main tumor is gone (for now, they expect it will probably return) I’m thankful she is smiling & I’m thankful to God for the last 11 months with Alexis, no matter how difficult and painful they’ve been at times; I wouldn’t trade a moment with this child!

Please pray for Alexis and her family.

2. Samantha Page

Samantha is in remission from leukemia. Her mom, Karla (hi, Karla), whose faith is so real and beautiful told us about the seed of faith in little Samantha:

Samantha was so cute at dinner tonight. We frequently hold hands around the dinner table when we pray. We include Samantha in this. Tonight after we were done praying and as we were eating she quietly reached for my arm, took my hand and held it gently.

She just sat there softly holding my hand. So I took Mike's hand and Grandma Marty held out her hand for Samantha to hold and Samantha very sweetly took Grandma's hand too. We ended up holding hands and praying three times during dinner tonight.

I doubt that Samantha understands why we pray, still I was so touched that she wanted to pray again and again. Isn't that how it should be? We have so much to be thankful for. I have so much to be thankful for and thank God daily for all He has done.

It was nice to get the gentle reminder of the importance of prayer through the hand of my baby daughter.

Please pray for Samantha and her family.

3. Baby boy

A student at the seminary emailed the community to tell us that his wife, who was 22 weeks along her in pregnancy, had gone into labor and that they were anticipating only being able to spend a little bit of time with their baby boy once he was born.

Please pray for this family.

So, as I hold my baby girl, I will try to stay in the luxurious present - rejoicing that she is who she is and she is with me now - trusting God that the cancer that he blasted from her body will stay away - and praying that God would give hope and faith and peace to all parents who are holding their children in their hands even as they entrust them to God's hands.