Thank-you All

It's hard to believe that it's only a little over a year ago that I began this blog. But as we read the purpose on the side of the blog (and here) we realize that our purpose has been completed. There are no more updates to provide about James health, for he is now completely healthy and happy. With that in mind we feel that it is time to end our blogging on James' Story and so tomorrow, on what would have been James' 3rd birthday, we will post our last entry.


We had no idea when we started writing that our blog that it would end up being so widely read, nor that so many people, although they never really met James, would treasure him from what was posted on the blog. I think that had we known this reaction, we likely would not have posted, not wishing to draw affectionate attention to ourselves, or to any of our children. We simply wished to project information. And for the most part, I do think we remained within that scope. Some people let us know that they skimmed through the blog because often there was too much medical information. Even though we were not writing to entertain readers, we became mindful of this, and posted relevant links from which anybody read up on if so inclined. At times we summarized the big picture or made analogies so that all our readers could understand what was going on. In spite of this objective approach, James touched so many hearts.

When many people began encouraging us with their comments, we realized that many were praying with and for us, and so found it necessary to update in a timely fashion so that our supporters knew what to petition for. It is without a doubt that God did answer our prayers. Even though we prayed for the restoration of health, God said no, but then gave us the assurance that James is so much better off. He gave us the strength, courage, persistence to carry this burden already from James' birth, and continues to do so as we cope with our loss. Many see this as a testimony of our faith. This is a slanted view. We see this assurance as an answer to all your prayers. This is not in ourselves, but a gift of God, a benefit of belonging in Christ.

And so, since our readers were and are an important role in "James' Story," we feel that it is only proper to thank you all for all that you have done. Many in our vicinity, and even further abroad have been able to support us with gifts besides their prayers. These were gifts of love responding out of faith. We are very grateful for these. But primarily, your prayers were coveted, and the fruit of these is immeasurable. We have been warned by others who can relate, that the grieving process takes along time to work through. And for some, it hasn't finished. Let us not forget them either. "Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer" (Romans 12:12).

As parents, we have had our faith tested and refined. As husband and wife we have been drawn closer together, realizing that it is not by chance that we are one, but by God's providential hand that we have each other and our children.

Life Goes On and so our story does as well ... just a little less detailed and a little less often. But just as long winded. :)