I am beyond thankful for our past weekend in our Oak Creek cabin. Natalie’s birthmom just found out she has cancer in both lungs and spots on her brain. We drove west to spend time with her before she went into the hospital for a biopsy and next steps. The weekend was glorious with time for each of us to connect with Jodi and her daughter Alyssa. The soothing sound of the creek was a constant present as we ate, laughed, prayed, shared life stories and enjoyed the sweet baby Felix as family.
God brought us together as family through the wisdom of a seventeen year old thirty years ago. Jodi and Alyssa who was eighteen months old were living in Jodi’s childhood bedroom when Natalie was born. She was sure that the best thing for both her girls was to find the right family for Natalie. Oh how blessed Ron and I are that this two pound, twenty eight week preemie became our one and only daughter. It is not possible to think of life without her in it. Jodi and I spent time together at the lawyer’s office and at the hospital bonding over this fragile life that would connect our lives and families forever.
This weekend was the perfect blend of two families coming together to face the fight that lies ahead for Jodi. Her optimism and courage are inspiring. Just like when she was a teen, she has faith and courage that are an example for all of us. Life is never perfect and we face circumstances that we would choose to avoid if given the chance. But even in cancer there are moments to be grateful for. Oak Creek has been a place of joy since I was twelve years old. Now memories and healing are a part of this place even in this journey that Jodi faces. Thank you Mom and Dad and Grandma and Grandpa Peabody for having the foresight to invest in this place that means so much to all of us. Please pray with us for Jodi, the Wenger family and all of us as we walk this path together.
In Him, Joyful. 9-16-20
Beautiful sentiments. Thank you for sharing. Love to all.
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