A Special Gift for Grace

I was moved to tears today when I received this package from our good friends, Rachel and Jon. It was from Rachel's thoughtful grandparents, Tom and Mary and their wonderful church in California. It was a beautiful soft blanket, hand-made by someone whom we have never met, and given to Grace by a church congregation that has been diligently praying for our daughter over the past year. I couldn't believe my eyes. I was so touched that these remarkable people have been praying for Grace this entire year, thinking of her everyday, wishing her well and loving her so much. I was partly in disbelief, and then it hit me: THIS is why she is doing so well. THIS is why she continues to be a miracle each and everyday. THIS is why we never lose hope, no matter how discouraging things get. Sometimes I still become sad because she can't walk by herself or talk yet, her left side is weak, and she is still behind most kids her age, but my goodness... she is ALIVE, and HAPPY. She is seizure free and cured. She is here with us today because of God's grace and faithful prayer warriors from across the nation who continue to believe in her, and think about her everyday. This package today reminded me again of how incredible and unified the church congregation is, and gave me hope that I sometimes lose. It reminded me of why Grace went through all that she did - she's a testimony and a constant reminder of God's goodness, faithfulness, and the power of the body of Christ. For those of you who are new to Grace's story, you can read her original journey starting from here.

While Grace was holding the letter, she looked at it like she knew how special it is. She knew that it was for her, and she smiled. Then she proceeded to try to wrinkle it up, and I took it away from her just before she tried to eat it. This letter and blanket is such a gift, and I will plan to keep it with all of her other treasures that were given to us so that she may open them someday and remember how much she is loved.

Thank you, Tom and Mary. I am eternally grateful to you and your church. The little girl that you see in the pictures above, her happy smiles and great progress is partly because of you. I know you are not the only ones who continue to think of Grace and pray for her. Her journey is not over and she still has along way to go, but we know that you'll be here with us.

Thank you again to our friends in Chicago, CCUC, Joshua Fellowship, Lansing/Michigan friends, South Church, CCCC in Cleveland, friends in St. Louis, Autumn Ridge in Rochester, Rochester Chinese Church, MSU CCF crew, Oregon friends and of course, thank you to all our supportive friends who read Sunny with a side of on the blogosphere, who have lifted up our family with encouraging words and thoughts. This child is so blessed beyond words can describe, and I will continue to share her growth with you throughout the years. You have all become such an important part of our lives, and I can not imagine how we could have gotten through last year's hardships without you! We love you guys, and hope that you will all be able to meet this little girl you have been praying so hard for. We want her to grow up knowing and remembering how much she is loved.

This is my first time posting a video, it's a little small, but here is a clip of Grace walking with her walker: