Remembering August 24...and rejoicing again

So I'm sitting here feeling a bit overwhelmed...lots and lots to do, not much energy, missing the hustle and bustle of a full house, a bit melancholy, really sad over several friends who have gone home to be with the Lord, not to mention still fighting this virus...

But I haven't forgotten what today is--August 24th, the anniversary of the girls' car accident three years ago.  In fact, even as I write these words, three years ago, I was just learning about the wreck and was preparing to drive with the wonderful Andrews to the hospital in Greenville.  It's as vivid in my memory as the day it happened--I had just rushed in the door, bringing pizza from Mellow Mushroom home for dinner (yes, I'm such a great cook!) when Pat called to say there had been a wreck...

And life changed in an instant.  

Just thought I'd put in some pictures to remind myself of all that God did in that remarkable month.  And to recall, once again, the great truth of Ephesians 3:20 that our Lord  "is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us, to Him be the glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations and forever and ever. Amen." (Eph.3:20-21)  Never forget it.  He is able.  He is so, so able.

Russ and Creecy trying to help us get down Janie's fever--who knew how useful a bedpan could be?!

 Sometimes I forget this was our daughter...just like sometimes I forget Your faithfulness to us, Father.  Oh forgive me for my lack of thankfulness...every day, every person is a priceless gift--

 A trip from Greenville to UNC-CH, thanks to this amazing ICU ambulance.  Lord, thank You for so many wonderful, skilled, and amazing doctors, nurses, and technicians at Greenville and UNC.  Thank You for all the ways You have given your blessings of wisdom and healing to the medical profession.

 And when we arrived in Chapel Hill, here were some very precious friends we saw the first day.   Thumbs up--the sign we were waiting for from Janie and finally got after two long weeks of her being unconscious.  Lord, thank You, thank You, thank You for friendship.  What a wondrous blessing it is in our lives.

 And then by God's grace and by His mighty power, Janie awoke...and it was like seeing someone you love being reborn.  Coming back from the dead.  There are simply no words, but thank You...to God be all, all, all the glory.
       Mary Norris and Matt (and Peter)--so thankful for them!

 Sweet Tessa and Janie the first time they saw each other.  Many tears.  Much gratitude.

 And dear, precious, priceless friends coming to visit.  I think of that great line from "It's a Wonderful Life" when Clarence says to George Bailey, "George, no man is a failure who has friends."  I'd have to add, no man can enjoy a greater earthly blessing than having friends.  Truly gifts from God.

 And more members of my wonderful family

 And more friends...blessing upon blessing upon blessing...

 Tessa got to leave the hospital!  Yay!  (Though we sure missed the Jones crew when they left--the hospital was a lot less lively without them!)  Tessa dealt with so much pain yet was the bravest, most amazing young woman imaginable.

And her brothers came to visit--

 And everyone's favorite outing--Starbucks!  How cool is that--a Starbucks in the hospital lobby!  God is good all the time!

 Then when we came home, our dear neighbors had decorated the streets with welcome home signs.  There's no place like home...and there's nothing like friends and neighbors! Thank You, Lord!

 And lots and lots of Broughton Caps came to visit!  Have I said thank You, Lord, for the gift of friendship?  Does anybody out there need reminding?  Maybe there's someone you need to call or write or hug or thank for their friendship?  Do it now!

 Their first outing to church--it was a glorious day!  Many tears, much worship, marvelous Lord.

 One of my all-time favorite shots--the girls at their first UNC football game.  Just a sweet memory...even in the rain.  And thankful to our dear friend Ellen for the handicapped parking spot!

 Finally, remembering one furry friend...sweet old Moses.  This was the chair where Janie would sit, and this was the place Moses would always sit right beside her while she recovered.  When she was home, he was by her side.  Oh Lord, You are truly the Giver of all good and perfect gifts (James 1:17)...thank You for the gift of our dogs.

        Suddenly my crummy mood has vanished as I've remembered God's faithfulness...not just in saving the lives of all four of those precious girls in the wreck, not just in healing Tessa and Janie, not just in the countless desperate prayers God answered so powerfully day after day, but also in His faithfulness in the beautiful, priceless gift of our family and friends.  Their prayers...their meals...their carpools...their gift cards...their presence...their love and kindness shown to us in a million, zillion ways.  We can never repay, but we can remember and then we can rejoice in the God who put each of them in our lives.  Oh Father, thank You...and help us to love You and to love others well.  
       All by Your grace...all to Your glory.
      To God and God alone be all the glory.