10 Months Old

As we near the holiday season we wanted to take some time to reflect over the last 10 months and the appreciation we feel for all our family and friends.

Ten months ago yesterday the Lord blessed us with a beautiful baby girl. When she arrived we had no idea the things we would face and the decisions we would have to make. Trinity has been such a "Joy" not only to our lives, but to many others!

When I think of the frustration I feel when we have to face yet another surgery I think of our friends the Timmerman's. As they celebrate Christmas this year they are also suffering the loss of their little boy Luke, that was stillborn a couple days before Trinity was born. My heart goes out to them during these holidays. God brought Liz and I together during our NST and I thank God for that. She has shown me so much strength and courage and I hope I can be half the woman she is. Even though Luke and Trinity never met, I know that he is looking down on her and is watching over her everyday and every trial that she faces. There is nothing harder then losing a child, and even though I can't relate with this term, I can only sympathize with the mothers and fathers that have. So to all of you that are celebrating Christmas this year and missing your loved ones, my heart goes out to you and your family. I pray that you feel a sense of "Peace" from the Lord and know that the ones that have passed on are celebrating with our Lord and Savior.

This year as I was doing my shopping for gifts an overwhelming feeling of hurt and pain came over me. I was struggling with what to buy Trinity for Christmas. What do you buy for a child that can't move her legs, can't crawl, and can't sit on her own? Well let me tell you there is not much out there. But God spoke to me in that moment and showed me that Trinity's gift has already been given to her, she has a great family and wonderful friends. Some of you she has never met, but God has connected us through all your prayers. When you see the smile on her face you realize there is nothing in this world that could break her spirit. She has shown me so much strength, patience, and love. So our worldly gift to her this year may have been small but our spiritual gift to her is what really matters. As we look into 2009 Shannon and I want to make a difference in Trinity's life and others in need. Making our relationship with God our number one priority and showing our children that God is what is most important in our lives. I know there are going to be days of anger and frustration, but who understands more then our Lord, who gave his only son so we could have eternal life with him.

So our gift to you, our friends and family, is that as we near another year we pray that you would make God your Lord and Savior. No matter what you are facing today He will carry you through it.

Thank you for helping us through this challenging year. We could not have done it without the support of all our family and friends. Your generosity and support will never be forgotten. All of you hold a special place in our hearts!!

Merry Christmas,
The Arthur's