I’m sitting here watching the sun rise over the lake -a scene I always have and probably never will again associate with times of rest.
In just a short time, they will take Chase for surgery and I will say goodbye to the child I’ve loved and the life we’ve always known. Who he will be and what our lives holds at the end of today, only the Lord who made us knows.
As I’m considering life with a post-surgery Chase, I’m confronted with how strongly I love the idol of “normal”. How soon before we get back to “normal”? What will Chase’s new “normal” look like?
I desire to save him from a terrible pain that I’ve willingly chosen to submit him to …for the good of his life.
There is no “normal”.
There is only Christ.
I’ll see you on the other side, Chasey Bear.
Oh Dear Ellie,
I hear your feelings of helplessness. Little Chase with his head wrapped in the pic looks just like how Kath did 10 years ago. I want to encourage you that this will be okay, it will take a little time and try to only think about today. I love you sister and feel I am re-running a past memory with Kath. You will get through to the other side and that sunrise will be a welcomed sight again.
Love you and praying all day for Chase and the Surgeons. What Dr. is doing the surgery? Just curious.
Always thinking and praying for all of you,
Tricia DeJong
Ewoldts-
Dan and I are praying hard for you all; especially precious Chase and for the surgeons with him today. We love you and trust that God is in control. Thank you for your steadfast trust in Him–we are really encouraged and have been reminded to trust more fully in Christ through whatever comes our way.
Love you,
The Lecocqs
Godspeed Chase, My heart and prayor are with you. The Holmgrens have brought me to your life journey. I have practiced neurosurgery for over 24 years, and this feeling of hope once again feels like it is a brand new experience. I wish for you great success today, you are in a very safe, very special place under the care of great people, who will treat you as if you are their own. When you wake up, oh the journey your family will have taken. Treat them kindly, because they can’t know your strength, and your will, and your purpose. Godspeed young man!
Praying! You are not alone!
Hello. I went to school with Bob at MBI. I’ve been following your blog off and on for the last year and now am praying fervently for your family and your precious child. God saw fit to take my child home in this last year but I have never doubted that he is the healer and keep of our bodies and souls. I’m so sorry you are going through this, but know that our God will be with you and Chase! I am praying Psalm 121 over your family today.
1 I lift up my eyes to the mountains—
where does my help come from?
2 My help comes from the Lord,
the Maker of heaven and earth.
3 He will not let your foot slip—
he who watches over you will not slumber;
4 indeed, he who watches over Israel
will neither slumber nor sleep.
5 The Lord watches over you—
the Lord is your shade at your right hand;
6 the sun will not harm you by day,
nor the moon by night.
7 The Lord will keep you from all harm —
he will watch over your life;
8 the Lord will watch over your coming and going
both now and forevermore.
Praying Praying Praying. May God bring you strength and bless you today like only he can!
Ellie – Kristine told me about Chase’s tumor and surgery. My heart goes out to you. I will continue to be in prayer for you all.
Love, Gail Barram
Bob and Ellie,
Dan and I have been and will continue to pray for you constantly throughout today and the next days ahead. We love you!
Psalm 121
I lift up my eyes to the hills.
From where does my help come?
2 My help comes from the Lord,
who made heaven and earth.
3 He will not let your foot be moved;
he who keeps you will not slumber.
4 Behold, he who keeps Israel
will neither slumber nor sleep.
5 The Lord is your keeper;
the Lord is your shade on your right hand.
6 The sun shall not strike you by day,
nor the moon by night.
God is Your Keeper. I pray that you would feel His tender grace surrounding you even during this dark time!
Love,
Jane
Dear Ellie and Bob,
You, Chase and your entire family (including the wonderful grandpa who always makes my day at Starbucks) are in Benna’s and my thoughts and prayers.
Much love from all your friends at North Central.
Hal
Ellie…I’m sitting here in tears at my computer screen. We are fervently praying for you, Bob, your little dude and the rest of your family. I know Mike and Karla are, too. We love you guys!
Ellie and Bob, I haven’t known you for very long but my heart is breaking for you and little Chase. My prayers will be with you all.
Love to your family
Hello, I am a mom of a former student who benefited greatly from your dad’s (Ed’s) counsel years ago. My heart broke for your family as I read the news on Chase. I just wanted to offer up my support and let you know that I am praying as is our prayer group for Chase and his recovery. In all we don’t understand, are challenged with or doubt we remember: BUT GOD!
Agree with you! Epic point-of view