Mar 12, 2009

Letter to Jonah


Sweet Baby Jonah,

I simply can't WAIT to meet you. Typically, because our family is so large, we either meet new babies at the holidays or at the summer beach trip -- but I hope to make a special trip to North Carolina to meet you soon. You have already stolen my heart. I have some to spare, but every day the chunk that belongs to you is getting bigger and bigger. Is it any wonder? You're cute as a button!



By the time you can read this letter for yourself, you'll already be well-acquainted with your skin condition, EB. As a matter of fact, I bet one day you'll be spouting off all sorts of information (as Hiltons are wont to do), educating all of us about EB and how you've conquered it and are living the sort of life your precious mommy and daddy are right now praying you will lead.



Did you know that you were born to the absolutely most perfect mommy and daddy for you?
THEY ARE AMAZING. God has been preparing their hearts to receive you for a long time, from before you were even a glint in their eyes. He chose you for them, and them for you. From the moment you were born less than two weeks ago, they became your advocates. They have taken the reins of your care and treatment, never backing down. They haven't been intimidated by the doctors, they haven't shied away from the tough information they've been asked to process, and they are desperate for the opportunity to take you home and care for you there.



They are eagerly devouring all of the tips from the helpful commenters on your mommy's blog, taking all of the information to your doctors and asking them to modify your treatment based on what has worked for others who've walked in your shoes.
THEY ARE FEARLESS. I don't mean that in the sense that they don't fear what the future may hold for you, because they candidly admit that they have fearful moments about your health. I mean that they are fearless in their advocacy for you, their dedication to you and their total commitment that you receive the best care with the most comprehensive options ... from medications to bottles to bedding to dressings. They are fighting for your life, just like you are.



Part of what makes your mommy and daddy so incredible and so perfect for you is that they have an unshakable faith in the Lord. THEY ARE FAITHFUL. Throughout this two-week journey, they have continued to pray steadfastly for you. And when they haven't had the strength or stamina to remain on their knees, they've asked other people to fill in the gaps. Your parents have new friends in almost every time zone in the world. That means, little buddy, that there hasn't been a moment in your two weeks on Earth that someone hasn't been praying for you. Does that rock your world, or what?


Beyond that, I believe wholeheartedly that this journey the three of you are on is bringing people to Jesus. Many people are re-thinking their perception of faith, having seen how your mommy and daddy's faith is sustaining them right now. Some people go their whole lives without having the kind of impact on people that you all have had on so many this month alone.

It's a testament to your mommy and daddy's transparent hearts and open communication with others that so many people have joined them in prayer. And, lucky you, THEY ARE YOURS. Their hearts belong to you, now and forever. They are captivated by everything you do, and these days, it's enough for them to just sit and watch you breathe. Talk about finding joy in the simple things!

I really should wrap this up, or one day you'll be asking your mommy, "Who IS that long-winded woman?" So ... last year Jake and Coleman were too small to be in the photo below, which has become an annual
exercise in futility tradition. And this year you'll be too small to be included, but it is my greatest hope that next year, you'll be there with bells on.



Gabe visited us in his own way last year
, and maybe you can do something similar this year, to tide us over until the holidays. I'll be looking for you.

Love,
Aunt Katherine

21 comments:

Anonymous said...

Kat - that is beautiful. Jonah is lucky to have an Aunt like you!

Anonymous said...

Thanks for putting into words how all Jonah's family feels.
Great Aunt Melanie

Tiffany said...

Kat - this is so beautiful and brings me to tears -- thank you so much for putting into words how all of us feel - so inspired and proud of Matt and Patice, so hopeful while so concerned about Jonah, and on our knees praying for a miracle! All our love! Tiffany

Anonymous said...

Kat,
As I read this with tears streaming down my face and with my heart so full of love and complete admiration for Matt and Patrice, I am, again, reminded of what an awesome God we serve. Thanks for putting into words what our hearts are experiencing. I, too, am so looking forward to the day little Jonah be joining his cousins in the beach photo!
Great Aunt Patsy

Katherine @ Grass Stains said...

I'm so glad all of you enjoyed the post. I know we're all feeling so many of the same things right now! I only wish we could all be there together supporting them.

Patrice said...

Love you guys,

Patrice

Michaelle said...

Kat, I am praying for Jonah and have his button on my blog so that others may know about him too.

Miracles happen everyday!

Katherine @ Grass Stains said...

Thank you, Monkey's Momma! Every single prayer helps.

Anonymous said...

Your love for family and our Lord just pours through in all the writings and blogs for little Jonah. It's amazing how you guys MAKE others feel BETTER when it's YOU in the midst of all the chaos! We don't know you but you've captured our hearts! We love you and will pray for Jonah's healing.

Katherine @ Grass Stains said...

Anonymous, I don't know who you are, but thank you so much for praying for Jonah with us! We appreciate all the prayers and are hoping for miracles for him.

Lucy and Ethel said...

The letter to Jonah is beautiful, and so is the picture of the kids and Gabe's rainbow!

In fact, the kids are beautiful, too :)

'Lucy'

Leedra said...

Wonderful post. I pray that Jonah will be in that family portrait next year.

Anonymous said...

This letter to Jonah is so sweet it just jerks tears out.I'm praying that God would touch and heal Baby Jonah!i'm so happy for Jonah and his family that he got to go home.

The Skinny on Getting Thinny said...

I have been following sweet Jonah's story for a few weeks now! Your letter warms my heart and brings tears to my eyes. Jonah has a very special family! I know that only through God is this all possible. I love this verse and it is so clear that your family trusts that "all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose." Romans 8:28
I pray that God blesses your family! God has some MIGHTY plans for Jonah!

Misty Rice said...

Love it and what an adorable photo.... I held back the tears, barely though and what a beautiful God loving family you all are.

God Bless.

Stephanie said...

I came over from Jonah's blog and what a beautiful letter! He is incredibly blessed to have an aunt like you :)

I also have three boys but add a girl in also...8,5,2 and 10 months. You have a beautiful family!

Anonymous said...

That is beautiful. It has been my family's honor and priviledge to join your family in praying for Jonah.

Kirsten said...

I also came over from Jonah's blog... and I have to say that Jonah is so lucky to have been born into an entire FAMILY of big-hearted, wonderful people. What an amazing story.

Susanne Vaughn said...

That is the most beautiful letter I have ever read. I did listen to Patrice and had my tissues ready. And....boy did I need them. Kudos to Kathy for the wonderful letter that Jonah will get to enjoy one day!

Stellan Bracelets said...

What a beautiful letter for Jonah, the entire family will treasure this for years to come. What a powerful testimony he will have as he gets older and shares his life's story.

We've got the Atlantic Standard Time zone covered for you! :o)

Katherine @ Grass Stains said...

Thanks, JD! It's so nice to know we have people all over the world praying for Jonah!

Related Posts Plugin for WordPress, Blogger...