Andrew's Big Day

Andrew awoke yesterday ready for a day just for him. We gathered our crew and headed to the bagel shop for a quick bite to eat before we went to Miller's Storage Supply. You see, this amazing company decided to bless us incredibly by sponsoring a fundraiser for Andrew to help with our medical bills. Our family arrived at Miller's around 8:45am and the place was already hopping. A huge yard sale was going on, bands were tuning their banjos, chicken was grillin' on the grill, and people were roaming around everywhere. Our church family was there lending a hand and supporting us with their purchases. So many familiar faces and new faces wanting to greet us, especially our miracle boy Andrew.

  Andrew was sort of clueless as to how much energy and time went into this event, but he would quote to a passerby, "I am Andrew and this is my big day." He loved playing with the random toys or digging through the big box of golf balls. He had a great time listening to the blue grass music while picking up rocks and tossing them across the haystacks. The snacks and hotdogs kept him satisfied and the unlimited bottles of water he got all to himself made him smile. Each event had a picture of Andrew and his story hung close by and the love that poured out on our family was just humbling. Andrew had a great time walking around, playing with toys, chilling in the shade, and just being with people.

 It was a beautiful day with bright sunshine and nice temperatures. It was a day that marked another chapter in our story. A chapter of recovery, healing, and joy. A chapter that helped us reflect on the last few months and remember once again God's provision and so many people's care. Rick and I were able to just step back and watch our three oldest children independently playing and having fun. We were able to be thankful for the spring and what we have come through. And we were able to rejoice once again for the miracle of Andrew's health and how blessed we are. We thank all the friends and community members that invested their time, energy, resources, and love to make this a great day for our family and a celebration of sorts for our Andrew.

 As I was cleaning off my dresser a few nights ago, I came across a verse that I have had laying there for a while. Eager to de-clutter, I went to just put it somewhere so I could see the wood underneath. I paused to read it and realized how much it pertained to Andrew and his story. It is a familiar verse..Zephaniah 3:17. It says:

   The Lord your God is with you, (He has been with Andrew the whole time)
  He is mighty to save (He saved him from death---our theme song has been "Mighty to Save" -Laura Story)

   He will take great delight in you

  He will quiet you with his love (this He has done during scans, IVs, and treatments)

  He will rejoice over you with singing (yesterday was a celebration of singing and joy)

 Needless to say, I have left the verse on my dresser as it has taken new meaning and reminded me once again of our story. As I close, I would like to invite everyone to put another date on your calendars. I know many of you are far away, but those of you that are close, please come if you can. There will be a concert on April 30th at 7pm at Tabernacle Pres. Church in Waynesboro, VA in honor of Andrew. It is a group called Pilgrim Road (Rick is part of this group) and they will be telling Andrew's story and the story of redemption through song. It will be a night of tears, joy, celebration, and fellowship. If you can make it we would love to have you. Donations are accepted and refreshments will be provided. The show will be about 2 hours long. Bring yourself, friends, and family and join us.