Such a Sweet Gift

The opportunities to be encouraged or be an encouragement to others have been beyond my counting abilities throughout this situation. There are events, such as this one, that happen in our life that change us. Not a temporary change, a forever change. Many of the comments on this blog are signed “heart hugs”. Mom’s of children who have had such an experience often sign their encouragements that way. It automatically says, I understand. No matter the outcome of Ella’s journey we will always have a new tender compassion for those walking such a path. The truth of the matter is there are so many people walking through difficulties such as this one all the time. Earlier this week Amy and Jon were given a gift from a family just a few steps behind them on this journey. This couple is having a sweet baby girl named “Emma”. She will be born at the same hospital in September with the exact same conditions Ella has. The couple will be staying in the same place as Amy and Jon. Do you think these couples understand each other’s pain, joys, fears, and tears? I think they understand in a way others cannot. That is what makes gifts such as the red hair bow given to sweet Ella from this couple such a special gift. Each time Ella wears it we are reminded of Emma’s family and her own journey and we remember to lift them up in prayer too.Thank you all so much for your prayers and encouragement. It means more to us than you will ever know! Those of you who have walked such a difficult path before us have been such a blessing. We hope we can be an encouragement to those around us in the same measure you have been to us. Our hearts are overwhelmed with gratefulness.

For Amy and Jon,
Aunt Rachael