For several weeks I’ve been mulling over this question: “What do I need the most?”
Yes I need forgiveness, wisdom, help, peace, freedom from fear, a sense of purpose, etc.
But if I had to boil it down to one thing, what would it be?
For me it would be a sense of Immanuel: God with Me. A moment-by-moment awareness that I am not alone. He is with me. In fact He is stuck to me. Super glue stuck. And He will never leave me. No matter what.
The past 10 days I’ve had the opportunity to rest in this truth in an unusual way.
Our 6 year-old grandson Mac (He’s one of our quads) developed a stomachache, which quickly escalated into a critical illness. As he continued to rapidly decline, it became apparent that he needed a liver transplant. God provided an amazing surgeon (Dr. Eason) and an incredible medical team in Memphis. Many people quickly gathered to pray for us and to care for us. Five days ago the perfect liver donor was found. We grieve and pray for this family who we do not know. Through their loss our boy’s life has been saved. What a gift. Words cannot express our feelings for them. God is with them and we pray for His supernatural comfort for them.
Fear, hope, shock, numbness, sleep depravation, tears, laughter, more tears-an emotional roller coaster.
Realizing so many things that don’t matter, comforting 4 young siblings, trying to make wise decisions, praying and praying.
But always a sense of his presence. He has been a “with us” God. Every Moment. Moment by moment.
Mac’s 8 year-old sister Grey has been fearful going to bed at night. We read Psalm 121 and I wrote it out in large letters on a pillowcase for her to sleep on. Our God is a watching over you God who neither slumbers nor sleeps. Along with her other favorite: Do not be afraid for I am with you. (Genesis 26:24)
We have a long road ahead. But we are not alone.
He is a watching over you God.
He is Immanuel, God with us.
Joy Giancone says
Susan,
Our prayers are with you for the long haul, no matter how long it take for God to heal Mac inside and out. I know trials come in our lives for a reason, even when we do not know why, God does and we have to Trust God completely. We are praying for the whole family!! Stay strong in your Faith and God will see you through!!
Love, Joy Giancone
Jessica Diaz says
So glad your boy is doing better.
Deb says
My prayers and love are with you all
Jill Casey says
Dearest Susan & John–amazing Mac, amazing story, AMAZING GOD! We pray to HIS Throne of Mercy & Grace for His Holy work!!! Thank you for sharing. Love always, Jill & Sam
Angela Dusenbury says
Dear Susan, John and the whole family-thanks for posting Mac’s picture and updating us. I have been praying for him and you all and the donor family since we heard the news last week. God’s provisions are so clearly visible in all of this and your family’s faith-in thought and action-is an inspiration to all of us. Love your idea of writing part of Ps. 121 on Grey’s pillow case!!
Love, healing blessings and continued prayers,
Angela
Jennifer Tricarico says
Susan – touched and encouraged by your faith, the Lord’s presence, and your willingness to share your story of all with us. Praying for Mac’s healing, the donor’s family, your entire crew, and for Grey’s peace at bedtime. Yes, Emmanuel.
Wren Rehm says
Mac is in the arms of Jesus! And He promises us that He will never leave us or His children.
His mercy, hope, grace & peace be with you, The Rehm Family
Jenny Mitchell says
Susan, so thankful Mac is doing well. Your message is so timely and true.
Susan and Coleman Tyler says
Thanks be to God for His abundant mercies and faithfulness to your beautiful family in the midst of great trauma. May He who knit Mac together in Libby’s womb, knit Mac’s new liver within his body. May God continue to surround you all, and the precious donor’s family, with His strength and healing presence, as He sustains you with His great love.
Claudia Moose says
Your whole family are in our thoughts and prayers – coming to you from a grandmother’s heart:God’s healing presence will be with you and His peace that transcends circumstances and our understanding.
Selden Popwell says
What comforting words from the grandmother of this precious boy! Praying for all of you and for Mac’s complete healing. Blessings to you Susan!!!
Grace Rankin says
Will pray for Mac and your whole family.
Willa Kane says
Susan and all-a team of prayer warriors have been lifting all of you up and will continue to do so. John and I send so much love to all of you!
Martha Vetter says
Susan, I just had a thought that I’d felt prompted to share with you. Remember when Chris hit his head and you were crying out to God while he had X-rays. What did God do? He sent the hospital cleaning lady to speak God’s peace to you!! I encourage you to remember that time, draw strength from it, and know that the same Almighty God who spoke to you then is speaking peace to you now. May the peace of the Lord be with you. Amen. Xo
Emily says
Praying for your family with diligence.
Martha Vetter says
WITH you, dear Susan, John and especially little Mac, Libby, McLean and precious Grey. We know that the one who watches over you all neither slumbers or sleeps. Joining you in prayer, along with the cloud of witnesses surrounding you. May our Lord have mercy. Love to you all.
Susu says
Praying with you and John for precious Mac and the rest of the family. I’m sending this with lots of love too.
xox
kim doerr says
Wow Susan–I was praying for God to protect your special time away with your children and was shocked to read this posting. Mac, your family, donor’s family and involved health care professionals are heavy in my prayers. Praising God for the miracle of a liver transplant….Prayers, prayers, prayers for continued healing. xoxo
Catherine Guerard says
We are continuing to pray for Mac and the whole family (as well as the donor family) here in Beaufort, SC and we rejoice in God’s provisions. Blessings and love!
Susan Baker says
So many prayers from Houston of thanksgiving for the gift of a liver to save Mac’s life – Continued prayers for comfort for the donor’s family, and ones for Mac’s perfect recovery. Peace and rest for your whole family! Love and blessings, Susan B
joanne thompson says
Dearest Susan….along our “Kenley journey” I was reminded of an amazing word picture in Matt.18:10. May it soothes those anxious moments . Hugs and prayers. Joanne
Elizabeth dale says
Prayers went up at our episcopal church healing service Sunday and in our bible study and personallly with my husband. Prayers for continued healing.
Priscilla Reimers says
Susan and John
Our prayers are with you and all your family for little Mac. How hard it is to see little ones suffer but we are comforted in knowing God is with you and Mac.
Laura Warren says
Susan…He is indeed with us through every valley and trial. Praying for comfort and strength for you and John as you comfort your daughter and her family. 2 Cor 1:3-5.
Karla Dugan says
Our prayers are with you and your family ! We will pray for full healing and strength
For your sweet boy and family.
Richard and Audrey Leonard says
Sad, good news from you when we are far away in England. We will also pray for Libby and all the family, for complete healing for Mac and healing for the donor family too. May God bless each one in His unique way.
Martha Cole says
Dear Susan and John,
You are in my prayers, praying for Mac’s healing and that his pain will be minimal his healing complete. The donor family that they will find some comfort as the grieve their loss. For Libby and McLean, strength for the physical challenges that the burden of being stretched thin with all of their children’s needs. For all of the grand parents as they pray and give physical assistance and strength to this cherished family, I pray.
Teresa Glenn says
We will absolutely pray! For all. Much love to you and your family, Susan.
Judy Boesch says
Dear Susan and John
Carol and I will keep you and your sweet family and Mac and his donor family in our prayers. May God continue to remind you how closely he holds you as Mac continues on his recovery. Love and peace to you all. Judy Boesch and Carol Jenkins
Susan says
Thank you for this. Love how you capture it.
Rachel Cochran says
I love this photo, Susan. Thanks for sharing. The donor family has really been on my heart – hard in a way for you all not to know who they are – but God knows, of course, and is with them.
Leigh Harrison says
Dearest Susan and John,
You know we each join with you in praying for Mac’s full recovery as well as being the Hands and Feet of Jesus to Libby, McLean, Grey, Fitz, Yates, and Mimi. I am amazed how God has provided for both Libby and me in the most difficult days of being a mom of boys with acute and chronic medical needs. May HE continue to walk before us and with us! I love you and thank you for your faithfulness in living out the gospel!
Natalie says
Oh Susan I too just Praise God for His tender mercies For Mac. He is with you all every step of the way and will and is providing your needs. How hard but how sweet are His ways at times. Praising God for His provision in Dr.s, a liver, for friends and family that love you, for Mac’s life. Praying for all families involved to know God and feel His love for them.
Emily Treadwell says
Thank you for these words! Mac continues to be in my prayers! Thoughts and prayers as well for the family!
Debbie Apoldo says
Keeping company with our Lord over all of this – the families, the medical team, and sweet Mac’s recovery. Love you guys.
Sandra McFarland says
We have been with you and your family in prayer for Mac
Shannon Davis says
Precious friend…how utterly terrifying for all of you. And yet, you make the time to write to us about the assurance of God’s presence. God bless you dearly for your faithfulness, beloved Susan. Please know that I will pray daily for your darling boy, for his parents and his siblings. I will pray for Mac’s surgical team and all medical professionals attending him: may they be transformed by the interaction with your family, may their hands be swift and sure, and their decisions wise. I will pray that Mac’s little body accepts this healthy new liver with minimal pain and suffering. I will pray for the family who gave the ultimate gift of life to your grandson. May they be comforted in the extreme by His holy Hand and assured that their beloved child lives forever in a glory beyond our understanding. We send our love and constant prayer to your incredible family. Shannon and Jim
Dolly Riegert Woodruff says
We will be praying for Mac, your family and the donor family. May God continue to strengthen, direct and bolster you all.
Esther Plaster says
We have been lifting him up at Bible study and each day since Libby shared, the Lord has reminded me to be in prayer for Mac and the whole family. Immanuel!!! Come Lord Jesus!!!!
Cathi Cash says
Will remember Mac at our ladies study today! We love your family!
Jeanne says
Praying with you!