An Open Letter
To all you blog stalkers, prayer warriors, friends and friends of friends, people we’ve never met and everyone in between…
Thank you.
Thank you for taking the time to check the blog each morning (or for staying up late hoping I’d post before your bedtime!) and lifting our family up in prayer.
I hope I didn’t make you cry…too much. I pray that my rawness allowed you to see our reality. And, I appreciate – more than you will ever, ever, ever know – the offers of help on so many levels. Whether you brought me a Dr. Pepper to the hospital, sent us a card, cooked us a meal, made lunches, watched kids, dropped us an email or silently said a prayer – your gifts were an inspiration to our family.
All our children are miracles. But I truly feel like God gave Luke an extra dose.
We learned so much about ourselves through this process. I look back and read my posts from the early days and think, “Holy cow – how did we do that?” You. That’s how.
I’d like to say that Luke’s journey is over. But the reality is that our journeys are never truly complete. Yes, he has more surgeries, more possible complications and perhaps developmental delays in his future. Right now, we just don’t know. You’re welcome to hang with us and read along – about Luke and about the daily craziness of our snowglobe. You can check in from time to time, or once in a blue moon. Or, maybe this will be your last time to journey with our family.
Whichever path you choose – it’s been an honor. An honor to have so many people show the love to our family. May God richly bless YOU as you continue to carry your cross, whatever that may be…
Over and out.
I guess I'm one of the blog stalkers 🙂 but all my family is still praying for Luke and all of you and I will keep in touch through this blog & FB and Granny. It's hard to remember life BEFORE the Whitakers came into our clan 🙂 Love & hugs to all. Connie & CC and all the Mayos
I learned of your blog only a couple a weeks ago and have been checking every night. Sometimes crying, always worried, but also hopeful that you could bring Luke home soon. What a joy it was this weekend when that day finally came!
I pray for only good days ahead, the strength you will need to get through future surgeries and, most of all, that peace will settle over your family.
Love,
Amber
I am definitely a stalker… first thing in the morning unless I'm up til 1:00 or 2:00 a.m. I continue to be so uplifted by your faith and your ability to share your faith. I know the road won't always be easy, but you know God is walking with you and that will keep you going. Luke is a blessing to your family and will continue to be. God bless you!
I will continue to think of your family & Luke and say a little prayer for you each time I walk through another local NICU. I'm glad my thoughts now will be that you're somewhere at home or out with the kids instead sitting by his bedside. You're blog reminds me that each of these families has a story (as we all do) but some with larger, heavier crosses to bear.
Dana S. from St. Helen's
I just can't even begin to tell you what an amazing journey this has been for me… to watch and read this entire story thus far… wow!!!!! what an amazing gift Luke is to all of us! And, Kathryn, hats off – the Lord has blessed you with poise and prose… I am constantly amazed at your ability to stay on task and focused. Scott – whew! wow – this has been an incredible journey thus far… just know that we, the dolces, are here for you and want to be for you the sounding blocks, partners in craziness, whatever you need. you have touched us – and we will constantly sign praises for you and your family… amazing… God is Soooooooo Gooooood!!!!!
The St. Francis de Sales prayer posted a couple days ago is now a stickie on my desktop. How absolutely profound (and comforting). Thank you guys for your inspiration to carry our crosses.
ybiC,
Sean Belby