4th Birthday

Rebecca turns four on Monday. Her condition has not changed. Really had a tough time last week in church when I realized that the kids that were signing during the service were her age. That would have been her class. One of those things you don't really think about untill it happens.

Charlotte is walking around the house and "talking." She has tubes put in her ears a few weeks ago and it is a world of difference.

Elizabeth is playing pitcher this year and catches a fly ball each game.

Katherine is pitching and playing first base.

Susan is working at the school.

Life is fast.......

The highlight of my week is teaching chapel at Providence on Thursday mornings.

Easter is just the ointment that we need.

Continued Blessings

Elizabeth came home from school yesterday excited to tell me that she had an opportunity to write an essay on courage. She proceeded to share that she wrote about Rebecca. Following is her writing in her words.

Rebecca

I had to have couage when my sister was born. You might think it's just a ordinary baby, but she's not. When was born the dr. messed up and she died for 15 min. Good thing another dr. came in and brought her to life, but she wasn't the same. She can't see, talk or move. She's 3 yr. old now. I had to have courage so she wouldn't be so scared. I got courage by praying to God and go through the rough time and not cry. Just a few weeks ago, Rebecca had to have casts on her feet. If she didn't her hips would pop out of socket. For 3 weeks she had to have them on. Now she has AFO's, they are still on her feet but they are better than casts. She has seizures and she arches with her feet and sometime her arm twists all the way around. She can't control her body at all, not even a little, tinsy bit. But she can hear every word you say. She's perfect because she cannot sin. It's because she cannot control herself. She is so sweet, loving, adorable, precios, ONE OF A KIND! She is everything good you can imangine ant more! I love her so much! If she weren't with us, I would loose a big, huge, enormus part of me. But she'll always be my Rebecca!

I stand in awe of Rebecca's influence and how it continues to spread throughout this world. I also have been able to speak to third and fourth grade classrooms through teaching Latin vocabulary and its derivitives about the inappropriateness of using the word retarded. Which allowed me to hopefully influence them to look at special needs children through a different perspective, continuing the influence of Katherine's previous essay. I recognize that her presence in our lives has strengthened our faith via a process that we could not have achieved in any other manner. Hence the naming of our fourth daughter, Charlotte Faith (meaning "strong faith"). Finally, it struck me once again this morning as Charlotte snuggled into me that she would most likely not be here if it had not been for her big sister, Rebecca. So I stand before you as evidence that you can "count it all joy" when trials come your way (James 1:2). It is during the difficult times that we grow in patience, character, and hope. ("And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience: And patience, experience; and experience, hope: And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us." Romans 5:3-5).

May God bless each of you and your familys today and always,

Susan

Triumphs and Tears

This has been a great year. We welcomed Charlotte Faith into the family on February 17th. She is a precious baby and a giggle machine. We are so thankful for her as she brightens our days in so many ways.

Katherine and Elizabeth are enjoying their new school. Providence Classical Academy is helping them gain a biblical perspective of learning and wisdom. Katherine is memorizing the first chapter of the Book of John. Elizabeth is studying the Book of James and Jude. God is allowing them and their new friends to grow in strength and wisdom through Christ.

Rebecca is having a tough time. Yesterday, Susan took her to Shriner's in Shreveport. Because of the danger of her hips popping out of socket, they placed casts on both of her legs from the knee down. This will help her feet and ankles from becoming too deformed from non use. She is being so stong through this hard time and really reveals to us a perserverance in God's love. We have cried and prayed, but all with a hope of her healing.

It is amazing how God has revealed himself to us during this time. Yesterday, Susan left Shriners and had to stop to get gas before going to the pharmacy. I cannot imagine what a horrible morning that was, looking at xrays of Rebecca's hip and seeing that her constant seizures are causing her muscles to tighten and gradually pull her hip out of socket. Watching as they held her down to place the casts on her feet. Knowing that Rebecca hates to be restrained in any way. But, as Susan entered the van after getting gas, just her and Rebecca, KLOVE randomly played " Praise you in this Storm." A song that has really been our response to this trail we are in.

Looking back over these last three and a half years, I know that Satan wanted to use this trial to ruin our family, our marriage and our children and basically render Susan and I ineffective in our Christian walk. I rejoice daily that God gave us the opportunity to lean on Him when our wisdom and strength was depleted so that He could sustain us and get the Glory for this time. I am also glad that we as a family knew to call upon Him to give us the strength necessary to Praise Him in this Storm. He is the provider of the strength necessary to perfect His will.

We covet your prayers for Rebecca and thank you in advance for contining to pray for her.

Rebecca's 3rd Birthday is on the 25th.

Its hard to fathom that Rebecca has been fighting for three years. She has constant seizures and the pain is overwhemling. I spent a few extra hours with her this morning- trying to modify her chair so that she would be comfortable-- cannot wait for God to remove these seizures from her. He understands the pain of watching your child suffer, because He saw His Son beaten and crucified. I am in constant awe that God has given us the grace and strength to endure and prosper during this time. He has held us together and kept us at peace.

I long for the day that I will see her run the bases in that softball field in heaven, cheer as she swims a lap, teach her to fish, listen to her play the piano, or help her draw. Can't wait to see her smile for the first time-- hear her laugh-- her giggle --- her voice. Can't wait to walk with her and hold her hand and just visit. But for God's promise of Heaven and eternal life, I would have no Hope.

But is it really that bad that the very first thing she will see with her eyes will be our Savior? That her first words will be spoken in Heaven and will be "Holy is the Lamb!" That Jesus will tell her to see and walk and she will. That God will erase the pain of this world from her memory bank.

Sometimes I wonder if she won't know I love her till then. I talk to her like the eternal being that she is--one that I will recognize in eternity. Job, after losing all he had including his children said " Naked I came from my mother's womb and naked I will depart, The LORD has given and The LORD has taken away, may the name of The LORD be praised." We should praise God in these storms, because our turning to praise is the evidence of movement towards the ultimate end result of our salvation--becoming like Christ. This is what it feels like to be loved by God-- the comfort provided when this world strikes at the heart of what you love most--when Heaven has to be real or the suffering of this world makes no sense. That God's provisions of love and grace will satisfy the hungry heart that longs for still waters. When an examination of the facts of your life provide enough circumstantial evidence to reveal beyond all doubt that God's intent it to hold on to you in the storm. He is in the boat and ready to calm the storm--by revealing His authority over it.

God provides wisdom to those who seek it and fear Him. He provides comfort to His flock. He provides redemption to the surrendered and comfort to those in need. The comfort He provides is in the form of a deeper understanding of the rescue that will occur when He returns or calls each of us home.

Please take a minute on April 25, 2010 and pray for our family. We need your prayers.

Rebecca Pictures

Since I am in the blogging mood today, I thought I would share some pictures of Rebecca from the Fall. I hope you enjoy!

Gatti Girls all together

Success! A picture of all four girls togeter . . . and no one was hurt while all pretended to be comfortable and happy.

Hospital Pictures

Thanks to our friend Kristin who can take a pillow, hospital sofa, and window to create these images at 3 days of age!