When my life drastically changed several years ago, no one could have convinced me that anything good would ever come from it.
I mean, I knew what God's word said. I know His promises. But, as someone completely devastated for not only myself but my precious babies. It was hard to ever imagine good coming from it.
There were times I was angry. Angry at the people who hurt my kids and at times, even angry with God.
Thankfully, God didn't take my anger personally and instead showed me Grace. He even sent amazing people into my life to ease the pain along the way. He also had allowed me to establish amazing relationships with family and friends long before I ever knew how much I would need them.
When life changed, so did everything in our world. Change is hard to deal with little bits at a time. But, I'm talking our entire world.. on top of heartache.
"Yes, there was NO way ANY good could EVER come from this."
Boy, I was wrong. I know, it's hard to imagine me of all people being wrong. But, I admit it. I've never been more wrong.
God did indeed work our pain, our earth chattering pain.. for His good.
Today, I will give you one of many examples of this. More posts at a later date.
This story is one of meeting a little boy. A little boy who would become my hero!
Moving to a new neighborhood and becoming a single parent caused me to need to work. Because I needed to work, I needed to place my previously homeschooled kids into school.
It was one of those changes I originally hated. A change that I made kicking and screaming.
But, the younger two did so well.
My Kaleb came home often talking about his best friend KJ . He told me how KJ had survived cancer twice (and two bone marrow transplants that we didn't know about till later). How KJ was allergic to a lot of things and has issues with his heart that caused him to be tired a lot.
Kaleb had never been so excited about a friend. He also had such a tender heart toward KJ and his circumstances. The boys exchanged numbers and would talk.
The day of my daughters 13th birthday. My world changed again. In a good way...
Kaleb asked if he could invite Kj to the party. I explained that yes he could but, it wasn't likely that his mom not knowing us , would drop him off.
Kaleb very excitedly called and to our surprise his mom not only said yes, but, she came and brought one of her daughters!
The kindness of this family touched me even that day.
We found out we only lived a few blocks from one another which , was so cool considering our boys weren't in a school in our district.
They would hang out with each other playing video games and, neither of us mom's ever wanted to give up the other "he can stay as long as he wants"
She was a single mom too and we often chatted about how much the boys seemed to need each other.
Soon, Kaleb invited KJ to church. And every week we got to see KJ's smiling face .
Because , despite all that KJ has gone through in his life , he is the kindest, sweetest, happiest human I've ever met. I literally can not think of a more positive person.
I looked so forward to my hugs every week. I looked forward to chatting with him during game time as he often didn't play. I looked forward to that smile.
We had Vacation Bible school over the summer and KJ professed his salvation. KJ loves the Lord and attending church.
In November KJ's mom contacted me. He was sick again and he would possibly need a heart transplant. What? KJ? Happy, sweet , amazing KJ?
Why? He's had cancer twice. He's had two bone marrow transplants. He's lived with asthma and allergies. Why a heart transplant? Why now? My heart hurts for his mom. As a mom I often cry for her as I imagine her pain.
The above was written on January 31st 2018.
Today, I finish the story.....
KJ spent months in the hospital . Months hooked to machines and waiting for a heart to come along. Meanwhile , KJ continued to be KJ and blessing all of those around him.
He grew tired , couldn't eat or drink and yet , some how , even in his State and at such a young age , worried about others.
He fought hard. And , when his time came , God took him home.
It feels selfish to say how hard it has been for me to lose him. To say how hard it is to watch my son mourn his best friend. It seems ridiculous to say that as I type this , tears fall from my eyes because I miss him.
My grief , it can't compare to the grief of my friend . Who lost her baby. Who has a hole that will never be filled. Who will look for him always. Who, after all the dust settles and every one goes back to normal, will be finding her new normal. One she didn't bargain for. Who will miss him more than we could even comprehend. Who raised such an amazing young man that fought his whole life to be well...and finally is.. Who never used his circumstances to be bratty or entitled not even once in the entire time I knew him.
A person who touched every one he met and, even people he hadn't.
Forever I will be thankful for God lining it up perfectly for KJ and Kaleb to meet. For KJ and his family living so close and for San being Willing to share him with us.
To say our life will never be the same is an understatement . But, it's not so much because KJ is no longer here... but , because he was !!!!!
Here is a little slide show to show the sunshine he brought to us all!!!
https://youtu.be/2_hNTf0vNEU
