LEELAND

A place where love rarely goes without saying, where courage and endurance are dominant themes. (57)

After months of hardship and grace, pain and joy, fear and hope, we feel an overpowering and consuming love for our children. (190)

Any tasks that draws us near to our son, even temporarily, is a labor of love. (196)

As I write in my journal, my words form an appeal to the Highest Authority, a prayer addressed to God, my only hope.
My little boy is dying.
I am left with only a meager petition, a heart cry to heaven. I fall before the throne of my good an merciful King, casting before Him the shattered pieces of my soul.
I reach up to God not merely for a handout nor with a clenched, demanding fist, but with a childlike hand of faith, seeking only the Father's touch. I am satisfied only to know His presence and the power of His love. (77)

Big people are making a difference--getting donations, holding raffles, writing letters, holding garage sales to save our baby boy.
Little people are making a difference--breaking their piggy banks, breaking our hearts. (126)

But will we take the risk of facing our pain, a pain that would drive us to a Father who cares? (60)

Each passing day brings brighter hopes for more tomorrows, but still we must live just for today. (222)

Empathy powerfully shatters the pain barrier with love. (83)

From the first days of Michael's diagnosis to the long, anxious walks through hospital hallways, we sensed He, too, had a tear in His eye. His tender hand of mercy cradled our sick baby and soothed the spirits of our family. We held tightly to the belief that not one ounce of pain goes to waste in His hands. Somehow, as we placed it there, He molded our pain into hope. (217)

Grace, like the wind--unseen and uncontained--is known only by the effect outside of itself. Yesterday we had nothing but a prayer; today we see the touch of a powerful God. (84)

He is the One with limitless power, with infinite goodness, who will do abundantly more than I can ever ask or imagine. (172)

He masterfully paints His beautiful picture of love and grace indelibly on our souls. (118)