“…the Lord will do miracles among you.”
Joshua 3:5- “ Then Joshua said to the people, “ Consecrate yourselves, for tomorrow the Lord will do miracles among you.”
I’m back home for a few days, grateful for this brief moment of rest. Today, as I left the hospital, an overwhelming wave of emotions washed over me—hope, anxiety, and a deep sense of longing. I absolutely cannot wait for the joyful day when Ricky finally gets to come home with us, filling our lives with his presence. There have been moments of doubt, times when I have questioned whether I made the right decision in all of this. But then, I am reminded that no matter what choices I have made, God alone is in control of this situation, guiding us through every step with a plan greater than we can see.
I had several meaningful opportunities over the weekend to share with others about Ricky, about God, and about the miracles we have witnessed. Yesterday morning, as I walked from the hotel to the hospital, I began praying out loud. That simple act brought a smile to my face. The thought that God has faithfully stood by us throughout these past 58 days fills me with overwhelming gratitude and makes it so easy to praise Him.
Later in the day, Erik brought the kids to visit. I really miss being home with them all the time. I miss their laughter, their bright smiles, their occasional bickering, and those precious moments when they gather in each other’s rooms to talk about the most random and silly things.
Autumn has always been Ricky’s buddy. They have been playfully teasing each other since she first learned to talk, and that playful spirit has never faded. Their personalities are quite similar in many ways. While she visited last night, Ricky couldn’t take his eyes off her. She even made him “play games,” and it was clear how much joy and comfort those moments brought them both.
Tavon really enjoys talking to his paw paw about driving, about cars, and about all the things that both of them love to discuss. Ricky always seems to listen attentively, with genuine intent and care.
This morning, Autumn and I returned once again to the hospital for a special and heartfelt time of prayer alongside the Woodville Church of God. As we walked in, we noticed Ricky looked upset—upset in a way that seemed to say he worried we had forgotten the prayer or that perhaps we hadn’t arrived early enough.
During the prayer, when Uncle Steve said “Amen,” something incredibly beautiful and unexpected happened: Ricky lifted his right arm and began to faintly move his right toes. The nurse mentioned that he had been moving his right leg all morning, but this small, subtle movement was a truly remarkable moment of hope for us all. Autumn let out a joyful scream, full of surprise and renewed hope for Ricky’s recovery. She was then able to get him to blink however many times she told him to, showing glimpses of communication that warmed our hearts.
If there’s anything our children have truly learned throughout this long and challenging journey, it’s that prayer works, faith is absolutely essential, miracles really do happen, and no matter where our family members stand—whether in agreement or disagreement—we always stand together, supporting one another through the hardest times with unwavering love and strength.
Right now, we need you to pray that Ricky’s movements and communications continue to come back, that his secretions remain stable and good so that we can move him closer to home soon, and that God will continue to provide financial support for us and all the care he needs while at UAB.
Another family at UAB, whose 17-year-old son was involved in a serious car accident, also urgently needs prayers. Steven and Amanda Waites are their names, and their son is Greyson. He has been fighting pneumonia, dealing with challenging issues with his blood work, and complications with his shunt. Please pray that God will fill his parents with peace that surpasses understanding and that God will continue to heal and strengthen Greyson during this difficult time.
