Gabrielle is doing better every week. Her fevers are gone. She is walking with some assistance. She is learning to squat and stand. She is beginning to pull herself up to a sitting position. Gabby is communicating more every day. It is mostly nonverbal but the babbling is increasing as well. We have not seen any seizures in one month. We continue to pray she will not develop hydrocephalus.
It looks like we will be finishing up here in about two weeks. Two more weeks until we can be together again as a family. This has been a very long journey. A journey through a valley that has had some pretty dark spots. I wonder what God has in store for us? I know we have been through this valley for a reason and I wonder if we are nearing the end. God has been refining us through all of these struggles. He has been preparing and equipping us for something in His great plan. He led us through the darkness and I believe He will again lead us onto higher, lighter ground as changed people.
The following poem is called “And God Said No”. To me it is a reflection about why God doesn’t prevent us from passing through valleys and why He allows us to fall into pits.
And God Said No
By Claudia Minden Weisz
I asked God to take away my pride,
And God said “NO”
He said “It was not for Him to take away
But for me to give up.”
I asked God to make my handicapped child whole,
And God said “NO”
He said “Her spirit is whole
Her body is only temporary.”
I asked God to grant me patience,
And God said “NO”
He said “Patience is a byproduct of tribulation
It isn’t granted, it is earned.”
I asked God to give me happiness,
And God said “NO”
He said “He gives blessings
Happiness is up to me.”
I asked God to spare me pain,
And God said “NO”
He said “Suffering draws you apart from worldly cares
and brings you closer to me.”
I asked God to make my spirit grow,
And God said “NO”
He said “I must grow on my own
But He will prune me to make me fruitful.”
I asked God to help me love others as much
As He loves me,
And God said, “Ah, finally you have the idea.”
16 comments
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August 9, 2008 at 4:26 am
Cindy & Mark Francis
How wonderful! We are excited for you all! I know you want to be together again. We’ve missed you too. We are praying daily that God will protect Gabrielle. Hope to see you as soon as you get settled back home.
Love, Cindy, Mark, Anna & Jack
August 9, 2008 at 2:58 pm
The Prados
Kelly,
You are inspiring to me. We rejoice with you that Gabrielle is improving. Our God is good. I’m excited that you will be reunited with the rest of your family soon. I cannot imagine how difficult that must be. Your family here loves and misses you greatly. Hang in there, my friend. This journey will end. You are covered in prayer.
Robin
August 9, 2008 at 3:39 pm
LeAnn Jackson
What wonderful news! I’ve been checking daily, waiting for an update. I’m elated to hear that she is improving with each passing day. I love the poem; I may have to post it on Cameron’s blog! I believe with great certainty that God is preparing each of you for His master plan. Her progress is a result of your undying faith in Christ and your willingness to share Him with others. Stay the course, keep the faith, and know we are praying for you daily! Much love!
LeAnn
August 9, 2008 at 4:31 pm
Lisa Austin
Hey Kelly,
We are rejoicing with you and your family. God is sooo good. You are not alone. God has been with you throughout this journey and your Wellspring family is has been with you too. We can not wait for you to be home and begin the next part of the “dance.” This season will end and their is much joy to be had in the very near future. Hang in there-we love you.
Lisa, Bobby, Abi and Jalin
August 10, 2008 at 1:06 am
Laura Williams
Hello Kelly
I to rejoice that you will be with your family soon. I know they and you have missed one another. Gabby too:) Praying that the transition back into a routine of life is one of ease. Praying for the children and for you to have the endurance and strength to get back to a routine:) Praying Gabrielle continues to grow and gain strength. Thanks again for the update and sharing your journey with all you have been learning and growing. Praying all of us reader’s are learning with you. That when God does say “NO” it is for our good. Sometimes that is hard to digest:) Thanks so much for the reminder. Love you dear sister.
Laura W
August 10, 2008 at 2:10 am
Cris Hall
Wonderful News!! Thank You so much for sharing with us. We Thank God for these wonderful blessings.
And love the poem.
Cris and Kristi Hall
August 10, 2008 at 2:21 am
Julia
Hey Kelly!
Gabrielle is an amazing little girl who, I have no doubt, will go on to do amazing things to change this world! I am so happy that she is making such great progress! I can only imagine how hard this has been on you and your family as you have endured the long separation! May God watch over you and ease you and your family into a harmonious reunification!
Julia
August 10, 2008 at 1:49 pm
The Ditto family
Dear O’Melia family,
We are excited about the great progress with Gabby and God’s greatness in your lives. We can’t wait to see you all again.
Love in Christ,
The Ditto family
August 11, 2008 at 3:49 am
Anne Wright
Kelly,
It is so good to hear from you! What great news that Gabrielle is doing so well. : ) Our thoughts and prayers continue to be with you! You are such an amazing person…..you have handled this long journey so very well. I can only imagine how excited you are to be with your entire family again. Stay strong knowing that God is with you and that so many friends are praying for you!
Love,
Anne
August 11, 2008 at 3:51 pm
Maria & Allen
O’Melia Clan! It is great news that the siezures are nil and we are praying everyday that hyrdocephalus does not develop. Take the strength you have gained and know that the rest of us are strenthening with you.
Luv,
-M
August 12, 2008 at 3:23 am
Dawn Parker
Hi Kelly. It is wonderful news that you guys are nearing the “home stretch” of this journey! I pray that your daughter continues to improve daily and that God provides the needed strength for you and your family!
That poem is awesome! I will probably adopt that as my favorite for a while – it is sooo true!
I look forward to meeting your family! God Bless!
Keep Smiling,
Dawn Parker
August 12, 2008 at 8:12 pm
Margaret
Wow – this is such good news. Thank you, God! I really can’t wait for you all to be back under one roof. The kids are going to be so glad to see their sister! And mother! Wow. We’ll keep praying.
Margaret and Graham
August 14, 2008 at 4:23 pm
mary
Dear Kelly,
Thank you so much for taking the time to share Gabrielle’s news and your thoughts and feelings. We think of you all and pray for you so often. May God bless you all.
With our love,
The Pickerings
PS We will definitely save the poem..
August 17, 2008 at 11:37 am
Furrs
Kelly,
We are thinking about you and praying for you every day. Thinking about you especially today.
Love to you all,
The Furrs
August 18, 2008 at 7:26 pm
Nancy O'Melia
Hi Kelly,
We can’t wait for your next post saying you guys are coming home.
Much love,
Nancy
January 15, 2009 at 4:26 pm
Tony York
I loved the poem. And I am captivated by your family’s story. Life is a strange thing sometimes… we don’t get to choose how it unfolds, just how we deal with it. You would think that I would know what to say beyond that… but I don’t. God is good.