Prayer seeking

In my last post, I mentioned that summer was my least favorite season. Truthfully, I crave the quietness of fall, and the holidays that surround the colder months. But just last week I was thinking how great this summer is shaping up to be- we've been swimming a number of times, taken zoo trips, and we eat our meals on our patio more often than not (our neighbors probably wonder if we even have a dining table indoors!). The summer is early- but I feel it's going to be a great one.

But then, summer took a big hit. Last Saturday, my (Jon's) cousin Amber was involved in a very serious accident. Her and her husband James were riding on a jet ski and were struck by a boat. James has suffered many broken bones (including his ribs), but Amber is currently fighting for her life. On her third surgery in the 24 hours following the accident, the doctors found her spine to be completely severed and is unable to be repaired. She also has suffered heavy organ damage from her lungs, liver and brain. She is still on life support and without a miracle from God, she will never walk again.  
See me in the blue striped shirt? Amber is just left, in the black shirt and her husband James below her- (taken last summer)

I hesitated posting this, because it is very hard for me to dwell on what has happened. My eyes are full to the brim with tears as I write this- and at times I feel like I cannot breath- like I am having a panic attack. Days later I am still in disbelief as to what has happened. I consider Amber MY cousin- not one that I gained simply through marriage. She is beautiful and kind- and even that is an understatement made clear from the unbelievable outpouring of love on her and her sister's facebook walls.

If you would, take a few seconds and send a thought or prayer for my cousin and her husband as they begin a long healing process and new way of life, and also for their family as they are making decisions and dealing with Amber's trauma.