Tuesday, August 11, 2009

Side by Side

Susan and Susan

My husband and I just arrived home last night from an awesome getaway trip to New York.

We really had a great time and many wonderful memories were made.

On that note, I choose this verse because of something “extra special” that also happened during our visit to New York.

Five years ago I came across a Caringbridge site for one of the most adorable, blue-eyed boy, named Timmy.

Timmy

 

As it turned out Timmy had a tumor that was very similar to my son’s. Timmy had been bravely fighting a very hard battle, and when I met him, they had just found out that he had relapsed. 

His mom Susan was journaling daily about all the family was going through on this most difficult journey.

After reading only one post, I was captivated.  Her love for Timmy drew me in immediately.  In the midst of these challenging days in her own life, Susan often showed so much care for many other families, including mine. 

 It was very easy to love her and her precious son Timmy.

Our friendship grew over the years as we continued to stay in touch.  I felt so close to Susan and learned a lot as I watched the way she dealt with all the things no mother should ever have to deal with.  She was such an example to me and countless others.

I prayed for the opportunity to one-day get to meet her in person.

Well, my dream came true this past Sunday night while we were in New York. When we walked in the restaurant and hugged for the first time, it felt as though I had known her all of my life. We talked, and talked, and talked some more. The bond that Christ had formed between us was so strong.

Truly this was the highlight of my trip.

When we take time to care for others, often out of our own need, the blessings are quickly returned. I felt so much compassion for Susan, and yet each time I went to encourage her, I left encouraged myself.

I love you Susan. God has truly given me a special treasure in you!smile_wink

 

wfw-2008sm I’m especially excited this WFW,  a very near and dear friend to my heart is our gracious host.  Hop on over to Lori’s, All You Have to Give.  I promise you a blessing is waiting for you! 

34 comments:

Anonymous said...

I didn't realize it was THAT Susan! Timmy's mom! Oh I can't put into words how thrilled I am that you two finally got to meet!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Lifting up prayers right now!
1 John 1:1-4 That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked upon, and our hands have handled, of the Word of life; (For the life was manifested, and we have seen it, and bear witness, and shew unto you that eternal life, which was with the Father, and was manifested unto us;) That which we have seen and heard declare we unto you, that ye also may have fellowship with us: and truly our fellowship is with the Father, and with his Son Jesus Christ. And these things write we unto you, that your joy may be full.
Prayer Bears
My email address

Denise said...

Such a precious WFW.

Kim @ Homesteader's Heart said...

That is so wonderful that God gave you both that opportunity to meet! What a blessings.
And I've missed you girlfriend!!!
Hugs.
Kim

lori said...

Girlfriend.....I've got tears streaming down my face...what a blessing! I'm so glad the trip was wonderful and it sounds like God granted you the desires of your heart....

Love you!!
hugs!
lori

Joan said...

A touching story. Thanks for sharing.

Happy WFW! Blessings

Bobbi said...

So neat...thanks for the special explanation of your WFW! Happy Wednesday to you!

ozjane said...

God is so good and I love it when we see these tangible answers to encourage us to keep praying for the things for which we cannot see tangible answers.

luvmy4sons said...

The family of God is such a wonderful thing. May God bless you both!

Laurie said...

WOW! I got chill bumps reading it. I'm so glad you were able to get away and most of all, to meet your friend. And, thank you for your prayers for me and mission potty training. You are the expert sister:)

Laurencita said...

It was not an incedent, it was God's really intentions that both of you will meet.Thanks for your visit.

Cathy said...

A very pretty picture, great verse and story ~

LisaShaw said...

This just blesses my heart Susan. You both are beautiful. Precious Timmy has left a lasting legacy of love not just for his family but for all the lives GOD has drawn together with his Mom. Beautiful.

Loved this: "The bond that Christ had formed between us was so strong."

I love you.

Kim@Seasons of My Heart said...

Oh my...I have chill bumps...what an amazing friendship/bond that you have with Susan.

I LOVE how God works...and what icing on the cake of your trip...to meet Susan!! <3

Peggy said...

Blessings Susan...how wonderful that both of you had this aMazing opportunity to meet finally after
having "shared each other's burden & heart for so long"...now that's caring and a real battle fought SIDE by SIDE! Beautiful words & tribute to your treasureable friendship & such a special highlight of an already awesome trip to New York-for I think your celebration of your anniversary! (right?) Happy Anniversary!

God be with both of your sons & you
two Susans too! Now that's a "bridge of real care". Love ya' hugs

Laurie Ann said...

Wasn't it wonderful to be able to meet her? Oh, the love and honor and devotion you share. Thanks for the big welcome back. I'm easing back into it.

Joyfull said...

What a powerful and precious meeting that must have been. Thank you for sharing with us. It truly brings the verse to life. Blessings!

Amico Dio said...

Oh I am in tears. Thank you for sharing Susan and her Timmy with us. That is just so touching.

I miss you my friend. How are you?

From the Heart said...

A great verse and beautiful story.
AliceE.

LivingforGod said...

Thanks for sharing this beautiful story behind the picture! Wonderful friendship, indeed!

By the way, I'm hosting a book giveaway on my other blog at http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/servingtheKingofkings/715910/ .
You can win a copy of The Friends We Keep: A Woman's Quest for the Soul of Friendship by Sarah Zacharias Davis. Hope you'll stop by and enter :)!

Missions with Peggy said...

Blessings Susan & thanks so much for visiting my other blog MISSIONS. Last week no one came there & I shared a video from here & my WFW! It means alot that you took the time to visit & bless me with your sweet friendship & words!

Hugs,
Peggy

Samantha said...

How touching, such a beautiful WFW post, it brings tears to my eyes.
What a blessing to finally meet.
God is so good !

elaine @ peace for the journey said...

Seeing Timmy makes me cry for so many reasons. I cannot imagine the pain that comes from burying a child at any point along the way. It's obvious that Susan has allowed her tears to water the souls of weary hearts who share a similar journey. I'm glad for your reunion in New York; indeed ... a foretaste of a greater one to be shared on the shores of heaven with God. With Timmy.

Blessings and peace, sweet friend.

~elaine

Dawn said...

Happy Belated Anniversary. I am so glad that you had a great time in NY, but I am extra glad that you got to meet Susan. What a blessing for you.

Love and Miss you!
Dawn

Anonymous said...

HAPPY ANNIVERSARY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Know you did the whole trip thing to celebrate, but hope you went out to dinner or something today anyway!
Praying in Seattle!
Proverbs 3:5-6 Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.
Prayer Bears
My email address

onlinemommy said...

Thank you for sharing this story. I was really touched. I agree with you that the more we encouraged, we are left more encouraged. Your post is really a blessing to me.

God Bless!

Faith said...

How wonderful that you got to meet your friend. And right here somewhere in NY! awesome!!
I loved reading this....and that verse under your picture is one that I have been clinging to regarding a new friend in my life.....God has blessed me with someone who is going thru some struggles and it is an honor to walk alongside her, in Christ, and let God do His work...and I know she is there for me, too in my own struggles. Our Lord is amazing and provides us with exactly what we need.....Blessings to you...I loved reading this!

Anonymous said...

that is beautiful! I am so glad you were finally able to meet her in person!

Anonymous said...

No matter what needs to be faced in life, our thoughts should always be on the Lord. True help comes from Him alone! Praying!
John 5:39 Search the scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me.
Luke 24:27 And beginning at Moses and all the prophets, he expounded unto them in all the scriptures the things concerning himself.
Prayer Bears
My email address

Anonymous said...

I'm thrilled for you Susan! I'm sure when all of us meet in heaven, it will seem like we've always known each other.

Tell us more about your adventures in New York! I was thinking of you and praying for you.

(((Higs)))

e-Mom :~D

Teresa @ Grammy Girlfriend said...

What a touching post and a perfect word.

I always enjoy reading your blog.

Tea with Tiffany said...

I am SOOO happy to read this post. God works in mysterious ways to connect us with like hearted people at just the right time.

This post is a perfect example of God's hand and blessing.

You bless me with your posts, Susan.

Glad you had a great trip. This meeting would have been the highlight of the trip for me too. I love people.

Hugs,

Tiffany

Anonymous said...

Here praying!
Colossians 1:9-11 For this cause we also, since the day we heard it, do not cease to pray for you, and to desire that ye might be filled with the knowledge of his will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding; That ye might walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God; Strengthened with all might, according to his glorious power, unto all patience and longsuffering with joyfulness;
Prayer Bears
My email address

Anonymous said...

Continuing to pray!
Colossians 1:12-14 Giving thanks unto the Father, which hath made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light: Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son: In whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins:
Prayer Bears
My email address

Anonymous said...

Know that you're in my thoughts and prayers!
Romans 14:7-9 For none of us liveth to himself, and no man dieth to himself. For whether we live, we live unto the Lord; and whether we die, we die unto the Lord: whether we live therefore, or die, we are the Lord's. For to this end Christ both died, and rose, and revived, that he might be Lord both of the dead and living.
Prayer Bears
My email addresspleg