A Day of Thanks

Three years ago today our lives were forever changed. Looking back, the journey almost seems surreal and sometimes it is still hard to believe it all even happened, but it did. Thinking about today and the 3 year mark of our accident conjures up a ton of emotions, some of sadness, fear, confusion, and pain, but most of the emotions I feel today are only of the utmost gratitude, humility, and love. Oftentimes we don’t understand exactly why things happen in life, why some are asked to carry burdens that others are not. The Lord definitely works in mysterious ways. But one thing is for sure, that He loves us, that He will never leave us alone, and that He does have a plan for each of our lives. I am grateful that today we have the opportunity to celebrate life, to celebrate courage and miracles, and celebrate overcoming the most daunting of obstacles.

To the Woods: I don’t know that we can ever make sense of what happened that day. And I wish there was some way I could take away every pain, every sadness, every hurt that has come to you from this. There is so much I do not understand. But what I do know is that through an awful, horrific situation, emerged 2 of the most amazing, beautiful, inspiring, Christlike people I have ever and will ever know. Your lives are an inspiration to everyone you meet and not only are you miracles in and of yourselves, but the Lord is working thousands of miracles through you every day to improve and strengthen the lives of everyone in your reach. I know that I am a better person just for knowing you.

You have already overcome so very much, and yet I know the journey isn’t over for you--that there is still so much more progress, growth, and more blessings to come. Every time I look at pictures of your precious family and the amazing little boy you have, I feel the Lord’s love wash over me and I am in awe at the miracles right before my eyes. I don’t know that I will ever meet anyone who can match the optimism, strength, forgiveness, love, patience, kindness, and charity that you have shown. It is truly unparalleled, and Dan and I are forever changed because of it.

Although we are miles and miles apart now and don’t get to share in the day to day experiences of your lives, please know that we love you. We loved you before this accident and we continue to love you today and forever. We think of you daily and will never forget the experiences and blessings we have shared with you.

I am so grateful that on a summer’s night 3 years ago, the Lord gave the 4 of us a second chance at life, and that through all the trials and frustrations and pain, he has given us light, and love, and two precious little boys, to remind us that life is beautiful, not perfect, but beautiful, and purposeful and worth living. We love you….