We’ve been thrown for a loop but we’re OK. We’re still trying to process it all —still trying to make sense of what doesn’t make sense.
Matthew was released on Wednesday morning and right now we’re taking time together as a family to cherish every moment. We’re not taking anything for granted, just focusing on what matters most.
There are still a lot of unanswered questions. How? Why? Will there be more? Both Tim and I seem to be at the same point of just trying to accept the reality of another child with this disease.
But we are OK, all of us. Even the ones who think swimming in the ocean in Oct. is fun. 
Mind you we aren’t talking Florida here —this is Maryland!
The prayers of so many can truly be felt at a time like this and we are sincerely grateful for them. More than we can ever express.
I have been trying to offer these trials for those who also need prayers in return. I’ve been looking for the blessings and admittedly there are a few already evident. I know God is in control, I know He is faithful and I know without a doubt that he loves my children —each and every one of them— more than I can even comprehend. I am holding on to that and holding on to Him. It’s all I can do and it’s enough.
{ 18 comments… read them below or add one }
Molly McGovern 10.03.08 at 8:23 am
You and yours continue in my prayers. Be assured of many Aves ascending on your behalf.
Cay 10.03.08 at 8:59 am
I’m glad to hear from you, Michele.
The pictures and your family are beautiful.
God’s peace!
Visit Cay at http://caygibson.typepad.com
Ellen 10.03.08 at 9:10 am
Glad to hear that you are able to get away and have some happy family time. I can’t imagine what you are going through, but I know that it is faith that is getting you through it all. I often wonder how people with little or no faith get through things like what you are going through. And I thank God that I have faith and know that He is watching over me.
God bless and my continued prayers.
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Cheryl 10.03.08 at 3:14 pm
The pictures are beautiful. I’m praying for you.
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Jennifer 10.03.08 at 5:04 pm
I didn’t know you lived in Maryland. I do as well.
I do wish there was something practical I could do for you and your family right now. For now, continued prayers. You have a beautiful family. God sees the bigger picture in all this, and it’s really hard to trust in only that aspect of it, especially when your kids are involved (and their suffering). God Bless you.
Visit Jennifer at http://this-family-of-ours.blogspot.com
joann10 10.03.08 at 6:14 pm
I am glad you were able to enjoy your time together as a family!
Your kids are just beautiful!:-)
God Bless,
Joann
Visit joann10 at http://www.tenkidsandadog.blogspot.com
Meredith 10.03.08 at 8:14 pm
Prayers continue and big hugs to all of you. That beach looks heavenly, even in October
Love you,
Visit Meredith at http://happyheartsmom.typepad.com
KC 10.04.08 at 10:28 am
Praying for you all still.
You have to love children who cannot feel the cold of the ocean in October. They looked like they were having a grand time.
Visit KC at http://www.kcpowers.typepad.com/the_cabbage_patch
Melissa Bare 10.04.08 at 12:39 pm
Oh Shell…I don’t know what to say other than I am so greatful we have technology today that can keep us close when we are so far apart. The pictures of your family in Ocean City, Maryland are beautiful. I feel I am right there with you all.
What a way to get away from all that has occured and see one of the most beautiful pieces of God’s love, the ocean.
I think about all of you all the time. I think how strong you and Tim are and how this may even bring you closer when you thought you were close enough.
I am so gratful you have the abundance of Faith that you do for times like this it really helps to lean on our faith.
Thinking of you
Love, Missy
Amy Bailey 10.04.08 at 3:16 pm
That was the most beautiful post Michele. Thank you for sharing your thoughts.
Amy B.
Visit Amy Bailey at http://www.destinationexceptionalmotherhood.blogspot.com
Alice Gunther 10.04.08 at 7:05 pm
Keeping up the prayers for you and your whole family, Michele.
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betty 10.05.08 at 11:17 am
You’re right, Michele, only God knows! But we also know if He brings you to it…He will get you through it! Everything WILL be ok and in the meantime you and your family have TONS of prayers being said in your behalf!!!
Ana Braga-Henebry 10.05.08 at 9:13 pm
You beach photography is gorgeous–and your faith is strong! Hang in there! Be assured of my prayers.
Question: how do I change my picture of Catholic mother’s online to one like yours?
Love, Ana
Visit Ana Braga-Henebry at http://anabragahenebrysjournal.blogspot.com
Melanie 10.06.08 at 9:54 am
Oh dear Michele, praying praying praying for you and your beautiful family… God will provide!! One day at a time…
Visit Melanie at http://www.catholicmom.blogspot.com
Ruth 10.06.08 at 12:43 pm
Dear Michele. I’m praying for you and your beautiful family.
Visit Ruth at http://thetuckerbunch.typepad.com
Jenny 10.06.08 at 3:29 pm
Sending prayers up for strength - I’m glad prayer knows no limits in space and time - you’re in Maryland, I’m in Oregon.
After reading the past two posts I thought of the second reading from yesterday’s Mass - “Have no anxiety at all, but in everything,
by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, make your requests known to God. Then the peace of God that surpasses all understanding will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.
Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is gracious, if there is any excellence
and if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.”
Hang in there - many people are praying for you -
Peace of Christ be with you,
~Jenny
Visit Jenny at http://www.neuropoetry.blogspot.com
Jennifer 10.07.08 at 5:20 pm
Michelle, we’ve been praying for you since we heard. I’m so sorry.
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Melanie 10.09.08 at 8:21 am
Shell,
I am so proud of you….your faith and loving ways of being a great mother! You know that I’m always thinking of you. Tim, you and the kids continue to always be in our prayers…I had a few moments as I’m traveling to stop and read you page…which has brough tears to my eyes…knowing the pain you and Tim are facing…but seeing the joy in the kids eyes as they jump into the ocean at OC brings peace to me….you are right, your family is face with experiencing the “new normal”…which we have been discussing at home as well…The annual christmas get together will have a new normal this year…one that will continue to make sure everyone has a good time & enjoys every moment we have together! Also know that I’m praying and thinking of Chris - that God will give him the peace to be strong as he supports and protects our country! Love you Shel - Remember God does have a plan for each of us, and it is not for us to question why he presents us with such things…we are to except them and learn from them and most of all have faith in Him, knowing He will not lead us wrong.