Donna and Diana, two of BJ's nurses, suprised us at our book signing at Barnes and Noble (Donna wrote the prologue in our book).


We arrived home safely late yesterday afternoon. Our return trip from Ohio took just under 12 hours. Thank you for your prayer support.

Monday night was such a blessing. Mark and Tammy McMahan had set up a speaking opportunity for us in Wilmington, Ohio. It just so happened that Marti Pieper and some of her family were in the area visiting her parents at the time. We were afforded the privilege of a sweet time of fellowship with them.

We all met through this website, so it was quite a blessing to finally put faces with names. Of course we had already met the Piepers, but for all of us to be together in one place was wonderful!

As I continue to reflect back on all that has happened in the last week and a half, I am amazed and thankful. I can hardly believe how much was packed into this trip. We got to see so many friends and family in a short period of time.

There are so many highlights. Encouragement came from so many different people, both those we knew and many we met for the first time. What a privilege we have been afforded.

When Deanna and I arrived at Barnes and Noble for the book signing, we were pretty apprehensive. We really did not know what to expect. We were amazed to see many people come out. From the photo above, you see Donna and Diana. This was such a treat for us.

I tried to figure out a way to fit in a hospital visit (which I was unsuccessful at) and we were so excited when these two ladies walked in. It was so meaningful to us that they would take the time to come and visit us! Donna was even requested to sign a book since she had written the prologue! How cool!

Our first visitors that day were from a couple. They came to buy books for some of the hospital staff! She worked in a different area of the hospital (the NICU), and knew about BJ. She came to get books for one of our doctors and two of our nurses. She also got one for each of her children.

Over and over we saw people buy multiple copies to be read in the same family. Each wanting their own copy. I am amazed by that! I know that does not happen very often in most homes. We usually pass books around.

Our TV interview was very interesting! Our friend Angela Ganote, the Fox 59 morning co-anchor (who we got to know through our journey) had us return for a follow-up of the two previous stories she had done on our situation. Since the book was out, she was interested in kind of bringing the story full circle.

Unexpectedly, as we were being counted in for live tv, Angela was overcome with emotion! She handled it professionally, and all went well. I know going in, we thought we might get emotional, so it was quite a turn for us when we were not the ones to do so.

She is such a blessing to us! Deanna and I agree that she is more beautiful than your tv screen allows you to realize. Her heart is amazing. She loves the Lord and it is evident.

Whether it was late night eucher with new friends, sharing a holiday with my mom and family, catching up with old friends, or being chased to our car by a raging storm, we had an incredible time.

Speaking in the three different venues was signficant as well. We met many wonderful people, and got to fellowship with them.

We praise the Lord for His provision of this trip! What a blessing!

dad


Mark, I am so glad that you are still with us! I am sorry for what you went through! It sounds very difficult. I understand the feelings you reflected upon in those moments, and appreciate you sharing them. God Bless you, man!


We got home to find that a storm had brought a significant portion of our largest tree down. It did not hit the house or any of the neighbors, so we are thankful. It is resting mostly in a neighbors yard waiting for our attention.