The story of their lives has ALWAYS left a deep imprint on me and it continues through the turbulent waters they now face. Meet the M Family. I’ve known (and loved) them for many years. Their story began when S & C met in Japan. I’ve admired C’s love for her husband, leaving her family and her country to be joined to S in a new place that must have felt foreign and completely unlike home for so long. It was her love that compelled her, and here is where her life and family has taken root, blossomed, and grown.
S & C had empty hearts for years as they prayed for a child. It was then that God finally revealed the baby girl He had been placing in their hearts the entire time they waited on Him. She had been born in China. Although oceans separated them, it was not long until they held her in their arms, forever. Her name is L. They joy she brings to her family is heartwarming. She is strong and mature, and full of sweetness.
Next came little D. A mama’s heart often knows when her family is incomplete, and so C (and S) joined by so many began to ask God to fulfill that longing once again. I had the honor of seeking God on behalf of this family’s petition for a second baby all those years ago. Miraculously, C became pregnant, and the most energetic, loving, and wise child was granted to them. Seriously, just you watch and see… this boy will either be a missionary, an evangelist, or a pastor someday. God’s got big plans for him!
S is a teacher for the Douglas County School District (Mr. M). He teaches English as a second language. Although I’ve never entered his classroom, I’ve always pictured it to be one where every child receives excellence in teaching, patience, and love because of Mr. M’s gentle and caring spirit. I know his students and co-workers love him to pieces. In addition than that, S is a passionate follower of Jesus Christ, a gifted photographer, has a great sense of humor, and he’s a musician too!
We met up on a beautiful summer night to capture their love and the joy of being a family. There is a heaviness they have been facing since S’s diagnosis of ALS six weeks ago. It’s a hard disease to live with and it moves quickly. They were so sweet to share a peek into their life with me and a little more about their lives since this disease.
How long have you been married?
We have been married for 19 amazing years.
How did you meet?
We met in a car on the way to church in Nagoya Japan. C was a brand new Christian. We began to meet weekly at Mr. Donut to talk about the Bible, and became great friends.
What does your family enjoy doing together?
The thing we enjoy the most is just hanging out together and eating snacks! We love to laugh together, read books together, and just being with each other.
What makes you all laugh?
We have lots of family inside jokes, such as, “oh the bird, the bird; some kind of nuthatch…” Ha ha ha!
Describe little D’s personality.
He is sensitive, loving, caring, and unselfish. He is also a lot of fun and has a ton of energy. He makes us laugh and smile everyday.
Tell me about L, and what makes her so special.
She is easy-going and happy. She is a wonderful daughter and big sister. She is very creative, and loves to draw and write stories.
How has your family been doing day-to-day since the diagnosis of ALS?
It’s been very hard but God has been sustaining us with his grace and strength each day. We greatly appreciate all of the love and support that we have received from so many people.
Question for D: Tell me your favorite thing to do with your dad.
D: I like to play Wii games with him and read books.
Question for L: Tell me what makes your dad so special to you.
L:He is a good spiritual leader. He taught me a lot about the Bible. He is also really funny.
Is there a particular scripture (or two) that has been meaningful to you in the past few weeks/months?
~For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal. (2 Corinthians 4:17-18)
~Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. (Philipians 4:6-7)
You wear your faith boldly (which I admire). Tell me how your faith in Jesus impacts your outlook on your diagnosis.
First of all, we know that God loves us. ALS is terrible in many ways, but God has, and will continue to use it for good…in our lives and in the lives of others around us. We don’t always understand God’s ways, but we trust him. That’s faith. Secondly, we have an eternal perspective. This life is not all that there is. In fact, it’s a tiny drop in the bucket compared to eternity. We know that the best is yet to come. Heaven is a real place, and it’s an awesome place. We will spend eternity with our amazing God and with each other. This gives us hope and peace!
Would you pray for this sweet family? Would you pray for their home to be filled with joy and laughter in the midst of it? Would you pray for their continued peace? Would you pray for remission and many years of life that they can continue to share with one another — or better yet (as S told me) pray that Jesus returns for his church and takes us ALL home to be with Him? If you’d like to stay connected, you can follow their journey through Caring Bridge, or donate to the Go Fund Me set up on their behalf.
There is great emotion as I unveil this special session. It is through my own tears that I trust Jesus with all my heart, and pray. I have to cling to Him, because I have nowhere else I COULD GO, and nowhere else I would WANT to. I know this is true for the M family as well. M Family, may the presence of the Almighty God fill you with HIS PEACE, HOPE and JOY. He is a gracious giver of all these things and I’m blessed that you demonstrate that unashamedly and so well…
…and know you are loved… loved by SO many.
-Jamie
Parker, Colorado Family Photographer
Telling Your Story
In case you wanted to click these earlier… you can follow their journey through Caring Bridge, or donate to the Go Fund Me set up on their behalf.
