Our Gang

Do you remember "Our Gang"?  You know, The Little Rascals?  When I think of this group of friends, I think of us as that group; a group of varied personalities, all of which are strong and opinionated.  Somehow though, we come together as this dynamic, fun, hilarious group of silly people, all of whom have been through some of THE most difficult things anyone can ever face. 

Last Saturday, we spent the entire day with the Johnson and Haas families.  I've posted many times about Makenna Johnson, the daughter of Matt and Marianne, who went to be with Jesus about six months ago.  She was Ellie Kate's friend and they had many similarities, such as "hopping" around.  Lilly Haas is the daughter of Scott and Amy Haas.  We met Scott and Amy when Lilly was teeny tiny and when Ellie Kate was also very young.  Hope Link was birthed out of our love for both Lilly and Ellie Kate.  It exists because they exist.  We met the Johnsons through Amy and Scott Haas, actually at little Lilly's funeral.  These people and their children . . . they are Our Gang.

Can you see the resemblance? 

The Johnsons drove up from Dallas and we all met in Guthrie at the Haas Homestead.  They live in the country, out in Guthrie, Oklahoma.  They have chickens and a lake in their backyard!  There are so many adventures to be had literally right there, so it was heaven on earth for our kids.  And since our own family has been longing for some serenity, peace and nature, it was really just the perfect venue for all of us to meet up and just "be".

I cannot tell you the peace you feel when you are surrounded by people who have been through so many similar life circumstances - long hospital stays and separation from loved ones, delayed diagnoses, endless meals in hospital cafeterias, seizures, feeding tubes, etc.  Not only that but we've also walked these dark days with each other, alongside one another as we've battled through surgeries, home health,, hospice, and eventually the deaths of our daughters.  The Lord timed it so that we weren't going through exact same things at the exact same times; He is so good that way.  We had the privilege of being there for one another.  We still ARE there for one another, walking this thing out because let's face it, there is no manual to grief or to life.  God has given us a priceless gift in one another.

Our children loved hanging out together, and whether they know it or not, they need each other.  They need to know other kids whose sisters are in Heaven too.  They need to know that this happens to other families, and that we can all get through it and be there for each other.  I have a feeling that God will use their friendships more and more in the future, and as a parent that is just a precious and reassuring thing.  

There were so many tender moments - Matt spent a lot of time with Lucy, loving on her and playing with her.  He even helped Mike change several very bad diapers (THAT is friendship).  I would think that Matt was very much reminded of his daughter, Makenna who behaved much like Lucy does.  Precious and painful all at the same time.  

Mike also loved spending time with the typical little girls, because we just don't get to do that - you know, converse with a little girl, engage them on different levels.  Mike has such a sweet heart for His own Girls, and he absolutely loved playing with Marlee and Emory, especially.  They remind him of what our girl might have been if not for NKH.  

And OHMYGOODNESS!  Lucy had one of THE best days of her little life.  Really and truly, she just drank it all in!  Lucy loved being outside, but most of all she loved being with her friends.  You can tell that she knows that these people are HER friends, ya'll.  My Daughter has friends! She babbled and talked to each one with joy and laughter.  It was so precious to my heart to see Lucy enjoy life to such an extent.  

We went on walks, we went fishing, we chased chickens, and played on tire swings.  We experienced amazing cuisine from Chef Scott Haas, listened to the birds outside and even had a little 90's music dance party.  It was the perfect day for our family, that's for sure.  We shared memories and heartaches and laughed until our bellies ached.  It's a day we will never forget, and the timing could not have been more perfect.  

Lord, thank you for faithful friends to walk with through the darkest of times.  You make friendships appear in the least likely of circumstances; you allow and even cause them to grow.  You are so very faithful, Father.  We do not walk alone.  You are with us and you never leave our side; not even once.  How precious are the relationships you give to show us your hands and your feet, Father God.