Nicholas James (1:17): Brandon-our little hero

Monday, June 9, 2008

Brandon-our little hero

Brandon-our sweet, little four year old. The third child who gives us our gray hair. The little adventurer that will take on any dare from his brother and sister. The little boy who always put everyone else before him. The brother who always thinks of his big brother and sister-always wants to buy them candy, shares everything with them, always wants a hug and kiss, and never goes one day without telling us "I love you" and "you are the bestest mommy and daddy in the whole world

The Lord blessed us with four amazing children. He knew that our three children, Stephen, Megan and Brandon would have to be strong children-loving and patient children to withstand everything they have been through. I stand amazed at my children. Their love and patience for Nicholas is astounding.

And then there is our "B"-our sweet Brandon, our little hero. Brandon was there both times Nicholas went into cardiac and respiratory arrest. The first time he was with us at the hospital. He never saw Nicholas that day but saw mommy and daddy terribly upset. The second time, a month ago, he was there with Nicholas. He saw his brother lifeless. He saw daddy run him inside to do CPR. He saw everyone crying because of the little baby-his brother-laying there lifeless. He saw the firetrucks and ambulance take his brother away to the hospital not knowing if he would see him again. How can a four year old know so much? We never realized the effect this had on Brandon until he came to me and said "Mommy, is Nicholas going to die?" "I don't want him to die, Mommy" Many nights I wake up to find him sleeping next to Nicholas. He stays by Nicholas, kissing him, patting him, singing to him, not wanting to leave his side. Our sweet Brandon-our little hero! He has been through more things than most adults have been through. Please remember Brandon in your prayers, our brave Brandon. BRANDON-YOU ARE THE BESTEST BRANDON IN THE WHOLE WORLD! Mommy and Daddy love you bunches.

Thank you to Stephen, Megan and Brandon for loving your brother Nicholas. Thank you for showing people the love of Jesus Christ through your love for Nicholas. You are all Mommy and Daddy's heroes. We are so proud to be your parents. Thank you Lord for all four of our precious miracles-we are blessed!!

2 comments:

Amber said...: We are both crying. We will be praying for sweet Brandon. He has an amazing heart that just holds sooo much. I pray for God's peace, understanding, and comfort for him as he deals with such huge life issues and still tries to just be a kid...; June 9, 2008 at 10:37 PM
Kathy White said...: I love you all --- but Brandon is my buddy! : ); June 11, 2008 at 12:34 PM

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The Broken Gift

In August of 2008, I felt led to begin writing a book about our journey with Nicholas. The purpose of the book was to be twofold: First, I felt a strong sense to intimately share with others our journey of faith. It was my desire that people who were facing tremendous “life storms” as I call them, to see that God is faithful in all circumstances. Secondly, and much more selfishly, I wanted to present Lisa with the ultimate gift, a book about her son.

I began praying that God would open the doors if that were to be His will. I shared this with only one person, Chris Lewis, and asked him to be in prayer with me. Before I gave God the chance to answer me, I had already begun writing. Five months later, I had written six full chapters. During the process, I would occasionally email Chris a copy for his input. Unfortunately, he was a bit too encouraging, and the process continued.

Chapters six and seven began to slow me down. I was beginning to feel that my writing had become more about me than anything else. Additionally, I was becoming concerned that the book was taking on the form of a journal. I knew from research that journal style books were not welcome in the tough world of book publishing.

Chris had a friend in publishing who agreed to read my manuscript and give me advice. His advice stopped me cold in my tracks. It was just as I had suspected, the manuscript was too much of a journal. Strangely though, I was relieved. I had become increasingly frustrated during my writing sessions and now I could just stop. No more writing.

A short time later, I decided that I would share with Lisa the fruits of my secret, double life as an author. I printed the manuscript off in its entirety and gave it to her to read. I had dreamed of presenting her with a paperback book with a picture of her son on it, but this would have to do.

Fast forward to today. The original intent of the book has not changed. I want people to see Jesus when they see our family. I want people to know there is hope. I want people to understand that God is bigger than our circumstances and brings us through them for a reason.

With that in mind, I decided that Nicholas’ blogsite is a great way to still get my “journal” out there, into the hands of people who may be touched by our story. Each week I will add a new chapter.

To read The Broken Gift, click on the chapters below.

Chapter 1 Code Blue
Chapter 2 Back to the Beginning
Chapter 3 New Relationships
Chapter 4 The Arrival
Chapter 5 Life Goes On
Chapter 6 Surgery