He's My Son

I changed the song recently so that when you open our blog it plays He's my son by Mark Schultz. As your reading this, you are hearing it. Please put your speakers on if you don't. Listen to the words-that is how I feel about my son. It reminds me of the time he was on life support and we did not know if he would live and if he did what state he would be in. I remember begging the Lord in prayer not to take my son. Today, I watch him sleep praying for him. Praying the Lord will not let him be scared anymore, not hurt, let him grow old. I pray for the Lord's strength every day for my son cherishing every miunte I have with him. I find myself taking pictures of him sleeping. He is so precious and peaceful when he sleeps. Below are the words to the song. Below that are pictures of Nicholas from the time he was born until today. His life story in pictures.




I'm down on my knees again tonight
I'm hoping this prayer will turn out right
See there is a boy that needs Your help
I've done all that I can do myself
His mother is tired
I'm sure You can understand
Each night as he sleeps
She goes in to hold his hand
And she tries not to cry
As the tears fill her eyes
CHORUS:
Can You hear me?
Am I getting through tonight?
Can You see him?
Can You make him feel all right?
If You can hear me Let me take his place somehow
See, he's not just anyone He's my son
Sometimes late at night I watch him sleep
I dream of the boy he'd like to be
I try to be strong and see him through
But God who he needs right now is You
Let him grow old
Live life without this fear
What would I be
Living without him here
He's so tired and he's scared
Let him know that You're there
CHORUSCan You hear me?
Can You see him?
Please don't leave him He's my son (He's My Son by Mark Schultz)

Born in at 4.7 lbs.....

Couple of days before surgery. The day after he got home from Brenner.

Please pray with us for Nicholas that the Lord will continue to heal him and give him strength.

Heart Walk

We walked in the Heart walk on the 18th in honor of Nicholas and in memory of all of the angel heart children. We had a great time. It was really fun to get all of the children involved with the walk (even though Megan and Brandon kept complaining about how tired they were ). We were also able to see Nicholas' heart surgeon and several of his former nurses. It was great to see them and catch up. Anyway, pictures are below. Thanks so much to all who supported us!!! Blessings- The Richardsons
This picture says it all!!! Brandon's personality comes out even in pictures-and that is his serious face.

Stephen talking to Mike (Dr. Hines) the man who saved Nicholas' life and fixed his heart. At one point, someone came up to Stephen and Mike and asked them to get CPR ceritified. Poor person didn't realize they were speaking to a heart surgeon and police officer. Do you think Stephen graciously let that poor person off the hook?
On the way home.......................aren't they sweet?

A Party for Christ

On October 4th we attended the first annual Party For Christ featuring Direct Message. Direct Message is a local southern rock Christian Band. We first met them when some good friends of ours held a benefit for Nicholas to help us pay for all of the medical bills. Direct Message offered to play for free at his benefit. Since then Stephen has become good friends with Randy Austin, one of the members. Randy wrote a song about Stephen and his life as a police officer and father of four children-one with special needs. They sang this song for us at the party for the first time together. The band members continue to pray for Nicholas and mean so much to us. Their website is http://www.directmessage.org/. Please take a visit!!
Stephen listening to his song written and sung by Randy. That's Randy singing the song-huge thanks Randy!! Your friendship and support means so much!

The Brave Little Soul

'The Brave Little Soul' by John Alessi

Not too long ago in Heaven there was a little soul who took wonder in observing the world. She especially enjoyed the love she saw there and often expressed this joy with God. One day however the little soul was sad, for on this day she saw suffering in the world. She approached God and sadly asked, “Why do bad things happen; why is there suffering in the world?”God paused for a moment and replied, 'Little soul, do not be sad, for the suffering you see, unlocks the love in people’s hearts.” The little soul was confused. “What do you mean,” she asked.” God replied, “Have you not noticed the goodness and love that is the offspring of that suffering? Look at how people come together, drop their differences and show their love and compassion for those who suffer. All their other motivations disappear and they become motivated by love alone.”The little soul began to understand and listened attentively as God continued, “The suffering soul unlocks the love in people’s hearts much like the sun and the rain unlock the flower within the seed. I created everyone with endless love in their heart, but unfortunately most people keep it locked up and hardly share it with anyone. They are afraid to let their love shine freely, because they are afraid of being hurt. But a suffering soul unlocks that love. I tell you this - it is the greatest miracle of all. Many souls have bravely chosen to go into the world and suffer - to unlock this love - to create this miracle - for the good of all humanity.'Just then the little soul got a wonderful idea and could hardly contain herself. With her wings fluttering, bouncing up and down, the little soul excitedly replied, 'I am brave; let me go! I would like to go into the world and suffer so that I can unlock the goodness and love in people’s hearts! I want to create that miracle!'God smiled and said, 'You are a brave soul I know, and thus I will grant your request. But even though you are very brave you will not be able to do this alone. I have known since the beginning of time that you would ask for this and so I have carefully selected many souls to care for you on your journey. Those souls will help you create your miracle; however they will also share in your suffering. Two of these souls are most special and will care for you, help you and suffer along with you, far beyond the others. They have already chosen a name for you.”God and the brave little soul shared a smile, and then embraced. In parting, God said, “Do not forget little soul that I will be with you always. Although you have agreed to bear the pain, you will do so through my strength. And if the time should come when you feel that you have suffered enough, just say the word, think the thought, and you will be healed.”Thus at that moment the brave little soul was born into the world, and through her suffering and God’s strength, she unlocked the goodness and love in people’s hearts. For so many people dropped their differences and came together to show their love. Priorities became properly aligned. People gave from their hearts. Those that were always too busy found time. Many began new spiritual journeys - some regained lost faith - many came back to God. Parents hugged their children tighter. Friends and family grew closer. Old friends got together and new friendships were made. Distant family reunited, and every family spent more time together. Everyone prayed. Peace and love reigned. Lives changed forever. It was good. The world was a better place. The miracle had happened. God was pleased....

Thank you Lord for our brave little soul..................

Gracie

This morning little Gracie went to be with the Lord. She fought for 7 months but is now whole and pain free in the arms of our Lord. Many of you who have read our blog have been praying for this little girl and her family. We had her website listed for this reason. Below is the journal entry from Gracie's grandfather. Please continue to pray for this family in the times to come especially Todd, Amanda, and big brother Haddon.


THE LORD JESUS CALLED OUR AMAZING GRACIE HOMETHIS MORNING AT 8:08 Am. After a 7 month fight to remain with mom and dad, brother and family, Our Lord said,"Gracie you come home to me now"
Gracie battled mightly througout the night. At 3:30 A.M the family gathered and began a wonderful time of each one holding Gracie ad sharing her sweet kisses and loving her with all that we have.
Grandpa Brown decided to go last as he got to spend three precious hours holding Gracie on Monday before the surgery. Everyone had a glorious time. GrandPa Bill Lockyer had her snuggled sweetly in his arms shortly after 8:00.
Gracie had been unresponsive for the two hours previous and the Doctors and nurses had told us that she may have already passed and was being kept alive by the medicines and machines.
However the wonderful Savior knew different and Gracie opened her eyes wide, turned her head, gave two deep breaths and left with the Lord to heaven. Heaven was in the room.
Thank you all so much! We love you. Arrangements will be posted soon.
Grandpa Brown for Todd and Amanda
From Todd and Amanda:
The last few hours have been a whirlwind!! But, please do not be shocked and saddened--we are rejoicing. Gracie has been given the victory! We were fighting to keep her here and she fought with us each minute of each day without looking back....back when the Lord Jesus called her name, she obeyed and everlasting peace and comfort began for her--to never end!!