Nicholas James (1:17): Heart Walk

Saturday, October 18, 2008

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?

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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