It happened.
The moment Ross and I have been dreading since we received Cliff’s diagnosis.
His tiny heart was shattered.
His sweet spirit was crushed.
The reality of his situation knocked him down.

No parent ever wants to see their four year old in pain.
No one wants to see their child hurting.
And the worse part:
There is nothing we can do about it.

There are no band-aids for this boo-boo.
No ointment to make it all better.
The only thing Ross and I can do is pray that
God will guide us to help Cliff understand.

We were walking into Church a few weeks ago.
Cliff was waving and saying “Hey!” to everyone who walked passed us.
He worked so hard to walk all the way from the car to his Sunday School classroom.
As soon as he looked into the classroom it happened.

Tears took over that captivating smile.
We passed him off the his wonderful Sunday School teacher.
And went to “Big Church.”
I knew something wasn’t right.

We left Church a few minutes early and went to pick Cliff up.
He was playing with playdough.
That smile we all know and love was back!
He must have had an “off day,” right?!

While on the way to lunch we asked Cliff
“Why were you crying at Sunday School today buddy?!”
He replied
“Because the other kids were running around.”

I couldn’t breathe.
Someone just sucked all of the air out of the car.
I could hear my heart breaking into a million pieces.
This was the moment we dreaded for the past 2 1/2 years.
This moment, right now.

I gathered my thoughts, said a quick prayer and before I knew it…
“Well guess what you are going to do next Sunday Mr. Cliff Potts?!
YOU are going to get in that walker and run around with your friends!”
Came out of my mouth.
So smoothly. So matter of fact.

I looked over at Ross.
He looked back at me through his tears, shocked.
Then he chimed in
“Yea Buddy! You WILL run around with your friends next week!”

God took over.
He knew we needed Him.
He was right there helping us give
Cliff the tools he needs to be included.

When Ross and I felt so alone.
So lost.
Unable to find the words to help Cliff,
He was there.

And the next Sunday – He ran around with his friends
and flashed that contagious smile.

Please keep Cliff in your prayers.
Please ask the Lord to continue to guide me and Ross to
have the tools to help Cliff as he grows and faces new challenges.

I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you and watch over you.
Psalm 32:8

Happy Sunday!
I am thrilled to be back!