For those of you who love and pray for our family, take the time to read about our struggles I guess it is time to post an update.
The last couple of weeks has been very heartbreaking, and especially the last week. Chris is now in a state of constant anxiety and often pain. It is apparent that he is in a place where he can not really share with us what is wrong which has made helping him that much more difficult. We have been trying various ways to relieve his distress, but really to no avail. Without the help of Chris's friends, Phillip and Brooke, I personally would have been lost. They have spent many nights and days watching diligently over Chris and lovingly trying to help him.
As I watch Chris and contemplate how this is where things are, I have to trust God at His word. That He will turn all this to His good, that somehow there will be lasting fruit from Chris's journey and our journey as a family. It is the only way to really begin to make sense of anything. Although it is hard to face, Chris's journey on this earth may be ending and his journey in eternity to begin. One thing that gives some peace is that I know John is there, and will rejoice in having his son with him once again. That this pain and anxiety will be forever gone and his wonderful smile and contagious presence will be full of life once again.
On another note, Dan is soon on his way home from two weeks in Australia. I am very glad he was able to make this trip, to spend time with friends from Doha days. As we recover from the loss of John and walk through the uncertainty of Chris journey - it is important to be able to feel free to do things that bring us joy in the midst of very trying times.
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13 comments:
Dear Dawn, Chris, and family -
You all are in my prayers, in my pleas, and in my cries. I don't understand this journey that you all are on, but find I can only hold to the promise that God will work through it for good. It's so hard to know how or why. Know that you are in my prayers.
Comforter, be so very present.
Daniel
Here's an Irish prayer for difficult times I thought I would send your way as I'm here in Ireland.
May you see God's light on the path ahead
When the road you walk is dark.
May you always hear,
Even in your hour of sorrow,
The gentle singing of the lark.
When times are hard may hardness
Never turn your heart to stone,
May you always remember
when the shadows fall—
You do not walk alone.
Dawn, I am amazed at how God works in and through you. You are such an inspiration to so many people. Your faith in God and His Word in the midst of the most difficult trial of life's journey for a parent and a wife brings us all to point of complete surrender and trust in God. Chris's life has already produced the sweet fruit that comes from God. So many lives have been touched that you cannot see or even know about. I absolutely know that God will not waste even one second of the suffering your family has gone through. All will be redeemed!!! I continue to pray for the peace of God to transcend you heart and mind. I also pray fervently that Chris will not have anxiety or pain and that the Great Physician will heal him. You are an amazing woman of God and I am blessed to know.
Prayers and hugs,
Lori
Dear Dawn...
What can I say except I am SO SAD and SO SORRY....You are an amazing woman of Faith and John and Chris both have given many, many people the gift of knowing and loving God! What a blessing that is!
Stay strong and know that I care about, and love you, Chris and Mihi!!
Sue
Even after having been across the country and having very limited contact, though I would have preferred more over the years, it is still very heartbreaking to hear of Chris struggling so much still. Chris, along with your family in general, were always so loving to me and really impacted me in more ways than you will ever know or understand. You all have a special place in my heart, again, even though contact has been extraordinarily limited. No matter what happens, you all are in my thoughts and prayers and I hope every day for the best of outcomes to occur for you all. I hope that you and your family can find peace of mind and comfort through God and your friends and family. So many people care about you all. I'm so deeply and truly sorry to hear how difficult Chris' struggle has been. You have been so strong Dawn, and are an inspiration and for people everywhere. Love you all. Praying for you all.
Kelsey Thayer
Dearest Daughter
When we think of you, you still are our little girl. Having to watch you go through this journey with John and Chris has broken our hearts. Only our Saviour has the answers, and we ask why?ourprayers are with you and Chris,Dan and Mihaela Love,your Mom and Dad
The Journey Continues ~
Dear Dawn & my "Champions"!!!!!
I cannot sleep ~ My heart, spirit, and mind are presently asking For GOD to sustain you, hold you and give you peace while you journey through every moment of every day ~ I continue to pray for Chris!!! He is so very special to our family and I try not to question God on the why.
I sit here trying to type but tears keep me filling my eyes and dropping onto my hands.
There are so many people who love your family and Chris so very much!
I read your facebook message as well as your blogspot.
My heart is with you!!!!
With "Heaven Bound" blessings,
Kim, Dave,Mike,David <3<3<3<3
please give Chris a kiss on his forehead from me and tell him I love him!! Waiting for him to walk on the beach!
Dear Dawn,
While I have only met you once, at David M. graduation party last year, your family remains in my prayers.
I can only imagine how difficult these times have been for you.
May the Lord give you peace~
Cindy Huge
May God shower u with more wisdom as you walk Chris through his journey as u did with John. You're an amazing wife and mother and I always, always admired u for that.
God bless you and your family. Love u guys.
Love in Him,
Adzel
Hello Dawn,
While we have never met, I can tell you that your family inspires everyone around you. My father is Alan Coffelt, and he talks fondly of the bravery, faith, and love that he experienced with you all. It makes me hope that my family can be as strong and faithful as yours one day. As I read the words, "We are the Champions" at the top of your family blog, it made me smile. Never have I heard of a family with such an incredibly fitting name. The Champions have touched hearts across the nation it seems! And probably even further. Please know that you are all in the thoughts and prayers of many, and that number continues to grow every day.
With Love,
Amanda Coffelt
Dear Sister,
I am beyond words in what you and your family are going through. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Love,
Stephanie
Dear Dawn and Champion family, My name is Jill Killen (Nisha's sister). She recently shared with us your family blog and I am glad she did! Although we think of Nish and Dan often, especially starting their new journey together, your family has and will continue to be in our prayers. We (Nisha's step sisters) lost our mother to cancer 15 years ago. With lots of love, faith and courage it makes things easier. It looks like you are accompanied with all three.
Hello. My name is Jaimie, I am one of Nisha Chawla's step-sisters. Your story has inspired our family. Dan is a wonderful young man full of wisdom beyond his years. You can tell he has great faith, and loves his family deeply.
As a mother of 3 young "active" boys, my husband and I always come up with excuses to skip church. After reading your entries and seeing how faith has helped you cope we plan to make church an important part of our lives. Thank you for shedding the light and sharing your story.
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