June 11, 2011 5:27pm

We are back from the 5:00 visit. We have learned that unfortunately, the ventilator will not be removed today. They will try again tomorrow. Every other obstacle has been conquered. Other than that, there have been no significant changes in Pat's condition. We are still encouraged by what an amazingly strong woman she is.

This whole journey, as a family, has been incredible to be a part of. It is interesting how everyone automatically slips into their role when a crisis hits. I wonder how other families cope with crises, especially those who may not have the knowledge that none of this is a surprise to God? He knew this would happen. Why, He allowed it, I don't know, but He says He loves us and He does what is best for us. He may seem like a cruel God to allow something like this to happen to our mother. I suppose we could chose to believe that way, but instead, we are a family of faith. We believe that God has a plan and a purpose for everything that happens; good or bad. It is our role as His kids to look for the lesson. There is a lesson for each of us to take away from this that will influence someone else's life. Through each episode that life doles out to us, there is an opportunity to better understand God and ourselves.

I know that this may seem so foreign to some, but it is a way of life for our family. Do we practice this all of the time? Without hesitation, I would answer no, but when we do, there is a peace that comes from relying on a God that I know loves you and me. That peace is even stronger when I realize how the Creator of the universe knew you and me before we were born. He designed our bodies to survive on the planet that he created to live among other people in community. He has allowed us to know Him if we want to and He gave us a plan that will allow us to spend all eternity with Him if we chose to. He is so big and we are so small yet he knows how much or how little hair, in my case, that we have on our heads. He wants us to call Him Father. That's overwhelming, amazing grace.

Again, I know this seems like such a foreign concept to some, but it is what we as a family believe and know to be true.

Keep the words of encouragement for Pat coming. She loves to hear them.