Happy Marie!

How excited I am to finally show you Miss Marie Angela! She woke up yesterday morning and told her mom that she was ready to see her friends again. Ashley gathered all their friends to see who wanted to visit Marie. And of course, the faithful Ohana couldn't resist but come today. They showered her with their love and smiles!

I wasn't able to go to the hospital, because I had several family photo shoots to take today. But seeing how happy Marie was in these pictures sent by Ashley, made all the difference in the world to me to keep doing all that we can do to help her. Each photo shoot consist of families who have been touched by Marie's life and have given generously from their hearts. When Ashley sent me this picture, I immediately cried tears of joy and thanked God for his great love!

Every prayer, every sacrifice, every kind act of service, and even every penny...is so worth the effort when you see someone like Marie, getting better each day, being surrounded by her loving friends and family, and praising God for each day that she is allowed to enjoy.

Psalm 16:8-10

 I keep my eyes always on the LORD. 

   With him at my right hand, I will not be shaken.

 Therefore my heart is glad and my tongue rejoices; 

   my body also will rest secure, 

because you will not abandon me to the realm of the dead, 

   nor will you let your faithful one see decay.

There's Always Something To Smile About...

Hello Kitty accompanies Marie at her bedside. It does create a smile on your face when you visit her. Despite of how much she has been through, every little step of progress is something to smile about!

Although Marie may still have a tube in her nose in order for her to get her nutrients and liquids, she has been practicing how to swallow once again. Little sips here and there are huge steps toward being able to eat regularly again. She really desires to have those irritating tubes in her nose removed, but there are some things that she has to accept for now. They are helping her get better and stronger. As hard as it may be for her to smile, we know she will be able to smile at the days to come when she will be allowed to eat to her heart's desires!

Marie is able to sit up in her wheelchair! She is also able to stand up with some help. Her daily physical therapy is very consistent and helpful in getting her back to the old Marie. But we all know that this "New Marie" is going to be a walking miracle of God's mercy and grace. She will no longer need a wheelchair to get around for we know that God will strengthened her legs. Next week, she will try to use the walker and practice little steps! That's something to smile about!

You are getting better, Marie!!!
Be patient and rejoice you are alive!

And SMILE... for we are all cheering and praying for you!!!

A beautiful sunset view graces her hospital window every dusk. Marie and her family are blessed that they can gaze outside this window and know that God holds their tomorrows. Who can resist such a lovely sight and not smile?