Walk On

"Emily's Entourage" in the blue shirts participating in the JDRF Walk for a Cure in Charolotte, April 19. My mother, Carolyn is in the left foreground, Matt is in the wagon (naturally) being pulled my Emily's sister, Meagen. Emma is to the right of the wagon, and my brother, Brian is in front of Emma with the blue backpack. Emily can be seen just over Brian's right shoulder, with the blond pony tail.

Emily's team had 39 walkers and raised more than $10,000!

Emma with her cousin, Emily.

On Friday, the kids, my mother and I drove to Charlotte for the Juvenile Diabetes Walk for a Cure held on Saturday. Many of you know that my beautiful, 12-year-old niece, Emily, was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes just after Christmas 2006. Since then, she and her family have been through the inevitable ups and downs of such news. The fear of the unknown, the worry, the "why me" questions, and the incredible lifestyle changes associated with diet and insulin injections. But through all of the sadness, they have leaned heavily on Christ for their sufficiency. Their church family, their extended family, their friends, and even complete strangers have come along side to offer encouragement and support. Emily has been incredibly strong, taking so much in stride despite the four or five daily injections, the detailed carb counting, the doctor visits, the constant finger pricking, and the feelings of being "different" now from her friends. God has been very sweet to her, placing others in her path who are going through the same thing, providing caring adults in her school who are knowledgeable about diabetes to help in her care, giving her opportunities to attend camps for kids with diabetes so she can see that she is far from alone, and providing friends just like her to talk with.

Now that a year has passed since her diagnosis, home life for Emily and her family is different, the same, and even better. What I mean is that, yes, things are different. There have been huge changes which are noticeable daily. Emily's condition is factored into everything they do, everywhere they go, everything they eat, and everything they plan. But much is the same. They continue to do the things they love. Both Emily and her sister, Meagen, still enjoy dance classes, YMCA scouting, band, swim team and all the things they loved before. Emily is learning how to live with diabetes, not let it define her. And in some ways, their lives are better. They have weathered a severe storm and have seen God's goodness throughout. They have experienced God's provision and sufficiency like never before, and have seen the body of Christ spring into action all around them. They hold tighter to one another and tighter to Christ, living with gratitude for every day.

Emily and her family -- my brother, Brian, my Sister-in-law Elizabeth, and Emily's big sister, Meagen, are an inspiration. This trial has not stolen their joy. They walk on. And so should we when faced with the inevitable suffering of this life. Thank you to everyone who supported my trip to Charlotte with your prayers and donations. And thanks be to God who walks with us and gives us hope.