One year

One year ago on Tuesday, my sweet sister Leah, her husband Chris and their son Jay welcomed a miracle into their family. Precious little Les was born. Leah and Chris had found out only 5 days earlier that their baby boy would be born with a cleft lip and palate. What they didn't know though, was that Les was truly a miracle, as his umbilical cord had a complete knot in it and he shouldn't even be alive. When he was born and the dr. told them this amazing fact, Leah and Chris knew even more that the Lord had a special plan for Les' life. He does for all of us, but Les was a perfect picture of God's amazing grace and mercy. Les has had 3 surgeries and faced some tough times, but through it all he has been such a happy, contented baby. Leah and Chris' faith and belief that God hasn't changed one bit from one year 5 days ago until now has been an inspiration and witness to all who have met baby Les and the whole Lane family. I have been amazed and so incredibly proud of the way Leah and Chris have dealt with the issues that have surrounded their journey with Les.

This past Saturday family and special friends gathered to celebrate Les' first birthday. Although all first birthdays are exciting and special times, this party was especially so. We got to meet a special friend of Leah's, Angela and 6 of her children. Angela's 7th child was born with a cleft lip/palate and Leah met her through an internet search of cleft palate feeding issues before she moved to Jefferson. Guess where Angela lives? Yeah, Jefferson. It has been such a God thing. She and her children are amazing Christians who have been such a blessing to the Lane family. Her daughter Katie babysits for Les, because she knows how to feed/handle palate babies from helping with her brother. Amazing. Leah and Chris thanked everyone there, but gave special thanks and witness to God, who is unchanging and faithful in all things, and has been especially real to them through all of this with Les. The feeling in the room from all those who have loved and supported the Lanes through this year was so sweet. Les loved his cake and even took a couple of steps for us while we were there. It wasn't just a birthday party, it was a celebration of God's faithfulness and hope for a wonderful future for Les. Happy Birthday, sweet boy!