Mystery Baby

By Kay Heitsch

This month was the 15th birthday of our oldest grandson, Noah. He has come a long way since his birth.

To say Noah had serious problems would only be touching the tip of the iceberg. He had many labels on him, but no one knew what was wrong. He had a feeding tube put in right away and surgeries along the way.

Right away, we weren't sure if he would ever be able to walk or live a normal life. We were heartbroken but inspired to watch our daughter and son-in-law work hard to help Noah be the best he could be.

Through the Miracle League and other organizations, Noah has been involved in swimming, baseball, basketball, soccer, dance, and hockey! It's been wonderful to watch how Noah has enjoyed being involved.

A few months ago, Noah was finally diagnosed. Noah has Pierpont Syndrome. There are only 50 documented cases in the WORLD.

Our Mystery Baby is no longer a mystery. We are blessed to have Noah in our lives! He has come a long way, and God has helped us all along the way! Thank You, Lord! We couldn't have made it without You!

What Will I Say?

By Kay Heitsch

Every year on Super Bowl Sunday, I can't help but think of going to a church and giving my testimony for the first time. I was terrified!

Talking about Todd dying in a car accident was something I had never done in public. What will I say? How will I react? All day long, before my testimony, I paced the floor.

I hadn't written anything down because I thought I would be able to get out of going. Now, what will I say? Will I be able to hold myself together? In the back of my mind, I thought no one would show up.

By the time I was supposed to leave, I had gotten myself worked up to the point that my nose began to bleed! I ran into the bathroom and put my head in the sink, watching the blood drip out.

Suddenly, the words, "I have not given you the spirit of fear. But power, love, and a sound mind." Wow! Somehow, I knew this was God talking to me.

My next thought was that if the devil is working overtime, something good is bound to happen. I cleaned myself up and left for the church.

This was the beginning of some incredible experiences I had. I found each time I gave my testimony, God was beginning to heal my broken heart.

Under His Wings

By Kay Heitsch

Don't worry! God will take care of you! ~ God Will Provide Quotes

Looking back on my life, I can see how God provided what I needed.

I was not a Christian before Todd died, so I thought it was odd for my aunt to send me a cassette tape of Christian music. I decided to listen to it while Todd was practicing his driving to get his permit.

When Todd died, we needed some music to play at his funeral. I took this cassette tape and had two songs played. One was, Because He Lives, I Can Face Tomorrow. And the other one was Under His Wings. Neither one at the time had any meaning to me.

Now, I look back and see how God provided this music for Todd's funeral. He also helped me through this difficult time by keeping me safe under His wings. I had a calm and numbness that I believed was God's protection to support me. It took some time, but I learned I can face tomorrow because He lives.

Don't worry! God will take care of you! Just like He has me!

Christmas Angels

By Kay Heitsch

One of my favorite Christmas memories was living in Dover, Ohio. My friend Ruth Ann, who has gone Home now, and I were in charge of getting "Angels" for the Christmas Eve service.

Several weeks before, we were busy calling teenage girls asking if they would like to be an "Angel" for the Christmas Eve Candlelight Service. Each girl we called was excited to be a part of the service.

The church was beautifully decorated by the altar committee. Jo Schilling, who has also gone Home now, was in charge. Everything looked wonderful.

The night of the service, the girls gathered in a room, putting on white gowns with a halo of gold tinsel on their heads. Each girl was given a long white unlit candle to carry. After they were all dressed and ready, they gathered in the narthex, waiting to walk in.

The night of the service was so touching. Music played softly, and the lights were turned down as each "Angel" walked down the long aisle with their unlit candle. As they came to the front of the church, our pastor, Rev Jim, stood with the "Christ's Candle," and the girls lit their candles off of it.

After lighting their candle, they went to the end of each row and lit the candle of the first person in the row. Then, as that person had their candle lit, they would light the candle of the person next to them.

After a few minutes, every candle in the church was glowing. Then, our organist, Linda, began playing "Silent Night," and everyone sang as we raised our candles in the air. Tears filled my eyes, and I'm sure others experienced the same loving feeling.

I had never been to a candlelight service, so this experience was new. I loved the symbolism this ceremony told. As we go to Christ, we receive His light/love. After we do, we light/touch the people around us, and His light/love continues.

I'll always remember this special Christmas memory. It has stayed with me all these years. I pray we will let His light shine for all the world.

Cabbage Patch Dolls

By Kay Heitsch (Funny Story)

Do you remember "Cabbage Patch" dolls? Years ago, those dolls were a big rage. Everyone wanted one, and the stores could not keep them in stock.

To get a doll, people were given a "rain check" they could use when a new supply came in. Even though Bill, my husband, was the General Store Manager of K-Mart, I did not get any special treatment.

I stood with my rain check, waiting to get a Cabbage Patch doll with everyone else. Listening to people whine and complain while waiting for their dolls was interesting.

Finally, I couldn't stand it anymore, so I added to the conversation. With a straight face, shaking my head in disbelief, I spoke up, "You'll never believe this, but I actually slept with the manager of this store, and I'm still standing in line!" You could have heard a pin drop!

When Tragedy Strikes

By Kay Heitsch

This past week, I have been overwhelmed to see on FB the way God has worked through the tragedy of the Tusky Valley bus accident. It didn't take long before businesses and people rose to the occasion to allow God to bring good out of this horrific situation.

We have lived in several states and many cities over the years. I can honestly say that living in this area opened my eyes to the goodness of God through people.

When Todd died in the car accident, we were pretty new to the area. I was shocked and overwhelmed by the love and support that total strangers gave me. I witnessed this again with this bus accident. People rose once again to the occasion to bring love and support.

Our Bible verse says. And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them. Romans 8:28 NLT

All things are not good! But God can cause everything to work together for good. I know this is true! I have personally witnessed it in my life. And now I'm seeing it again.

Even when tragedy strikes, God works through people to bring good out of it.

Thank you all for continuing to show God's love to me.

Terrible Tragedy

By Kay Heitsch

Last week there was a terrible tragedy in Ohio. A chartered bus, semi, and two cars were in a deadly accident. The charted bus carried band students and chaperones from Tusky Valley High School. Several have been killed and many injured.

Tusky Valley is located near where we lived in Ohio when Todd died in a car accident. So this hit home with me.

ABC News covered the story last night. It was heart-wrenching watching the report. As I watched the semi in flames, there was an explosion. I-70 was closed down on both sides for hours.

We never know what a day will bring. I'm sure everyone on this bus trip was as excited as Todd was to start the day. Little did anyone know what was ahead.

As a parent who has lived through the sudden death of a child, I send my prayers to all those who are suffering this horrific loss. Please know God will see you through and surround you with His love and comfort.