rejoicing — friday favorite things

by Rachel Marie Martin
I have a great deal to be thankful for this week.
God has been faithful.
He’s been healing my Samuel.
Day by day
bite by bite
Samuel’s little body has regrown.
And I am grateful.
friday favorite things | finding joy

{please excuse the picture quality — most were taken with my cell phone}

{I just had to share this picture again}

Toys in the Children’s Hospital Surgery Center Waiting Room

{that are very clean}

the kind volunteer {in the background} that sits at the desk
always smiling and encouraging
I remember her
even though she probably doesn’t remember me

{this was his favorite book}

45 minutes to just play with Samuel

watching him laugh — unaware — and yet feeling so safe

watching Samuel catch a reflection of himself
and then look behind the mirror to try to find that cute boy

my mother
who left work early to sit with me
and encourage me
{she inspires me}
growth charts that change dramatically

{see that last number plotted? And they don’t even show his bottom low}
many lab draws done while Samuel is asleep

a kind and encouraging staff

monitors checking his vitals

{grainy cell phone picture}

soft armbands that don’t hurt the skin

tiny armbands to put into the memory box

reminding me to be thankful

nurses that listen
friends that call
{and understand}
Samuel’s favorite Snapple tea
that I brought along for him, of course

the sweet moments of singing with Samuel
just the words
Jesus – Jesus – Jesus
and resting in the power of those words
rocking chairs to wait in

{me waiting — nervous}

and 
books to read
but most importantly in hope
and joy
in the midst of trials
and that this beautiful face
is home.

****
I’d love to have you join.
Link up your {friday} favorite post
{it can be a list like me, a picture, a favorite post, etc…}
grab the button above
and try to comment on those around you.
Blessings on your Friday
and
thank you {again} for your
love, prayers, and support.

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25 comments

Jeanette May 27, 2011 - 10:57 am

God is good! Your writing this morning hits my heart – those fleeting moments of play, books and smiles that in a busy day, we can take for granted. Thank you for sharing; God Bless,

Jeanette
http://jeanette-myownfourcorners.blogspot.com/

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Sarah May 27, 2011 - 11:03 am

So glad Samuel is doing better these days. In fact, he’s higher than Celia’s ever been on the chart now 🙂 He’s such an adorable little guy.

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Bonnie May 27, 2011 - 11:46 am

Samuel is one tough cookie….love to see and hear how he’s doing better!

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Chels May 27, 2011 - 11:56 am

Beautiful post.. Thank you for keeping us all posted! You guys are on my heart!

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Lea also known as "CiCi" May 27, 2011 - 12:16 pm

As I’ve said about your entries before, “a picture is worth a thousand words.” These pictures say it all. So thrilled that little Samuel is doing better and hope he will continue to thrive. A joy filled weekend to you!

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Tara May 27, 2011 - 12:57 pm

What a precious list of blessings. And the growth progress – so wonderful!

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carissa May 27, 2011 - 1:01 pm

those growth charts speak the loudest! wow! praise Jesus for restoration. he looks absolutely adorably huggable in every single picture. and even though you may have been nervous, you look as beautiful as ever!!!

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Gwen Toliver May 27, 2011 - 1:12 pm

Praying for you all – so thankful to see how God is giving you strength and helping to focus on the blessings!

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ali May 27, 2011 - 1:37 pm

It’s so wonderful to see your sweet baby doing so much better! Thanking the Lord with you!!

Praying for your mom heart (((hugs)))

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Krista May 27, 2011 - 1:46 pm

Oh Rachel, my heart goes out to you! I’m so glad to hear Samuel was able to be a brave little man, no doubt you had a lot to do with it even if you didn’t feel very brave :)Celebrations are definitely in order for the weight gain! May God continue to rain good things upon Samuel!

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the fox family channel May 27, 2011 - 1:47 pm

just found your blog…new follower 🙂 samuel’s on my prayer list now, along with your precious family. you’re a strong woman 🙂

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Seams Inspired May 27, 2011 - 2:17 pm

So happy to hear that Samuel’s on the mend. Wrapping you and your sweet family in prayer and (((HUGS))). Thanks for sharing. Happy Friday! :o)

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Bethe77 May 27, 2011 - 2:22 pm

Rachel what a precious little man Sammual is. God is good and faithful. Glad to read he is getting better. How wonderful to have him home where he belongs.
Diffently a favorite thing having the little man home.
Thank you for stopping by.
I love your photos as well. and especailly the rocking and singing Jesus Jesus Jesus.
Blessings

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Jami May 27, 2011 - 3:44 pm

I’m rejoicing with you! The pic of the little wrist band got me. Praise the Lord for Samuel. Thank you for sharing.

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BARBIE May 27, 2011 - 5:11 pm

Rejoicing with you in the goodness of the Lord today towards Samuel. This makes my heart very happy!

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mama marchand May 27, 2011 - 5:41 pm

Oh, he’s so precious. So glad he’s doing better!

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{Trulie Scrumptious} May 27, 2011 - 6:36 pm

we just came across your blog and just fell in love with it. you will definitely be in our prayers and we will be following your amazing blog.

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Bonita Rose May 27, 2011 - 7:26 pm

joy is all around. xo hugs

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Shanda May 27, 2011 - 8:20 pm

I am praying for your mother’s heart along with praying for healing for Samuel. There is nothing worse than a sick child.

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Dawn May 27, 2011 - 10:10 pm

Amen and amen.
!!!!

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Tracey May 27, 2011 - 11:58 pm

Just catching up on your story and found this post so touching. May God’s peace fill your heart and may Samuel be strengthened and healed.

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Anne U May 28, 2011 - 12:24 am

Such a sweet and brave little boy, and brave mama.

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Kara May 28, 2011 - 3:45 pm

This brought back a flood of memories…those little gifts of joy in the midst of a scary time.

I’m so thankful your little guy is better and I’m going to wander a bit to read his/your story…
Thankful that God is bringing healing and restoration…

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Lynnette Kraft May 29, 2011 - 4:04 am

Did I know that Samuel’s name was Samuel Josiah? I may have known, but if so, I forgot. Wow! My two babies who are in heaven put together! 🙂 Ah. Precious moment for me. 🙂
Love you.
Lynnette

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Casey Martinez May 29, 2011 - 1:41 pm

This was a beautiful post. Made my heart ache to see you and your little guy in the hospital waiting for things that are not fun to endure. So glad this experience is over for you both. What an angel boy you have!

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