Joy is almost 30 years old

When she was about 13, the doctors told us that Joy would only live to her late teens or early twenties.  But God has given her years way beyond their expectations.  So, it’s time to celebrate! 

Joy’s 30th birthday is October 16th, and we are hosting an open-house for her on October 18th. Come if you can.

We want to celebrate while she is still with us.  Joy’s lung function has declined dramatically over the past few months.  The doctor put her on oxygen in August.  Yet even with that, we still see signs of weakening.  For example, she used to be able to sit in her travel chair for 1 1/2 hours, but she can only tolerate about 15 minutes now because that position compresses her lungs. 

We recognize that Joy may not be with us for another birthday, so we want to give her a “bang-up” party now. A friend asked what a “bang-up” party looks like for Joy.  It means balloons …. friends …. singing …. simple.

• Pray that this party will be fun for Joy.
• Pray for wisdom and strength as we prepare for it.
• Pray for Dave and I to have contentment in God’s plan for Joy. As she declines, we have adjustments nearly every week, and that has been difficult.  It seems that just when we think we are on track for handling one thing, there is another setback.
• Praise God for hope.  I’ve done a lot of reading lately about whether infants and disabled who die go to Heaven, considering the fact that all have inherited Adam’s sin nature.  While Scripture does not give definitive answers, it does give God’s character.  He has great mercy, and in the person of Christ, He showed great love for children.  So we have great hope in Him, and believe Joy’s future is as bright as Heaven.