Here at Last
This is Steve's sister DeDe from Arizona. My daughter Carie and grandson Wesley Michael and I are so thankful to finally be here at last. When you are waiting in line to come and help behind that wonderful Anderson family you just have to learn to be patient! We are thankful to our God for all of them with their love and care, as well as for all of you, whose constant words of encouragement on the blog have meant so much to the Hickok family. With so much of the tragedy behind them, they are finally letting down and feeling the exhaustion from those recent days of stress and anxiety. Getting back into the routine of every day life with the addition of all the rehab, doctors appointments and school makeup work, etc is a little bit difficult when they are so weary, but they are truly praising God for all of His abundant blessings.
When we arrived here on Monday evening and walked through the door, we could hardly believe that our little Shea was walking down the hall to greet us. To be able to touch and hold this little miracle is one memory that we will always cherish. She was truly a beautiful blessing to behold!! Although somewhat different in her appearance, she shines through as the precious little niece I have always loved. We have spent quite a bit of time now, especially as it has been my privilege to drive her to therapy in the mornings, reflecting on what God has done in our family. Shea amazes me for I have never once heard her complain about why God would allow such a thing to happen in her life. Her concern is for the sorrow and worry she brought to those she loves and why God would choose her to show His glory. What a special blessing she has been to my own life to be able to share what this has done for me personally in my Christian walk as well as others whose lives have been changed forever because she was his vessel, created, broken and brought back to a place of healing and service for Him to be glorified in. What an honor it is to be a part of her life. She is challenging me every day to be thankful to God for all things.
Please continue to write and pray for this family. There are dark times ahead, as there is a long, uphill battle for this little thing with all the challenges and surgeries that she will need. Rehab is a daily trial that is terribly difficult for her to get up and face every morning. Discouragement as healing slows down is also a very real opponent that can weigh heavily on her spirits. Yet, praise God she is walking hand and hand with Him, looking for the reason He has for her to serve Him. Pray for Steve as he re-enters his busy life with minimal energy. Pray for Susan as she is struggling with the sciatic nerve in her back and has been down for a few days, unable to meet the challenges of coping with children that really need her now. Pray for Luke as he struggles in the quiet moments of his life with thoughts that haunt him and the "whys" of his life. That he would truly know the comfort that only his God can give. Pray for Jesse as he catches up on his schooling and the curses of multiplication that he is presently struggling with. In reading Isaiah 63 last night before I went to bed it said:
I will tell of the kindnesses of the Lord, the deeds for which he is to be praised, according to all the Lord has done for us--yes many good things he has done... In all their distress he too was distressed... In his love and mercy he redeemed them; he lifted them up and carried them.
He has truly been faithful to his word. What a blessing it is to be a child of God.
DeDe Forbes
When we arrived here on Monday evening and walked through the door, we could hardly believe that our little Shea was walking down the hall to greet us. To be able to touch and hold this little miracle is one memory that we will always cherish. She was truly a beautiful blessing to behold!! Although somewhat different in her appearance, she shines through as the precious little niece I have always loved. We have spent quite a bit of time now, especially as it has been my privilege to drive her to therapy in the mornings, reflecting on what God has done in our family. Shea amazes me for I have never once heard her complain about why God would allow such a thing to happen in her life. Her concern is for the sorrow and worry she brought to those she loves and why God would choose her to show His glory. What a special blessing she has been to my own life to be able to share what this has done for me personally in my Christian walk as well as others whose lives have been changed forever because she was his vessel, created, broken and brought back to a place of healing and service for Him to be glorified in. What an honor it is to be a part of her life. She is challenging me every day to be thankful to God for all things.
Please continue to write and pray for this family. There are dark times ahead, as there is a long, uphill battle for this little thing with all the challenges and surgeries that she will need. Rehab is a daily trial that is terribly difficult for her to get up and face every morning. Discouragement as healing slows down is also a very real opponent that can weigh heavily on her spirits. Yet, praise God she is walking hand and hand with Him, looking for the reason He has for her to serve Him. Pray for Steve as he re-enters his busy life with minimal energy. Pray for Susan as she is struggling with the sciatic nerve in her back and has been down for a few days, unable to meet the challenges of coping with children that really need her now. Pray for Luke as he struggles in the quiet moments of his life with thoughts that haunt him and the "whys" of his life. That he would truly know the comfort that only his God can give. Pray for Jesse as he catches up on his schooling and the curses of multiplication that he is presently struggling with. In reading Isaiah 63 last night before I went to bed it said:
I will tell of the kindnesses of the Lord, the deeds for which he is to be praised, according to all the Lord has done for us--yes many good things he has done... In all their distress he too was distressed... In his love and mercy he redeemed them; he lifted them up and carried them.
He has truly been faithful to his word. What a blessing it is to be a child of God.
DeDe Forbes
posted by admin | 2:48 PM
32 Comments:
DeDe, Carie, and Hickoks...
You continue to be on our hearts all the time, and I can echo what DeDe said in that my own life has been changed and refined in witnessing the myriad ways in which God's grace has been demonstrated through all of you these past months. Specifically, It's been laid on my heart that I have no time to allow apathy to sap the joy from my walk with God. You are all being used, without your knowing it all the time, as instruments in God's loving purification process, and for that I will always be grateful. We will continue to hold your needs up, and pray, each in turn, for peace and healing on a soul level. You are loved and so appreciated...
Love,
Hayes
Hi, DeDe ... glad you can be with the Hickoks!
Remind Steve that:
"For thus saith the Lord GOD, the Holy One of Israel; In returning and rest shall ye be saved; in quietness and in confidence shall be your strength ..." Isa. 30:15
God seems to have placed a forced rest on Susan. I hope she is able to sleep and regain her strength. Now Steve needs some rest and restitution. Even God Himself took a day of rest. I'll be praying that Steve can find a way to get the rest he needs.
Susan's family was there during the most emotionally stressful time. YOU get to be there for this labor-intensive phase. Bless you for your sacrifice for this amazing family.
Prayers for all of you will continue. Thank you for specifics about the needs of the guys in the family. All three are top of my list today.
Blessings on you all!
Carolyn
Portland, OR
Hey Shea Star-
You now have me addicted to Chai Tea. I have it everynight before I get ready for bed. I bet it is good to have your aunt there for this week. Don't let DeDe fall in love with Callie - Remember, she is MY DOG if she ever leaves the Hickok family.
Take care of your mom with her sore back. If Jessie needs help with his math, I can show him some awesome websites to help him practice his math.
Shea -it may be time for a pedicure. I have the water bath thing. We should do it this weekend.
Love you girl. Give the fam a hug.
Anna
Shea, how amazing you are!! Going through SO much and not complaining!!! How many of us can say that during the TRIVIAL things we go through!!! How you keep on speaking to so many of us,causing us to reflect on our walk with God!!!
God is looking for a few good men and women and the laborers are few. You and your faithful family are helping to drop that broken baton, and pass on the baton of faith!!! Thank you for helping us to pick up and keep running the good race!!!! We may grow weary, but we can do ALL things through Christ, who is so strong, when we are so weak and hurting!!!
Your sweetness is a virtue that not many have anymore!!!
May your wonderful family each feel God's hand of comfort, where they need it most!! I so feel for your Mom, because I get the worst neckaches. How I can complain and how you have helped me be stronger through that!!!
You are a blessing. Praying so much that each day you see a little more brightness and healing.
Keep on walking with the King and being a blessing,
Denise Nicolette
Hi Hickoks,
We continue to read your updates with praises to God and we continue to lift up your needs. We so appreciate the specific requests. Prayer is such a wonderful privilege. Every time we 'meet' a new family member on the blog, it is such a blessing to see the amazing love in and around your family.
We read that Shea's CD came out....are there any left? We would love to know how to get one!!
May God continue to bless and sustain you all.
The Walshes
Hello, dear Shea. You continue to be in our thoughts and prayers, especially now that the grueling routine of therapy comprises much of your day. May you awaken, each new morning, looking for God's help and mercies! "...His tender compassions fail not. They are new every morning; great and abundant is Your stability and faithfulness." Lamentations 3:22-23 [Amplified] You are a sweet inspiration to us. May you, your brothers, and your parents know rest and deep joy in God, day by day. With love, Gaylard & Sharon
Shea-
Just wanted you to know that I think of you EVERYDAY and I am still praying for you. I miss you and love you!!
Paige Hayes
Hi to DeDe, Carie, Shea, and the Hickoks from the Guthries. DeDe, it's great that you've been able to travel to visit your family. It's been so long since we've talked. Hope you and your family are well.
Dear Shea, Continuing to pray for you and your struggles through rehab and healing. You are an encouragement to us. Praise the Lord for His goodness! Karen also sends you her love. She returned to college yesterday. She wants to be a teacher, loves college, but doesn't like being away from home.
I hope it isn't inappropriate to ask those on the blog to also pray for my family. My mom, Donelda Watson, went to the hospital a week ago. The flu hit and her blood pressure dropped, she was dehydrated, her kidneys stopped functioning. Everyone thought she would not make it. She was put on a respirator and sedated. After 5 days in CCU she is in a regular room and having dialysis. The social worker said she was amazed to see Mom still living! I told her many people have been praying! She'll be transferred to a care home for a while so she can have therapy. She will have to be transported to the dialysis office three times a week and most homes don't transport. The time they've assigned for dialysis is 6:45 AM! That will be a stress for us to get her there since we'll take her after she is released from the care home. We're asking for wisdom in treatment (they hope her kidneys will function again) and a better scheduled time. Mom also has Alzheimer's, diabetes and sleep apnea. We'd appreciate prayer. Some of you on the blog know our family.
Love, Linda for the Guthries
Hi everyone!
Shea, We am so glad to see that you are doing well and are gaining strength that the Lord has given you. Aunt DeDe was so blessed to see you walk down the hall to greet her. I can only imagine what her face looked like when she you and how well you looked.
Steve and Susan,
You will always be in our prayers. God has given you His love to endure and share with others. We will be praying for physical healing as well as rest for you all.
Luke and Jessie,
Make sure your big sister behaves herself! We know she loves you very much and we are sure the feelings are mutual. You are in our prayers also.
DeDe and Carie,
We are so glad to hear that you made it to Atlanta. I know John was talking about you all going. We pray this trip will be a blessing to you. Give everyone a hug from us and we will talk when you get back to AZ.
Take care.
Love to all!
Kathy
Dear DeDe,
It's obvious by your lovely comments how very precious your niece and her dear family are to you. My prayer is that as you minister to their needs you will continue to find that amazing joy. It must be a blessing for Steve especially to have his sister available. I recall when as a young child I contracted polio, an enormous cloud of sadness nearly overwhelmed my father. I guess he felt that daddys are supposed to fix things, even sick little girls. I pray that your brother has an easier time as his dear young one heals than my father did in dealing with my illness. Thankfully, in time, as I gradually was able to walk, my father's joy returned.
Your dear ones are a constant example of God's wondrous love for His children. Thank you for giving us another view of this dear girl and her loved ones. Their needs and yours will continue to be in our prayers.
In His hands,
Frank and Susan Wild
Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ Jesus. Thank you for allowing us to peek into your daily world. What may seem normal, mundane or even not worth sharing with others is actually truly a blessing that brings Glory and Honor to God, challenges all of us to grow in Christ and keeps us humble. Thank you, thank you, thank you for allowing strangers to become part of your family. Shea, thank you for continuing to allow His Glory to shine through you. You are a walking example of how we all should be. I am so amazed at your maturity. Your beauty is shining from the inside out. I can see the glow just by reading the updates. You have touched more people in the last few months than most people would ever impact in a lifetime. Ponder that thought for a moment. Keep growing and serving as you are continuing to heal. In Jesus, Debbie Harmon
Dear Hickocks and Forbes:
Dear Hickocks and Forbes:
Dear Hickocks and Forbes:
Dear Hickocks and Forbes:
Dear Hickocks and Forbes:
After reading all of the comments, it is difficult to find new words of encouragement. But I guess the oft repeated words still ring true. You ARE all a great encouragement to those of us on the outside looking in and our family counts it a joy and a privilege to pray for you. I have so many happy memories that involve you and your family! Tell Luke that we are putting Dread locks in Danny's hair this weekend and that we will send a picture if he likes. His hair is MEGGA curly-nothing like it was when he was little. I am sure Shea, you could give us some advice. We drove to South Mountain to get the right product for his hair. Please don't stop being specific about what you need prayer for. You are NOT complaining to us...we consider ourselves (all of the 100's who read your blog) to be your family. And we want you to have the freedom to be honest with us. We do love you all. Jeff, Gina, Liz, Vangie and Dan Orr
Shea, how are you this morning? You are probably in rehab right now. I have been praying for you this morning, about you face and I asked God to knit all your face nerves together, to make them alive. Jenny showed me the basic of knitting. It is so much fun. We should have a knitting party some time. But let me tell you it takes time to make something out of plain, ball of threads. It take a lot of patience, work and time. All three are the key to accomplish the goal.
Well, my letter to you today is about ‘Quietness’.
What is quietness? Here is what I think it is: Silence of mind, speech and sound free zone, unwillingness to speak, unbearable at times, detailed, naked, disturbance and excitement, unawareness of surrounding and awareness of self, search for something or someone, imagination, no action, air vibration, pain, fullness, calm, awe, hunger to hear, freedom, lost in …but found…, just me. Warmth, trust, presence, tears, alone, weak, surrender, yellow, small, but huge, value, empty, but whole, must have.
Do you know HOW to be quiet? Surrounding ourselves with much noise, our mind has no peace, no rest. Are we afraid of quietness? Only in quietness I am who I am. Am I scared to be myself or what people think of me? Am I afraid to realize, to except who I really am?
Synonym of quiet is still. ‘Be still and know that I am God’. To stop everything. Am I able to be in awe of who God is? Only in quietness.
God is found in quietness. I like to imagine things and so I let my mind wonder… in the garden of Eden, when God walked with Adam and Eve, every tree, every bird, every little bug in the grass, every creature shut up their noise-making machines and stood there in awe of His presence.
And look at us today! We have phones that keep our life under control. Music that keeps our mind busy and pushes quietness out. We surround ourselves with people so we would feel excepted and needed.
I personally cannot be still. I have to make myself at times to sit down and don’t move…I make myself to be still and close my eyes and look for the One who wants me more then anything else in the world. He desires me so much that He is willing to quiet me with His love and sing over me with gladness. He wants the same for you.
And so…. quietness! He is found there…. In the quietness of your heart and stillness of your mind.
Try it today. It always works. He whispers…. Can you hear Him?
Pray for us Shea as we travel to WV. Pray for safety and protection on the road and as we skiing. miss you and love you. Natasha
thank you dede, how uplifting to hear of the progress and even the trials of life for the hickoks right now.
shea, just know that i still think about you a lot. i have several friends praying for you and who know you and your family by name. we are praying for you out here in Arizona. Hey, ive seen a few friends from our junior high recently. It seemed like so long ago! I don't remember if i told you about my brother daniel. He was also in a car accident a few days before Christmas and then last week our horse rolled over on top of him! Thank God you don't need knee surgery, Daniel just got out and its pretty painful. Speaking of which, how are you doing physically? I mean do you still have a lot of pain? Are you on pain medication and all that? No matter what you are in out thoughts and prayers.
I was wondering what your plans are for school? I know you are a cosmetology student, are you anxious about getting back to that? I just found out my school schedule gave me an extra 3 weeks off for break! Itrs only the 4th day and im already stir-crazy! But it helps to have that small similarity with you, to be waiting at home, and waiting on the Lord's direction. I was going to come see you, but i wasn't sure you were ready for visitors that aren't family, so, i figured id give it some time, but i can't wait to see you and give you a hug and tell you how much i look up to you. it sounds crazy shea, but you really are a hero. Through all this, your attitude, your ability to love, and your sweet spirit have shown through all your bad days and really made you someone to admire ( i mean, you were always someone to admire) You were tested beyond what most people could handle, it honestly makes me question how i would handle a test like that. Well, i love you but i have to go do...... well NOTHING to be honest!lol.
Rach
( rachel.sunderland@my.chefs.edu )
I continue to pray for your family, that you would be lifted up as though on the wings of eagles, that you would have endurance to finish this long race and that your hope would be everlasting. My heart aches for your daily battles but perhaps just knowing that you are not forgotten could be a salve to your weary souls.
much love always
Hello to the Hickoks and DeDe,
Well, DeDe, it's so good to hear from another of Shea's aunts. I can sense your sweet spirit through what you wrote, and I wish I could meet you in person. Thanks for the update and for the reminder to keep praying for Shea and the rest of the family.
Dearest Shea, we know how hard these days must be for you. It's so difficult to be patient in the day-to-day struggle with your therapy, I'm sure, so we are praying for the strength you need. I remember that your Grandma Anderson prayed so much during her sickness, "The Lord is the strength of my life." He will be your strength too. Remember that it is in our weakness that His strength is made perfect.
Charley and I feel like we left our hearts in Macon. We loved being with you all and seeing God's daily, relentless working. Now we love from afar, but we want you to know that you are never far from our thoughts, and we pray for you, asking God to complete what He has begun in you.
We love you all. Keep writing, DeDe! Maybe we'll meet one of these days!
Another aunt,
Kathy
Dear Hickock Family,
I was asked by a friend who attends your church to pray for you back in November. I have a daughter and two sons very close in age to Shea, Luke and Jesse. That has helped me to think of specific ways to pray for each member of your family and I just wanted to let you know that your faithful testimony through these hard days has truly been an inspiraton to our family. We rejoice with you in the ways that God has healed and blessed and we promise to continue to lift you to the Father in the days and weeks to come. Thank you again for being such a faithful light for Jesus and allowing so many to be a part of your lives through prayer. Isaiah 41:13, in The Message, says, "Because I, your God, have a firm grip on you and I'm not letting go. I'm telling you, 'Don't panic. I'm right here to help you.'" I'm praying that you will constantly be aware of the Father's firm grip, right there to help you!
In His Love,
Rhonda Jernigan
sHeA,
i was doing my daily bible reading when i read this passage in john. it really encouraged me, so i thought you might like it.
John 17:11 (the Message)
For I'm no longer going to be visible in the world;
They'll continue in the world
While I return to you.
Holy Father, guard them as they pursue this life
That you conferred as a gift through me,
So they can be one heart and mind
~Hannah Harte
Dear Hickoks,
It is amazing how God has brought Shea through.
My friend, Mark Steib, died on the operating table on December 23. He was 46.
My friend, Greg Manderson, died of brain cancer in December. He was 59.
Both men were Christians, so both were praying "not my will, but Thine be done."
Greg and Mark went to be with the Lord instead of being healed, but God chose to heal Shea; we know that God has marvelous things in store for her.
Love,
The Yardleys
Dear Hicock's
It truely was a pleaseure seeing you last weekend.
Shea, you looked beautiful as always. Mom and I listened to your CD all the way home. You have a voice like an Angel!
Susan and Steve, it is amazing how you manage the struggles day by day that face you. I know strength comes from the His love. Let Him continue to lead you through each day.
Luke, it is always wonderful to see you and I can't wait to hear you play again. Kyle and Blair told me of the Nashville trip. I am keeping my fingers crossed!
Jesse, It was great to finally meet you! and Calie too.
This family is amazing!
You are in our prayers daily!
Paul and I send our love
Deborah
Dearest Shea -
Just wanted you to know that you are not at all complaining or whinning to us. I know that there have been others who has said this already, but we really want to know exactly what to pray for! :) You mean so much to so many of us and we want to make sure that we are covering every aspect of these times in prayer.
Matthew 7:7 - Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you.
We all know that there are many more doors left to be opened in this journey. And we all want to be knocking on those doors with you and ask for the Lords healing, and love, and patience and wisdom.
I truly believe in specific prayer. Because, when you pray specific prayer, you receive specific answers. :) Please dont ever hesitate to tell us what you really need prayer for. There are a lot of people who love and care for you, and like some others said, it is a complete honor to pray with you and through this! :)
We Love you Girlie! You are amazing and you are such a beautiful strength and encouragement to so many!
~*MUAH*~
Morning Shea! Well, I guess its afternoon, but its all the same, I mean, heck, I'm still in my pajamas! I was thinking about you today, of course! i, taking care of Dan today. His surgery went well. He has two permanent pins in his knee, but no ACL damage, which is, I guess, a huge miracle. But I'm sure he will have to do some type of physical therapy and i was just thinking about what exactly you do? I'm sure its not much fun, but if I remember you used to make the most mundane chores in life a joy. You are kind of like the modern-day Mary Poppins. Yes, just think about it, you sing, you dance, you play a killer game of dress-up, you're fun, you're absolutley GORGEOUS, AND who wouldn't want that awesome bag of hers that can hold an entire room of stuff?!? Its the ultimate girl's dream. lol!
Well, i'll quit rambling now, just wanted to "talk" to you. I love you, Shea!
Rachel
Dearest Shea,
We send our love and our blessings today.
We have been reading the blog and following this amazing journey.
I was thinking today: Shea should write a book! What a story it would be. And there's plenty of material right here in the blog!
Bless you, sweet niece. We're praying for you, eager to hear the next good news of your recovery.
Love
Michael, Kay, Lorna, Kevin and Meg
I bought a couple of your CDs, Shea, from Bill Jones at our Friday morning Bible study (the CD is awesome!) The men there have been praying for you the whole time. It was great to have Bill back today too.
We're still praying for you and your whole family.
PS Also GREAT to have Steve back on stage last Sunday.
Well sweet girl, I am writing to let you know that I won't be writing for a few days only because we are leaving for the snowboarding trip in the a.m. I love you and was thinking about how last year the night before the trip you came over the night before with Kindell and had a sleep over. Isn't it so great being a girl? Sleepovers, pedicures, all the good stuff. I will be keeping you in my prayers and thanks for sharing luke for the weekend!
Love you like a sister...
Jenny Ingram
P.S. I know I forgot to do the abbrev. test this last week but don't even think you are off the hook.=)
Shea, I'm sorry I haven't left you a comment here for a few days. It will be a few more days cauase like Jenny said we are going a snow trip.
Girl, your doing so great, and God never ceases to amaze us. I love you, and miss you!!
Megan Kucala
Hello Hickok's!!!!!!!!!!
Pete and I have been gone for five days and I have missed getting the updates. You guys have the most amazing family I have ever seen. Aunts, uncles, cousins, grandparents, inlaws, etc. etc. Your families love for the Lord is in every word that is written in the blog. Thanks for taking the time to keep us informed of Shea's continued progress. I truly believe complete healing is just around the corner.
My prayer for this week will be for Steve, Susan, Shea, Luke, and Jessie to feel God's spirit. Have a restful night. Love and prayers, Phyllis
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