A New Day
Today is Sunday, and Steve, Luke and Jess are at our church, The Bridge, for the first time since the accident. They are looking forward to seeing all of you and thanking you for your prayers and encouragement. Shea and I have been praying for our church family today as you worship together --- wish we could be there.
I wish you could really know how the responses from the last blog have encouraged Shea. She just told me -- "Please tell everyone thank you again for all their kind words and their prayers for me." Shea is doing so much better. There will be more times of discouragement, we know, but for now, we are seeing progress. Her knee is healing well, and the doctor thinks, that if she continues with the rehab and wears the leg brace, she will not need surgery after all! We can see that her knee is stronger every day, and sometimes we even catch her trying to do more than she should -- must get that independent spirit from her dad!! Shea still has a hole where the trach was, but it is covered in gauze and tape. The doctor said that those holes usually close up in less than a week but thinks Shea's will probably heal in about three weeks. We are seeing more facial nerves working -- at the left side of her mouth and the side of her nose. The nerves above Shes'a left eyebrow and around her eye are not responding yet. Thank you for continuing to pray for complete restoration and for coming BOLDLY to the throne of grace with us.
Have a great Sunday, everyone!
Much love,
Steve and Susan
I wish you could really know how the responses from the last blog have encouraged Shea. She just told me -- "Please tell everyone thank you again for all their kind words and their prayers for me." Shea is doing so much better. There will be more times of discouragement, we know, but for now, we are seeing progress. Her knee is healing well, and the doctor thinks, that if she continues with the rehab and wears the leg brace, she will not need surgery after all! We can see that her knee is stronger every day, and sometimes we even catch her trying to do more than she should -- must get that independent spirit from her dad!! Shea still has a hole where the trach was, but it is covered in gauze and tape. The doctor said that those holes usually close up in less than a week but thinks Shea's will probably heal in about three weeks. We are seeing more facial nerves working -- at the left side of her mouth and the side of her nose. The nerves above Shes'a left eyebrow and around her eye are not responding yet. Thank you for continuing to pray for complete restoration and for coming BOLDLY to the throne of grace with us.
Have a great Sunday, everyone!
Much love,
Steve and Susan
posted by admin | 12:31 PM
25 Comments:
My sweet, dear Shea. I do not remember telling you today that I love you bunches. Please be encouraged. It is okay to cry and feel down, we all do this, and every great man and woman of God go thru time like this. I hope and pray that the Word of God and the blog (especially part what I write ) will be uplifting, joyful, and encouraging. I was not able to do write on the weekend, but here I am with a promised letter to you my dear girly friendy (is that a word? Probably not, but now it is.)
I want to call this letter ‘The Name’.
A question? I always have a questions and a lot of them. The question for you today is, what was the first word that you said when you woke up today? What was your first thought on your mind? I hope it was not about me J
Let me ask you another question. Have you been in love? I think we all I’ve been there, and that is what I discover. When I was there… I mean in love…from early in the morning until evening all I could think was HIM. All I could think and talk about was the love of my life at that time. I was daydreaming; he filled my whole world and my whole been. At times, like that I felt almost going crazy, but I was not or may be I was… still not sure, but after all craziness, it fills good to be in love. I know that people don’t fly but when they are in love they do.
Every morning when I get up, I could barely function. My brain is all over the place, but mostly on my pillow. You do not want to see me in the morning, not a pretty picture. Usually I have no strength to say anything, but one word… Jesus. All I can say is His name.
How will you feel if you are to find out that someone that you are so in love with, wakes up every day with your name on his lips and first thought in his mind is about you? It will feel goooooooood.
His (Jesus’) name has power to move the mountains, strength to go on and live victorious life that only Jesus can give, and more power that will help all of us to get ourselves up every morning to do things of the day and to go thru whatever comes our way. So, whatever it is for you today, Shea…call on His name, say His name, think of Him. Your are always on His mind and your name is on His lips every single day.
I am praying for you. Be strong in Him, He will carry you thru.
Love, Natasha
Dear Shea,
This is Marcus and Lisa Craig- remember us? We were involved last Spring with the Bridge youthgroup- then moved to Florida in a rush. Needless to say, we were perusing the Bridge website this morning for the first time in a few months and came across the "Hickok Family Update". We had heard nothing before then.
First of all, after a couple of hours of frantically reading the blogs from November 19th, 2005 to January 8th, 2006, we are praising God for your health and healing! The last couple of hours were filled with many emotional swings on our part, but we are so thankful for the outcome. Reading your experiences of 2 months in one setting has been a powerful thing...As we read about God's tremendous authority with your rapid progress. Reading from the beginning of the accident to the current state of your health has been a wonderful blessing to us this Sunday- (you never really know how God will impact you on a day-to-day basis.)
I (Marcus) want you to know that I have an older brother who experienced a very similar facial trama a year and a half ago in a car accident. He maintained very similar injuries to his facial structure. Through much prayer, we are joyous to say that he recovered, and his appearance was restored! He is now getting engaged and to be married in 6 months. Quite a blessing! A couple of verses that encouraged him during his recovery, his ups and downs, his pain, his doubts, etc. were Psalm 27:14 and Proverbs 3:5-6. "Wait for the Lord, be strong and take heart, and wait for the Lord."..."Trust in the Lord with all of your heart, and lean NOT on your own understanding. Acknowledge Him in all your ways, and He will make your paths straight."
Though we are writing you from a distance, you can now know that you have two more people praying for you on a daily basis. Our thoughts are with you, and we will pray for many things, including God's comfort for you in the loss of Mike.
Your story is nothing short of amazing, and we look forward to witnessing God's blessing in your life.
Marcus and Lisa Craig
I should have known that the "famous" Natasha would beat all of us to the blog today...ROFLOL!!! She must have rushed right home after downing her hot chocolate at church, just so she could be the first to post . ;) Love ya, Natasha!!!!
It was so wonderful to have some of the Hickoks back at "home" with us this morning at The Bridge. We can't wait till Shea and Susan can join us.I think the busiest place this morning was over by Jenny Ingram...who had your CD's. Mark had a headache on the way home, so we haven't listened to it yet, but we can't wait to play it later today.
We will continue to pray for the nerves in your face, your knee, and your mouth. We are also praying for the doctors who will do your future surgeries....that God would provide the very best surgeons for you. We can't wait to see what else God plans to do !!!!!
Shea! It's great to hear how you are doing! You're doing so great! The verse your dad read in service today was amazing and perfectly suited you. I am in absolute love with your CD! When I'm in my room..your CD is on..in the car..your CD is most likely on. It's amazing!
Steve, and Luke, it was GREAT to have you guys back up there. You guys did amazing. God was definetly there and moving in that theatre!!
Shea, Anna Jones told me "Everyday Shea looks even more beautiful." And I garuntee that is the truth. Shea, you are the one and only Lauren Shea Hickok and look beautiful no matter what, inside and out. God has great plans for you, and I know that you know that. I love you!
I love you all, Steve, Susan, Shea, Luke and Jesse!! (and Cali)
Megan Kucala
... praying those nerves continue to quietly awaken throughout your face, just as a seedling in the dark of earth quietly, unseen, is bringing forth life til a "sprout" is seen in the light. May it be so for you! Love, a "friend" in Darien :)
Shea
I visited the Bridge today for the first time! I was very excited to see your dad and Luke there worshiping. It gave me chills and I could't stop crying throughout the whole service. I have never been so touched or learned so much at a church before. My mom and my sister both went as well, and they had a great time too. Skylar loved playing in the pre-k class, she even had a friend from her daycare in it. I pray every second i get that you will heal completely and I know all it will take is time, so keep your head up..you're going to be just fine!! we all miss you at work!! I love ya girl!
love, Dani :)
oh, yeah..I got your CD and it is awesome! You have a gift that's for sure!
Shea...
I'm really glad to know that you're gaining such comfort from people sharing passages from the Word with you. It's true...where else is there to go, really? I'm not one to talk a lot, generally, about my own physical struggles, but I've found great healing in the familiar Psalm 139: 1-18. This must be a passage you've read often, but it's extra meaningful to deeply meditate on it word by word, and God has revealed Himself and His heart toward me specifically through its lines. You are a wonderful example of faith and perseverance through deep struggle to the rest of us. I can hear you saying, "But if he only knew what I feel inside!", which is another wonderful reminder that God is especially honored through your clinging to Him while you feel bleak and your faith seems low. Thank you, again, for allowing all of us to walk alongside you on this most difficult road...
All my love,
Hayes
Hey sweet girl!
Just wanting to let you know that I really miss you. You know how we would say that we would get so excited to see each other every week at church and ignition...well I really miss that. I miss seeing your car in the parking lot when I pull up to junior high. I miss your sweet face and your fantastic hugs! I miss sitting with you and the girls during the signing and hearing your beautiful voice. I miss going in the back and having our fun talks during their teaching time. Remember the last time you were at ignition we sang that song that had all those hand motions and we did a dance together on stage. I just miss having so much fun with you. I praise God that your personality and charachter has not changed one bit. You are just way too cute! Each comment that they put up on the blog that you have said or that your parents have told us are such "Sheaisms"..so stinking cute!
I can't wait to talk with you and get a Shea hug. I love you girl and am praying big prayers.
Jenny Ingram
(Ella said Shea this morning when we were listening to your CD getting ready for church!)
Shea,
Sorry its been a few days since I have written. My schedule has been very crazy with working and taking clients. I think and pray about you all the time. You and your family have really touched my heart. Please keep your head up. Look how far you have come. I don't know if you are able to e-mail people but if you need some one to talk to my address is djsunshine23@hotmail.com. Its not the same at work without you! Take care and get plenty of rest,rest,rest!!!!
love always- jaime
I picked up your cd today and it is great! I can't wait to sit in traffic tomorrow now!!! It is so good to hear that you may not have to have surgery on your knee. I know God will continue to heal the nerves in your face. It is just taking time. God has done everything else so quickly, it is easy to get discouraged about what isn't "fixed" yet. There are thousands of prayers every day, all throughout the day, being prayed for your complete healing! God is faithful and he has you exactly where he wants you. Remain hopeful and encouraged; you are doing great. I am sure that you look absolutely beautiful as well :-)
Love and prayers (lots of them)-
Marian Madden
Proverbs 17:22
A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones.
Dearest Shea,
I just came home from church at SBC and the first song of the night was "The Song in Me." I stood in amazement and gratefulness. The last time I heard that song was on your blog and I cried because you were in the hospital and my heart was breaking for all that you were going through. Tonight I couldn't wipe the smile off my face as I thought about how far you have come, and that now you are home! What blessings God has bestowed upon us.
I am so proud of you girl. Keep up the good work. I'm still praying for you, especially that the nerves in your face will return to normal and you can show your expression fully :-)
Thanks for keeping us updated!
In Him,
Kristen
Dear Susan and Shea: My children have all gone back to Phx with our grandchildren. It is quiet so I wanted to check on Shea again. I can only imagine as a mama how grateful you are that the Lord left Shea with you. My heart went out to you all as you watched Mikes service. Mike is living and more alive than he ever was on this earth, but the Lord left Shea in her body, to suffer abit because he has more to do with her on His earth. I pray that she will be able to "rest in Jesus" and trust Him, that first and foremost He loves her and he knows that everything in our lives that makes us need Jesus is the ultimate good. Learning to love you both. Debbie Miller (lindas friend)
Dear Shea,
I was just reading the posts here. You have some wonderful,loving friends surrounding you daily with prayer and support. The words they share with you are even an encouragement to me. What a Lord's Day your family had yesterday!! I know you must look forward to the day when you can join in with your church family --praising Him together for ALL He has done for you. Oh, happy day!!
still praying....
Hi Shea. I hung out with Jenny at church while so many were coming over to pick up your CD. You have a fan club!! A ton of students came over SO excited to hear the one and only Shea. I kept hearing people say, 'oh good i haven't gotten one yet.' I can't wait to listen to it myself.
After reading the update the other day - I think your mom wrote it - I couldn't help but think of Psalm 139. I'll let you read it (it'll take up way too much room here) but there are many verses in it that made me think of you... about God knowing your every move, and every thought. He's placed His hand upon you, there's not a place you can go from His presence, he's with you ALL ways, He's made , all your days were set by HIM. Shea, I pray these truths become more real to you and true heart knowledge as you recover. Love, Lynn
Dear Shea,
My parents were on staff at Heart to Heart for many years, so our family knew the Hickok family well. I did go to school with your dad back in the 70's, but to keep the record straight, I am MUCH younger than he is!! :) Your parents sang a beautiful duet at my wedding in 1986, so I am not surprised that you were also blessed with such a beautiful voice. The last time I saw you, you were not much more than a toddler, and already had a headful of blonde curls! I have been following your progress from the beginning and have been praying for you, your family, and Mike's family. I am truly inspired by your faith and trust in the Lord during this incredibly difficult time. When I read the post this past Friday, the Lord immediately brought to mind this passage, which I want to share with you -
II Cor. 4:16-18 "For which cause we faint not; but though our outward man perish, yet the inward man is renewed day by day. For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory; While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal." Keep your eyes on your Heavenly Father and know that your testimony of His faithfulness and the peace only He can give is making a very big difference in eternity!
Amy (Ruetz) Gordon
Good morning Shea,
How are you doing today my friend? I hope that you had a good day yesterday and today will be even better. I am sorry I did not get to write yesterday, I just know that you missed me a whole lot. We, as a youth group, are getting ready for a ski trip. Luke is coming with us, I am so excited about that. I told him that he just have to…. You right, I said he have to spend some quality time with me. Well, following is some craziness from my brain to yours. Todays letter I called ‘The Moon’.
Lesson on astrology. Lately I am so into the sky, universe, stars, planets. I still don’t know much, and may be when I wake up tomorrow I will not have anything to do with any of that, but today when I still think about it … I am interested. It is just one day I thought why not to find out a little bit more.
Do you know what I want to be? Have you ever what to be something else then just a human? Today I want to be the moon. I want to be big (not the size of my clothes) and perfectly round, and changing every day. Do you know that diameter of the moon is 2,160 miles? I am not sure if I want to be that big, but still… I want to be a moon.
It is the second brightest object in the sky after the Sun. You cannot argue that one. It has fascinated mankind through centuries. And when you look at it with the naked eye, it takes your breath away. I want to be the moon.
It is mysterious and open; so close and so far. Do you know that it is more than 280,000 miles away from us? It is beautiful and invisible and deep as the sea; silent and loud at the same time. It is seen only if you stop and take time to look at a large, perfect circle, or half or one forth of the circle, that just hang in the middle of the dark blue universe.
The moon has no atmosphere. No sound can be made on the moon. If a person spoke, he would not be heard. We only ever see one side of the moon. You cannot spin freely on the moon, I guess no dancing.
The first time people on Earth ever saw the moon was on 7th October 1959 when Russian (go Russia) spacecraft sent back the first pictures. But with all respect I have to say that man has only landed on the Moon six times and every landings have been done by American (go America) people.
After listing these facts about the moon, it looks like there is nothing attractive or living about it. However, there is one fact that just makes me still want to be the moon. Once the moon is opposite the sun, it becomes fully lit. It reflects the light of the sun. I want to reflect The Son. I want to be His moon.
Praying for you doing. It is so good to have your dad back in the office. Every one here misses you and praying for you. Keep sleeping, eating, resting, healing, laughing and we all will wait for your return to us. I know that for girls face is everything, but your heart right now is so huge that Jesus is looking at you and says: “My girly girl, just wait…..just wait….I will make you even more beautiful then you were before. Take it slow.” He knows. You are our moon. You are His reflection. Be strong my friend. Love you, Natasha.
Reading the wonderful messages are just such a blessing!!!! It is so great to see the love of your friends!! Hope you are feeling better!!
Really wanted to get one of your cds. Please let me know how to do that, if still available.
You are in my prayers,
Denise Nicolette
mnicolette@cox.net
Hi Shea, we are so thnkful for the way God is using you for Kingdom impact. It occured to me just how much you and your family have impacted my life as I was racing out to my car after church to listen to your CD...
If I were famous, here is how the summary interview would go:
CD in my car stereo: Shae Hickok
CD in my home stereo: Shae Hickok
Playing on my MP3 player: Shae Hickok
Most recent book read: Shea Hickok blog
Next book I plan to read: Shea HIckok blog
Person I'd most like to spend time with: Tie between Ella Ingram and Shea HIckok
Favorite Hobby: Reading Shae's blog while listening to her CD
... you get the point. Our family is very wraped up in prayer and support for you and your family. We hope you are very encouraged and strengthened by the love we have for all of you!
Another thing about how you have impacted me... this Sunday, I cried from the moment your Dad took the stage until the sermon started. Each song was more moving than the one before, and all of it rolled up into huge praise for our GOd who is healing you! Your Dad gave a great little summary of what has happened over the last few weeks. God's fame was increased by what he said, and by the strength you've shown all of us.
Finally, the liner note in your CD... made me cry again. So uplifting, and the comment about Mike being "in the arms of Jesus" just took my breath away. It's a beautiful perspective, although I know you miss him a lot.
God has blessed you greatly, and he is blessing us with you and your family. Thanks for keeping us involved in your recovery!
...in it with you!
Tim
Hey Shea
How are you doing???
well I just wanted to remind you how much of an impact you have made on me and so many other people we all look up to you and your amazing faith you have shown how much you you trust in God!!you have the most amazing voice i have listened your cd so much!!! you are beautiful not only on the outside but on the inside as well!! You are my Rolemodel and I love you so much!!im praying for you everysecond of the day
i love you,Payton Polhill
This is a shout out to the Hickok girls (Shea and Susan)
Susan, we are going to miss you so much tomorrow at bible study. You have such a gift to teach and especially with women. I always get excited to hear what you have to say or to see which song you have picked for us to sing=) I get excited just thinking about how God is going to use this experience together with your gifts...wow.
Sheamyster, I love you a ton. I listen to your CD all the time. Not only because I love it but it is such a reminder to constantly be praying for you. Please give us all your requests...don't hold back.
We are going on the ski trip this weekend and I can't help but think about our ski trip last year. I was thinking about how cute Mike was when him and Josh fell non-stop (since they were just learning) and they said "I fell the whole time and it was aweseome! That was the best day of my life!" So cute! And when you and Kindell were boarding and Kindells snowboard fell off the side of the mountain (what?!) and you didn't know how to stop so you completely ran over this guy taking a picture! So funny. That lodge was so ghetto.. you could see the peoples heads over the doors in the stalls of the bathroom! You and Kindell were such the snow bunnies!
I love you so much sweets! Praying for you like crazy.
Jenny Ingram
Dear Shea, Susan, Steve and family,
As we read through your many blogs we appreciate the many new and old friendships you have established. It's heartwarming to see that out of this extremely difficult time, God has shown you His love through His people- people who love you. Although we don't know you personally, truly we feel as though we've gotten to know your hearts and spirits.
There is a natural emotional course that we take as humans when our lives are shattered. It's expected that we react to our circumstances. We can cry, and be angry at situations, wish things were different.
Each of us will know some amount of suffering in our lives. The way you have handled each day with courage is an example to all who are aware of your situation - you have shown faith in action. Those of us who read your blogs and comments, appreciate your honesty regarding your fears and sad moments, and know that you derive your strength from that love connection you have with Jesus, your family and friends. We continue to prayerfully remember your needs, as we take this journey together.
May you constantly feel His blessings.
Susan and Frank Wild
Hey Shea I don't know if you remember me but I'm Kyle's cousin who came up from Kansas this past summer. I wanted to let you know that I'm praying for you, along with all the people from Kansas. You have warmed our home with all your progress. I hope to see you sometime soon when I make the trip up there again!
David Huckabee
hi shea ... i can't believe how far you've come in this short time! you are SO strong and independant, i KNOW you'll be blessed. i listened to your clips from your CD and was blown away. luke had told me that you sing but WOW, as soon as i heard it i got goosebumps and just froze! i've never heard anyone sing like that, definitly unreal and beautiful. i wanted to encourage you that there's someone thinking of you in every state ((even florida))! i think about you and your progress every day and always pray. every time i'm at the computer i check the blog just to make sure you're doing ok. you'll make it through this, i know you will! and in no time you'll be singing to those hundreds of thousands of people in a packed out stadium ... just you wait and see :)! God has so much in store for you. stay strong, He'll never fail you!
<3 rae
Shea,
I just smile and thank God when I think of your incredible journey thus far.
I love listening to the CD and playing it for people that have been praying for you that you may never meet.
I can't wait to play and worship with you again.
shalom,
Krys (your az bassist)
Shea, I am reading everyday about your recovery, you are truly amazing. I give my love to you and your whole family. Please say hi to your Mom and Dad. Onced again this is Lauralee from Scottsdale Bible Church, the (x) pm choir.
Love and grace to all of you
Lauralee
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