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Welcome to my family blog. I have been married to Mike for over half of my life. I love my Savior, Jesus. I am a stay-at-home, homeschooling mom to six terrific, interesting children. My 3 oldest were born to me in my younger years, while my 3 youngest were given to me by God in my older years. I am very blessed. ~Cheri

4.30.2010

Thoughts

On September 11, 2002, I listened  to the voices outside my window in a local park commemorating the one-year anniversary of the terrorist attacks.  I lay inside, across the street, in a hospital bed, in labor waiting to deliver our twins.  I was only half way through my pregnancy when I woke up that morning with contractions.  As the day wore on, we prayed for a miracle, and waited.  I knew that as long as my babies were inside my womb, they were alive.  Once they were born, they would die.  When the time came for their birth, I halfheartedly did my part in delivering them.  Ben and Rachel were born minutes apart that evening of September 11, 2002.  They were perfect and beautiful in every sense of the word, just so tiny...too tiny.

Rachel's tiny hand print

Benjamin's footprint

One month later, the children and I traveled along with Mike on a trip to Rhode Island.   He had to work, so the children and I took advantage of the time and visited a state we had never been to before.  It was a difficult trip for me because I had anticipated Mike traveling while I was still pregnant.  I was anxious about being alone, knowing it was possible I could go into labor.  So, there I was, in Rhode Island, with my family, but without Ben and Rachel.  Little did I know that as we walked along the beautiful beach in Newport, Rhode Island, that a woman in China was giving birth to a tiny daughter.  Little did I know that as we toured the beautiful mansions along the rocky coastline that the same woman was having to make a decision.  And, little did I know that while I was grieving over Ben and Rachel, my daughter was found outside the gates of a home in a small town called Sanxiang, China.

"To appoint unto them that mourn in Zion, to give unto them beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness; that they might be called trees of righteousness, the planting of the Lord, that he might be glorified."—Isaiah 61:3

11 kind words:

Naomi

Cheri I never knew that you had twins once!! What a beautiful post and I am certain that I will not be the only one so touched by your words. Yes it is true, God gave you beauty for ashes!!!

Love and hugs, Naomi

trina

I,too have never heard your story of Ben and Rachel. I didn't know you had named him Benjamin. :) What a sweet story of God's faithfulness and love.

Learning Together at Home

God is so faithful to us, isn't He? I'm so pleased that you shared that story. What a testimony to the bigger picture God has for us. I'm honoured to know your babies' names.

Mike and Barb

Oh, Cheri, my heart just seemed to stop for a moment reading your post. Of course I had no idea, either.
And yes, the Lord has blessed you indeed - even through the heartache and pain that I cannot even begin to fathom...
Hugs,
Barb

Becky

It's true...the Lord sees the bigger picture. We only see a tiny part of the whole. We grieve with you, and yet can rejoice with you at the same time! We love you very much!

Melanie

Oh, Cheri. I remember. My heart just ached for all you had been through.

Isn't it amazing how things change?

We do serve an awesome God!

Naomi
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Naomi
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Gretchen

Cheri, I am so sorry for your loss and heartache. What a moving testimony of faith and trust in Him. Our God is an awesome God!

Mommy

What a stunning parallel between beauty and ashes. I am so sorry for your loss but so thankful He had a plan that was more than you could ask or imagine. XOXO-Misty

Lisa L

I am so sorry for your loss and once again amazed at our God and His plans for us.

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