A Family of Strength

Thank goodness that my blog is back up on my computer and I can weigh in on life as an Ellis. Over the last week I have had the opportunity to sit back and watch the strenght of a family. As many of you know last week my older sister had a stroke. Boy was that call a surprise. At the time I was on my way to the doctor and I was excited that my wonderful neice decided to give me a call. Of course the message was not only a surprise but a "what in the world is going on"

Michelle was so strong in giving me the facts of the day. I was trying so hard not to break into tears because I did not want to rock Michelle's strength. After her explaniation of what happened I asked how she was. Michelle and I finally let go of some tears. In a moments time she was my little neice that needed a hug! I so wanted to be there to put my arms around her but all I could do was to try to give her strenght through the air waves.

She was so worried about her dad. He was a dented man. I told her that he was not ready for this adventure. No one ever is. Who could ever be ready for a major health crisis. I have known for years that Karen and Casey were in love but it was because of their actions not necessarily the words that were heard. He has always been there for Karen and the rest of their family. I know this adventure would be no different.

Over the last few days I have had daily updates from Michelle. Every day she gives me a call or sends me a message. I have also enjoyed the blow by blow events on her and Ashley's blogs. It is wonderful how technology keeps up in touch. In the daily updates the kids comments on the love that they have seen in their parents. The love that was always there but in a time of crisis they have noticed even more. It is not the hugh diamond rings but the simple back rub that is showing Karen's children that love is forever and always. Not just when it is convient but in the good and the bad, the happy and the sad.

I have been impressed to how Casey and his children have pulled together. Doing shifts in the ICU at the hospital. Being there to hold Karen's head when she needs to cough. These may sound like little things but two weeks ago they were busy in their own lives and now they have come together with one mission in mind. To be there for their mother and father. In Michelle's and Ashley's blog they have commented on how strong their mother and father are. What they have not realized yet is how storng they all have been. I am not sure how parents teach their children to be there in times of need, but Karen and Casey have done a great job.

They know the road ahead is going to be long and hard but with prayers, god's grace and determination I know the Stephens family will make it through. They are after all a family of strength. May be a strength they did not know was there but in this time of need has come to the surface. Stephens family THANK YOU for being there for my sister!