Page 33 - Journey of Hope by Raymond Moldenhauer

DAY52

A FATHER'S REFLECTIONS

What a roller coaster ride it’s been over these last 50 days! I find it amazing My in-laws have been great as well. They, like my parents, were there
how life situations can totally change your view of people, of yourself and everyday for the first 2 weeks. My father-in-law was out of the country
of life in general. In a matter of less than 24 hours my life went from when this happened and made it back in time to see Alyssa before they
worrying about a job and preparing for a baby in a few months, to thinking transported her to Christiana. He also has been great at capturing each
we lost the baby, to then becoming a father! I was not ready for all of that, day in pictures and words, and has been a great support to us. My
but all of sudden nothing else mattered. mother-in-law has been there for us all to help wherever she can; she
stayed with Heidi when I had to work and has supported us the whole
Getting my wife and daughter better and being there for them was all that way.
was important to me. It was then in those first hours of our journey that I
began to see the people that loved us reach out and begin to minister to The Church's that we have been involved with have supported us.
us. We began receiving visitors, and cards, and support. We began to see People that we do not even know have also reached out to us. People
people sacrifice time, money, energy and love to see our little girl get literally around the world are praying for Alyssa and our family.
better and to make sure that we were being provided for. I have seen
outpouring of love and support before, but nothing like this. This was This journey with our daughter has changed me and caused me to be
enough to bring me to tears and humble me more than ever. just so thankful to God for His people and the love they have shown to
my daughter - it is amazing to even say that, and hearing it brings tears
I witnessed my wife become a mother, and an amazing one at that! I didn't to my eyes. To have been blessed with such a miracle is beyond words.
think that I could love her more, but to see her with our daughter and the God has used Alyssa in an amazing way, to touch so many people. My
way she loves her just floors me and causes my love to grow. Dad said to me before they left to go home that he has been able to
worship in such a unique way now because of the work that God has
My Parents have been amazing! They were here when everything done through our little girl.
happened and they were instrumental in us getting through the first day
and everyday after. I also see my parents different now, because when I I know God is all-powerful, but to see it work so close to home has been
was a baby I was in the hospital for a few weeks and was very sick. We awesome! So many people have worshiped, and dropped to their
talked about that for the first time and I can now understand what they knees in prayer because of Alyssa and for that I feel blessed! When my
were feeling and that just makes me sad that they had to go through that. I father-in-law asked me to give him my thoughts, I could have gone on
know the pain and hurt they felt and now we have that in common, and and on about the tears that I have cried and the pain that I have felt
even though they live far away I feel their love everyday and so does watching Alyssa - wanting to take every breath for her, and to take all
Alyssa! her pain away. But this is a time for thanksgiving and praise to God for
what He has done and what He continues to do! I feel so blessed, and I
AM SO PROUD TO BE A DAD!