One Leg and 2 Fingers

Have you ever been put in your place?  Well, we had one of those moments tonight.  We went to St Louis Children's Hospital for a Parent Consultation visit with part of the Cochlear Implant team.  The purpose of the meeting was to pick out all the components of Lori's implant. 
As we were walking out of the hospital, we noticed a lady in a wheelchair and (we assume) her dad walking toward their car.  We felt sorry for the poor women and probably should have offered to help.  She only had 1 leg and 2 fingers - missing her entire left leg, her left forearm, and part of her right forearm and hand - with only 2 fingers attached to her elbow area - she was pushing herself backwards in a wheelchair with her only "normal" limb.  Our first thought is that she was a patient - but she was obviously  past the age of 21 and more like our same age.  As we neared the elevator - they did, too.  We quickly found ourselves boarding the tiny box toghether - making a great opportunity for quick chit-chat.  Long story short - after quite an extensive conversation in the parking garage - We found out that she is married with 10 children.  She has 2 birth children and 8 adopted kiddos.  One from Haiti is a patient at Children's having hip reconstruction surgery after laying for an extended time in a crib.  She also has a child who is both deaf and blind and another with Down Syndrome.  She recently adopted 4 at one time from Haiti.  She praised the technology of Cochlear Implants - saying it made a huge impact on her daughter's life.  She mentioned that God is good and we asked if she was a believer.  She gave a hearty "Yes" and said she'd have to either be a drinker or a Beliver to have 10 kids!
We left and walked to our car completely humbled.  We both said "Just when you think you've actually done something good - you meet someone like her!"  We were definately knocked down a few notches and asked ourselves - what's stopping us from opening our home for another child or 2 or 3.  I know it's crazy - but the whole message of the Gospel can sound a little (and a lot!) crazy at times.  Only God knows what our future holds - but if she can see past her circumstances and find a place in her home and her heart to be a mother to 10 kids - then why can't we?  Why can't you?  Really - it's a question worth asking. 

BTW - Lori's surgery is set for Aug 19 pending insurance approval.  Jax broke his arm 2 weeks ago and hopefully will not have to have surgery.  Jay's dear Mimi went home to her Savior on July 4 - a fitting day to find freedom from this life.  It's been a busy few weeks - sorry we haven't blogged lately.