a message of gratitude …

I interrupt my regularly scheduled posts of counting joy to bring you this …

My 23 year old nephew was recently deployed for his fourth tour of duty. The last couple of weeks, I was sending urgent messages on Twitter and Facebook asking for prayer for him.

You see, his lung had spontaneously collapsed while he was running and he was in the hospital with tubes helping support his lung so he could breathe.

Then he was flown to Germany.

And then back to the states.

It was decided he’d need surgery to help support and stabilize his lung, and also get rid of any built-up scar tissue. Surgery was last Friday and the Army flew my sister to be with him during surgery and recovery … she ended up with a four hour layover in Charlotte, which meant the girls and I got to spend some time with her!!

Brett’s doing well and will be taking leave for a couple of weeks to go back home to Wisconsin. He’ll be driving home from Georgia, and will pass through our way, so we’ll get to spend a little time with him too!

Anyway.

I’d like to thank everyone for their prayers and well wishes! The power of social media across the globe amazes me! We even had prayers coming in from Indonesia for Brett!! Who says God doesn’t tweet?!

And so …

As a tribute to Brett, to his family, and to the thousands serving everyday, I wanted to post this video I put together when Brett first went off to basic training. He’s since worked his way through Airborne and Rangers training and I couldn’t be prouder of him!

I’ve searched and searched my archives for a more recent photo of Brett and came up empty. The best I could do was this photo from a couple of years ago. Brett has definitely changed from a pale twiggy teenage boy into handsome young man who serves his country.

I love you Brettie and am so incredibly proud to be your auntie!


10 Comments

  1. Stacey May 21, 2012 at 7:22 am

    Praises. Sweet praises.

    Reply
  2. Trish May 21, 2012 at 9:30 am

    God is soooo AWESOME!!!

    Reply
  3. Melanie Cross May 21, 2012 at 9:32 am

    God’s healing powers are awesome! Thank you Brett for your service!

    Reply
  4. marie May 21, 2012 at 9:36 am

    glad to hear that your nephew is doing better….and continued prayers for him and all that serve our country…..very beautiful slideshow…….love the film clip at the end

    Reply
  5. cyndi May 21, 2012 at 9:38 am

    I’m so glad Brett is recovering well & you got to spend some time with your sister. Small blessings like that 4-hour layover are what keep us going, aren’t they? Continued prayers for Brett & his recovery!!

    Reply
  6. Susan Lesperance May 21, 2012 at 10:29 am

    Brett has been on an amazing journey…held up by prayers and hope for his complete recovery from both angels in Heaven and friends and family here on Earth. The video was beautiful…and Brett’s message at the end touching. Will continue to send prayers his way…and remember to thank God for these wonderful miracles that He blesses us with!

    Reply
  7. Nancy May 21, 2012 at 10:43 am

    Happy news! Thanks for sharing!

    Reply
  8. Tina May 21, 2012 at 10:49 am

    God be with him. Thank you Brett for your service to our country. Peace, love & hope.

    Reply
  9. cristymom May 22, 2012 at 2:15 pm

    Such wonderful news! God is great and modern medicine is a miracle!

    Reply
  10. terrie May 28, 2012 at 11:23 pm

    Heal well Brett… Our prayers are with you. Love from the maki family

    Reply

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