Those of you who know Ernie well, know how much he loved his 2004 white Suburban, affectionately known as "The Burb". It was the second one he owned and regardless of the gas it consumed, it just fit his 'handyman' needs and suited our family well when all 6-8 of us wanted to go somewhere in one car. He also loved pulling his white Roadmaster trailer behind it, helping our kids with their many housing moves throughout the college years, using it to haul tools and supplies for projects he worked on in his business, and even transporting luggage for our youth when they headed to camp.
The myeloma and resulting damage to his sacrum made it more and more difficult for Ernie to drive as he found himself in a lot of pain while sitting upright. That, combined with his job loss, caused us to re-evaluate the need for two cars and the trailer. We decided it was time to sell the Burb and the Roadmaster. The hardest part was going to be finding the right "homes" for them...
As always, God was faithful to provide in such amazing ways. Bay Leaf Baptist needed a new trailer for their disaster relief efforts, and Ernie's trailer fit the bill to a tee! What a blessing it will be for years to come, knowing that the Roadmaster is being used for such a worthy cause, helping so many people in their time of need.
Then, we came to find out that our friends from Florida, Ken and Ruth Poirier, were in the market for a new Suburban. We have known each other for at least 25 years and consider them to be some of our closest and best friends. Our kids have grown up together, we love them dearly, and we couldn't be happier that they are now the proud owners of The Burb! An added bonus was a visit from them to pick it up and drive it back home to Florida. It was so good to see them and their daughter, MacKenzie.
We have had to do a lot of "letting go" in the past 7 months...everything from cats to cars. And yet, it causes one to realize even more, what really matters. In our case, we are fighting desperately for Ernie's health and long term remission, and whatever we must do, we will do. Praise God for giving us everything we need for the here and now...His word, each other, a home, a supportive family, great doctors, amazing friends, a car, food, insurance, the body of Christ and so much more! We are truly blessed and pray we will be found to be good and faithful servants.
"In his heart a man plans his course, but the LORD determines his steps."
Proverbs 16:9
Proverbs 16:9
God does provide!! Praise God for the new owners of both the roadmaster and the "burb". Letting go is never easy, but the perspective that you have is amazing. Praise God for your open and willing hearts!
ReplyDeleteso bummed i missed the visit with you all, but i know my parents had a great time. ptl for providing new homes for the trailer and the burb.
ReplyDeleteYep, these two things were close to Dad's heart, but with Dad's diagnosis, we were all quick to realize that these were just "things." And it did make it so much easier to "see them off" to good homes with dear friends.
ReplyDeleteSo proud of you, Mom and Dad, for your attitude and perspective through all the changes that the last 7 months have brought. What living testimonies you are that Christ is enough, and so much better than anything this world can offer. Love you both so much!
Thank goodness I always have a box of kleenex handy. I love you guys.
ReplyDeleteI am sure all the "letting go" you all have done these past 7 months has been hard in it's own way, but I agree with Tara...What living testimonies you both are that Christ is enough. You are all such an encouragement to see you live out your faith, giving God the glory in all circumstances!
ReplyDeleteYou are such an awesome family, and are doing life hard right now, we continue to hold you all up in our prayers. Thanks so much for the opportunity to own another suburban. We are blessed.
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