I just don't think there are words to describe this past weekend! First of all, if you aren't at least one of two things, it would be hard to "get it".....one, you have be a NASCAR fan...yeah..I know...I used to think that was crazy, too! But, then Korie and Victory Junction (and the Chappells) introduced it to us. We are very thankful for NASCAR...they have given Korie a lot of purpose to her weekends...lol....and introduced us to a wonderful place that means a lot to our family. The second thing you would need to understand is what it is like to have a handicapped child and the limitations and heartache that can go with it. Now, that's not ALL that goes with it...we are most blessed..but I would be less than honest if I didn't admit there are hard moments. I could never begin to explain the hard moments (some are obvious) but to give you an example of one that isn't (not complaining..just explaining) here it is....where do most young people Korie's age sit at sports games....up in the bleachers. Korie's seating arrangements are very limiting. She has no one to sit with at games except her parents. So even going to something fun can be a bit stressful when you are 16 and have no one to sit with...this is one example....but not the purpose for this blog...but you get the idea!
So, when you see your child facing the affects of her disease AND you have to see how she functions in the "normal" world...it isn't the easiest thing in the world. And we try not to be complainers...we understand the sacrifice it would take to be Korie's friend. Soooo....when we go to a place like Victory Junction....can you even imagine the joy it is to all of us?? Maybe not...but I wanted to explain it.....so I am going to try!!
The Korie Fletcher in Newport News, our home, is a lovely young lady who seems content and loves her family (especially her momma!!) lol She is always present but always on the outskirts...happiest at home where everything is accessible and she can be with her "things" and listen to her music. The Korie Fletcher in Randleman, North Carolina, hits the ground with a smile and with confidence....the hills ( and there are big ones) are not a problem...the doors are wide enough to roll through, the activites are made for her...she can do everyone of them...she never has to be an observer...she is a participant! She is free to dance to music and laugh. She is accepted there and is expected to be a part of everything. Everyone cheers everything everyone does. She NEVER stops smiling. She LEADS when we go somewhere instead of being a few steps behind. She looks forward to events and can't wait to be a part of it.
When we were there last month, I was going by myself to the cabins to meet Steve...I walked through the tree house and when I got inside, I fell to my knee and tried to stop the tears....my heart was overwhelmed with fullness with watching her all weekend. I didn't want to go home to the real world. I didn't want to go back to Korie being an observer. But I had a thankful heart...a grateful one to the Petty family. I wanted SO bad to talk to Pattie Petty, who helped start this camp in honor of her son, whom she lost in a wreck. What a testimony she had...turning something tragic into something like THIS!!! I longed to hug her and thank her. I couldn't get my mind off of it.
When we got the invitation to return to VJ for the Annual Christmas party, we decided to go this year. We had never gone because of distance, money and Kristin and Steve's games. This year, Kris was at college, Steve did have a game but could get a substitute coach and gas prices were more reasonable. We decided to go for it.
I have to admit we were both so tired and I had second thoughts. But I prayed (so many times) that God would make this trip worth it and asked Him if we could meet the Pettys. We had great fun...Santa, gifts, making donuts and Christmas ornaments, kickball, bingo, seeing famlilies we knew and had shared with, facepainting....so much going on...the kids were having so much fun...and then, there was Kyle Petty. Korie got pictures with him and we got to tell him how thankful we were and he was so humble and so nice. We didn't know for sure if he would be there, but next, we met and had pictures with Richard Petty!! What an honor and what a wonderful man he is!
We were getting ready to head home and stopped at the Barn. We did a few things there and decided to leave. As we left, right outside the door...was Pattie...all alone!! Our family had her to ourselves! I was so thankful! I hugged her at least 3 times and tried to explain how we felt..she was so humble, she waved us off and talked about all the people who had helped them and made it possbile. She spent a lot of time with us and WE left her...she didn't leave us. As we headed toward the van, I quietly thanked God and I couldn't stop the tears...not only because of all the fun Korie had or because we met such great people, but because God is so gracious to us. He answered my prayers and He did it in such a way, that all of us were overwhelmed and happy...Korie said it best on the way home that day...."I will never forget this day!"...neither will I, Korie. Neither will I! Thank you, Father...for blessing our family.....Korie is a blessing. The many ways You show Your love and care for us makes our cups overflow with thankfulness. I love you, Lord!!
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