Three years ago, one of my son's soccer teammates received the news that his grandfather, James Lee, was critically injured in a motorcycle accident. He was paralyzed from his neck down and has spent the past three years fighting all of the complications that go along with such a debilitating injury. Since the accident, he and his family have been a constant inspiration to all of the people around them. Their perseverance, positive attitude and the absolute conviction that God is in control have never wavered. Last night, Mr. Lee went to claim the place prepared for him by the Father. I think he would be surprised to know how many people he inspired through his faith and courage.
I am not sure how long after the accident it was when Mr. Lee showed up at a soccer game in his motorized wheelchair. I dont remember much about that day except that he looked radiant--so happy to be with friends and family, watching his grandson, Conner, play soccer. Rikki, his wife and tireless caregiver, was all smiles as well! It was a day to celebrate and we were all very happy for them. That wasnt the last time Mr. Lee ventured onto the soccer sidelines. Season after season, we would see Mr. Lee watching Conner play. Even after my son and Conner didnt play on the same team anymore, we would go over and speak to him. We would ask how he was doing and he would always turn the conversation away from his struggles and toward how the kids have grown or how exciting the game had been.
Caringbridge.org is such a wonderful resource. It provides a webpage for those who have chronic or terminal illnesses. Rikki and her son Jason, would keep us all informed about Mr. Lee through the Caring Bridge page. Through the years, it was evident in their posts that their faith in God and His Divine will never wavered. Their honesty as they struggled with the "whys" of these sort of things was truly inspirational. They always answered their own questions with faith, prayer and scripture. As I would read their posts, I would pray for them, but I would also pray for myself. It was my prayer that, as I was watching my own father in his last days, I could stand firm in my own faith and accept His will as readily as the Lee family. I also prayed that, should the Father decide that I, or someone in my family, suffer a crisis on a similar scale, I would respond with the courage, strength and integrity that I have seen in this entire family.
I dont know the entire reason that God allowed this bad thing to happen to this good man. I know that one of the reasons is to provide, for me and my family, an example of how to rely on Him and his Word in hard times. I am reminded of the story of Job and can only believe that God is very pleased with James, Rikki, Jason and their family. James Lee and his family have been an inspiration to so many. Today, James is walking and talking with the Father, free of pain or suffering. He can sing and raise his hands in praise. While I know that his family is suffering from the loss of such a man, I am absolutely confident that they are rejoicing for him as he receives his Heavenly reward.
Thank you, James Lee, for your lessons in resilience, unwavering faith, positive attitude and for your kindness to our family. Thank you, Rikki, for your lessons in self sacrifice and faith. I would also like to thank you for your honesty as you shared your feelings and fears with us. Your grace under fire was amazing. Thank you, Jason, for showing such an ability to balance being a good husband and father, a good worker and a good son. Juggling all of the responsibilities must have been so difficult! Thank you, Lord, for allowing the Ellis family to meet the Lee family and to learn all that you had to teach us through them. We will never be the same.
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