For the longest time, I've been longing to tell you about our precious little 7th grandchild, Tyler Willhite.
We've known that he was destined to be a part of our family since last fall. But the logistics and red tape of the adoption system and his medical challenges have kept me from sharing his story.
Our family's story.
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| December 23, 2014 |
Tyler was born back in July with skeletal dysplasia along with respiratory and feeding issues. Along the way, he was diagnosed with an extremely rare genetic condition. And tragically, most babies with this condition die before the age of one due to either respiratory failure or a high fever, both of which he has struggled with.
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| December 23, 2014 |
After hours of tears, prayers and counsel, Jenn and Barry decided to move forward with the adoption. And this video here? Well ... it says it all from big sister Kathryn's point of view.
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| February 13, 2015 |
Tyler finally came home last Friday after more than five months in the hospital and a month with his foster family.
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| Melanie, Lydia, Andrew, Tyler, Kathryn |
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| the 3 Giants fans hanging out |
Jenn writes, 'Please pray for our family, especially for Tyler. We don't know what the future will look like for him, but we know God loves him even more than we do and that He will provide what Tyler needs.'
So welcome to the family, sweet baby boy. And always remember that Grandma loves ya'. With many tears and endless prayers ... somehow mingled with a peace-filled joy.
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I just cried my way through your post and the video. What a beautiful boy who God chose just for your family. I love the perfect way the song "Overcomer" fits Tyler and your family and will be singing it all day. Please know that prayers are being said right now for Tyler and will continue as he gets stronger and your family learns how to do what is needed for him. I am in awe of the goodness of God. Blessings friend!
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing joy and tears with me, Mary. I guess that's what friends do for each other. Yes, even online ...
DeleteAnd yes, yes to your prayers. Thanks so very much! I'm grateful that you're walking this path with us ...
It is exciting to see Tyler home with his new family! We know that he will be nurtured and loved in this home, that God selected for him! We have seen lots of answered prayer over the past few months and continue to pray for Tyler along with Jenn, Barry & the kids. Can't wait to meet him!
ReplyDeleteYep, God knew exactly the best home for him. Tyler's soaking up the non-stop entertainment from his new brother and sisters. As always, there are few dull moments.
DeleteHe's a sweetie! And he'll adore his Beautiful Great Aunt Marilyn!
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Welcome to the world sweet Tyler! God has a plan for your life and gave you an amazing grandma!
ReplyDeleteLove the pictures and video Linda. Prayers going up for your whole family!
Amen, He has a plan for Tyler! We're watching and waiting and praying. And givin' him lots of love whenever we can.
DeleteYour words encourage, Sarah. Thanks so much ...
Our prayer group prayed for baby Tyler tonight and I got teary for him and your family. I will keep lifting you up to the Father, who already has Tyler in His capable hands!
DeleteThat your group would pray for Tyler tonight ... it brought tears. Please thank your friends for joining us on this journey of faith. I am deeply touched.
DeleteWhat a blessing. I finished reading your post and "whatever you do for the least of these you do also for me" popped into my head. With love and prayers.
ReplyDeleteCheri
Thanks for being in my life, Cheri ... and for your words of blessing.
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Congratulations on another blessing of a grandchild! James 1:7 - Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning.
ReplyDeletePary ... yes! Thanks for sharing James 1:7. What a gift Tyler is to all who are meeting him. Even online!
DeleteSometimes the most unexpected events in our lives end up having the biggest impact. He is certainly one of those joys.
He has got some bright eyes. I "honor" your family for this act of love. however, I do have a complaint. they have to change those stinkin' jerseys and put on some Steeler ones. Giants? Oh brother. :)
ReplyDeleteAdoption's no stranger to our family. Tyler's our 2nd adopted grandchild. The family legacy includes a few nieces and a few of our parents who've joined hearts over the decades through adoption.
DeleteWe're all bound by a strong commitment to family. And unconditional love. His. And ours for each other.
My life is richer for it all ...
And BTW, pal, once you're a New Yorker, you're ALWAYS a New Yorker!
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He's beautiful, and this made me all weepy. Prayed over your sweet family this morning. Hugs
ReplyDeleteThat you're praying over our family is a huge gift to us, Lyli. Thank you for your support ... and the tears. I know we're not alone.
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Aw. Such an adorable babe. Welcome to the world. Everyone in the photos are beaming. Obviously joyful for this blessing.
ReplyDeleteA blessing he surely is! If only he knew ...
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Your thoughtful words are kind, Super Girl. And I thank you!
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Congratulations, Grandma! He's beautiful!!!
ReplyDeleteThat he is!
DeleteGod is good to have brought him to us ...
In the late 60s, I was given a book called "The Chosen Baby" to explain my place in my adoptive family. I'm not sure that book is still around, or if it's necessary in today's culture, but it meant a lot to me.
DeleteChosen. Yes, beautifully said.
DeleteI'll be checking out the book, Debby. Literally! Thanks for sharing what's been helpful to you.
How exciting! We're so happy for you and cannot wait to meet Tyler.
ReplyDeleteOh, he's just gonna love his Uncle Jonathan & Auntie Allison ...
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Oh Linda! He is so precious! What a beautiful introduction you have given your grandson here. That video... it brought many tears to my eyes. I love his face in the picture of him with his mom and dad. That little smile is adorable. Praying for your family, especially sweet little Tyler!
ReplyDeleteYes, Candace, that video does it to me every time, too. Already, his brother and sister are absolutely gagga over him!
DeleteMe, too ...
That should be sisterS ...
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Linda CONGRATULATIONS on the new grandson. Tyler is absolutely adorable!!! I look forward to more posts featuring his sweet little face. Much love to you and your family. Enjoy!
ReplyDeleteAs a new mama, I know you get this. Thanks, friend, for being here with me tonight ... it's good to see you again!
DeleteCongratulations, and prayers up.
ReplyDeletehttp://blessed-are-the-pure-of-heart.blogspot.com/2015/02/surviving-porn-2-killing-evil.html
Keep those prayers going, man. I thank you.
DeleteOh my goodness, how precious!!!! What a little blessing!! You must be so proud! <3 - www.domesticgeekgirl.com
ReplyDeleteLots of emotions swirling around over Tyler's arrival ... mostly love!
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Oh, dearest Linda. That video was incredibly moving. Such an inspiring story. I'm a bit speechless because I'm so moved. I will be lifting up big prayers for Tyler and your entire family. Thank you for sharing your joy with us and for allowing us to pray with you. God bless you all. xoxo
ReplyDeleteYeah, I've been speechless alot, too, Beth. So much to contemplate and sort through. That friends like you are coming alongside and lifting us up in prayer means the world to me. How can I say thanks?
DeleteI'm so grateful ...
Tears falling . . . what a beautiful gift of love to this little fellow, to be given a forever home and forever love. I'm sure it's one of the greatest gifts he will ever receive and I am also sure that your family will be equally blessed by having him be a part of you. The love for him is evident through all the pictures and the video. My heart is overflowing with wonder right now. May God bless each and every one of you and may Tyler live a long and blessed life *overcoming* all the odds - a testimony of God's grace and power!
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for sharing!!!
Thanks for your kind words, Dar. They are such an encouragement. And yep, there have been tears along the way ... but there's lots of peace woven into the mix. And for that grace, I am so thankful!
DeleteLinda,
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful story and what a beautiful family you have! How exciting to have a precious new member of your family to cherish! Praying for you . . . xo
Yep, the love keeps growing and expanding to encompass each one that joins the throng. And cherish is the perfect word to describe how I feel about my grandchildren.
DeleteYou said it well, friend ...
Oh, what unconditional love is being shown to Tyler! This beauty makes me cry. So glad you can share him now with us too. May God bless all your family with these precious days with Tyler.
ReplyDeleteI so appreciate that you're sharing tears as well as the joy, Lisa. It lets me know that we're not alone in the impact of this all. Thank you, friend, for your blessings on our family ...
DeleteWhat a precious little guy...and what a sweet family!
ReplyDeleteCongratulations, Linda!
Thank you for sharing the story and the pic's!
God is so good ... our cup overflows! Thanks for your kind words, Joe ...
DeleteCongratulations Linda! He is snug-adorable! What a story of faith and love walked out!!!!! I googled just to be sure - but 7 is awfully special: "Seven is the number of completeness and perfection (both physical and spiritual). It derives much of its meaning from being tied directly to God’s creation of all things." Praying God's blessing overflow on this 7th grandchild!
ReplyDeleteSnug--adorable! Nobody said it better, Maryleigh! Thanks for celebrating with us ... and for that insight into #7 ... and God's special, unique creation of Tyler. Your reminder will remain close to my heart.
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Dearest Linda,
ReplyDeleteOur God must be amazingly beautiful, because I can see such beauty shining through that sweet little face and the faces of Tyler's new family. What's more, I see what loving hearts look like in action, and the sight is beautiful to behold.
Thank you, Kathryn, for your lovely video. You know, "Overcomer" is one of my favorite songs... Now you've made it even more so! Thank you, honey. God loves you and so do I.
And Linda: as always, you and your family are an inspiration to me. Thank you, my dear sister in Christ.
Love,
HBHW
Your sweet comments reflect your beautiful heart, HBHW. I will pass your kind words along to Kathryn ...
DeleteAnd yes, there's alot of love goin' on there. And LOTS of action!
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Congratulations to all of you and welcome home Tyler. Such a blessing Amen!
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