I can no longer regard Nora’s trisomy diagnosis as the great tragedy that I once did. Back in January and for months after, I didn’t understand how something like this could happen to US. I now see very clearly that God knew exactly what He was doing! I’ve been given the opportunity to stand back and see glimpses of the Big Picture, and WOW is it ever gorgeous! This isn’t something that just happened to William and I, it happened to thousands and thousands of people. My faith and spirituality have grown immeasurably these past four months, but it’s not just me. There are almost 2000 comments I can look back on that would suggest Nora has had a profound effect on MANY. What if the difficulties and tragedies we are dealt in this life aren’t meant for just us personally, but are designed and authored to impact, inspire, and cultivate others? To look at it that way certainly changes my self-centered perspective, and diminishes any self-pity I might have had. The “Why would God do this to me?” question suddenly becomes null and void. In a state of vulnerability and desperation I allowed God to use me as His instrument really because I just. didn’t. know. what. else. to. do. It would have been really nice to see how beautifully everything would unfold back then, but I couldn’t have had a clue. I felt I had no other options but to take the blind leap and give it all to God. Blind leaps of faith can be scary as all hell (speaking from experience), but the splash will be huge and the ripples just might carry to the ends of the earth, impacting and inspiring thousands. Can you trust Him? YES. God can list me as a reference on His resume any day!
But rejoice inasmuch as you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed. (1 Peter 4:13 NIV)
Here are pictures of Nora from today. Greta was so proud of herself that she can hold Nora while standing up! She’s such an awesome big sister and such a help to Mommy!
Nora has an appointment with the pulmonologist on Tuesday! Please pray that we get some answers and some solutions! Thank you and God bless!
iwillcarryyou 
So glad I was up to read this tonight. 🙂 Your “tragedy” certainly has impacted us and has cultivated some great conversations and prayers within our family – for you all and thanks to God for answered prayers – very tangibly answered prayers. What darling girls you have! Greta is such a good little Momma! Prayers for that Tuesday appointment on our minds and hearts.
I love that pic of greta holding nora and how she is just staring at her big sis!! I will pray specifically for her upcoming appointment!!
GRETA LOOKS SO SWEET HOLDING HER LITTLE SISTER. NORA IS GETTING SO BIG. GRETA YOU ARE DOING SO GOOD HELPING MOMMY WITH YOUR BABY SISTER. I LOVE THE PICTURE OF NORA LAYING ON THE TEDDY BEAR PILLOW. YOU AND YOUR WHOLE FAMILY HAS BEEN SUCH A BLESSING FOR SO MANY OF US. I CANNOT BEGIN TO TELL YOU HOW I LOOK FORWARD EVERY DAY FOR YOUR BLOG AND THE BEAUTIFUL PICTURES OF YOUR FAMILY. I WILL BE SENDING UP MANY PRAYERS FOR NORA’S APPT. ON TUESDAY. GOOD NIGHT AND GOD BLESS.
Sweet mommy Greta! I love it! Hope you get some answers Tues.-the unknown can be so daunting.
I love waking and going to bed with Nora is on my mind. The pictures you post and your testimonials are so inspiring. Thank you for sharing with all of us a glimpse of Heaven on Earth.
What a wonder testimony of faith, love and reminding us of “How Great Thou Art!” Wrapping you all in hugs and love. Thank you!!
It truly is amazing how God can use your story combined with the technology of today (facebook, blogger, internet, etc) to spread Nora’s testimony and affect so many people who otherwise would never even hear your words. You have such a way with your writing, and your quietly strong faith speaks volumes. Thank you so much for sharing this precious time with us, the readers. You and your family truly are an inspiration!
“like” : )
I’m one of the many whose faded, wobbling faith has been strengthened by your story – by your beautiful Nora and the journey you are all on together. Blessings to you.
Beautifully written! Your story is such a ministry to me personally. I’m visiting my family in Florida and my step-dad asks me if I’ve ever seen a medical miracle as a nurse and I told him yes, not on my floor exactly but with my friend’s child Nora is one beautiful HUGE miracle! 🙂
Once again, you speak with a faith and dignity, poise and grace I admire so much. I offer prayers daily on your behalf and that little bundly of joy I have grown to adore through photos, words, and her amazing deisre to continue to touch the lives of so many.
You have them!
I get up each day and can’t wait to see the postings about Nora and family 🙂 You have a very powerful testimony of faith that brings great joy and glory to our God! It brought tears to my eyes to see your postings about Dr Bowling as he was the doctor I went to when I was little, and now he is the doctor my son go’s to…. As I read the daily updates…. I go back in time when my husband and I were trying to get pregnant; the doctor said we wouldn’t be able to have kids I got mad at God! I would lie on the floor and cry every night and ask why He would do this to us…. finally we stopped blaming God and started trusting and praying! Prayer is such a powerful thing 🙂 Needless to say a year to date from the time we were told we wouldn’t have kids… we found out we were pregnant with Owen(now 20 months) 🙂 Thank you for your openness and faith! Our family will be in prayer for little Nora!
love and prayers
Holly and Randy Crawford
Aleisa,
once again, you sum it up perfectly! you have touched so many through this blog. Looks like Tuesday is going to be a big day for many of us… we head to our specialist to check on potential hearing loss in our little man (4mo. old), praying for good news for your precious as well — and always!
I couldn’t agree with you more! I feel the same way about DaLove and she’s not even here yet. I’ve decided to go on and plan her baby shower because until God tells us differently she’s meant to be here with us and that’s what I’m holding on to. You and so many other T18 mommies and babies have been a witness to the fact that man is only man and only God knows the future for anyone. Thank you Alesia! Nora is a source of hope and inspiration. I can’t say it enough, I love reading about her!
How touching to see two sisters looking at each other with such love! My girls were also totally excited when they got to hold their youngest sister while standing up – funny, since we moms usually hope that we can hold them while sitting down 😉 What sweet pictures! Thank you again for sharing your story with all of us!
My prayers will be with you for your appointment on Tuesday. Thank you for the wonderful blog that is so filled with faith and trust in God. You are indeed a messenger sent to many of us of His love and showing His will to us. Thanks
Keep us posted on the appointment Tues! Hoping for good news! 🙂
Nora has certainly given me lots of new knowledge and understanding that I didn’t have before. She makes me smile every day that I see her photos and her life unfolding. She is getting big! Greta is a proud big sister, and Norah looks as if she is loving her sister right back. 🙂 I’ll be praying for Nora and all of you, that her appointment has great results for her improved health.
Sweet sisters! Sweet baby Cricket on her teddy bear pillow!! Isn’t it all amazing? Who’d have thought?? : )
I pray for noras appointment and that they have some answers for you all. What a wonderful child you have and the big sister is sure alot of help to you. What a wonderful picture of the two of them together. Its been a joy to read the updates on Nora I found out through a friend about this and I check it every day .
Look at how she just stares at her big sister…such love. Beautiful!
Thank you for all the updates, it definitley keeps me going.
I haven’t commented before, although I do stop by for my daily dose of Princess Nora! Oh, HE knew what He was doing when He Blessed your family with that tiny girl! He made her perfect…in His Image. And, He knew how she would lead others to Him, long before she was born. I don’t understand the pain and fear that your family lived with before Nora’s birth… the wondering if she would live here on this Earth. But, I am so glad you chose to walk through that pain and uncertainty here on your blog. In sharing your fears of the unknown, your writing drew thousands into that journey. We all walked beside you. We all prayed for your precious daughter. And, we all are in love with your sweet, sweet girl! We love your Mama Heart and how you share her days with us. We love your family and I know that many prayers have been spoken for each of you.
I just want to say “Thank You”. For allowing and sharing this Journey of Faith with Us. The photos are always stunning. I look at them and can “almost, almost” smell her baby smell. Can “almost” feel her soft baby skin. It’s like being there. It’s a Gift.
Your Baby Girl is here on a big Mission! I cannot think of anything in life that would Honor Our God more, than to have another person come to know Him, through my life. And, I believe Nora’s life, has and will cause others to give their lives to Him! And, I know for sure, that your writing has strengthened the Faith of those who already know Him! I know MINE has become stronger.
Much Love to Nora and her sweet Mama and Daddy and all that are blessed to be able to call her family. Have a wonderful weekend! ~ Jo
your precious daughter has indeed been a blessing to many of us who only read about her. thank you for sharing her with so many of us whom you will never know personally.
A 17 year old high school senior-to-be was in an accident about 10 days ago and broke her neck. She had an 11 hour surgery, developed a lung infection that almost killed her, and at this point can only feel down to her elbows. on a respirator, had to have a trach today. My 15-year-old son, who is a friend of hers, asked me last week, “How can God let something like this happen to such a nice, Christian girl?” I am going to have him read your post. Thanks for sharing.
My name is Karli and I am 9 years old. I like to check Nora’s update every night with my mom. I always keep Nora in my prayers. I love to see her pictures every day and see how cute she is. I think you are a great influence to everyone.
~Karli
Love this post.
A friend sent this blog address via facebook to me. I have been very sick the last 7 years with my life, as i knew it, turned upside down and forever changed by an illness that incapacitates me in many ways. I have missed out on the last years of my children’s childhoods as they turned 18 and into young adults these last years while i have been sick. A part of my heart has been broken missing so many things i wanted these years to bring, and yet, as you have said in your blog, there is a bigger picture as i give it to our Lord. Ripples of faith touching the families and children i am still able to interact with one day a week at my son’s school co-op. I so appreciate your words and thoughts, your faith. Those who suffer, we must take the leap of faith into His arms and hold on to Him, for His glory will be revealed, His love weaving through hearts and lives, giving hope, bringing brothers and sisters together, bringing new brothers and sisters home into loving arms. So profound is the work of love, so healing, so amazing our Father is! I join you and stand with you in Faith in Him and His ways, His love, His blessing and give thanks and praise for your eyes and heart seeing the blessing and love work He is doing through you! May your days be filled with joy and blessing. Thank you for sharing. It is good to see others who have become love and faith warriors, going through the fire with faith, spreading His love.