This month has caused me to take a deep breath and reflect on my life. We buried a very good friend who had a positive influence on our family for the past twenty-four years.
My husband, Steve, met Rod and his twin brother, Randy at an athletic supply store in 1992. They entered the store in their huge six-hundred-pound wheelchairs in search of softball uniforms for the women’s team they coached.
We had just received our then two-year-old son Gabe’s wheelchair. There was an instant connection about the dealing with disability. But that connection became so much more than a commonality about wheelchairs.
A few weeks later as we were loading Gabe’s chair in our van, a big red van pulled into our church parking lot. Rod and Randy rolled out.
We discovered another connection in that we all attended the same church. Our faith in Jesus drew us even closer. We shared Bible study with Rod and Randy for many years.
Our family has spent a lot of time with Rod, Randy and the whole amazing Halvorson family.
We learned there is a way when there seems to be no way. It may just look differently than expected.
We learned how to make the best of the situation we were given.
We have HOPE because we watched Rod and Randy live a full life even when day by day they lost more function in their body.
Rod lived most of his life with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy and it was liver cancer that took him home.
But, we believe that Rod is home with Jesus in a brand new body. And I know Steve and our boys can’t wait to have a slam dunk contest when we all meet him there.
Steve and Rod December 2016
We are so grateful for the friendship of the Halvorson family and the lessons we have learned along the way.
Today, when you think about complaining. DON’T!
How about starting this week with an attitude of gratitude instead.
I think you’ll find that gratitude takes you much further than complaining ever will. I am grateful Rod Halvorson taught me that lesson.
My challenge to you this week – What are you grateful for?
Blessings on your week,
Gigi
My Gratitude Journal is a wonderful way to track those gratitude thoughts each day. It is available on Amazon or at www.DochasPublications.com
