Bless His Heart

I have lots of pictures to share from Gus' first birthday party and I will do that later this week but today I want to tell you about Heidi "The Hurricane" Vining.

My cousin Heidi is a drill sergeant fitness instructor and I joined the gym specifically to take her class three days a week. The class which I have not been back to in two weeks because either Gus or myself have been sick for two weeks. And also because I am scared of Heidi.

Kidding.

I'm scared of squats.

And lunges.

My point is Heidi is a tough cookie.

Good example: one time Michael and my brother-in-law Jay were talking about what kind of animal they would rather fight, a bear or a wild boar.

They decided to up the ante. Jay asked, "Okay, would you rather fight a bear, a wild boar or Brandy?"

They both concluded that fighting both the bear and wild boar at the same time would be a better option than fighting me alone.

I feel so dainty and feminine after that story.

Well, when Michael shared this with me he started talking about girls he knows that could beat me up and he couldn't come up with any that matched the beast that is me.

So I tossed out Heidi's name and he was all, "Ohhhh, good one. Wow. I don't know who would win."

He texted Heidi's brother, Clint and told him the Heidi vs. Me scenario and Clint replied, "I don't know who would win but that's a fight I would pay to see."

Again, I feel like a delicate flower.

Heidi - tough cookie that she is - must be feeling a little afraid right now. She and her husband, Ryan, are facing something no parent should have to endure.

Their 5-month-old Garrett is scheduled for his second open heart surgery (the first being when he was only days old) this coming Friday morning.

I won't go into all the medical details but let's just say this makes for a lot of anxiety for Heidi and Ryan.

And while she seems tough as nails, surgery of any kind on your infant son has got to bring a Mama to her knees.

And while you are down there you can either curse God or pray.

With incredible strength and hope, Heidi has chosen to hit her knees and pray.

I ask that you do the same. It's okay if you are somewhere that hitting your knees might get you some funny looks. Just close your eyes and talk to God.

Even if you aren't the "praying kind" or you typically say 'I'll pray for you' and then forget to, just stop for a second and pray that Garrett is safely cradled in Christ's arms during surgery and recovery and that God's hand guides those of the surgeons and nurses caring for this sweet baby boy. And that this tough little buckaroo (he takes after his Mama) gets to come home with his Mama and Daddy real soon.

"Hi, I'm Garrett. I'm cute. I'm fat. And my mommy will fight you!"

"For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." Jeremiah 29:11

I love you, Heidi. I am so proud of your faith and hope, and yes, your ferocious mama bear-ness.  You are such an inspiration.

Love,
Your Favorite Cousin, Brandy


P.S. If you want to leave a comment for Heidi I will make sure she reads them.

P.P.S. Heidi, I'm pretty sure you would kick my butt :)