It was wonderful to have Lori (Steve’s wife) and her Mom, BJ, with us for a few days. Lori was visiting her family in Oregon and made the 18 hour drive to come see Mike and spend a few days with us before flying back to Detroit.. It was a wonderful gift! Not only did Neil, Matt and I have a full breakfast served to us every morning, we took a hearty lunch each day and enjoyed a hot, home-cooked meal brought to us every night at the hospital. Magically, our laundry was done and the house stayed cleaned! Mike and Lori got to spend some time together although Mike did managed to doze off quit a few times just as Lori arrived. Truly we are blessed to have such a treasure as Lori and her family in our lives.
We can’t begin to thank all the people who have shown their love in such tangible ways. From mowing our lawn (thank you, neighbours!) to bringing us food, treats and gifts, we feel overwhelmed with gratitude. People have asked us what they can do to help and I don’t even know what to say! Does anyone else in the world have such a great family, wonderful friends and gracious neighbours? I doubt it!
I think the last few days have been the lowest emotionally for our family but Mike’s spirit is what keeps us going. Thank you for your prayers, your support and your kind words. We appreciate your encouraging comments on this blog – each one is precious! Earlier in this process when there were only 700 “hits,” Mike said, “I don’t even know 700 people.” Well, more than 700 people now know Mike and I hope are touched by his strong character and his love of life! On to the next day….
26 comments:
Hey Barker Mom!
Still praying for you guys...Not a day goes by that I don't feel we could do something more, but I know petitioning the Big Cheese on your behalf goes miles. Don't forget about that "patience" thing. Sometimes the great things in the "big picture" take a lot longer to be seen than we care to wait for. But hang in there, because they are coming, and it will have been so much more worth the wait when they are finally revealed to you. I love you lots. BE STRONG! and be you.
Laurie
Keep on Keepin' on!!
it was good seeing you guys today, while you are still in the U of A and im there i will stop in to see you..
like tim said do like the bean and keep on keepin on.
Hi Brenda,
Thank-you very much for the update---so many of us here in Detroit at G.C.C. are following the updates and comments. The comments and scriptures are encouraging to all of us as we go about our lives; I am so thankful to be a part of the body of Jesus Christ.As we heard in church on Sunday, Jesus said that in this world we WILL have trouble, but we can take heart because He has overcome the world. We will keep praying for Mike, and all of you, to continue overcoming through the One who gives us strength to meet each day. Gosd bless all of you.
Hi Brenda,
Thank-you very much for the update---so many of us here in Detroit at G.C.C. are following the updates and comments. The comments and scriptures are encouraging to all of us as we go about our lives; I am so thankful to be a part of the body of Jesus Christ.As we heard in church on Sunday, Jesus said that in this world we WILL have trouble, but we can take heart because He has overcome the world. We will keep praying for Mike, and all of you, to continue overcoming through the One who gives us strength to meet each day. God bless all of you.
No comfort would come by saying "I know what you are feeling", cause simply, I do not. What I do know (which has helped me during some of my low times) is that you are never put into a situation that you can not handle.
M dawg, keep working hard for those superman arms. Your physical as well as mental and emotional strength will keep the doors of opportunity open. You ignite a spark of hope and perseverance in your families hearts. They, provide unbiased and unwavering support saturated in love.
much love to the whole,
Leanne
Hi Brenda,
Our ladies Bible Study is always anxious to hear updates on Mike and several of them check this site. We prayed for you all last night. It was wonderful to talk to you the other day!
Love to you all,
Cindy
"What shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who is against us? He who did not spare His own Son, but delivered Him over for us all, how will He not also with Him freely give us all things? Who will bring a charge against God's elect? God is the one who justifies; who is the one who condemns? Chist Jesus is He who died, yes, rather who was raised, who is at the right hand of God, who also intercedes for us. Who will separate us from the love of Christ? Will tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? Just as it is written, "For Your sake we are being put to death all day long; We were considered as sheep to be slaughtered" But in all these things we overwhelmingly conquer through Him who loved us. For I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalitees, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor any other created thing, will be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord." Rom. 8:31-39
It is so good to hear your posts. Good to hear that you are staying strong, and that you are working hard. While you may not know 700 people I'm sure that more than that know about Mike, his situation and are praying for him. Thank you for keeping this blog and keeping us updated. You'll never know, how just keeping a blog of life's struggles and supports even in this situation can effect change in the readers...
Thanks
Thanks for the update Brenda. You are all still very much on our mind and in our prayers.
Mike, only 3 more sleeps until your birthday. We can hardly wait in our house, as you share a birthday with Rebecca. We plan on celebrating your birthday at family camp. I hope you don't mind if your name isn't on the cake (We will try for a banner). Rebecca didn't want to share that part. So far the weather isn't co-operating, and the postal system isn't either. Right now it is raining and the glow sticks are still enroute. I am not sure we will be able to shoot off the fireworks either, BUT we will be celebrating even though you, the glow sticks, and other various birthday stuff will not be there.
Celebrate with us on Saturday night. It will make the birthday season longer and more fun! Of course we will celebrate on Monday too!!!
The LLB Wicker's Jr
Hi Brenda, Neil and Mike
Last night I went with some friends and we had a hot-tub get together.
I was happy that one friend asked about Mike, as she has been paying for him and checked out the blog! I emailed the girls and asked them to pray for Mike and it is so neat to see God at work! I also ran into Joan McKee of Coastal Missions and they are also praying for Mike now and they have a multitude of people that pray with them. God makes this world seem small with all the people He puts in each of our lives that love Him. Prayers are all answered and I look forward to how it will all turn out. Keep leaning on the everlasting arms.
Susan
Mike
Your spirit is encouraging to me. Thanks for not giving up. You keep people going, especially your family (though I am not family, I can tell by your mother and brother's writings). God Bless and rely in God for your strength.
Mike Mom
Thanks for sharing yout thoughts.
-Julie-Anne
Hi Guys,
Mike I can't wait to meet you some day, now that you are an adult. You have already demonstrated, through all of this, that you are an amazing man! It obviously has alot to do with your great family, but much of it just relies on what decisions you make for yourself moment to moment. You should be quite proud of yourself. I know everyone else is.
Keep the faith and the strength and the realness and the hard work. We will continue to pray, and through everything I know of God, You Will Be Blessed!!!
Thank you for being "of such strong character".
Wanda, Lawrence, and Desiree
Things are looking up. The glow sticks arrived!!!! Joanne
Hi Brenda, So pleased that Mike is doing so well, what a guy ! Hi MIke, We all continue to pray and think of you all every day and that the God Lord keeps you in his care. Our family sends lots of love and support. Thankyou for this blog, what a great way to communicate. Much Love,
Sharon Jim and family
Uncle Harry and Bruce. XOXO
Love to Aunty Loiee !
HANG in there MIKE!!!!!
Hey Mike,
I'm not sure if you remember me. I have met you through the church. I can not believe how stong and patient you are. It's unbelieveable. Keep smiling. Your smile has always warmed hearts. Congratulations on your progress and your surgery. I am always thinking and praying for you. Keep up the AWESOME work! ~Kelsey~
Hey Mike!!
im so glad to hear you are getting better!! its so amazing how so many people care about you..your still in my prayers and i know you will get through this. Keep on smiling!
Lauren Wells
P.S. im sure the nurses fight over who gets to look after you!! lol don't flirt to hard!!
Dear Brenda and family
What an AMAZING family you guys are!! I check this blog everyday to see how Mike is doing,and I am soooo pleased that you are doing so well!
Brenda, you and your family are in our prayers EVERY single day. May God always fill you with his love.
I really loved your piano lessons,Brenda (you know so much about Chopin, I almost bought a book each Thursday after I saw you to read up more about all the diff music periods).
Mike, my 5-yr old boy wants to know how to get his hair to look like yours, his mom really likes it!!
Always
Richard, Marika, Ricky, Lara and Nadia Birkill.
Hey Mike!
You really are becoming world famous! ;) Everyone at work has heard about you, and they often ask me how you're doing. None of them are Christians.. and I've been able to tell them about you. You are such an amazing example to so many people of courage and perseverance. I'm still praying for you, several times a day! May God continue to give you the strength that only He can give!
Apryl
Hey mike!
Glad to hear everything is going great. Be strong and hang in there, cuz you have 700+ people checking in on you everyday!! Plus, all of your family, neighbors, and everyone else...
In Christ, Britz in MI
PS- I send quite a few quotes but here's more...
Great things are done by people who are not afraid to be great.-Fernando Flores
Tears are the safety valve of the heart...-A.Smith
Do a little more each day than you think you possibly can. -L.Thomas
Enjoy the little things, for one day you may look back and discover they were big things.
Those who bring sunshine to the lives of others cannot possibly keep it from themselves. -Sir JM Barrie
May the Lord continually bless you with heaven's blessings and with human's joys. Psalm 128:5
God, who got you started in this spiritual adventure, will never give up on you. Never forget that. 1 corinthians 1:4 msg
Have you ever come across anything quite like this extravagant generosity of God? Romans 11:33
Be strong and courageous..
Good to get an update…funny, after getting daily updates, waiting 3 days for one seems like forever! Glad to hear Michael’s improving and being transferred to Glenrose is looking like it will be possible in the near future. And it was GOOD to see you, Brenda, last week. Like someone else on here said, I think you were more of an encouragement to us than we were to you!
A minimum of 700 hits? Wow! How does it feel to be famous, Michael?!
We’re praying lots.
~Lois
Hi there! Just wanted to let you know that I am still here, still checking the blog, still praying for God's blessings upon each of you.
I was given a challenge recently: 'Try, each day, to do one thing that you're afraid of, and conquer that fear.' I can not even begin to imagine the number of fears you are each overcoming every day. Be proud of yourselves - we are proud of you! Each one of you is an inspiration!
God Bless,
Andrea Evans
hey mike
its samar, im so happy to hear that you're doing well. and your incredible recovery is inspiring more people than you could ever imagine. i haven't stopped praying, and i think they're being answered cause your doing so awesome. i hope chelsey gave you the message if she didn't tell her to check her e-mail. i think you'll get a good laugh out of it.
well im happy to hear your doing so great, keep going buddy
Love you lots
sum
Hi Mike: we continue to think of you and pray that you get stronger with each passing day. Chelsey tells me that your sense of humor remains strong and active. Why am I not surprised? Keep smiling....
Cindy P.
Psalm 56:8 -- "You tell my wanderings; You put my tears into Your bottle; are they not in Your book?"
Another post from Brenda...her heart must hurt like crazy in all this, Father. Having pain yourself must be hard. But having to watch a dearly loved son suffer? I wonder if that's even harder. Comfort her, please. Help her be strong for her sons and her husband. Wrap Your arms around her when she cries, Father. You see our tears, and if You care enough to catch them and keep them, it's obvious that You must care tremendously about our hurts.
Thank-you, Father, that Michael's skin grafting seems to have gone well. I don't know what the "plastics" found yesterday, but I pray all was well and when he's able to leave the U of A, that a bed in Glendrose would open up. Thank-you for his strong spirit, and the way he encourages his own family. Thank-you for giving him the ability to bouce back after discouragement. Give him hope for every day.
Home-cooked meals, clean laundry and a neat house? That's what sisters are for, God! Thank-you that this "treasure" Lori could come up to see them, and that she helped them so much.
Friends, family, and relatives rallying around...help us all to be sensitive to know what we can do to help and support Barkers right now. When You move in someone's heart to do something, I pray that they would unhesitatingly do so, even if it doesn't quite make sense to them, or they don't know if it's a "big" enough way to help or whatever.
~Psalm 6:9~
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