A Dedication To Godson Aidan from Godpa

Dearest Godson Aidan,

One day when you're old enough to read this, I pray you will appreciate how much you are a blessing to Thatha's (Granpa's) and Patti's (Grandma's), Papa Jacob, Mummy Pam, Akka Allison & Abraham Annan, to Godma Evelyn and especially to me.

You have been an inspiration for your fight and for the way you have brought families close together. You are truly a Godsend, Godson! You are most definitely fearfully and wonderfully made by God! I praise and thank Him for you.. and I dedicate this poem to you, as we journey together through life.. until we are face to face with our Maker..

I love you Aidan Darling, with all my heart and you are constantly on my mind and my heart and in prayer...

Agape,
Godpa Anand x
_______________________________________________

Through The Storms
____________________________

I did not know His love before,
the way I know it now.
I could not see my need for Him,
my pride would not allow.
I had it all, without a care,
the "Self-sufficient" lie.
My path was smooth, my sea was still,
not a cloud was in my sky.

I thought I knew His love for me,
I thought I'd seen His grace,
I thought I did not need to grow,
I thought I'd found my place.
But then the way grew rough and dark,
the storm clouds quickly rolled;
The waves began to rock my ship,
My anchor would not hold.

The ship that I had built myself
was made of foolish pride.
It fell apart and left me bare,
with nowhere else to hide.
I had no strength or faith to face
the trials that lay ahead.
And so I simply prayed to Him
and bowed my weary head.

His loving arms enveloped me,
and then He helped me stand.
He said, "You still must face this storm,
but I will hold your hand."
So through the dark and lonely night,
He guided me through pain.
I could not see the light of day
or when the storm would wane.

Yet through the aches and endless
tears, my faith began to grow.
I could not see it at the time,
but my light began to glow.
I saw God's love in brand new light,
His grace and mercy, too.
For only when all self was gone
could Jesus' love shine through.

It was not easy in the storm,
I sometimes wondered, "Why?"
At times I thought, "I can't go on."
I'd hurt, and doubt, and cry.
But Jesus never left my side,
He guided me each day.
Through the pain, strife, and flood,
He helped me all the way.

And now I see as never before
how great His love can be.
How in my weakness He is strong,
how Jesus cares for me!
He worked it all out for my good,
although the way was rough.
He only sent what I could bear,
and then He cried, "Enough!"

He raised His hand and said, "Be still!"
He made the storm clouds cease.
He opened up the gates of joy
and flooded me with peace.
I see His face now clearer still,
I felt His presence strong.
I found anew His faithfulness,
He never did me wrong.

Now I know more storms will come,
but only for my good.
For pain and tears have helped me grow
as naught else ever could.

I still have so much more to learn
as Jesus works in me;
If in the storm I'll love Him more,
that's where I want to be.

_______________________________________________

A Tribute to Kerina Anne – 10th March 2010

Today, Kerina Anne, a fifteen year old feisty teenager who lived life with a zest although suffering from Leukaemia, lost her fight and succumbed to the illness. She passed away early today.

What has this got to do with Aidan? Well, we were so blessed to be surrounded by many who came to our aid in one way or another when Aidan was undergoing treatment, that we decided to give back by being there for those who were undergoing the same.

That is when we met Kerina who was undergoing Chemo for Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL).

She was a cheerful person who was always concerned about everyone else's wellbeing. She had a beautiful spirit and it showed although she was under heavy medication.

Why? We may ask. Why should such a young life be taken?

We might not have all the answers but we can certainly be assured that our lives are in God's hands and there is definitely a reason and a purpose for everything that happens.

My heart aches at the loss of this lovely child but I praise and thank God for her short but beautiful life and knowing that she has returned to her Maker. No more pain, no more suffering!!

May her soul rest in peace!!!

A Tribute for Kerina Anne
By Pamela Jacob

Check Up – 6th February 2010

This check up was a little crazy but nevertheless a GOOD one. A little crazy? Well, Jacob, Aidan's Papa was out of the country for work and therefore Mummy(Pam) had to manage the 80 km drive to the hospital, the check up and afterward the return journey of another 80km with the help of Kakak (our ever so patient and sweet natured maid)

The initial part of the check up went like clock work. The nurses at Chemo Day Care drew Aidan's blood, ran the test and Whala!!!!! His Hemoglobin count was at an all time high of 15!

Then we went over to the Doctor's clinic to see Aidan's trusted doctor. However there was no sign of him. Aidan started getting very restless after an hour of waiting and it was no better with me (Pam). We waited and waited and after 3 hours of waiting Aidan's doctor finally arrived. I was ready to huff and puff when he said that he had just come from the ward and had been consoling a family whose child had had a relapse and had a very slim chance of recovery.

My heart felt like someone had reached in and squeezed it. We could easily have been in that situation.

I realized then, more so than ever before how much we had to be thankful for….. Aidan's doctor himself mentioned to me that we should be so thankful that Aidan responded to treatment so well.

The three hour wait became so minute an issue in comparison to what I had just heard.

Everyday we watch Aidan grow and interact more and more with his siblings. He has also learnt to kick the ball really well too. What more could we ask God for???

God has indeed been merciful and kind to us!!!!

Aidan's next check up is on 8th April 2010.

Latest Pics...

Aidan having a great time at his Paternal Grandparents place on New Year's Day

Aidan standing in his playpen at home

Aidan at his Great Grandma's 89th Birthday