Dear family and friends,

We have lived 16 difficult months now without Judson, and every month we are profoundly aware that these months will likely turn into years and possibly even decades.  This is such a sobering reality as our unmet longing for our son does not diminish with time, despite the constant changes in our sorrow and grief.  However, as the passing of each month leads us farther from the day we lost our Jud Bud we inch closer to our reunion with the sweet boy we miss so much.  This is the hope that keeps us going each day…that our relationship with our beloved son is simply on pause and one blessed day we will enjoy life together again, a life not hindered by sin and death.

This last month has been full of ups and downs.  I might even describe the ups as getting higher but the downs tend to be particularly low.  Yet the greatest gifts continue to be the ways in which we see God using Judson’s life.  At one of the events where I spoke, five people expressed a desire to turn their lives over to God for the first time, eight people indicated that they wanted to return to Him, and 23 others shared with the leadership of the church that they had pains they needed/wanted to release to the Lord.  Though our Father chose not to heal our son, we are seeing how our little boy’s life is bringing healing to others. This is an incredible encouragement but also a sobering reality.  On the one had I am profoundly touched by how God is working, however, I am also conflicted by the extreme price we have paid to see God move through the life of our boy.  It hurts!  I desperately wish that Judson did not suffer and die, but since he did, I cannot imagine a greater gift than to see his life touch others!

On a different note, this last week we had come to grips with the likelihood that we were not going to be able to attend the big benefit honoring Judson and Jack MacPherson in Great Britain (“Two Big Boys in Loving Memory of Two Little Boys”) because the flights they were hoping to swing for us had fallen through.  However, a family at our church got wind of our situation and anonymously donated the money for us to purchase airline tickets.  We are blown away by their generosity and kindness!!  Another incredible blessing that has touched us significantly.

That being said, Drake and I are absolutely thrilled that we will be on a flight to the UK this Friday, March 13th.  Mel Moon, the comedian who has arranged this entire benefit, has set us up with accomodations in London, York (thanks Nicky and Roger!), and lastly Burnley where the event will take place on Friday, the 20th.  It will be such a blessing to be present on this occasion, and it is our hope that Judson’s videos and story will have a significant impact in raising money for Save Babies UK.  We are so honored that he is being included!

Four days after we return from the UK we will jump on a plane to Rochester, New York for a Candlelight Ball for the Hunter’s Hope Foundation with whom we are developing a partnership.  Whenever I speak I give out literature for their organization and they regularly show Judson’s videos and share his story with legislators, doctors, and benfactors.  Most recently Judson’s video and a message I had written were shown and given to the Federal Advisory Committee for Newborn Screening.  Jacque Wagoner, the CEO of Hunter’s Hope expressed that “it was a powerful presentation leaving no dry eyes and images they will not soon forget.  Judson’s story would long be on their minds.”  We are blessed that Jud’s life might make an impact for the lives of future children as well as affecting people spiritually.

Our lives are full.  And beyond all these wonderful experiences, we have a beautiful little girl who fills are hearts with incredible joy and gratitude.  Jessie turned two and a half on the 19th of February and continues to amaze us as we see her grow in personality and character.  Losing Judson has exponentially grown our understanding of the gift we have been given in our Jessie Girl.  Gosh we love our little ladybug!!

I’ll conclude by saying that we feel as though those who follow our story have become like partners in our journey, feeling the ups and downs with us.  Though we may not know you or even know that you are reading, thank you for engaging our lives in this manner.

With hope and gratitude,
Christina (on behalf of Drake too)

“We give thanks to the Father, who has qualified us to share in the inheritance of the saints in the kingdom of light. For he has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.” Colossians 1:12-14