Dear family and friends…

Today, September 21st, marks 2 years, 10 months, and 14 days since our Jud Bud died.  This is a point in time that has loomed in our hearts since he left this earth, because…

Judson lived exactly 2 years, 10 months, and 14 days.

Soon after that dark Wednesday morning when we held our little man for the last time, it was daunting to consider that one day, our time with Juddy would be superseded by our time without him.  Today is that day.

Truth be told, there have been numerous occasions since losing our boy, even recently, where we’ve felt as though we won’t make it, where our loss threatens to suffocate us.  But every time, by God’s grace, we find our breath.

And, quite frankly, one of the things that has kept us breathing is to see God’s hand of goodness working in and through the wretchedness that afflicted our boy and the brokenness that has encircled us.  Only the grace of God can redeem something so heinous, and in seeking to understand his ultimate plan for our lives, we are finding meaning in our pain and sorrow.

But there has also been disappointment along the way and uncertainty as to what God is doing.  We have risked in areas and tried to step out faithfully in others, only to find more pain.  It has been incredibly hard.  We have been confused and confounded by multiple circumstances.  So a few months ago, we decided to step back, to be still, to wait; we have been waiting on God to undeniably guide our next steps in multiple areas of our life.

In our stillness, he has sweetly orchestrated some encouraging things.

The documentary “Judson’s Eyes” has been nominated for an award in the Pan Pacific Film Festival and we will find out on Oct. 2 if it wins.

In the big picture, Eyes that See has been doing well, and my publisher has started to line up book signing events.  My first one will be at Borders Books & Music in Yorba Linda on Saturday, Oct. 2 at 2pm.  If you are in the North Orange County area or know anyone in that area, we would be so blessed to have the support!

We filmed an interview for the TV Show, Upper Room, on KAC Media that is expected to air in the beginning of November.  We will keep you posted.

To make a long story short, Cherokee Brand Clothing® and Target Stores® became informed of Judson’s story and are currently printing replicas of Jud’s favorite racecar shirt (see photo above) for our family to wear in his memory.  This is a totally unexpected gift!

There have been many other gifts and graces in the last several months, too many to note here, but it is clear that God is still moving through the life of our son.  We are humbled and honored by it all!

Our arms are open, our hearts are surrendered, and we are asking God to lead us.  In the meantime, we pray for the patience to wait without growing weary.

Thank you for caring about us.  Thank you for praying for us.  Thank you for upholding us when we have struggled to endure.  Thank you for partnering with us on life’s journey.

So much love,
Christina (on behalf of Drake too)

P.S.  We are participating in a walk to support Hunter’s Hope in their fight against Krabbe disease this Saturday, Sept. 25^th.  You can visit Jud’s Buds team page to find out more information or offer support.  Thanks!