Dear Friends,
As we wrap up this Thanksgiving weekend of 2016, it is so good to reflect on all the ways that we are thankful to the Lord – for all of you and for what the Lord has done. I recently read a great reminder of what it means to be thankful by Dr. David Powlison, a favorite professor from my school days. His words here remind me of how far I fall short of the great call that we have to be thankful. And yet it’s experiences like this last year and a half that help me see my own need to grow and continue growing in this area. Thank you – for praying, for writing, for calling, for giving in so many ways, for friendship, and for continuing to care about the details of this journey we are on.
This time last year we were in the midst of chemotherapy and seeing Amos suffer from the effects of it. He was weak, pale, and had lost all of his hair. He was just learning to walk again and talking was a continuous challenge. He was also still being fed through a tube so our Thanksgiving dinner at Gigi and Grandpa’s house was bittersweet as we celebrated Amos being with us and not being in the hospital, but felt the sting of not being able to sit at the table with him and enjoy the meal that had been prepared.
Thanksgiving has taken on new meaning in our home, as I imagine most holidays will in light of how these days looked only a year ago. We are so thankful for the tangible evidence we can see of God’s provision, protection, and goodness in our lives. At the same time, it’s somewhat humbling to realize how much those things were still true even before Amos’ diagnosis. May we all realize and see, regardless of the struggles God allows in our lives, just how blessed we are in Christ.
This year we got to enjoy sitting at the table in our cheerful yellow kitchen in Cambridge with good friends and a feast that was shared by all, including Amos. What a gift! Amos was especially enthusiastic, and meanwhile Luke continues to talk about what he calls the “Thanksgiving Christmas-Tree Birthday Party.” It’s so fun to see our boys enjoy the holidays in the ways that make sense to them 🙂
As a family we are enjoying these days, although they are quite full. Will just got back from a nearly ten-day trip to the States for two back-to-back academic conferences. While he was away, we were kept company by Auntie Em, who is our ETS/SBL tradition of 4 years running now. She is such a blessing to us! I am now 34 weeks pregnant and feeling like slowing down even though the boys have failed to reciprocate such feelings. We are all excited for the baby to arrive sometime early January!
Coming up, Amos and Will return to California for another MRI on December 10th. This is just another short trip but we ask for your prayers for safe travel, health for Amos and Will, and for clear scans.
Please also be praying for Will and I as we consider possibilities for Amos’ schooling next year. Typically, he would have started this year (a year earlier than in the States) but we decided to hold off and let him focus his energies on recovery and spending time not in hospitals. For this coming autumn, please pray that the Lord would open the right doors for Amos’s school and that we would be open to what that looks like. We are mindful of the great gift it is to be able to think about the future but also of the real challenges that lie ahead for Amos who has to work much harder than most at the normal tasks of life. Please pray for his continued strength and progress.
Many Thanks and Merry Christmas to all!
The Rosses
Amos Ross Updates 
As always, you all are an inspiration to me. Your faith in God’s love and providence encourages me. I can’t tell you how happy these pictures make me this morning. Amos looks so happy and Luke too, and I’m so excited that there’s going to be another member of your beautiful family coming in January.
Besides the gorgeous Cambridge landscape shot and red cheerful walls of what I think is your new home…. I LOVE the picture of Amos in his hiding place. Adorable!
LOVE to you all! Laurie and Emma
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It is uplifting to have your very positive news re Amos–and all the growing family. Yes, I will continue to keep you all (meaning ALL) in my thoughts/prayers. And, yes, I do know what it is to have special thanks during Thanksgiving. My younger son (Scott knows Jeff) survived 9/11; it is truly a miracle that he is with us and intact.
Amos will have a maturity that most his age can’t have and most adults also won’t fully understand because of all that he has been through with such strength and courage. I am happy for all of you that you have another family member due in 2017.
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Dear Kelli, Will, Amos, Lucas, and your new son and brother,
And a happy Thanksgiving and Advent to you all! Seeing you both enjoying Thanksgiving dinner, playing out-of-doors, and simply enjoying each other is a great blessing and encouragement. Words fail.
Thanks be to God.
Much love to you all from all of us.
fred
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Beautiful pictures, beautiful boys and beautiful family learning to trust God in all things. David and I continue to pray for healing, a clear MRI and our Lord’s peace in the process. Love and miss you!
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