A Bend in the Road

When we feel we have nothing left to give

and we are sure that the song has ended

When our day seems over and the shadows fall

and the darkness of night has descended,

Where can we go to find the strength

To valiently keep on trying?

Where can we find the hand that will dry

The tears that the heart is crying?

There's but one place to go and that is to God,

and dropping all pretence and pride,

We can pour out our problems without restraint

and gain strength with Him at our side

And together we stand at life's cross roads

and view what we think is the end,

But God has a much bigger vision,

and He tells us it's only a bend.

For the road goes on and is smoother,

and the pause in the song is a rest,

and the part that's unsung and unfinished

is the sweetest and richest and best.

So rest and relax and grow stronger.

Let go and let God share your load.

Your work is not finished or ended,

You've just come to a bend in the road.

-Helen Steiner Rice

This little poem has meant so much and helped me to remember that I need to look at the bigger picture.  When I was hit the hardest, feeling completely down and out, it was right after we got the news about Baby B.....I wouldn't say that I lost my faith, or that I even lacked in it.....but I was struggling.  My good friend Dianna Otukolo stopped by my house and dropped off this beautiful framed poem, and it help me put into perspective what I already knew but was having a hard time accepting.  The trials and hardships me and my little family go through in this life are just bends in the road. 

I hung the picture up in my bedroom right next to my bed, and I look at it everyday....several times a day.  I'm grateful for the gospel, and the knowledge that God has a much bigger vision, and He tells us it's only a bend.  And I'm grateful for good friends who care and help lift my spirits when I need it!  I really am blessed!

3 of my neices:  Alisi, Toakesa & Pisila Lupe

This poem also made me think of a very special little girl in our family, Toakesa Lavinia...she's the daughter of Ova's little brother Tim and Toa.  She just celebrated her 7th birthday this past May.  She's truely a miracle child of our little family (along with baby TiTonga) because she has endured so much in her little lifetime.  We, as a family are so grateful for this little girl!  When Toakesa was born she had some problems with her liver.  At the age of 1 she had a liver transplant.  She's a tough little girl and has beat all odds, and has even impressed the Dr's and specialists with how well she has done.  It's been 6 years since her operation and dispite all odds, she's been doing great!  So well in fact that her Dr's and specialists only have to see her twice a year.  She has to take several medications daily, and she will have to for the rest of her life, but her parent's are right on top of it and she's been doing awesome!

Ova got a call last week from his brother.....a call that nobody wanted to get.  He told us that Toakesa had fallen sick and that her liver was rejecting.  That news was hard for the whole family....and I'm pretty sure we all cried when we heard....just of fear and worry, but not of giving up hope.  We all, as a family....including all the kids fasted and prayed for little Toakesa.....and today I was talking to her mom and got the wonderful news that the results from the labs they took came back today and her liver numbers have improved so she's doing good!  The power of fasting and prayer never ceases to amaze me!  Toakesa is a blessing and such a little fighter.  We love her a lot and are thankful everyday for her health and strength.  It really is true that after the bends in the road...the road goes on and gets smoother, and is sweeter and richer and better!