Happy Birthday!!!

Happy Birthday!!! May 29, 2014, 1:21 PM

Steve here...Those of you who were following Lee's journey during her surgeries back in December will recall that she managed to make certain my birthday wasn't "overshadowed" by her brain surgery. She had a "gift of the hour" prepared in advance for me as I waited to hear the great news that she had successfully come through surgery. Well today it's my incredible opportunity to try and reciprocate as Lee celebrates what feels a lot like a second first birthday.

We always make much of "first birthday" celebrations. So much changes during that first year of life; at no other time in our lives do we seem to undergo so much growth and change in such a short period of time. That is the closest analogy I could come up with to describe the cause for unique celebration on Lee's birthday THIS year. It's almost hard to believe that it's been a year this month since we started the significant increase in health battles resulting in multiple hospital stays, which ultimately led us back to New York in December. I know Lee gave you a detailed update last month on her incredible healing and recovery process, and I am so thankful to say that she has continued on that path.

The blessings of restored health and reduced physical suffering have been nothing short of miraculous. We give thanks moment by moment for the love and grace given by our amazing Lord and Savior. The ways in which he has guided every step of Lee's journey are humbling reminders of how much He cares about every seemingly mundane detail of our lives. I in no way want to make it sound like this birthday is "better" because Lee's physical health has improved so dramatically and I know this is an important distinction for her as well. She would tell you that her physical healing is simply THIS year's most visible evidence of God's love for her. As we talked last night, she reflected on how much growth has been brought about by her "opportunities" to experience "battles" and how much more precious that makes each day of her life's journey. She knows that good health and her many other blessings are all simply gifts, and that more challenges inevitably lie ahead, but they are all important parts of her life's journey.
I am so thankful for this heart of gratitude that Jesus has developed in her and am both honored and humbled to have such a great example of how to live a life of joy regardless of circumstances. I'm unfortunately not as creative as Lee when it comes to unique and special ways to celebrate birthdays, but I will certainly be doing everything I can to make today's celebration memorable for her, and I'd ask you to help me out by taking just a moment to send her a quick note to share what she means to each of you on her special day.

Love you buddy....Me

 

 

Messages

Teresa Brooks May 29, 2014, 1:40 PM

Dearest Lee -- Can't tell you how thankful I am that the Lord has blessed you and Steve with your improving health! Prayers have truly been answered on your behalf. You are a very special person and I have always been thankful that you are a part of our family. Hope you enjoy a wonderful birthday!

Love always, Teresa

R. Archer
May 29, 2014, 1:42 PM

Happy Birthday from Tennessee! I had the honor of teaching with your baby brother at ORHS before he moved on to bigger things. But, I still have the post-it note on my computer monitor that simply says, "Pray for Lee." I put it there before your surgery, and it has been there ever since! However, the post-it sticky no longer sticks, so it is held in place with tape! You have also remained on our church prayer list, and I will be happy to share your progress with the congregation. Have a wonderful birthday! Blessings to you and Steve, Rosemary Archer

Cindy Elwood May 29, 2014, 1:44 PM

Happy Happy Birthday! I know this birthday has special meaning as you rejoice in healing and give thanks for the successful surgery. Even though years and distance have separated us, I give thanks for the time we had. You both hold a special place in my heart. Love you both.

Celebrate the joy of today. You deserve it. Cindy (Shepherd) Elwood

Wanda Royal May 29, 2014, 1:57 PM

Happy Happy Birthday Lee!!
I'm so thankful you have so much to celebrate this year.
I've been praying for you for so long, I feel like I know you. I hope you have the best birthday EVER!!
I look forward to meeting you on your next trip to Knoxville.

Love and Prayers Wanda Royal

sherry cates May 29, 2014, 2:10 PM

HOPING FOR A WONDERFUL BIRTHDAY THAT YOU & STEVE CAN ENJOY TOGETHER WITH MUCH GRATITUDE
AND LOVE FROM OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST.
LOVE TO YOU BOTH.

COACH & SHERRY

Wendy Sternshein May 29, 2014, 2:17 PM

Happy Birthday, Lee. Thank you so much for sharing your journey with us. Your indomitable spirit is a reminder every day to give thanks for all the blessings that surround us if we only take a moment to accept them for what they are with grace and an open spirit. Your smile, your laughter, your loving nature and the joy you reflect into our world are truly amazing gifts. Enjoy your Birthday as the love you spread daily is reflected back to you!

Susan Jenkinson May 29, 2014, 2:21 PM

HaPpY BiRtHdAy Lee-with two e's!!!!! May God continue to bless your life as richly as you have blessed mine and more!!!! You deserve it. I got the chance to talk with your parents the other night and hear first hand how continuing to improve. Love and miss you!!!!

Susan Hatton Jenkinson

Sande' Korp May 29, 2014, 2:22 PM

Lee,
Happy Birthday! You are an amazing example of your love and faith in our awesome
God. May he continue to bless you with peace, healing and happiness! Sandé Korp, Knoxville, TN

Carolyn Hamby May 29, 2014, 2:28 PM

Happy Birthday Lee! I have never met you but have prayed for you for a long time and feel as if I know you in some way. Thank you so much for sharing your journey with us! You clearly walk hand in hand with our Precious Lord and radiate --- Him! Continue to be blessed and continued healing each and every day!

Numbers 6:24-26

By His Grace, Carolyn Hamby

Carter & Deanna Barnes May 29, 2014, 2:34 PM

Happy Birthday, Lee! What an inspiration you are to me, as a Christian wife, as a woman. God has truly blessed me with your friendship and I pray that we get more time to further that friendship in the coming year. Thank you so much for your dedication to our Creator. You are an example of a Godly woman that is not often found and I thank you for that in my own life, but also for the loving example you show to so many others in our community. You are a treasure! Happy Birthday!

Love, deanna

Debby Swecker May 29, 2014, 2:46 PM

Happy Birthday Lee! I am so excited that this birthday will be celebrated with much less pain and suffering. Let there be joy, thanksgiving and praise!

Shirley Keith May 29, 2014, 2:54 PM

I think of Lee and Steve taking life's journey always together and always with their faith to guide them! Congratulations, Lee, Remember that birthdays don't have to be celebrated all in one day so take your time and savor and enjoy!

Lisa Currall
May 29, 2014, 2:57 PM

Have a lovely day Lee! Happy Birthday from All the Curralls !!!

Dan Sharp
May 29, 2014, 3:15 PM

Happy Birthday Lee. You and Steve are an inspiration to me. Dan

Di Cieslak
May 29, 2014, 3:17 PM

Happy Birthday, dear friend! I'm so so grateful this year finds you in thriving health. Through thick and thin you have been an encourgement, inspiration, and beautiful example of love, joy, faithfulness, and trust in God's goodness. It's been such a blessing to clearly see the evidence of his work in your life. I love you dearly, and I miss you so much! Let's catch up soon, please? Happy Birthday! - Di

Eunice Goodwin May 29, 2014, 3:29 PM

Our best wishes to you as you celebrate a birthday feeling better than you have in years!
So thankful for your progress and God's hand leading you through the surgeries and now the healing process.

Hope you and Steve can do something fun and memorable.

We love you, Eunice and Dan

Lee Anne Giurintano May 29, 2014, 3:46 PM

HAPPY BIRTHDAY LEE!! :-)
I'm overjoyed by the report from Steve that you continue to heal and recover and I pray that this continues. I can't tell you how much I look forward to your messages! (and that includes yours too Steve!) They inspire me to live more fully each day that God has blessed me with, no matter how my day may turn out to be. Your deep spirituality, gratitude, wisdom, and humor (love Lee's sense of humor!!) are so genuine and sincere. You are roles models of what love is all about. I think you two have something very special! Thank you for sharing your journey Lee, and I feel blessed that God lead me to your Carepage. I have learned so much from both of you!
Enjoy your special day Lee! Continued prayers for your complete recovery. Keep the
Faith!!
Birthday hugs surround you from Paducah, Kentucky, Lee

Bethany Mincey May 29, 2014, 3:55 PM

Lee, I am amazed by your faith and devotion to our Lord and Savior. I think of you often and want you to know what a blessing you have been in my life even though we have only met one time. When my world seems chaotic or I am facing trials, God will bring YOU to my mind! For many years, your journey has allowed me to keep the things of this world in the right perspective. THANK YOU and HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!

Cindy Richeson May 29, 2014, 4:04 PM

Happy Birthday from the Richeson's.

Betty Garrett May 29, 2014, 4:19 PM

Happy Birthday from the Garrett's!!

Sandi Henry May 29, 2014, 4:34 PM

Thanks to God for the beautiful gift of Lee and Steve. Have a wonderful birthday, Lee! Steve, you'll have to tell and show us what you end up doing to celebrate. Love you both!

Leah O'Bryan May 29, 2014, 4:44 PM

Happy birthday Lee! Thank you for sharing openly this incredible journey you have been on, and for encouraging and inspiring all of us. Your example of faith is beautiful and I'm blessed to know you.

Terry Ware
May 29, 2014, 4:54 PM

Happy Birthday Lee & Praise God

jim maples
May 29, 2014, 4:57 PM

Happy Birthday daughter. The one who wrote the above message is one of the best gifts you could ever receive.
Love, Dad

Ruth Warner May 29, 2014, 5:06 PM

You have both been blessed with the health miracle for Lee. Thank you Lord. May you have many more Birthdays.

Kelly Anderson May 29, 2014, 5:30 PM

Happy Birthday :) Celebrating with you!

Cindy Hambly May 29, 2014, 5:41 PM

Happy Birthday Lee. When I think of you the first words that come to mind are strength and grace. You have been amazing through your journey and have set a good example for us all!

Anna Lee Drewry May 29, 2014, 7:06 PM

Happy Birthday to a strong and couragous woman!

Sammie Rodriguez May 29, 2014, 7:16 PM

Happy Birthday Lee!! The amount of love and appreciation we have for you is indescribable. You give us hope with your perseverance. We will always cherish the great example that you and Steve are for Christians and non-Christians alike. We thank God for you! Love you tons! Enjoy your day!
xoxo
Sammie and Zach

carol sparks May 29, 2014, 9:34 PM
Happy birthday, Lee, and may you have many more of them. I celebrate with you as you express your gratitude to our Loving, Gracious, and Eternal heavenly Father for all He has done in and through you. Carol Sparks

Amy Garland May 29, 2014, 9:56 PM

Happy Birthday sweet Lee!!! What an amazing blessing you are-so thankful God arranged our paths to cross and a precious friendship with you and Steve. Much love- Amy & Matthew Garland

Kimball & Elizabeth Parker May 29, 2014, 10:03 PM

Fantastic. Happy Birthday Lee! Indeed, this is a great day to celebrate the many blessings experienced and many more to come.

Jan Menary
May 29, 2014, 10:21 PM

Happy Birthday!

Meredith Hutchins May 29, 2014, 11:22 PM

Lee,
I KNOW your birthday will be special because you will be spending it with Steve appreciating life. Enjoy!
Meredith

Jan Bennett
May 29, 2014, 11:33 PM

Happy Birthday Lee! So thankful for how Jesus has healed you this past year! Love,
Jan

Tamara Longworth May 30, 2014, 3:02 AM

Whew! Almost missed this opportunity to tell Lee what an inspiration she is to us all!! Many times, through my own battles, I have thought of Lee and all she has endured, yet perservered through and come out on the other side so much stronger. I just don't think there is any stronger, better witness for God that I have ever seen. Lee, wishing

you a very Happy Birthday, and a tremendously blessed year! SO thankful to hear of your successes and recovery from the long, tough road you have been on. May it only keep getting better and better for you!

Patricia Maddi May 30, 2014, 3:36 AM

Hi Lee,

I am a stranger yet I have followed your Carepage for so long I feel as though I know you. Happy Birthday!! I am so thankful for your continued healing. What a gift to both you and Steve also. I hope you have had a wonderful day. Take care and, as always, thanks for the updates.

Patricia Maddi NYC

Alex Christiansen May 30, 2014, 3:38 AM

Happy birthday Lee! We hope you have an amazing day. Thanks for the updates Chief.

sue ensign
May 30, 2014, 2:30 PM

Way to go Jesus! I love love love His work in you! Happy Birthday indeed!

Sylvia O'Dell May 30, 2014, 2:51 PM

Happy Birthday Lee! You and Steven are most blessed! God is using you in His Mighty Way. Enjoy every moment as you celebrate today! We praise God for your healing! Hugs, Dolly and Digger

Judi Johnson May 30, 2014, 3:19 PM

Happy Birthday, Lee. You and Steve are both very special people. God is awesome, and I am so thankful that you are receiving special gifts of His amazing healing. Continue praising and thanking Him for every blessing as I thank Him for the blessing of knowing you both. Love you, Judi Johnson

D Ward
May 30, 2014, 5:11 PM

Lee- you and your dearest Grandmama C., who is such an angel, in our lives are very dear to us. We have shared in her joy in you for almost your entire life. She loved being with you as you grew up and she is so proud of the beautiful amazing young lady you have become. Because we think of her as family, we too think of you as family and rejoice with you and Steve! You are a beautiful gift to us and to all who are honored to love you. It is so easy to do- you are wonderful! You give us courage and strength and joy. May God richly bless you on your birthday. Love, Don, Debby and Chuck Daily prayers as well!

Sandy Moye May 30, 2014, 9:02 PM

Happy Birthday, precious lady!! You're such an inspiration to us all! Love the Moyes!

Joan Bouck
May 30, 2014, 9:16 PM

May today be the beginning of the best year of your life! Happy Birthday, First Lady of FD3!
Joan

Carolyn Alfrey May 30, 2014, 9:43 PM

Happy Belated Birthday, Lee! You have been and still are such an inspiration to so many. How blessed you and Steve are to have this awesome love for each other given by our awesome God!

Dolores Burtnett May 30, 2014, 11:25 PM

Happy Birthday Lee! You are thought of so often. What an inspiration you are to all and what an incredible testimony. You are always in my heart!

Linda Hamilton May 31, 2014, 4:05 AM

Happy Birthday Lee! Thank you for sharing your journey with us, and giving us the honor of praying with and for you, and Steve as well!
Amy Moore
May 31, 2014, 9:22 PM

Lee, hope you had a wonderful birthday. So glad health is going better for you. As always you & Steve are an inspiration to me & so many others.

Jill Shelton
June 1, 2014, 3:32 PM

Hey Lee, thankful your health is much better than last year this time even just a few months ago. I pray it only continues to get better for you. Praying many blessings for you and Steve both this year. Hope you had a great birthday.

Terry Puckett June 18, 2014, 8:31 PM

Lee, When I think of you and Steve, I am most thankful for getting to spend not one but two youth mission trips to Myrtle Beach with both you. What a joy it was to see the Lord work in the youth of WMBC. Lee, remember breaking up a "misunderstanding" between two kids and getting a bloody nose?? Oh I love "Memory Lane" and have many pictures of the trips. Praise the Lord for both of you and hope your birthday was wonderfully Blessed!