#96days96ways #day21
Will, I think, has had the biggest impact in my life…he saved my daughter, Avery. Will is such a blessing! Rashibah Joseph, Avery’s mom
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#96days96ways #day20
I was especially touched by Will’s strength when I was in the hospital on bed rest with Leila and was following your babies through friends and your posts. I remember learning Caroline had gotten to go home but Will was still in the hospital. At that time, I was given the incredible gift of time. Being in the hospital and away from all my responsibilities to my family and work, for the first time, I could really focus on my devotionals and in prayer without any distraction. Whenever I began to get upset about my situation or worried about my husband dealing with the two older kids at home, I drew so much strength from Will and the situation you were all in. You all were also split amongst your own family between the house and the hospital and Will’s fight kept you all going- and it kept us going as well. Without ever meeting Will, I felt as if he were so close to me during that time, as he was such a big part of my thoughts and prayers and became such a source of strength for me. I remember briefly texting with you after Leila was born when we were in the NICU but before Will’s condition took a turn. In my heart, I felt so close to Will, knowing he was ALIVE and fighting for every bit of his little life somewhere in the same hospital as I was with my baby. I envisioned play dates and stories for years to come of all the babies in the hospital at the same time(there were so many of us at that time!). When Will passed away, we were still in the NICU and it all felt so surreal. Still grieving the loss of another baby boy so close to us, I just couldn’t believe it was happing again to another family we knew, within the same hospital walls I was sitting in watching my own baby get stronger. In the days the followed, I continued to pray continually for you all and for all of us “left behind” to feel Will’s presence always...to feel his strength in our weakest moments. In the weeks that followed, we were close to leaving the NICU and I ran into another family I knew who had a daughter in the PICU. I later learned their daughter was next door to Will. Months after both of our babies came home, we continue to talk about Will and the strength they felt from him, without ever knowing you all. They too, found their way to Will’s story on Instagram and have followed your journey. It was clear they too will never forget Will’s strength and his memory will continue to live on through all the many who knew him, and the strangers whose path he crossed and path he changed. Thank you so much for sharing so much with all of us! Love, Deena #96days96ways #day19
Will’s life teaches me about my limitedness, God’s limitlessness, and the power of prayer. We wanted to be there - crying tears, bearing burdens, waiting room sitting, hug giving, but we couldn’t, so we prayed. In my own selfishness that didn’t seem like enough. But God taught me and patiently reminded me. There’s nothing in the world like being faithfully on your knees for your friends. Will reminds me of the power in praying bold prayers and that God truly is greater than me in any of my efforts. Will rooted more faithfulness in me. We would pray and ask God for miracles, for specific things. We prayed with anticipation and we knew it would love return void no matter what the answer would be. We truly felt the Lord’s power and his closeness as we can to him in prayer. Will’s life teaches me that every life is truly a miracle. You hear it all the time when babies as born- “what a miracle,” but I don’t think we truly believe it sometimes. Instead, unconsciously, we assume that our pregnancies will result in a healthy baby and my babies will result in healthy kids, and so on. I dare say I can feel almost entitled to it, but it’s the furthest thing from the truth. Life is miraculous, and it is not guaranteed as simple as that sounds. We should daily be in awe with thanksgiving. I remember not being that far away from delivering Wyatt and feeling so many conflicting emotions - grief, joy, fear, anticipation, etc. We live in a constant state where all of those can exist at once, but we have a God who is the author of life. We gives and he takes away, but he promises to be the comforter. Will’s life teaches me about the GIFT of motherhood. The calling isn’t to be taken lightly. I love watching Will’s life redirect y’all’s purpose, mission, focus. He’s ignited passion in you Court that I love watching it from afar. He’s rooted you guys even further in Christ. Even your gift of writing - I would have never gotten to see that beautiful gift to come life. I’m thankful that Will’s life has brought more beauty to the world in your writing. Will’s life is synonymous with strength. And I also see that in his mama. I’m reminded of the strength of a mother when she’s rooted and pressing in to Christ. Will’s life reminds me to look outside my life and remember those around me. When I’m celebrating milestones, holidays, and first days of fill in the blank, I should remember those who grieve and be quick with my words and actions to love them. As a nurse, Will’s life reminds me of who all I am really taking care of when I step into my patient’s room and to do so with patience, care, understanding, tenderness, and bold faith. Love you, Kelsey #96days96ways #day18
When I first came to your house for a Bible study you said that in college you and your husband had dreamt of being missionaries. Not too long after that night Caroline and Will were born. Following along with Will and Caroline's story was incredible--to see the strength of those two babies alongside the faith of your family. It was clear to see that Jesus had equipped you with the voice to share His love in the midst of your painful experiences. When Will passed I distinctly remember thinking that you had ministered to a huge mission field and that thought has remained as you've grieved his loss and established The Will King Foundation in his memory. For me, Will's life is a reminder about the power of Jesus and his legacy is definitely a fulfillment of your heart to be a missionary. With love and respect, Jenny #96days96ways #day17
Although he is not here, Will has impacted our family in more ways than one. Because of Will, my daughter, Maliya is able to get the treatment and surgeries needed for her heart. His will and determination can be seen through Maliya's fight and drive to live. Not only have Will impacted our lives by his story...he has allowed Maliya's story to be told as well and the remarkable and wonderful things that God can do for His little children. Will did not just give us sponsorship...no...he has helped to establish friendships but most of all family...one that we know would last a lifetime!!! Even just his name says it all....."Where there's a WILL...there's a Way!!” Thank you Will!!! Maliya, Tonya & Pastor Malon Peters #96days96ways #day16
I have so many specific memories during the time of his short life on earth. Conversations with your mom; play dates with Joshua; the Christmas pageant at school; Breakfast with Santa at the club; and the day I stood up from my desk, walked across my office, closed my office door, and sobbed all alone when I learned that he had been called Home. I remember so many things, but most especially, I remember watching you and knowing that the only way you were putting one foot in front of the other was by the strength of a God who you unwaveringly have followed and depended upon. I don't know if you know that my father died very suddenly and unexpectedly when I was pregnant with Jackson. To be clear, when I think about losing a father in my adulthood versus losing a child, so young and tragically...there is no comparison, and I say that truly from a mother's heart. I cannot fathom the depth of that loss, other than to simply know the depth of love that went alongside it. I mention my father here only because I remember very intensely feeling a nearness to God in those days, and seeing a real opportunity to recommit and reawaken a connection to faith. People talk about losing their faith in experiences like that, and mine was very much the opposite. I am not a highly devout person, and I tend to be pretty private about my faith, but for whatever reason, there was a presence for me in those days. There was not a questioning or a pushing away from God, but really the opposite. It was a reminder that God would be with me through what I knew I couldn't handle on my own. If I had to distill it down, to really say how Will has impacted me, it reminds me of those days when God is simply present and deeply felt. I am incredibly blessed to live a very comfortable and generally fairly easy life. All of my material needs and virtually all of my wants are provided for easily, as are the needs of many of my family and friends. And I think it could be easy for me to live in a space of complacency because of that. It is easy to walk through life thinking that I've got things under control all on my own, because the path is smooth and straight. Having obstacles that can only be described as insurmountable, has shone a real light for me on faith and the power of conviction. Your faithfulness has been such a source of inspiration to me. And to see your faith, through these experiences, has reignited that desire to draw closer to God in my own daily walk. So for me, that is my answer: Will has brought me nearer to God. Sarah Helms #96days96ways #day15
I had the privilege of interacting frequently with Will during his 96 day journey. He was a courageous child with a strong desire to live and recover from his illness. His strength was an inspiration. His biggest gift to me was introducing me to his parents. Taylor and Courtney are the kindest and most generous people I have ever met. I loved stopping by to see Will and get cross examined by Courtney! She would ask the same question in every possible way to make sure she received a consistent answer! Taylor and Courtney are brave, loving and unbelievably strong. Thank you Will for the introduction. I am a better person after meeting you and your parents. Dr. Jose Ettedgui #96days96ways #day14
96 days. Just 96 days. If I went to heaven today I would have had close to 17,000 days on earth. Will was on earth .005 of my days here and yet he has had more influence on the people around him. He has drawn more people to Christ, brought more people together in prayer, and helped more people than I have managed to in my 17,000 days. But I will do better. I will make my days count. I will continue to be inspired by your 96 days. Virginia Ogletree #96days96ways #day13
Will has reminded me that this life is temporary, and our eternal home is with Christ in heaven. Our earthly home is wonderful, but it’s nothing compared to what God has in store for us in paradise with Him. I haven’t experienced much death in my life, but I recently lost my Grandmother. After the initial sadness that came with finding out she had passed away, I thought about how much joy it must bring her to see my Papa, her friends and her son who she lost to cancer as a young child. Sweet thoughts of this reunion filled my mind and brought me so much peace. It got me thinking that one day I hope to meet Will in heaven and tell him how his life has made such a big impact on me and so many others. I’ll never forget sweet Will. I look forward to the day when I can tell my own son about his friend, Will King Hughes, and about the eternal life that is found in Jesus. Elizabeth Anne Watterson #96days96ways #day12
Will, precious child of God, you are blessing to those who mourn your short, but powerful life here in this world. You remind us, that while our paths are a mystery to our human understanding, there is the love of God steering them perfectly ahead. We grieve that we are not able to know you as we hoped, but are thankful for the good works and hope given to others in your memory. Will, your love still shines bright through the love of your family who are an example of God's faithfulness to all. Thank you for teaching us to love and shine even more brightly though our trials. "I will not doubt, though all my prayers return Unanswered from the still, white realm above, I will believe it is an all-wise love That has refused these things for which I yearn; And though at times I cannot keep from grieving Yet the pure passion of my fixed believing Undimmed will burn." Anonymus |
96 WaysThese are the stories of how Will's one life has impacted many. We hope as you read these testimonies you will be encouraged and inspired to use your life to impact those around you as well! Archives
February 2019
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