We love the Prather family dearly.  Most of you know that on June 22 they were involved in an accident which took Matthew's life and put Jeanette in critical condition.  Chris and I arrived at the hospital in Macon Georgia at about 4:00 on Monday.  Thankfully, the Touchton's were more than willing to drop everything and come down with us.  We stayed overnight at a hospital in Macon along with five of Stephen's friends, Don and Susan McLaughlin, John and Michelle Neiland, and John and Cindy Lawrence.  Cindy stayed the night at the hospital with Jeanette's sister, Mary Lou.  The doctors say all that can be done for Jeanette right now is wait.  They have her blood pressure and heart rate stabilized and are decreasing her oxygen support which are all good things. Everyone involved in the accident from the people who pulled over to help immediately after it happened to the cafeteria workers in the hospital have been extremely helpful and sweet.

The reason I really wanted to write this post I think is just to share what a sweet family the Prathers are.  Chris and I used to go to their house every Monday night for dinner.  Jeanette is an excellent cook... she never made us the same thing twice.  I remember countless evenings standing in the kitchen with Jeanette telling her about my confusion over my feelings for Chris.  She would listen, sometimes give advice, share a funny story from her and Michael's dating... no matter what she was always there with a listening ear.  She never made me feel like I was weird for feeling or thinking the way I did (even though I was).  I watched her serve and love her family with all the resources that God had given her.  Matthew was a genuinely sweet boy.  He loved and looked up to his brother so much.  All the girls in the youth group loved him because he was very handsome and for some reason was not at all afraid to talk to girls.  I remember talking to him about various girl woes and trying to give advice.  He was very conscious of the way his actions made other people feel... he didn't want to hurt anyone's feelings.  He and the boys in his class at church were very close and it was always so fun to watch the hilarious things they did on youth trips.  One time at winterfest when it was very cold they were all huddled in a circle to keep warm... only ninth grade boys in this circle... but they did let me in for some reason... I was honored :)  He always gave me a hug and made me feel special whenever he saw me at church.  Chris and I had so much fun playing games with their family, watching 24, making fun of bad acting, and even being included in some family Bible studies before Matthew was baptized.  I cannot say enough how much we love them and are hurting with Michael and Stephen right now.  Matthew... thank you for being a part of our lives, we cannot wait to see you again  We continue to pour out prayers for Jeanette's healing.