Monday 30 April 2012

Heaven is Here

I first heard about Stephanie Nielson from my cousin Carli's blog almost four years ago.  I had started my own blog a year before that, but reading other people's blogs was pretty new to me back then.  When I read about Stephanie (or NieNie as she is known) being in a plane crash and having burns to 80% of her body, I just had to head over to her blog and have read her blog ever since.

I still haven't gone back and read all of her entries before the crash, but very quickly got to know that she was an amazing Mum to four young kids, she loved her husband 'Mr Nielson' and she loved life.  I loved that she was also a member of our church, and could relate to the faith she showed.  I waited for each new blog post on her blog from her sister, to update us on how she and 'Mr Nielson' were doing.  I was amazed at her strength when she came home from hospital after months of being in a coma.

She has shared how her life has changed since the accident many times including on the Oprah Winfrey show

I was incredibly shocked and touched that she mentioned what had happened to me and my family on her blog back in January.  Since then I couldn't even count how many messages, comments and emails I have received from people saying 'I found your blog through NieNie'.

When she announced that she was writing a book I knew straight away that I would buy it, and it finally arrived a couple of weeks ago and I have spent the last week reading it. 

Although our situations are totally different, so much of what she wrote was exactly how I am feeling right now.

I couldn't put it down and was annoyed that I had to keep stopping to feed the boys, deal with their fights and clean the house! ;)

I was lucky enough to spend some time lying in the sun while reading it last week, while Simone had Kobe for me.

I thought I 'knew' Stephanie a little through reading her blog, but didn't really understand the struggles she went through at all, until I read her book.  I cried a few times as I read different things, but especially when I read about her 'happy ending' where she became pregnant with her fifth child, even though I already knew that she recently had her baby Charlotte.  

When Noah was with us I often had people say 'you should write a book one day'.  Then when he passed away I heard it even more.  Now I guess I have even more of a story to tell, but I can't imagine that I will have a 'happy ending' like Stephanie had had, at least not in this life.   

I'm sure things will get 'easier' as time passes (I hope!) and I still see there is so much good in life (thank goodness for my three boys), but it's just hard to see how I could ever have been as happy as I was when my family of six was with me on the earth.  I just really hope that this quote from Stephanie's book comes true: 'bad days come to an end...faith always triumphs and heavenly promises are always kept'.  


26 comments:

  1. You are an inspiration - I think a book would be a rewarding journey for you! X

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  2. Yes, you should definitely write a book, Lisa. You are a gift

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  3. I can't wait to read your book Lisa when it comes out ..... your story is an inspiration to others, that life after trials and tragedy does go on. That no matter how hard life is you can get through it one day at a time. So I am definitely hoping that you write a book. I'm looking forward to reading Stephanie's book as well.

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  4. I am one of the many folk who 'found' you through NieNie. And considering I only live in Brisbane, I find it rather bizarre that someone in the USA had to lead me to a Tasmanian Mum :)

    Thank you for keeping up your blog Lisa.

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  5. Lisa,

    I, too, am a NieNie reader and that is how I connected with your story. Even though I am a 60 yr old grandma I am inspired by the way you pull strength from adversity and continue to care for your children through it all in a remarkable way. I suspect you know where that courage comes from. God Bless !

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  6. Thank you, thank you, thank you for the quote at the end! It is exactly what I needed today. :)

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  7. this is lovely.
    someday you SHOULD.
    (write a book)
    I suspect you'll know when it's right.
    XO

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  8. Thank you for sharing NieNie and her book. What an inspirational lady. I have been exposed to a few since entering the blogging world.

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  9. I just finished this book and loved it too! Thinking of you with love!

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  10. I'd buy your book. I found your blog through NieNie and read your updates faithfully. I find your candor extremely touching and admire the mom (mum) ;)you are to Noah and the rest of the boys. We share the same faith, too. Since January, every one of my children have said, "Please bless the Kings," in every prayer.

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  11. I loved Stephanie's book too, both she and you are great examples to me of pressing forward with faith, thank you ~

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  12. I have to tell you that I found your blog through NieNie and have been reading it ever since--blog stalking from Los Angeles! You are a picture of strength, even when you feel like crumbling. We are all rooting for you, and I have thought countless times that you should write a book!

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  13. Stephanie's book is indeed wonderful, and a book by you would be wonderful, too. In fact, I hope you write one someday.

    =)

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  14. You have a magical way with words and your an inspiration (especially to me). I think writing a book is a great idea! Thanks for letting us all benefit and yes, I found you thru NieNie and stalk you as well from Boise, Idaho.....

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  15. I found you through NieNie as well. We all face trials and difficulties but not all of us have the ability to write those thoughts down so publicly. I have enjoyed so much hearing of your experiences and those of your family. Through my own personal trials, I have gained strength through yours. God bless. You will know when/if the time is right for a book. Loving fan, from Utah, USA

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  16. I am looking forward to reading this book very soon hopefully. Looks awesome and I am so glad that you have connected with her and it has uplifted you. I think you should at least start writing a book and you never know what the ending might be. You already have several chapters of your book here on your blog :)

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  17. Love what The Hyer Family said! I am also blog stalking you from North Carolina, USA. I too pray for you to be strong and have mentioned you to many friends. I also share your religion and am praying for you to be blessed with "the tender mercies of the Lord"!

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  18. Hi Lisa. I too would like to encourage you to write a book. Blogs are transitory but a book is a permanent record, something you can go back to again and again. This is why people of faith turn to the Bible, God's Word for us today. Every time we read something that we have previously read, we find something new there.

    Robin
    Norwood Tasmania

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  19. Hi Lisa,

    I also was brought to your blog by Stephanie. Now your blog is on my daily reading list and I have laughed and cried with you! I always look forward to reading your daily posts and thank you for sharing your life with us, even during your hardest times. Know you have prayers coming from Pittsburgh, PA.

    Hollie

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  20. I too have come to you through Nienie and have been reading ever since she posted about you.

    Although nothing would make me happier for you to have your loved ones back I do believe things will get easier for you in time. Although not a religious person that quote did speak to me.

    'bad days come to an end...faith always triumphs and heavenly promises are always kept'.

    Things may seem horribly bleak right now (and they are, you and your boys have been through so much :( but I cannot help but believe there are many, many brighter days ahead before you are reunited.

    If in time you do write a book I would be standing in line to get it.

    Hugs to you all from BC Canada.

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  21. I found you through NieNie too...and having been praying for you and your boys. It's interesting how you can hurt for someone you've never met! I pray the Spirit may comfort your sweet family. Love from Reno, Nevada

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  22. Lisa,

    You do have a happy ending! You are sealed to Aaron and Noah so know you will see them one day. Not everyone has that knowledge or sealing ... so it would be great to read your story in a published book and as you are also an avid photographer, you could include photos too.

    You already have an enormous fan club of followers to you blog, so writing a book would also be a means of generating additional income!

    Think about it ...

    Greta

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  23. I heard about your blog through NieNie too and although there is no way to really know what you are going through, you seem drawn to the great joys, beauties, and mysteries of life in spite of the pain, and I have no doubt that someday that pain wont be as great and you can again flourish and live with profound happiness. I'm praying for healing for you and your boys everytime I read your blog. I really believe in it for you. --Carrie, NYC

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  24. I heard of you first though a post on facebook. A friend had posted how touched she was by your strength and your faith...I found your blog, have been blog stalking since January. It is amazing reading through all your comments how many lives you have touched. You are stronger than you know. I would LOVE it if you would write a book:)
    Thank you for opening your heart and feelings and sharing your experinces with all of us. The Lord works in mysterious ways.

    Blog stalking from Highland, Ut.
    Lindsey

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  25. I found you through NieNie too and have been grateful to read about your faith and perspective ever since. Though my loss is very different from yours, I have pftentimes been comforted by your words—today included. Today I really needed to hear that second quote you shared (I bought the book but have not had time to read it yet). Thank you!

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  26. Stephanie's faith is very clear throughout the book-- she is a Mormon. Though I do not share her same faith I think readers of all faiths and beliefs can find inspiration in her message to trust in a higher power.

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We are so grateful for everyone's love and support, and appreciate your comments xoxo

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