Grateful
By Rose Mary Lumm

I am a fun-loving individual but honestly, the serious decisions and responsibilities of loving and caring for a child with complex medical needs, in addition to caring for other family members and working full time, has me describing myself more often as mentally and physically exhausted instead of fun. It is not because of my child, Andrew who lives with Spina Bifida. Andrew is a delight and made in God’s image.  My weariness stems from the broken systems we must endure because of his medical needs and the fact that my decisions on his surgeries, physicians and care truly can be the difference between life or death for a child I love so much.

For the Lift Team to recognize the need to bring joy into the lives of families who often feel drained and isolated from fun is a blessing.  I am humbled by the energy they pour into this ministry and the creativity infused at each event they host.  I am inspired how the Lift team has recruited amazing volunteers and supporters to fulfill their vision for elevating life for families impacted by disability.  The Lift Team is living out God’s love to families.  They are real people doing magnificent things for God’s Kingdom.

Words cannot fully express the immense gratitude I have by the many ways The Lift Disability Network has blessed our family.  Andrew began getting connected with Lift online through lunch gatherings and game time. Soon after, I joined him Monday nights for My Tribe Bible study online. Next, we met the Lift Team in person at the awesome Monster Mash, then at the heartwarming Christmas party.  We have enjoyed fellowship at several Boosts, a bubble party, and the unforgettable Breakaway Camp. When I am at these events, I feel like a fun-loving person again.

The Lift Team has servant hearts and the Fruit of the Spirit.  Over this past year I’ve communicated with my friends at Lift about a friend with a big need. Lift friends prayed, and then they helped. (That is the type of kindness that makes me tear up.) I was hitting dead ends putting together an event to honor a woman who dedicated 25 years to helping children with disabilities and our Lift friends replied, “How can we help? We just want to serve.”  (This is the type of kindness where my mouth drops, and I get a lump in my throat.)  Lift friends helped my hurt heart by giving Andrew a fun day when my son’s school chose a field trip to a place where wheelchair users could not participate. (This is the type of kindness where tears of gratitude roll down my cheeks.)

In summary, through the peaks and valleys of this gift of life, I have joy.  Joy is not dependent on our circumstances.  Joy is internal and comes from a personal relationship with Jesus. Joy endures hardship and trials and connects with meaning and purpose. Heartfelt gratitude to the wonderful Lift Team, volunteers and the supporters who work tirelessly to bless others. Each of you are valuable and appreciated beyond what my words can express.  What you are doing for people matters. Lift truly is elevating life for those impacted by disability.  Thank you for understanding, joy is not only for yourself but for others. When we find joy, it’s infused with comfort and wrapped in peace.  May God bless the Lift ministry, staff, volunteers, supporters, and individuals served.

“For the Lift Team to recognize the need to bring joy into the lives of families who often feel drained and isolated from fun is a blessing. I am humbled by the energy they pour into this ministry and the creativity infused at each event they host.”

-Rose Mary Lumm

You all are so nice, thoughtful, and cool! i love what you do for those of us with disabilities. Your love really shines through. Thank you, thank you, thank you!

Seth HeatheringtonBreakaway Camper

You have made my life better by acting as a much needed pressure valve. I'm spiritually and mentally refreshed!

Sheryl KingBreakaway participant

Elevate is such a great program. My brother loves the routine of the day - social hour, bible stories, exercise, crafting and the list goes on. It allows him the social setting to build friendships in a safe and non-judgemental atmosphere. He is looking forward to the start of fall term. Thank you for the tremendous effort spent to provide such a 'space' for individuals with life challenges

CarolSister of Participant
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