This is Greg's sister, Stephanie. I told Greg I would write a brief update. He is working on getting pictures to post here.

It was simply amazing to me to see how well Barb did at all the pre-wedding/wedding activities. We arrived at the church for decorating and then rehearsal around 4:30 Friday. Barb happily observed and was greeted by many whom she had not met yet. Her stamina continued through the dinner afterward. We feasted on a wonderful dinner, saw some tear-jerking presentations of Jackie and Peter growing up, had some time to share memories/praise of the bride and groom. It was really neat to me that when Greg asked Barb if she was ready to go (it was 10:00 by now), she said she wanted to stay. She had nice conversations with Peters family, and many others in attendance.

The next day, she still had energy left for the big day! She arrived early enough to spend some time with Jackie as she was getting ready. She made it through the photography session (not her favorite time, I understand - she looked beautiful to me!), and then was seated for the wedding. A funny time during the wedding was when her Dad (Greg) was giving the homily, he recalled a young Jackie promising her Mommy she would never leave her. Jackie looked back at her Mom with a coy smile on her face. It was a cute moment, and I think that will be a special snapshot in Barb's mind!

All in all, it was a great day, and Barbara surprised all of us with her stamina.

I reflected back on those days late last year when there were so many unknowns. This event was truly an answer to all of our prayers!! The "kinks" were there (Barb's pain from her knee injury, difficult transitions: she had to be lifted instead of being able to bear weight on her own, these were scary moments Barb approached with much dread), but did not stop Barb from being able to see her "little girl" get married! How wonderful! Let's praise God for answering our BIG prayers in a BIG way!

God was with Greg as well. He mentioned to me that he was surprised that he could lift Barb the way he did during transitions (car to wheelchair, wheelchair to seat, etc). From my perspective, he made it look easy. I know God was giving him the strength he needed for this and other tasks. Let's all remember Greg as well as we pray for Barb, as this is all very stressful, time consuming, draining,...just downright difficult for him.

Before I close this, I want to ask a favor from all reading this. First of all, we are thankful for your faithfulness in "checking in" here, remembering to pray and encourage. I am reminded, though that this could be a very difficult time for Barb and Greg now. This event (the wedding) has been a driving force for Barb to keep going, to work towards. I think now could be a time when they could get very discouraged. What I'm saying is, let's "up our ante" in the encouragement department. Notes of encouragement, visits, calls, any reminders of love and hope to them will help give them a boost right now.

The day after the wedding was pretty difficult. Barb was exhausted to say the least. She was also quite sore. They made it back safely to the nursing home. Once she was settled in bed and rested briefly, she thought that she might like to get up again. Greg said "no way!!!" She is resting up, resuming physical therapy, and preparing to hopefully go home in the near future. More Big prayers, please, for her increased strength, stamina, and desire to push herself.

God is good!!!