The Boyers have arrived in Lubbock and while everyone in anxious to see them and welcome them home, please refrain from dropping by their house to see them. They need time alone to adjust and rest at home.

Continue to post, text, email, etc. to pass on your prayers and good thoughts.

Thank you ... See MoreSee Less

Craig Day 89
Light Up the World

Brooklyn had a good day yesterday and the healing highlight was the infusion of solid food into her diet at lunchtime for the first time in over 10 days. She tried a little Chicken Alfredo, mashed potatoes, and a ginger snap cookie. One guess as to her favorite from that menu? COOKIE!! My sweet-lovin’ girl comes by that naturally. It’s a Boyer genetic trait. She finished off at dinner with some Panda Honey Walnut Shrimp. I think she could live off of shrimp if only they would let her. She’s still progressing on solid food meals, no nausea - thanks to our Healing Father.

She still has full daily schedules as it seems everyone has one last thing they’d like to do with Brooklyn before her departure this week. One of the highlights from yesterday was spending an hour with her sweet OT getting “dolled-up” for some pictures. They were in the bathroom the whole time and every now and then I’d hear giggling and laughter. They had a great time together and the pictures were fabulous (I’m biased). She also enjoyed the final mani/pedi with one her favorite techs and she even invited another one of the teens (and his tech). Yes, he decided he wanted a pedicure and each toe would be a different color. This “nail-party” also included LOTS of laughter and fun.

You’ve probably noticed by now, this type of JOY seems to follow Brooklyn. I’ve written about JOY in a previous post and it’s not all about happiness, but more about recognizing God’s presence and provision even in your most challenging times. We can experience JOY in laughter, tears, and pain because we can look to His comforting presence.

As B’s “manicurist” left our room for the last time, I followed her into the hall to express our gratitude for the positive impact she has had on our lives over the last 3 months. I thanked her for the countless conversations over nail color, the hugs and encouragement with Brooklyn, and her contribution to the loving care that Brooklyn has received. I said, “Thank you for loving my girl.”, she said, “Oh Brooklyn, she’s so EASY to love.” It’s hard on the caregivers, too. This woman has devoted over 20 years to countless patients here at Craig. She knows that her goal is to see them return home in better shape than they arrived, but a tiny bit of her leaves with every patient.

This is a familiar feeling to Tonia and I as we both train Christian educators in the School of Education at LCU. Each semester we see a new group of educators graduate and head off to join the profession. Countless students, parents, community members will be positively influenced by these educators, and yet they also leave a tiny piece of the with us as they take a part of our hearts with them when they “launch”.

BStrong in the Word:
Matthew‬ ‭5:14-16‬ ‭NIV‬‬

“You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.”

Brooklyn is a LIGHT in this world. I’ve been able to spend 24-hour periods with her the last few months and I must admit that her attitude and actions have challenged me to the core. It’s not just healthcare professionals, educators, missionaries, and ministers that shine light in this dark world. There are countless professions that lend themselves to opportunities to shine His light, but Brooklyn is 17 years old and recovering from a devastating injury. She is a shining LIGHT that glorifies our Heavenly Father and we each have the same opportunity each day of our lives. God didn’t promise me today, but it is a blessing and I will not hide my LIGHT.

BPWs:
1. COMPLETE healing. Let’s Go, God!
2. Thankfulness for progress in healing digestive system and skin
3. Increased appetite and continued toleration of solid foods
4. Brooklyn’s emotional health, “new” Lubbock environment
5. Shoulder/neck pain, reduction of pain meds.
6. Bs new outpatient therapy team.
7. Homecoming

There are no words to adequately express our appreciation for each of the BPWs. Each day we hear from new additions to this mighty group of Christians that daily lift us up to the Father throughout the day. BPWs number in the thousands and you are persistent in making our requests known to God. The Great Physician hears every last prayer and He is healing Brooklyn. We pray that He will reveal new feelings and sensations each day because those will be so very encouraging. We are steadfast in our faith and we will continue to praise God because He alone is worthy of our praise. Here at Craig, there is no doubt about our God that carries the Boyer family each and every day. We continue to expectant,y pray for His complete healing of Brooklyns body so that ALL will recognize his sovereign majesty.

Shining that LIGHT!
Brooklyn, Tyler, Tonia, and David ... See MoreSee Less

Question and Answers night! Tomorrow, 7pm at Jefferson St.

Several questions have been given. Looking forward to thoughtful answers from scripture.

Look forward to seeing you there. ... See MoreSee Less

Craig Day 88

Brooklyn spent Sunday catching up on rest that had alluded her the previous week. This was a huge blessing and answer to prayer. We thank God for helping our warrior sleep. She is doing well with soft foods and will transition to solid foods today.

Preparations continue for us to return home soon and we are busy packing, having conferences with various members of Bs team, getting all her meds and supplies set up and reviewing her care.

She slept great last night and woke up ready to attack the day. Our B is back!💪🏻🐝💕

BPWs:
1. Thankfulness for positive progress in healing digestive system and skin as both are doing great.
2. Tolerate solid foods.
3. Brooklyn’s emotional health.
4. Shoulder/neck pain.
5. Transition home/our confidence caring for B. We have a huge learning curve.
6. Bs new outpatient therapy team.
7. FULL, COMPLETE healing. God is the Great Physician. We have absolute FAITH in Him.

BStrong in the Word: 2 Samuel 22:31. (NLT)

“God’s way is perfect. All the Lord’s promises prove true. He is a shield for all who look to him for protection.”

We have mixed emotions as we prepare to return home. 88 days ago, June 25th, Craig became our new “home”. We were anxious about many things: Bs life changing injury, leaving home for such a long time, the flight here with her, COVID restrictions at Craig, leaving our beloved Covenant team, meeting B’s new team, so many questions regarding the future and a million other things racing through our heads.

We adjusted to life here at Craig and met some of the the most wonderful, caring people. And they quickly became part of our family. Did we just happen to get “lucky” with a great team? NOT A CHANCE. We prayed for Bs team before we ever left Lubbock. And God answered. We have grown to love these people who will forever be part of our story. And it is hard to say goodbye.

The picture today is with Bs OT. This precious young woman helped B do her hair and makeup for a picture in the LC Media Guide. This publication always honors the seniors by putting their picture on the cover. Our LC family wanted to be sure Brooklyn was included. They have gone above and beyond to make that happen. When we found out about the picture, we asked her OT if she could help us. And without any hesitation, she said, “Yes, I’d love to!” In fact, the got rather excited and immediately started planning with B🥰 Another example of how much the Craig family loves B. And why we love them.

When complete strangers care for your child as their own, it’s hard to say goodbye. When they help your family begin adjusting to a life changing injury, it’s hard to say goodbye. When they patiently teach you how to care for a spinal cord injury, it’s hard to say goodbye. When they celebrate the tiniest of new sensations/movements, not matter how small, it’s hard to say goodbye. When they answer your questions day after day and never mind repeat questions or “dumb” questions or weird questions, it’s hard to say goodbye. When they help you laugh (and I mean belly laugh), it’s hard to say goodbye. When they start calling your child by her nickname because they have come to know and love her, it’s hard to say goodbye. When they come by after work to check on your child, it’s hard to say goodbye. When they hold you in the hall in the middle of the night and let you weep, it’s hard to say goodbye. When they hold your child while she weeps, it’s hard to say goodbye. When they walk through the valley of the shadow of death with you, you don’t easily say goodbye.

But we have LONGED to be home. Not a day has gone by that we have not thought of home. Waves of homesickness have crashed over us so many times. David, B, Tyler and I ached to see friends and family. We ached to be with Tyler after he had to return home. He ached to be with us. We have desperately missed our “tribes” from LC, Sunset, and LCU.

And so it is with a jumble of emotions that we will return home soon. We want to be back home. And I would be lying if I told you we aren’t a bit scared of returning home. We have a new “normal” ahead. And we don’t know what that looks like. We have A LOT to remember as we take care of B. We have extra precautions to be mindful of now as Brooklyn is in the high risk category for COVID. We have been living in a hospital with a full time staff of doctors, nurses, techs, and therapists for 88 days and now we must acclimate to life where we are the full time caregivers.

BUT GOD. As I look back on our journey that began June 10th, God has been there. He made a way. When there seemed to be no way. EVERY. SINGLE. DAY. And it was perfect because it was exactly what we needed, when we needed it. He promised us He would NEVER leave us. And His promises have proven over and over and over to be TRUE. So we take this next step with confidence in HIM. We can’t, BUT HE CAN.

We cannot praise Him enough for how He has protected and carried us as we walk through this valley. It is HARD. It is EXCRUCIATING. But with God it is POSSIBLE.

HE is GOOD.

God’s goodness is seen so clearly in our BPW family. Thousands of people literally all across the globe, lifting us up daily. We thank Him for blessing our family in this way. We thank you for continuing to join us in our valley. We are not alone. Another promise proven true.

Coming home soon,
Brooklyn, Tyler, Tonia and David ... See MoreSee Less

Sad day church. Today our friend and brother in Christ, Aaron Smith passed away.

His dad, Charles Smith will be arriving within the 2-3 days. Please keep Charles and the entire Smith family in your prayers.

Aaron will be missed. ... See MoreSee Less