Silas seems so much more himself today. He has laughed more and smiled more and been so much more goofy… yes please!!!
We got to go to church today! All 7 of us! Shout out to Crossway Bible Church! Whose love and support are absolutely amazing! They have encouraged us, they have prayed for us and they have fed us. These people are SO devoted to us in brotherly love. They have hurt so deeply with us this last month. They have rejoiced fully with us as well. The love is deep. We really CANNOT imagine enduring the last month without our Crossway peeps. We love you all so so so much!
We got to celebrate Caleb’s birthday today. For real. It may have been 24 days late, but we will so take it! Caleb was on cloud 9. Happy 17th birthday sweet Caleb!!!
Silas has so many appointments and therapies this week. But he is ready. He is taking this on and plans to shine his light for Jesus in the process. In God’s great provision, Ryan is home. His work gave him time off to care for Silas. Amazing.
Please pray for Silas to have the energy to endure this week. Please pray that he will take every divine appointment and show people their great need for Jesus. Please pray for 100% healing for Silas. Please pray that his relationship with the Lord grows so much through this. Please pray that Si’s therapists will love him immediately and be deeply invested in him.
Please pray for the Atkinson 7. Please pray for endurance for all of us. Please pray that our love for one another and the Lord grows and grows.
Silas was baptized 2 weeks before the accident. He read his testimony to our church body and his family. If you have not had a chance to read it, here it is…
Sunshine Soldier 
It was so good to see yous guys today, all of yous!! I couldn’t believe that I saw Silas at church! So wonderful. Continuing to pray for you as the hard work starts. Praying for you as parents as you manage your family and endurance as you raise your family in the fear of God. May He continue to rain down blessings upon you all.
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So great to hear all of the great things happening! And so thankful you had your church family to love on you all!
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I often am moved to write on many of the posts, but there are never adequate words to express what I feel. What God has done for Silas and his circle of family and friends stirs us all with thanksgiving and praise!
Our Glorious Father mends the “broken,” both physically and spiritually, wherever the need is greater. We are witnessing this in Silas’s trial.
To know Christ is Life!
Grateful for all God is teaching us and praying He will never stop using what we have learned. Your family has taught us so much. Thank you!
P.S. I’m so glad Caleb was celebrated again today with Silas as a “present.”
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I was so hopeful Silas would be able to go to church–so good to hear!! & Yes please to all the smiles, laughs, and joy!!! Praying round the clock for 100%
🎉🎉🎉 Happiest celebration for Caleb💦
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Dear Cindy. I wish I could express to you just how your updates have blessed me. You and your family have become a part of my heart during these past few months. I have prayed for you and Ryan and Silas and all your “7” diligently – night and day.
I spent two years on the roller coaster with our first and at that time only child. I can identify with so many of your experiences with Silas. Our son, Tony, was saved in May of 1968 at the age of 10 and diagnosed with a malignant brain tumor in August. That required several surgeries and many hospital stays – pneumonia, a tracheotomy, cobalt treatments, etc. He spent his last 7 months at home in a hospital bed with tube feedings. I look back and think, “How did we do what we had to do,” and I am reminded always that God’s grace IS SUFFICIENT! He is faithful. I see that grace covering you in every update.
I know that God will use this difficult time in your lives in a way that is and will continue to honor Him. What a story Silas already has. I will continue to pray for you and your awesome family often.
With much love, Phyllis
P.S. I have been blessed beyond measure to have had the privilege of watching you and Brent become such Godly adults and to have had the blessing of working with Melody for many years!
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