Choosing to SEE - Mary Beth Chapman [0]
A JOURNEY of STRUGGLE and HOPE
Mary Beth Chapman
with ELLEN VAUGHN
© 2010 by Mary Beth Chapman
Published by Revell
a division of Baker Publishing Group
P.O. Box 6287, Grand Rapids, MI 49516-6287
www.revellbooks.com
E-book edition created 2010
All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means – for example, electronic, photocopy, recording – without the prior written permission of the publisher. The only exception is brief quotations in printed reviews.
ISBN 978-1-4412-1357-0
Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data is on file at the Library of Congress, Washington, DC.
Unless otherwise indicated, Scripture is taken from the Holy Bible, New International Verson®. NIV®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 by Biblica.™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide. www.zondervan.com.
Scripture marked ESV is taken from The Holy Bible, English Standard Version, copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a division of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Published in association with Creative Trust, Inc., Literary Division, 5141 Virginia Way, Suite 320, Brentwood, TN 37027, www.creativetrust.com.
In loving memory of
Maria Sue Chunxi Chapman
Mommy misses you so much. Your time with us was too short, but there is only One who holds all of time and eternity in His hands, and we trust Him. My prayer is that Mommy’s tears will continue to water the seeds of your life, and that all who read this story will be pointed to the One who holds you in His arms until I can. I miss your slobber and your laughter and the way you always made me pinky promise to come back and check on you “like in three minutes” after I tucked you in. You are definitely the “Silliest Goober I know.”
I love you; to infinity . . . and beyond!
Dedicated to
Will Franklin
You have been entrusted with an incredible pain! I’m so sorry. I wish as your mom I could take it away, but I know God has a plan for you to steward this story well and to minister to others through your suffering. You are my hero, as well as Maria’s . . . she loved you so much, as do I!
Shaoey
The day you became my daughter changed my life forever! Love took me in, and everything changed. Thanks for telling me on your own you wanted me to write this book. I love everything about you and am so proud of you!
Stevey Joy
Since the night you danced without Maria at the recital just nine days after she went to heaven, I’ve been so proud of your courage. I know that Maria is with you in your heart because Jesus is, and Maria is with Jesus! I love you. Thanks for kissing Mommy’s tears.
Emily and Tanner
October 4, 2008, the day you two were married, was a beautiful picture of the love of the Father. That we could celebrate while still missing Maria so desperately was truly a gift. I believe it was a taste of the spring that will truly come out of this hard winter season. Tanner, thanks for loving not only Emily, but our entire family selflessly during such a dark time.
Caleb and Julia
Caleb, when Will Franklin needed you most, you were there to hold him. God was with you and the strength He gave you was perfect! I know this is a story of great struggle that you will treasure as you allow Jesus to heal your heart. Julia, thanks for being right by Caleb’s side. You love him so well.
I’m so thankful that on May 10, 2009, you became my daughter-in-law. Another sign that spring is continuing to bloom.
Steven
To my best friend and at times, worst enemy if we were to be honest: there are no words . . . I love you when we are on the same side and when we find ourselves on different sides. Thanks for being my biggest fan and cheerleader during this process. You believe more in me than I believe in myself. The foreword you so graciously wrote made me smile. It was way generous and kind. (That may have something to do with the fact that I sleep with you!) The words are proof that your love for me has been unwavering. Navigating