When I began my own adoption journey, Stephen Curtis Chapman and his wife Mary Beth were so inspirational to me. They have three children of their own and at the prompting of their daughter Emily, embarked upon their adoption journey which led to the addition of three beautiful little Chinese girls to their family. Their experience led them to found Shaohanna's Hope, a nonprofit organization that seeks to ease the expense of adoption. As of July 2008, the group has provided grants to over 1,700 families wishing to adopt orphans in the United States and worldwide.
Caught up in my own adoption drama, I failed to hear about the tragedy that had befallen the Chapman family this past May. Their youngest daughter Maria had run into the path of their family car and was killed as their eldest son Will Franklin was pulling into the drive. They spoke about their tragedy for the first time publicly on Good Morning America today...
I'm most deeply touched by the presence of mind Steven had to encourage his son even as he rushed his dying daughter to the hospital. These words of his echo and reverberate within my soul, "People say that we are a family of great faith, really we're a family with a lot of questions. That's what faith is, it's living with the questions..."
Since Maria's tragic death over $275,000 has been donated to their foundation in Maria's name to help other adoptive families. God bless Will Franklin and the rest of the Chapman's as they grieve Maria together and find hope in their faith for the future...
Wednesday, August 6, 2008
Grieving Maria...
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16 comments:
That is such a touching story. Thanks for sharing.
I had heard about this when the accident happened, but I did not know about their charity work in adoptions.
How awful for their family. My heart goes out to them, but especially to their son. I cannot imagine what he must be going through.
very sad.
I saw this on GMA also. It brought tears to my eyes. I can't even imagine how Will Franklin felt when this happened, nor can I imagine living with this terrible accident the rest of my life.
The family's honesty says a lot about faith.
Thanks Shakes for sharing this.
Shakes,
I remember walking into work when my friend asked me if I heard about the accident. My heart just dropped when she told me. I love his music. Thanks for putting the video on. Very inspirational!
I'm not sure how I missed this when it happened...
I guess I'm still in shock a little.
When I looked into Will Franklin's eyes as he spoke I felt something rip apart inside me. I wish I shoulder a part of his burden. Poor baby...
I agree Christine, this family's honesty is so refreshing.
I had read about this while at the doctor's office and was amazed by this families strength and faith. They truely are an inspiration in the face of great pain and trauma.
Big hugs Shakes.
Love ya girl!!
I have been so sad for the Chapmans since this awful tragedy happened. Maria was a beautiful child. I can't fathom what they are going through.
I saw this too, when it happened. Didn't see the GMA interview but from news reports at the time I was amazed at the family's strength and faith. My heart goes out to all of them. Thanks for sharing the video.
Karen
Oh, what a tragedy!! This is one strong, loving family! The song he wrote for his daughter is beautiful...I don't know how he can sing it without his voice cracking. I honestly can't imagine their pain...so sad. Thanks Shakes.
I feel the same way Sir. can't imagine, I try to and then my heart breaks again.
You're right, what a strong loving family...
Wow! Wow! I did not hear about this either. I can't believe my mom didn't tell me. Steven Curtis Chapman has been a staple in our family...
I ran over our beagle many years ago. We had to have him put to sleep as a result. I still feel guilty (horrible!) about that. Poor Will Franklin. I cannot imagine his pain.
This family is amazing. Godspeed to them!
I know Suz, I can't believe I missed it when it happened either. I think your mom was in her own coping place back then too... I guess it's easier to miss things than it seems with the media just everywhere...
That's the part I can't get out of my head, Will Franklin and what he must be going through. I'm so glad he's in a good family...
I'm sorry bout your beagle Suz, can't imagine that either with the natural way you have of connecting with the little furries ;(
I read about this in People, and it just broke my heart...
Shakes, I can't imagine how they feel! Such a sad sad story. My brother ran over our family pet a long time ago...I hated him for months! I can't imagine how I'd feel if he ran over my sister. My heart goes out to them!
Thanks for sharing the story Shakes. I can't imagine the pai that this family went through. I hope that you are doing well with everything.
Hi Shaken!
OMG how much time has passed!:O
how are you?
Hey I'll never forget when I meet you for this web site and for Vicky too ahahaha, really that was very great, meet people that another contries are so cool!
you know! ^^
Well I hope that we are in contact
and I wait for see a new photo in you fotolog :P
kisses!
=D
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