It was December 14th 1991, all were joyously on their way to pick up a Christmas tree. Dad, Mom, Gary, Lee and Kelly their Lab were thinking about the cross country ski hike they'd go on to "bag their tree." Mom was thinking about the new baby that'd come next year.

But the weather took a nasty turn on the Alaskian Highway. And suddenly a truck hit their van head on. The van tipped over and Mom, the dog, and baby died instantly. Dad was hurt badly and unconcious. The two boys 3 and 6 were also hurt badly.

Good samaritans came and helped. One family held Lee until the Life Star could fly him up to safety. But Gary and Dad were trapped in the car and had to wait for the jaws of life to saw off the top of the van.

Two more ambulances came. Gary and Dad in one and Mom in another. But it was too late for Dad, he died on the way to Anchorage.

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Part 2 - The Journey
Alone! Two boys in two differant hospitals and no family! Lee was near death and Gary had only minor injuries.But Good Samaritans came to care for each. They went to the boys home, found a phone list, and began calling relatives. Nearest relatives---Wisconsin! And angel stood by Lee's bedside until he awoke.

Help came pouring. Someone donated a billboard along a highway asking for money. Money poured in to help pay for the bills and move the children to Grandma and Grandpa's house in Wisconsin!

Mean time the boys were united at Humana hospital and Lee woke up. He cried for his Tweety bird and so the officer from the accident went back to the wreck, found the toy, and washed the gasoline off it! Tweety was rescued and things were on the mend.

Christmas eve, the ambulance came once again. This time to bring the boys to the airport. Grandma and Grandpa were bringing them back to Wisconsin to recover. Seats had to pull out for Lee to fly lying down.

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Part 3 - The Recovery and a New Home
But Wisconsin was just a temporary solution. How could retired grandparents raise two small boys? They decided to nurse the boys back to health and allow family to adopt them. Lee came out of the body cast and re-learned to walk!

Although we were in Connecticut, they choose us to adopt them! Physically all has been healed but we deal with the loss of our family every day. Lee is still struggling with TBI and is expected to recover fully by the time he's an adult.

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Part 4 - For You
We are in Washington State now. For anyone to believe that 2 Engineers could raise 2 adopted TBIs ...they must know that is all a faith walk with God. The road is difficult, but the reason why we are walking it is for YOU.

If you are reading this, you have understanding. Maybe not much -- but it is MORE than was given to these two children. They don't understand why they had to loose Mom and Dad (when all were of good Christian faith).

You have more...so you must do more. If these kids can "make it" with nobody. Then so can you--by the grace of God himself. My prayer is that you will STAND.

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