As you know James was hospitalized June 19th last year after being rear-ended by a drunk driver. During that immediate season we (Madison at first and James when he became conscious) were updating Caringbridge. As life slowly started returning to normal we got caught up in the day to day and have not updated the app even though so much has happened.

First, we want to thank everyone for all the prayers. God's provision, guidance, and grace has been so abundant during this year it brings us to tears at how good our Father truly is. 

In September, James began to drive and work again, only working a few hours a day and doing physical therapy, trying to regain strength. During this time he was suffering from many, many symptoms that we mostly attributed to post-ICU/hospitalization problems. 

By November, our Chiropractor (who is wonderful) noticed James' neck was swollen and it looked like he had a goiter. Madison was ashamed she didn't notice it, as a nurse. But hyperthyroidism gave a title to basically every symptom that affected James and Madison immediately knew this is what was causing the suffering. By the end of November James started seeing a function medicine doctor and also an endocrinologist. Glory to God there were no nodules or any cancer like tissue. James immediately started changing his diet and taking a new medication. At this time James could only do 4 pushups. Then we patiently waited for our baby girl.

During this time Madison started working part time and then eventually quit her job at the hospital as Aurora's due date drew near.

Before the accident we felt like God was calling us to move to the country. And specifically start living in the area by our friends who have the same passion for Prayer and homesteading. As soon as James was conscious he started looking at houses. 

After many hurdles and what we felt like were dead ends we are now in the River Valley area of Arkansas on a small plot. James and Kevin have done an amazing job fixing up the house. We have 8 senior hens and 25 baby chicks! 

Aurora is a healthy and wonderfully happy baby, she is quite chatty and is already crawling everywhere. EJ learns several new words everyday and is enjoying his large yard, feeding the chickens, and gathering eggs.

After strict dieting, supplements and continuing to work, James has recovered so well. All his lab levels are where they should be and he is no longer taking the medication for hyperthyroidism. After so much concern about chronic diseases and being told he would be on medicine forever from the endocrinologist; we feel grateful God led us to the functional medicine doctor. 

James is working full days and helping me (Madison) fulfill my homesteading dreams. 

God has really put it on my heart to chronicle what happened. One thing I would like to do is make a list of all the churches and organizations involved in praying for James.

 If you know of a group that prayed for us would you please respond and let me know. Also since, we will no longer be updating Caringbridge we will send a Christmas newsletter at the end of the year. If you would like to receive this or keep in touch you can email griffithbanking@gmail.com we would love to hear from you!

Again, thank you so much for praying for our family and helping us in our time of need. Jesus has been so kind and gracious to us this last year. 

Much Love,

The Griffiths'