Last night Joey's body showed signs of "declaring" itself.   After discussion with the physician,  we chose to let him go peacefully.  

The kids and I held hands, stood around the bed with our pastor, prayed and gave Joey to the Lord.  He went very quickly and peacefully. 

Our ICU neighbor who gave me the bracelet yesterday held me and loved on me.  Through our tears she said "what is your name?".  It made us both laugh.   Strangers, bonded through our circumstances and God, without even knowing each other's name.   I will never forget her.

Life is unexpected.   I'm grateful that I know God.  I'm grateful that I cherish the little moments in life.   I'm grateful that I take a boat load of pictures, even when my family protests.    I'm grateful that we took a family vacation in September.    What a gift of memories that we will have forever!  

I can look at this day, the day the sun is actually shining,  the day we are holding each other up, and I can truly say:
Even now, even though,  this is still the day that the Lord has made.  I will rejoice and be glad in it.