Anniversary

Four years- it sounds so much longer than it feels. Larissa has been there every step of the way. I love you, Larissa. My life without her would be stupid. It's amazing. I'm laying in bed and Larissa is sitting on the end of it. She has been sitting with me for four years. She loves me. Why? God enables her to love me. I appreciate the fact that she loves me.

-Ian

My dad always looked forward to heaven. I'm happy to know that he is there. Now he is experiencing God every single minute of every day. My dad is experiencing health that he never saw here on earth. I miss him but I know he's happy. It makes me want to try my best with endurance for heaven. I know I'm going to heaven because Christ died. I'm excited for heaven because I'll see God every day, I love the idea of talking to God...

-Ian

Steve from 2008:

"God knows and controls the outcome of Ian's situation, and somehow it's good, though I don't understand how. When I look up to Him through my sadness wondering how things went so wrong for Ian and Larissa and I recognize that He is compassionately and confidently rejoicing despite Ian's circumstances, I can draw strength from that.The Lord's joy is my strength."

Still isn't real that he can't write on this blog anymore.

Ian has been showing us good signs of progress. In seemingly small ways (but big ways to us) he has been initiating much more than he used to. He continues to work hard in therapy five days a week and is really trying to get better.

Please continue to pray for Ian's memory and initiation.

Here are some more photos from Vinegar Hill's recent short that Ian helped with:

http://shepahlers89.tumblr.com/post/232249206/behind-the-scenes-of-the-interventionist-a-short

Here's another old post from Steve in March 2007:

It occurred to me that focusing only on the next step or the next thing is how the Lord wants me to live. "Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path" (Ps 119:105). An oil lamp (the only kind available when this was written) only lit enough of a dark road for the next step. I've walked on deserted roads at night where there is no light except the light of a flashlight (usually one with most of the juice gone); it's not the most comfortable stroll. That's what this experience feels like - a walk along a dark windy deserted road surrounded by woods (where animals live) with only a dim flashlight to light the next step. Living life this way forces me to put my confidence where it belongs: in His Word which declares his kindness and faithfulness and power. I'm learning that patience is about taking just the next step trusting that God is leading me and caring for me and protecting me.

Before Ian's accident, he and David began building a business, Vinegar Hill Picture Works. Since then, David and Mike Hartnett have been working together on different projects, waiting for the day when Ian can join them at work.

This weekend, they filmed a comedic short here in Indiana. Ian was able to be on the set for most of the weekend, calling action and offering suggestions. The newspaper came and took some photos, including this one.