It’s hard to imagine 5 weeks have passed since my brother’s accident. These life altering weeks have certainly made an impact on many lives. If someone had told me just a month ago that I would be the Trustee of The Steven Lowell Ruetschle Special Needs Trust, I wouldn’t believe it but am honored to serve. I was hoping to spending some “quality” time with my brother while he was on his summer vacation, little did I know God had other plans.
While we will never understand the “why” in a situation. It’s the “what” that really matters. This reminds me of the Letter of Paul to the Philippians 1:12. “I want you to know, beloved that “what” has happened to me has actually helped to spread the gospel.” This is something I have witnessed first hand, hearing my brother calling out to the Lord when he experienced such incredible pain hours immediately after his first neck surgery. I also learned that Steve would ask for the name of each person who was taking care of him like the medics, pilots, doctors, and nurses like Darlene and would praise them and say “thank you so much for taking care of me”. Even in the toughest of times Steve & Michelle are still shining their light for all of us to see.
Steve even developed his own special wave, a new trend he wanted to start on the east coast just to see if it would follow him to the west coast. He would fling his arm forward so his limp fingers would extend and open. He was showing his great sense of humor even under the toughest of circumstances.
We thank God for his continued healing, especially the news about Steve beginning to move his toes and right foot. We sang the Song Of Hope this Sunday morning and I couldn’t stop thinking of brother Steve as I sang….
All things bright and beautiful You are
All things wise and wonderful You are
In my darkest night, You brighten up the skies
A song will rise
I will sing a song of hope
Sing along
God of heaven come down
Heaven come down
Just to know that You are near is enough
God of heaven come down, heaven come down
All things new
I can start again
Creator, God
Calling me Your friend
Sing praise, my soul
To the Maker of the skies
A song will rise
I will sing a song of hope
Sing along
God of heaven come down
Heaven come down
Just to know You and be loved is enough
God of heaven come down, heaven come down
Hallelujah, sing
Hallelujah, sing
Hallelujah, sing
It’s truly amazing how God has continued to provide for each and every need as they arise. The story of finding an accessible house to rent during Steve’s recovery is simply a God thing. Another God thing is the financial gifts. A tear rolled down my cheek when I opened the first Steven Lowell Ruetschle Special Needs Trust check. It was sent from a wonderful Christ Church family, Steve’s childhood home church and one that I still faithfully attend. I personally called to let her know their check was the first one to arrive and how much that meant.
Many of you know, we have set up a Trust for Steve & Michelle’s needs as they faithfully navigate through Steve’s recovery. Because of numerous requests we have created an on-line donation to make contributions easier than sending checks in the mail. So if you are interested in making a donate on-line please check out the new link on the website. Again the entire Ruetschle family wants to express our deepest gratitude for these gifts. While our family has certainly stumbled into these unchartered waters we humbly thank each and everyone for your prayers and support of The Steven Lowell Ruetschle Special Needs Trust fund.
God Bless,
Mark Ruetschle
Trustee