The Standard Journal

We all fight battles, some are born fighting them

- Dear William, CHRIS COLLETT Your friend, Chris Chris Collett is a lifelong resident of Canton.

In this life, everyone faces battles. Those battles can come at any time or place. They can be in many different forms. No one is exempt. Battles don’t define us. Our response does.

One of our newest citizens has been facing a battle for several weeks. He’s been in a tough battle for his life. I talked to his Daddy this week. He told me it is because of the prayers of friends and family; his son continues to improve.

I want to take this opportunit­y to write this sweet child a letter. Some of you may know him. Others may not. His name is William Jack Page.

Welcome to the world. Although you can’t read this right now, it is my hope that one day you will take the time to read it. I hope I’m around when that day comes. But, there are no guarantees in life as you well know.

Hello world. On Sept. 7, 2018, you were born to two loving parents. Yes, I know it was two months earlier than the norm. Only God knows the reason He let you be born so soon. Maybe it was because He needed you here quicker than you were scheduled. No one on earth has the answer. God knows. And He will get glory out of your precious life.

Your Daddy tells me that you are still in the hospital but improving at a faster rate than the doctors expected. He credits that to the many prayers people have prayed for you since your birth. He says you are doing so well in fact, that you may be going home with Mama and Daddy very soon. You might have only weighed four pounds when you were born, but you are eating well and putting on the weight.

William, I know this has been a battle for you. But, you are obviously a fighter. You have no idea how proud your Mama and Daddy are of you for having this trait. Knowing both of them, you are the apple that didn’t fall far from the tree.

I met your Mama, Brittany, several years ago. We were both in law enforcemen­t for different agencies at the time. Our first contact was by phone. That first phone call didn’t go very well. Just so you know, it didn’t matter how argumentat­ive I was with your Mama, she remained profession­al and sweet. I learned to care deeply for your Mama as a friend. My respect for her is off the charts. She will teach you the right way if you will listen to her.

I met your Daddy, Justin, through my own daughter, Lindsey. Your Daddy has a heart of gold. He’s never been afraid to show his emotions. He’s a preacher you know. He doesn’t only preach, he also is a pastor. Many people look to your Daddy for spiritual advice. They depend on him to be there when bad things happen. He will answer those calls. However, he will never let that come before you and your Mama. If you will watch him and listen to him, you will know how to be a father and a husband that God will smile upon.

William, I can’t imagine the struggle you are going through right now. Only your parents can come close to understand­ing it. If you will keep on fighting, you have my word we will keep on praying for you.

You will face many battles in your lifetime. Some big and some small. Life is full of battles until the end. I have no doubt if you fight them all like you are fighting now, you will be just fine. You have two wonderful examples raising you.

Although your first weeks of life have been spent in the hospital, your parents have been there with you. They have supported you through this battle just like they will support you through every battle you ever face. God has blessed you with a support system that is as good as any. Don’t ever lose sight of that. In the future, when times come that you feel the whole world is against you, your Mama and Daddy will be there for you. They’re good folks.

William, I pray you can go home soon. I also pray that your future will be filled with many blessings. Although storms will come, the rainbows in the clouds always remind us that God is in control.

 ??  ?? Collett
Collett

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