Harold Keller / L’Observateur / June 3, 2000

One saying that I really resented hearing, over 25 years ago when I was going through a really difficult time, was, “God won’t send you more than you can handle.” Since then, I’ve often used this same saying to try andencourage others during their trials. It all boils down to God’s grace issufficient to meet every need.

Two months ago, my friend, Danny Louque, called me in tears and said, “Brother, please pray for my niece, Patti. She was rushed to the hospitalwith spinal meningitis. The doctors called all the family and gave us littlehope that she will survive.” (What was thought to be spinal meningitiswas later discovered to be meningoccoal meningitis, the most severe form of meningitis). We agreed not to believe the doctor’s report and thankedGod for sparing Patti’s life.

Patti stayed in a coma for 10 days, with little signs of hope. After sheregained consciousness and seemed to be on the road to recovery, the doctors told the family that her feet would have to be amputated. Thesame day of the operation, the fingers on her left hand and half of her thumb were also amputated. A couple of weeks later, her right hand wasamputated. Through all of this, her husband (Jared Amato), Jared’s parents(Mr. and Mrs. P.J. Amato), and Patti’s mom and dad, (Lloyd and MariePoirrier), never gave up hope. Their spirits remained high. You could sensethat the whole spirit of the family and friends was – what the devil meant for destruction, God would use for His glory. He would perform a miracle.One day, Jared shared with me that Patti’s will to live will be a testimony that will touch many people for God’s Kingdom. I believe that.On Mother’s Day, my wife and I visited Mr. and Mrs. Poirrier at the hospital.As my wife and I walked in, Ms. Marie smiled and said, “I’m the happiestmother in the world. Patti whispered Happy Mother’s Day to me.” “Harold,”she said, “God is so good! He answered our prayers. Patti is going to beOK.” Wow! Such faith! Such hope. Such gratitude.When Jeanne and I left the hospital, I’m the one who had been encouraged.

Ms. Marie also said, “What must people do who don’t believe in God?”It’s been two long months for the family. Today, Patti is progressing,slowly. Recovery will be a long, and sometimes painful road. The family,with their unconditional love, will be supernaturally supportive. Patti willdo whatever it takes to complete the miracle. Her children will realizeeven more how much they love their mother. They’ll do their part and playa major role in their mom’s road to recovery.

What can we do? Well, some people have already started. A Patti PoirrierAmato benefit golf tournament is scheduled for July 17, at the Pelican Point Country Club in Gonzales. Anyone interested can call Danny Louque at869-9809.

If you are interested in contributing, but don’t play golf, a bank account in Patti’s name has been opened at First American Bank and at Regions Bank.

I believe when people come together to help one of His special people, that pleases God as much as anything. Let’s all take part in God’s miracle ofhealing. Remember that it’s more blessed to give than to receive. Let’s allget blessed.

HAROLD KELLER writes this column as a part of his affiliation with the Get High on Life religious motivational group.

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