Dear Editor,

When life’s journey takes a detour unexpectedly: I will trust in the Lord. These words from a popular southern gospel song became a source of strength as I traveled from Augusta, Ga., to Savannah on Sunday, May 18, 2008.

A phone call several hours earlier from my nephew in Baxley confirmed that Wilton (Carter) had been injured in a very serious accident and was being air-lifted to the trauma unit at Memorial Hospital in Savannah. During the trip, my mind raced back to just seven days earlier, at the conclusion of a phone call, I told him “I love you Wilton” and he replied “I love you too.”

As I stood by his bed in the NICU, I repeated those words with “don’t give up for many people are praying for you all over the world.” He whispered, “I won’t give up.”

In those painful and uncertain hours, family and friends stayed close by as we watched him lingering between life and death, which seemed as if death was closer than life. Then those days turned into weeks as unceasing prayers continued to go up in his behalf.

Words cannot express adequately my heart-felt gratitude to the people of Appling County and the churches for your prayers and love-in-action expressed to Wilton, Sylvia, and their family. Ten Mile Baptist Church and its pastor went the extra mile in demonstrating true kindness and compassion.

It was very evident that Sylvia’s strength and faith during the early days was an inspiration to every one. Thank you Sylvia for encouraging us during the time we sought to encourage you.

At the conclusion of each visit I would whisper to him, “One day at a time Wilton.” And today, it is still one day at a time as we say to our Heavenly Father, “To God be the glory for the things He has done.”

We serve an awesome God. And yes, I have a tough brother who refused to give up! I love you Wilton!

A grateful sister,

Betty Carter Moore