This post is also from my husband. I was still getting the courage to share my heart.

Journal entry by Scott — Jan 19, 2017
Sometimes God selects people to suffer. Who would be the first to volunteer for that selection? I would like to be selected for some other honor from God; anything but suffering especially when it affects our children.
After many years of Logan’s other surgeries, multiple days spent in ICU’s by Ann, Jaci and Ashleigh, many family deaths, my disease and hearing loss, and Logan’s accident, I have finally accepted that for some unknown reason, God has selected me to suffer. If you are chosen by God for anything, you must be obedient and make the best of it.

It is not what happens to you that matters. It is way you react to it that matters most. We must do all we do for God’s glory.

Is it possible to suffer well? I have recently had the privilege to witness a good friend endure a horrific tragedy. He has been a light and inspiration to me in the way he walked upright through Satan’s evil darts. He did the right thing when the world would have accepted the wrong thing. It IS possible to “suffer well.” He is my example.

Part of the reason we are going through this is because God wants us to “suffer well.” Part of suffering well is helping others that suffer.

2 Corinthians 1:3-4
God of All Comfort
3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, 4 who comforts us in all our affliction, so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God.

Logie always wanted to comfort people…God wants us to be comforted and to comfort others…

This caring bridge post was written by my husband.

Journal entry by Scott — Jan 19, 2017
The Bible says that we gain hope from suffering? Romans 15:4 says that through the patience and comfort of scripture we can have hope. Romans 5:3-4 says that suffering produces perseverance, perseverance produces character, and character produces hope. Hope is what carries us through when we can’t see the outcome. Romans 8:24 says that if we can see the outcome of our trials then we have no need for hope. When we can’t see the outcome, hope carries us through, if we persevere. Hope never disappoints. Romans 5:5

The prayers, love, and encouragement that has been poured out on Logan and our family is not only touching, it is overwhelming. God is working in so many people’s lives because of this tragedy. We need to continue to have hope, through Jesus Christ, that God will be glorified no matter the outcome.

We covet your prayers for Logan’s full recovery.

This post is the first post on the caring bridge, written from a dear friend, Lora.

Journal entry by Lora — Jan 19, 2017
I have had the privilege, along with many others, to be beside the Rautios during some of the last 3 days. I am in awe of the grace they have been given to love in the midst of hurt, and minister to others~ when they are the ones who should be receiving our care. But this is what it looks like when you know Jesus. He turns the tables. The leader serves the servant, the weak are made strong, and the sick are made well again. This is what you will find here in this journal. Stories of a family following after their Lord while He is actually carrying them all along.

Here are a couple of stories from the last few days:
The night of Logan’s accident a group of women were sitting with Ann in a waiting room at the ER. Ann said that one time her and Logan were having a conversation about dying and going to heaven. Logan was saying how great it was going to be in Heaven, and how he couldn’t wait to be there. Ann protested and told him that she wanted him here still with her. But Logan insisted that he loves Jesus and knew it was better to be in Heaven with Jesus than to stay here.

“I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in the truth.” 3 John 1:4

The second is equally encouraging. Up until yesterday Logan’s eyes have been constantly blinking and his face twitching. But this morning when I saw him, his face was calm and there was a peacefulness over his whole body. It was such a marked change! I asked Ann what changed. She started describing all that they had experienced since yesterday. First one of our pastors had come and prayed over Logan. As he prayed aloud, tears began to stream out of Logan’s eyes! Suddenly they realized he can hear! He’s really in there! Next Ann began speaking right into his ear and Logan’s heart rate would increase! They have been playing Christian worship music for him, and trying to keep his room calm and peaceful as not to overstimulate him. We are seeing the fruit of our prayers! Keep on praying!
“Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be obvious to everyone. The Lord is near. Be anxious for nothing, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think on these things.” Philippians 4:4-8

We have been on this road of child loss for two years and I have continued to write on the caring bridge page that was started for us. Though now I feel like it is time to close it, but still want to share our story and reach out to others. I have been encouraged and appreciated everyone’s support so I would love to be able to continue on this journey with you all. That is why I thought a blog would be a great way for me to process and share, but also to hear your stories while you share your hearts.

Over the next months I will be transferring all the post from the caring bridge site that we had and closing that down. So it may look strange for a bit while the last two years are being reposted here.

I have put off doing this because as I look back I relive all the moments of those days. The memories and emotions don’t fade away they are just as strong and vivid as they were the day we got the call about his accident.

For those new here I should write a small piece if the story.

My son Logan was celebrating his friend’s 14th birthday at his house. Later that day Sheriff Jason called me. As he spoke the words they were jumbled and muddled in my brain. I then asked him to repeat them. He said, “Logan has been in an ATV accident and is being transported to the helicopter to be taken to the hospital.” Those are words I never thought I would hear, words I didn’t want to hear. Every piece of me knew this was bad. I could just feel it in the deepest parts of my heart he wasn’t coming home. It was a simple mistake he lost control of the ATV while turning the corner and in a matter of seconds our lives were shattered and permanently changed. He was gone.

Thank you for walking on this journey with me. I would love to hear from you and connect our paths with support and care. Love and hugs, Ann

Thanks for joining me!

Good company in a journey makes the way seem shorter. — Izaak Walton