The Grace of Ivy
One well knows that it is probably bad news when you are awakened by the phone at 3
a.m. Such was the case on one very fateful morning. Words were spoken, Ivy was in
trouble and headed to the hospital by ambulance. Michelle and her husband, Keith,
scrambled out of bed, changed clothes, and headed out to be with their daughter-in-law,
Jordan, and son Tyler in this time of crisis. The situation did not look good when they
arrived at the emergency room where they waited as medical staff worked quickly to
help this tiny child. Sadly, helping this little angel was beyond their expertise. Ivy was
gone! This little granddaughter who had arrived so prematurely, fought so hard, and
stolen the hearts of so many, was with Jesus. When the family was called in to see her
lifeless body, they didn't just cry - they wept! This is the type of crying that affects your
entire body causing a deep ache on the inside.
Early life for grandmother Michelle Statzer had not been easy. Her family was poor, she
had an alcoholic mother, and had experienced two abusive stepfathers. Both she and her
sister, Denise, were abused by another family member. As one can imagine, the girls
left home as early in life as they could. Along the way, the Grace of God moved in the
life of these sisters when Denise was invited to a church camp. It was there that she
asked Jesus to come into her heart, and things began to dramatically change, as she
followed her Savior for the rest of her life.
Although Michelle was not yet a believer, God certainly was directing her path. He
guided her to move in with her sister. She met Keith (her husband) in a bar in Arlington,
Texas, and the rest is history. He later received a job opportunity in North Carolina and
wanted her to come with him. She told him, "not unless you put a ring on my finger." He
wanted the girl, she wanted the ring, so they married! Then they were to live a new
adventure in a new state.
Later, as God would have it, a friend at her new job invited Michelle to visit church with
her. She accepted the invitation, and during the sermon, the Spirit of God moved in her
heart, and she received Christ as her Savior. Keith, who had been saved earlier in life,
soon rededicated his life to the Lord. Suddenly, this lady from an awful home life was
living with a loving husband, faithfully going to church, and growing in grace.
Sadly, her Mom was less than pleased that her daughter had gotten saved. So, the
sisters faithfully prayed for their mother for 30 years. Finally, at 78 years of age, she
gave her heart and life to Jesus! Hallelujah! Unfortunately, her stepfather, Ken, wanted
no part of all this church stuff. In fact, even when he was experiencing failing health, he
did not want to be bothered by any pastors coming to call on him. Well, Pastor Cliff
French went anyway, and they became friends as they connected over memories of
Their days in the armed service. When Pastor French died, his widow, Elaine, stayed
connected with this resistant man and eventually led him to Christ six months before his
death. God was pulling this family into the circle of grace near the end of their lives.
Mom died sometime later and in her dying moments reached her hand toward Heaven
and said "Wow!" as she entered into the presence of her Savior.
Michelle had the privilege of walking with her mom and dad through those last days of
their lives and right up to Heaven's door. She would soon be able to do the same for her
sister, Denise, who had been such a great spiritual influence on her life. Sadness
mingled with joy and the knowledge that the ones she loved were safely with Jesus was
the cause of great peace in her heart.
Radio personality, Paul Harvey, produced a radio program entitled "The Rest of the
Story" which aired from 1976-2009. So here is the rest of Michelle's story. Michelle and
Keith were blessed with two sons who grew up and married. When their son Tyler and
his wife, Jordan, informed Michelle that she was going to be a grandmother, she
squealed and announced that her official title would be "Mimi" When warned by a friend
that this moniker would be with her for a long time, she said, "Bring it on!" Little did she
know that her family would enter the valley of sorrow when Jordan went into labor after
only 23 weeks of pregnancy.
"It's too soon," Michelle cried in her heart! Although the doctors medically fought to
prevent this delivery, nevertheless, Ivy was born alive at that early date. She was so
tiny-- weighing only 1lb. 1oz. She was barely over the limit that would allow the medical
team to even attempt to save her. Once again, tears flowed from a broken-hearted and
fearful Mimi. Oh Jesus, please help her, she prayed!
their lives and right up to Heaven's door. She would soon be able to do the same for her
sister, Denise, who had been such a great spiritual influence on her life. Sadness
mingled with joy and the knowledge that the ones she loved were safely with Jesus was
the cause of great peace in her heart.
Radio personality, Paul Harvey, produced a radio program entitled "The Rest of the
Story" which aired from 1976-2009. So here is the rest of Michelle's story. Michelle and
Keith were blessed with two sons who grew up and married. When their son Tyler and
his wife, Jordan, informed Michelle that she was going to be a grandmother, she
squealed and announced that her official title would be "Mimi" When warned by a friend
that this moniker would be with her for a long time, she said, "Bring it on!" Little did she
know that her family would enter the valley of sorrow when Jordan went into labor after
only 23 weeks of pregnancy.
"It's too soon," Michelle cried in her heart! Although the doctors medically fought to
prevent this delivery, nevertheless, Ivy was born alive at that early date. She was so
tiny-- weighing only 1lb. 1oz. She was barely over the limit that would allow the medical
team to even attempt to save her. Once again, tears flowed from a broken-hearted and
fearful Mimi. Oh Jesus, please help her, she prayed!
This fragile little baby girl was a fighter and battled her way through crisis after crises.
When hope began to fade, she would bound back. Tubes, masks, assisted breathing,
and medications were all a part of this little child's journey. Most importantly, family,
church members, and friends began to knock on Heaven's door for this frail and weak
little angel who was battling so bravely to live.
Praise the Lord, after more than 4 months, Ivy was able to leave the intensive care unit
and go home from the hospital. Many steps of care were needed, and she was handled
with gentle loving care at home. Mimi was right in the middle of it all, lending her loving
hands to this precious little one's special needs. As she turned five months old, there
was renewed hope that she might win the great battle for life after all. But sadly, this
was not to be, and on March 21st, 2023, when they went to check on her, Ivy Addison
Statzer was still and tears flowed!
Being a parent and grandparent myself, when I heard the news of her passing one of
my early responses was to wonder why God would allow her to survive it all? I didn't
have to wait long for the answer to that question. God reminded me of His Sovereignty
in our lives, and He gave me the opportunity to share this with Michelle. I asked her if
she would have rather lost her beautiful granddaughter at birth or after having five
months to show her your love? Her answer was instant and heartfelt - "5 months!" The
memories of Ivy are forever etched on her heart!
When hope began to fade, she would bound back. Tubes, masks, assisted breathing,
and medications were all a part of this little child's journey. Most importantly, family,
church members, and friends began to knock on Heaven's door for this frail and weak
little angel who was battling so bravely to live.
Praise the Lord, after more than 4 months, Ivy was able to leave the intensive care unit
and go home from the hospital. Many steps of care were needed, and she was handled
with gentle loving care at home. Mimi was right in the middle of it all, lending her loving
hands to this precious little one's special needs. As she turned five months old, there
was renewed hope that she might win the great battle for life after all. But sadly, this
was not to be, and on March 21st, 2023, when they went to check on her, Ivy Addison
Statzer was still and tears flowed!
Being a parent and grandparent myself, when I heard the news of her passing one of
my early responses was to wonder why God would allow her to survive it all? I didn't
have to wait long for the answer to that question. God reminded me of His Sovereignty
in our lives, and He gave me the opportunity to share this with Michelle. I asked her if
she would have rather lost her beautiful granddaughter at birth or after having five
months to show her your love? Her answer was instant and heartfelt - "5 months!" The
memories of Ivy are forever etched on her heart!
God knew Ivy was weak and wouldn't survive, and yet He allowed her family to have
her and love her for a while. And yes, they greatly look forward to seeing her again on
that great and wonderful day of the Lord!
And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. (Romans 8:28)
God gave grace during those difficult days, and Mimi now has her hands full with three
grandchildren. Ivy's parents, Tyler and Jordan, have been graced with a healthy baby
boy by the name of Knox Tyler Statzer. Mimi cried at that birth also, but they were a
different type of tears. As love bubbled in her heart, she knew that there was more
"Mimi work" to be done. She thought about her loving husband, Keith, who had faithfully
stood by her side during the storms of life this family experienced together. She knew
very well that he would have his credit card ready for use, because Mimi had some
shopping to do!
Isn't God's grace a wonderful thing!
Roger Allen Cook
I love to write stories about God's grace. If you have a story I should consider, please
contact me: roger.cook@southside.church
her and love her for a while. And yes, they greatly look forward to seeing her again on
that great and wonderful day of the Lord!
And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. (Romans 8:28)
God gave grace during those difficult days, and Mimi now has her hands full with three
grandchildren. Ivy's parents, Tyler and Jordan, have been graced with a healthy baby
boy by the name of Knox Tyler Statzer. Mimi cried at that birth also, but they were a
different type of tears. As love bubbled in her heart, she knew that there was more
"Mimi work" to be done. She thought about her loving husband, Keith, who had faithfully
stood by her side during the storms of life this family experienced together. She knew
very well that he would have his credit card ready for use, because Mimi had some
shopping to do!
Isn't God's grace a wonderful thing!
Roger Allen Cook
I love to write stories about God's grace. If you have a story I should consider, please
contact me: roger.cook@southside.church