When Community Becomes Family: Gratitude in the Hardest Season – Robert Erickson

We want to share an important update from Robert Erickson about his son, Xander, and the difficult days their family has been walking through. In the middle of uncertainty and long hours at the hospital, Robert has seen God’s presence in powerful ways through the love and support of people around him. His words offer an honest and hope-filled glimpse into what this season has been like, and how community becomes family when it matters most. We invite you to read his story and join us in continuing to pray for Xander, Robert, and their entire family.

There are moments in life when everything feels like it stops. When the world narrows down to one hospital room, one set of machines, one tiny heartbeat that means everything. That’s where I’ve been lately—with my son, Xander, in the hospital, fighting through something no child should have to face.

We’ve been at Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh for almost a week now. Days and nights blur together here. The beeping monitors, the quiet hallways, the prayers whispered at 2 a.m.—this place changes you.

And in that space of fear, exhaustion, and prayer… something beautiful happened.

My community showed up.

Not just one group.
Not just one circle.
But all of them.

My AA and NA family—people who know what it’s like to walk through fire and come out the other side—wrapped me in support. They sent messages, checked in, and even when they didn’t have the perfect words, they showed love in the way that matters most: presence.

My church family did what the Church is supposed to do.

They prayed.
They fasted.
They gave.
They believed when I felt too tired to believe for myself.

Some of them gave money when they didn’t have much to spare.
Others gave time.
Some gave tears.
All of them gave heart.

And then there are the unexpected heroes.

My piercer—who runs a piercing shop—stood with me in a powerful way. We met before either of us were believers, and now here we are, both walking with faith. He joined me not only in prayer and fasting, but also in financial support for my family during this hospital stay.

That kind of loyalty and love across seasons of life is something I’ll always treasure.

In the middle of monitors beeping and long nights that blur into mornings, I’ve learned something I’ll never forget:

👉 Community isn’t about labels. It’s about showing up when it counts.

AA.
NA.
Church.
A piercing shop.
Friends.
Family.
Believers.

Different paths.
Same heart.

You all reminded me that I’m not walking this alone.
That Xander isn’t fighting alone.
That when one family is hurting, a whole village can rise up around them.

So if you’ve prayed, fasted, given, messaged, checked in, or even just thought about us in this season—thank you.

From the deepest part of my soul, thank you.

You didn’t just help us survive this.
You helped carry us through it.

And I will never forget that. 🤍

We ask you to pause and lift up Xander and his family in prayer. Pray for healing, strength, wisdom for doctors, peace in the long nights, and hope that anchors their hearts. Pray for Robert as he walks this road as a father, and that he would continue to feel God’s nearness in every moment. If you’re moved to reach out, encourage, or support in practical ways, know that those simple acts can become powerful expressions of God’s love. Let’s keep standing with this family and believing together for a miracle.