A Visit From the Duggars

Putting others above themselves is a lifestyle habit that Jim Bob and Michelle Duggar strive to instill in their children. Leading by example, the couple, along with Gil and Kelly Bates (also the parents of 19 children), visited Claire, a fan recovering from brain surgery. 

After connecting with the Bates family through a mutual friend late last week, Gil and Kelly offered to surprise Claire with a visit. Jim Bob and Michelle had plans to drop by the Bates' Tennessee home Monday afternoon and jumped at the chance to go along, so the two couples arranged to meet Claire at the hospital later that evening.

Brad, Claire's father, shares the details of the visit: 

The Duggars had been on the road all day with their family, and yet once they got settled in with [the] Bates and had dinner, they then got in the car and drove from the Bates' home in Lake City to the hospital. There were no cameras, except our own. There was no publicity. They simply got in the car and drove to Knoxville to meet Claire. It was out of pure kindness, I say it was a "God thing." 

Brad said that the four had tears in their eyes as he told them Claire's story.

They all gave her gentle hugs, and Ms. Duggar even gave her sweet kisses on the forehead. Mr. Bates led us in a prayer, and then they just visited with us. They insisted we keep them posted on her recovery. I was truly impressed with the love that God has put in their hearts. I can't thank the Duggar and Bates families enough for the effort they made to make our Claire Bear a very happy little lady. God used them as such a blessing to us, and we are grateful. Most of all, I thank God for progress in Claire's healing and another step toward getting home. Thank you for your continued prayers and please say a prayer for the Duggars and Bates, as well."

A Visit From the DuggarsA Visit From the Duggars