Most of our life is bitter sweet. July being no exception as it also brought
about Jayden and Brooklyn’s birthdays.
Birthdays are such a celebration. On the one hand, we are thrilled we
have had another year with them, but, at the same time, it marks a date closer
to the end. Time flies when you are hanging on to the lives of your
children. Brooklyn turned 3 on July 14.
It marks a looming decline of skills. Brooklyn has exceeded expectations and
continues to amaze us with how well she is doing. The more skills, I dread, the
harder it will be when they are gone.
She sings songs, says “I love you” (and a ton of other words) and
understands. This makes discipline harder….but one smile from her the
difficulty doesn’t matter…much, HA!
Jayden turned 6, July 25. My gentle giant is getting to be
such a big boy. We see the effects of
Sanfilippo and it gives us new appreciation for all the things he still can do.
It is just a matter of time before walking, eating, and other things disappear.
I treasure his laugh, his smile, his soul….I can’t imagine not seeing it
everyday. But, such is life. God hasn’t prepared me for those
moments. It’s hard being a realist. I have to remind myself that it is ok to be
sad and at the same time, trust God. It
is this dance, so to speak. I can’t get optimistic or pessimistic. I acknowledge the pain for what it is, while
simultaneously placing my hope in Christ and what He did on the cross as being
enough. Did I mention it’s hard?
I also had a wonderful time with my dear friend, Kelly
Hubert at the Tenderheart luncheon for the third year in a row. Joan made
scrabble tile necklaces for every lady. Charles Tillman of the Bears invited me
up to share our story and even put his arm around me! Yeah, I am pretty much
famous now! Ha! Charles, and his
beautiful wife, Jackie are simply amazing. They are who you want every person
with fame and money to be like. The entire luncheon was God honoring as woman
after woman shared thanks to the Tillmans for their private generosity during
the year to some struggling families and many women gave glory to Christ for
their strength. You would think being in a room with 100 women who have done
their time in Children’s hospitals and some even loosing children would be
aweful, but it was the most comforting and beautiful place to be. As much as we want to run from pain, or are
scared to enter into someone elses, I truly believe that is where God makes
available His most beautiful blessings.
We also had a chance to witness heaven on earth during a
simple children’s parade at Jayden’s school. With “God bless America” over the
loudspeakers, Joan and I entered fighting tears at the beauty of all the
students lined up in blue and red. Many
with teachers by their side or pushing their wheelchairs, they paraded around
the building waving American flags. I was so proud to live in a country that
doesn’t throw away these beautiful creations.
What a blessing to witness.
We also celebrated with our dear friends, Jason and Sarah
Alm, as they welcomed Mr. Luca Roger Alm into their family. Talk about a God
story. For years they struggled with fertility and decided to adopt. All the
money came in right in time for them to be chosen by the birth mom, and within
48 hours of getting a call they were chosen, they brought their son home.
Awesome!
We also rejoiced with our friends, Jay and Michelle, as they
celebrated their son Bonn’s birthday. We had a nice time seeing their new house
and playing with all things Thomas.
We love our friends so much and the Henry’s are no
exception! We had a little visit from them. They are so easy to be around and
their kids are a dream. They get their sweetness from their parents. Jud and Katie are amazing!
We also have been enjoying our “East Coast” friends, the
Petersens. They have 3 boys and a fourth on the way. They too, are so fun to be
with. Heidi cracks me up…and we wonder
where Logan gets his eccentric personality!
July. What a bitter sweet blessing!
