Five Year Anniversary

Here we are.

April 8.

Five years ago we surrounded Doug and prayed over him. We prayed that he could breathe. He was struggling so badly. We prayed that God’s will would be done.  We cried. We loved on him. I went to bed after midnight and at 1:28am God took him home.

It still seems unreal! Sometimes it seems like it was yesterday and other times it feels like a lifetime!

I was fortunate to call him brother.  We had a very special relationship. He made me laugh! I cried and prayed over him when he was making poor life decisions! I am so thankful for those special people who prayed fiercely for Doug. People besides my parents.

Cyndy Morris, you are one of those people. Who were our “Virginia mom” and I know you spent hours on your knees praying for Doug’s salvation. I love you!

I am forever grateful to Rob and Amy Reardon. You were pastors who took Doug under your wing. You invited him to Sunday school and coffee. You watched him change into the God loving man he became.

There are many more but these special people come to my mind. Because of the prayers and  actions of God’s people I am confident that Doug resides in heaven with the Father and that is the only thing that eases the pain.

Peace is a journey...

Today marks four years when Doug entered heaven. How can that be? Time moves so fast. 

I was recounting the journey to a friend today (thank you Jan.) n the last week of Doug’s life we prayed for peace and calm. I was not at peace...not one bit! I dare say I was probably a bit angry! Seeing the suffering that took place was unbearable! 

I get so emotional when I hear songs that talk about approaching the throne of God like “And Can it Be” because my mind tries to imagine what that experience was like for Doug. Music is so powerful.

Four years is a long time but it also seems like yesterday.

I wish every day that Doug didn’t have to leave this temporary home so soon. He is missed by everyone who loved him. He was a very special man!

Peace is a journey and I take one day at a time. Some days are just hard and some are filled with wonderful memories that make me smile. 

Thank you for being on this journey with me, reading my ramblings and for the encouraging words that you have shared with me. It means more than you know. 

Two years...

2014 was one of the hardest years I have experienced in my life. It was full of loss. Learning how to pick up the pieces and go on with life because life doesn't stop. The grieving process begins.

Two years ago on this day Osa crossed the rainbow bridge as they say. I like to think that she is in heaven. :) My heart was so broken but I knew that I did everything in my power to give her the best life she deserved. She lived a long life according to German Shepherd standards and she couldn't have been loved any more than she was. 

We miss her so much. We remember you everyday. We we always love you sweet girl!

Through it all

Today was the wedding anniversary of Doug + Melissa. I remember how beautiful that day was. A gorgeous fall day in Virginia. Perfect.

Fast forward to today.  No one...I mean NO ONE ever thought that a few short years later the Lord would call Doug home, to live with him in Heaven. Who on their wedding day thinks that you won't have a lifetime together, having a family, traveling the world together, growing old together with this person you love more than anything? But here we are. Wishing we had more time with our husband, son and brother. Making memories and growing old together as a family.

This morning, I was listening to Bethel and one of my favorite songs came on called It is Well. I have to believe and trust that God knows better than me his perfect plan. I am so happy that Doug knew the love of Jesus and trusted him.

Listen to this song. Continue to pray for our family.

First Anniversary | Osa

A year ago today our best friend for almost 16 years went to heaven.

The night before, I laid on the floor next to her all night trying to comfort her. She cried all night and so did I. I knew what was going to happen and I didn't want to let her go. That would be cruel and selfish of me. She had been a best friend, so loyal and gave unconditional love! 

I have to say that vet was amazing! The doctors are wonderful and sensitive. The moment was very peaceful and that's what I wanted for her.

Osa is missed in the spaces of this house, in our every day moments and there is a huge void in our hearts! She was bossy, protective, my shadow and such a sweet girl. I miss her so much. 

Last year was a difficult year and this year will be too because it is the year of first anniversaries. 

First puppy red collar ❤️