Wednesday, April 7, 2010
Sixteen Years
Sixteen years ago today, I became a mother. On that beautiful spring day in 1994, God blessed me with the joy of being introduced to Jonathan Andrew. As I held him in my arms, gazed into his eyes and studied each feature of his pink little face, I was amazed at the love I had for him. We just met, I thought, and already this little fella has captured my heart. The exhaustion of twenty-seven hours of labor and the c-section that followed seemed to dissapate as I took a few moments to inspect his tiny features. What joy and elation!....... What a miracle!...... What responsibility! My prayer became, Oh Lord, how can I take care of this precious little guy? It's been sixteen years since the first time I asked that question and I've since inquired of the Lord many times the same. That little babe, was quickly a toddler and very soon became a little boy. Then in what seemed like no time at all, he has become a young man. I'm so full of thanks to the Lord as I watch His handiwork in his life. I pray that He continues to guide, provide for and protect this precious son as he strives to become a mature man ready for his own home...and one day, when he looks into the face of his own little one, he'll finally know how much I love him. Happy 16th Birthday, Andrew!
Thursday, March 11, 2010
Wednesday, February 24, 2010
Friday, July 13, 2007
Remembering, Honoring
July 13th, it's been 13 years since my sister, Laura, has gone home to be with our Lord. My sons and I stopped by the cemetery to remember her today. There's still something to be said 
for taking time out of our busy schedules to just remember, to remember those we've known and loved and those who've had an impact on our lives. My sister, Laura, is one such person in my life. She was only 13 months younger than me. Needless to say, we grew up doing many things together. She and I were able to communicate at times simply by making eye contact. We could often tell what the other was thinking by one quick glance toward the other. Laura and I attended very small Christian schools throughout junior and senior high. As a result, many of our activities overlapped. We played on the same volleyball teams, softball teams, cheerleading squads and attended the same Spanish Club. We had the same teachers and friends. As an adult, Laura impressed me greatly with her ongoing determination. She endured many health issues while attending nursing school. Because of her credits, she was able to start nursing school at only 17 years of age. The RN program (in only 2yrs) was considered a grueling schedule for most. Many dropped out of the program. I observed Laura push herself, against incredible odds to complete the program and be pinned at graduation when she was only 19 years old. She was even asked to give the benediction at the pinning ceremony. Being hospitalized many times hadn't stopped her from having her IV capped off and driving herself to her classes. She'd get through her studies from that same hospital room. She was hired by the same hospital, St. Louis Children's Hospital. In fact, since up until that time CF was considered a "childhood disease," she would go there as a patient on the 9th floor and then work on the 8th floor. She worked even while hospitalized! It was amazing. Laura didn't seem to know the word, q-u-i-t. Even after many complications, including nearly losing her life, caused her to give up her job at the hospital, it didn't mean "quit" for her. She immediately enrolled at the local Crisis Pregnancy Center's training program. And after a few months, began serving young women in crisis situations.
for taking time out of our busy schedules to just remember, to remember those we've known and loved and those who've had an impact on our lives. My sister, Laura, is one such person in my life. She was only 13 months younger than me. Needless to say, we grew up doing many things together. She and I were able to communicate at times simply by making eye contact. We could often tell what the other was thinking by one quick glance toward the other. Laura and I attended very small Christian schools throughout junior and senior high. As a result, many of our activities overlapped. We played on the same volleyball teams, softball teams, cheerleading squads and attended the same Spanish Club. We had the same teachers and friends. As an adult, Laura impressed me greatly with her ongoing determination. She endured many health issues while attending nursing school. Because of her credits, she was able to start nursing school at only 17 years of age. The RN program (in only 2yrs) was considered a grueling schedule for most. Many dropped out of the program. I observed Laura push herself, against incredible odds to complete the program and be pinned at graduation when she was only 19 years old. She was even asked to give the benediction at the pinning ceremony. Being hospitalized many times hadn't stopped her from having her IV capped off and driving herself to her classes. She'd get through her studies from that same hospital room. She was hired by the same hospital, St. Louis Children's Hospital. In fact, since up until that time CF was considered a "childhood disease," she would go there as a patient on the 9th floor and then work on the 8th floor. She worked even while hospitalized! It was amazing. Laura didn't seem to know the word, q-u-i-t. Even after many complications, including nearly losing her life, caused her to give up her job at the hospital, it didn't mean "quit" for her. She immediately enrolled at the local Crisis Pregnancy Center's training program. And after a few months, began serving young women in crisis situations. I'm thankful to have known Laura, blessed to have had her for my sister. She has been an inspiration in my life.
Today, we also stopped to remember little Haisa. A birthday of nine we would remember this thine. What a reminder her stone is to all who must die, what is most important in this life...Love the Lord your God with all your Heart and Soul and Strength...
Lord, help us to keep an eternal perspective. Thank you for allowing us to know a precious little life in Haisa. Though we longed for more, help us to trust You in all things.
Lord, help us to keep an eternal perspective. Thank you for allowing us to know a precious little life in Haisa. Though we longed for more, help us to trust You in all things.
Tuesday, July 3, 2007
Walkin'
Pictures like this remind us of the brevity of childhood. Noah -8 and Jamin- 2. Look who recently found his pockets!
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