Walking in the light…
One year ago today, was the last day, our family was together. It was Truman Family weekend. We were thrilled to see Connor, meet his roommate and for his siblings to see Truman State University. We were blessed with beautiful weather. Connor had just pledged Pi Kappa Phi fraternity the evening we arrived. We went…
Real life…
The saying above has been lovingly sent to me by caring people. I understand and appreciate this. I have read it over and over trying to find the exact feelings I have, when reading it. With all due respect, I choose to disagree with these words. Death is certainly something. It is tragic. So much…
Visit home
Last Labor Day was the final time Connor was home. This year of firsts without him is rapidly coming to a close. Yet, I know he is home. His eternal home is grand and nothing like our home here on earth. All of these things I know, yet grief still abounds. How do you get…
Five years…
Five years ago today our party of five grew to seven. On August 28, 2010 we gained two precious little hearts longing for a forever home. We had absolutely no idea what our journey would look like and went blindly into a larger family overnight. Thankfully our youngest were pulled into foster care from a…
Good things loss brings…
Walking blindly, falling, learning. Strengthened by trials of life. Entrusting loved ones to Him. Better than my clinging heart. He will go wherever they may be. Understanding false control. Releasing love gives freedom to be led. He loved enough to set us free. Messy, tired, weary life. Building, learning, trusting, growing… Choosing eternal priorities. Forever…
Surprises!
I love good surprises! Especially now, finding video that I never knew existed! There have been many people tell me they had never heard Connor play his violin. He would occasionally wander out onto the porch to play. I am so thankful that his sister had unknowingly taken this video of him practicing last summer…
Beautiful blessings…
Everyone has a story. This year mine has been about blessings. My memory has quickly faded throughout these past few months with grief. However, I do not forget the extraordinary kindness expressed by so many. Letters I receive in the mail from old friends are kept with love. Day after day, people unexpectedly lift us…
Living Love…
What is a parent called that loses a child? We have no word for this great loss…except tragedy. We are parents that have outlived our child. It does not mean, that if YOU are over his loss, that we are. Through my body and by God’s grace, he was brought into this world. Never did…
Shine in the dark…
Look Up Be Happy is a journey of getting from grief to grace. It is one family that has experienced the loss of a child. I have been told that honesty in this journey could be helpful to others. It is for this reason that I present our reality. Grief is not an experience I…
A Heavenly birthday…
I have been thinking I would not be able to make it through this day. The past two weeks leading up to today have been hard to breathe through. I’ve been edgy, sad and fearful. How would I handle the day that I made into a national holiday these past 20 years without you? Birthday’s…
Babies heal hearts…
This evening, our quiet corner where Connor’s violins hang, was filled with music! Two of our Chosen Palooza performers, Rosie and Marie, practiced at our home. (Video below) What a blessing! I am overwhelmed and grateful for all of the young adults in our growing group of SHINE! This week has been rough with the…
Look Up Be Happy, YOU are Chosen to Shine!
Since losing our son, Connor, in a tragic accident last October, and another tragedy two short months later, with the loss of his friend, Jordan Dupy, we have become committed to helping young adults. In keeping with that commitment, the 501(c)(3) not for profit organization, Chosen to Shine, has been created. We seek to give…