A journey of encouragement through loss.
The beautiful flowers that once filled our garden had been overtaken by weeds of death. We now place those flowers near an amazing gift in our life, carved in stone. We weren’t meant to “do life” on our own. God will lead us if we pray that His will be done and patiently listen. For…
Today begins a weekend at Camp Piasa for members of Chosen to Shine non-profit. Our mission is to give young adults hope for their future through faith, fellowship, music and motivation with the opportunity to serve others, leaving everyone in the knowledge that they matter and are CHOSEN TO SHINE! Last year’s camp was held…
I’ve spent most of my life wondering what my calling was. When you begin college you are called to declare a field or major. Some of us declare and then realize we really just don’t know what we would like to do with our life. It is a daunting task to try and figure out…
Happiness and heartache change rapidly in this new life I lead with loss. God granted me knowledge to recognize, from the moment my eyes open, how my heart is doing each day. I pray for peace, on the days I wake with tears. Each day, my first thought is still Connor. As much as I…
Camp Piasa has been a part of my life since the 1970’s when I went there as a camper for the first time. I spent five years as a lifeguard and junior counselor and eight years as a counselor with our family. Many of my favorite memories in life are from camp. One year as…
Have you ever noticed how love can change a person? Change that can bring your heart, to a level you never thought possible. It has been said, that the pain of loss, is a true reflection of how deeply you have loved. We have loved deeply. It does not matter if your child grows in…
Here we are again on the 18th of another month. Five months sure can seem like an eternity…when you are missing someone. Today, I choose to think of a happy 18. Birthday’s are a big deal at our home. Connor’s 18th birthday was quite a surprise to him! He thought he was going out to…
The photo above is Connor on “JC backwards day” at Camp Piasa. It makes me smile. Today, I feel like wearing my hoodie this way…Each Monday morning I make calls still requesting a death certificate. I call insurance and confirm medical bills from the loss of our son. Each week I cry and pray for…
I look to the cross and the mercy of Christ for comfort in grief. There are many heavy hearts over this holiday season as Connor is joined in Heaven by his good friend and fellow Piasa JC Jordan this past week. Our family, Jordan’s family, our Piasa family are all reeling from such great loss.…
Some days are more difficult than others…and you just need a bit of Heaven on earth to “Dance, Dance, wherever you may be!” I love seeing these kids and JC’s dance and sing their hearts out…THIS is Camp Piasa that we love!
Awesome, Amazing, Talented, Superb is this dedication to “The Doctor” Connor…Everyday a new blessing is bestowed upon us keeping Connor close. Harrison Gorden, “Poodle”, from the first time I met you nine years ago at camp Piasa you have had a special place in my heart. Today your talent shines as brightly as the stars…
My favorite part of Camp Piasa is the Sing – ing! Every night the dining hall is transformed into a stage for happiness, silliness, dancing and most times shouting out songs! I get teased each year for all the pictures and video I seem to collect at camp! However, it’s this magical time each summer…