False positive…
A false positive is a test result that is incorrect because the test indicated a condition finding that does not exist. As we were expecting our second child, I was told she would have down-syndrome. We were given choices to consider for controlling this outcome. She was born a healthy, beautiful, determined, sweet baby girl.…
Seeing through your heart…
There comes a point in life when your eyes are truly opened and you begin to see everything around you differently. It may be a tragic loss of a child, like it was for us. It may be news of an illness, loss of a spouse, a job, a divorce, or a multitude of other…
Risky business…
Everything is a risk. What if it doesn’t work out? What if I get sick? What if something bad happens? Oh dear friends, but what if it DOES work out! A conversation I vividly remember asking our son just before graduating high school was: If you had a “do over” what would you have done…
Some days you just need to give a shout out to loved ones! This week my Uncle Larry was promoted to his heavenly home. He represented many things in his life. When I spoke to him recently, he was telling me he was grateful that our family, like his, adopted children. He was blessed as…
Through the eyes of Claire…
Today marks two years since our son Connor was promoted to heaven. Along with grief, loss brings about growth and choices. The following has been written by our daughter Claire as her college entrance essay. By God’s grace, wherever she chooses to serve in life, there will be benevolence flowing through her. All of our…
Plans…
Two years ago today I was on a plane coming back from a work trip. A young woman that happened to be Connor’s age sat down next to me. She was joining her aunt and uncle for a visit from Utah to Missouri. We spoke about family, my son in college, school, friendship and faith.…
When October ends…
October has always been my favorite month of the year. The heat dissolves as I witness beautiful fall colors in the crisp air each day. Pumpkin everything suits me just fine. It’s not the scary things, but the beginning of a new season. Two of our children enjoy birthdays this month. I have prayed…
Gains from loss…
Our journey through grief has led to many gifts in this life we now lead. This week I watched as young people gathered together to help paint and restore donated furniture not knowing the story, yet willing to serve. I listened as my friend and servant, Dana, told the journey of how Restore Decor came…
Dear younger me…thoughts at 50.
Was I smart…not really. Could I love…truly. Success meant a large income…not money but people. Attitude makes or breaks the situation…always. Knowing many people is wonderful…True friends are rare gems. To lead meant to be in front…Leadership means servant. I’ll do it myself…Life is not about what can be accomplished alone but with like minded…
I love the ocean. It has always brought me peace. Grief is best described as coming in waves like an ocean. Somedays there are tidal waves and others calm waters. Grief is not an obstacle. It is not something to overcome. As time passes, I can see the obstacles. We all have choices on how…
God willing…
Someday you will treasure all that is done for you each day. Someday you will wish you had written down all the stories shared. Someday you will move away and appreciate what you were given. Someday you will think about all the home cooked meals provided. Someday you will believe all the warnings given were…
Wake UP!
Wake up! You can only try so hard for so long before you truly get sick and tired of people and all their complaining. Guess what!? Your attitude towards life is a choice. I have a laundry list of crap I’d like to complain about, but it won’t change one thing. I ask for your…