Heading Home

Hal, Drew, and I are heading home tomorrow after a longer than expected and emotional trip to Arkansas. My grandmother Marie, my dad's mom, passed away at 1:45 am on Tuesday morning. She had been in hospice care since the previous Thursday. After battling Alzheimer's the last few years, her health had really gotten bad over the last 3 months as she faced a stroke, breaking a hip, and finally internal bleeding. It is a relief to know that she is with Jesus and isn't struggling to piece together memories or dealing with any pain. The visitation was Thursday night and the funeral was Friday morning.

I have been blown away by the love of our family and friends over the last week or so. I think that after living away for 4 years I have a much deeper appreciation for family than I would if we had never left. Don't get me wrong, God has blessed us with people who have treated us like family in the places we have been, but there is nothing like being loved on by your family. You can call them at 7:00 in the morning and ask them to watch your son with only a few minutes notice. You can call and tell them you just need someone to sit with you while you wait on God's timing or ask them to bring you a loaf of bread! You can make a phone call and bare your soul and know they don't think less of you no matter what you say. You have a history with them. You don't have to explain anything. Sometimes words aren't even necessary. A hug or a look into their eyes says it all. Thank you to all who have loved on us in the last week. We needed to be propped up by prayers, kind words, and compassion. And you came through with flying colors.

Drew has been a trooper for the past two weeks. He has been passed around to several houses, missed naps, stayed up late, stayed quiet at the hospital and much more. I know he is ready to get back to his routine!

Hal has also been a trooper! Drew and I left with my parents on Father's Day. He drove up on the 25th expecting to take us back with him, but we stayed because of my grandmother. He then drove back up late Thursday night to be here for the funeral on Friday. I am blessed to have a man who supports me so much. He never complained one time about all the driving and craziness. Thanks buddy.

Our new way to eat an apple....core and all.

Riding on the mower with Grampy

Court...weren't you supposed to be helping babysit??

Not missing momma one bit! He loved spending time w/ his cousins

Grampy lets him get away with just about anything...as you can see!