Two years ago today I woke up on a Sunday morning to a phone call from my sister that said, "Sha, you know how Mom was sick...? Well, she died!" For days and weeks I replayed that conversation in my head. I couldn't get it out of my head, especially every time I lied down in my bed in the place where I found out that news. Later, I thought about it less frequently, and then I would think about it every Sunday morning............
...........Now, I can't believe it's been two years. At that time the boys were 2 years old and 8 months old and Jeremy was in his 1st year of residency. I don't know how I could have gotten through this if I didn't have a relationship with Christ Jesus. He has filled me with His peace and His comfort. It has been nothing that I've done on my own. Sure, I have wondered 'why' many times, but my 'whys' and wonder have drawn me closer to Him thru being in His word in a women's bible study. Although I wish He could have brought me closer to Him another way, I'm thankful He was able to use this experience in a positive way. We still talk about Nana all the time to the boys. Just this week Garrett brought a flower inside and told me he wanted to save it to put it on Nana's grave the next time we went home! I wish Graham could remember her, but we have so many good things to teach him about his Nana.
Although God takes away, thankfully He gives, too. He has brought my dad a beautiful wife (on the inside and outside), named Linda. No, she doesn't replace my mom, but she has become my friend, and she has become "Mimi" to our boys. She is a companion for my dad who makes him happy and takes care of him. I prayed for God to send her for a long time. I didn't want my dad to be lonely the rest of his life. They are so happy together, and my dad deserves that again.
I write all of this to tell you what God has done IN me. His comfort has been unbelievable! He brings me comfort in so many different ways. I usually have a dream about my mom every month or so. Just a few weeks ago I dreamt that she was sitting in a chair, and I knelt down beside her. She told me how happy she is, and I asked her, "But why is it sad sometimes?" And she told me, "But I see everything that is going on with y'all!" I do believe that she sees and knows what is going on with us. My greatest comfort is knowing where she is. It has changed my view of heaven and of worship. I have said many times in the past, "I don't know what I would do if I lost ________." You've probably said it before, too, and filled in the blank with someone's name close to you. I never would have thought that I could still have peace and joy after losing someone dear to my heart. However, I choose to trust God completely that He has purpose in ALL His plans, even when I don't understand!
Garrett loved sitting in this chair on the balcony watching people go down the water slide and lazy river at the condo.
I love this picture of Graham!
This was Ella's first beach experience (who doesn't like to sleep on the beach???)
Playing in the sand with Daddy
Getting out all of the beach toys (Before we left I told them to pick out what beach toys they wanted to take from home. They filled up a garbage bag!)
This is Ella at 7 weeks. At her check up she weighed 9 lbs 4 oz. (25th percentile) and 22 inches (90th percentile). She has just started smiling. She has always been a good sleeper like her momma! She is such a precious, sweet baby!!!
My sweet Ella Katherine Jackson
Stacy Seago, Mary Katherine Segrest, Me and Ella, Dara Ritter, Jodi Gentry and Catherine Cross
Dad and Linda
Papa, Garrett, Mimi and Graham (I love this picture!)
Graham eating a frozen lemonade
Garrett, Cameron, Graham and Kennedy
Garrett, Cameron, Papa, Graham and Kennedy
Garrett and Graham opening presents after everyone left
Blowing out the candles
The birthday cake - you can hardly see the two horses at the bottom
Yesterday we went to the Ag Museum for Elias Grantham's 3rd birthday party. The boys had so much fun. Graham got to do 3 of his favorite things....ride ponies, trains and carousels!!!! See how happy he is on the carousel??? Well, this was the last ride before going home and he pitched a fit!!!! That sweet little face can fool you!
KK's birthday was June 2nd. I won't tell how old she is! KK and Papaw came over, and we went to El Sombrero's which is becoming a tradition along with a cookie cake. I don't know if cookie cake is everyone's favorite or if I just get everyone one because it is my favorite!!! We love our KK - or "Tay-Tay" as the boys call her!!!
Jeremy turned 33 on June 4th. Birthdays aren't a real big deal at our house other than a cookie cake and your favorite meal cooked at home - steaks and baked potatoes. We usually go out to dinner just whenever we get a chance and instead of a gift, we save up for a trip (like to Disney World). It's hard to believe I've been the one who gets to share in Jeremy's birthdays since his 18th!!! He is an awesome father and husband. I don't what we would do without him. I can't wait to see how he's going to be with a little girl!!!
(John Cross, Matt Cassell, Jeremy, Josh Cockrell - Jeremy's best friends in med school and residency)
Graham turned 3 today.... I can't believe my baby is already 3. For some reason I can't find his birth pics. I know that I have a lot of posts to catch up on, but for now, this is it! I'll post pics of his party later afterwards. Last night we went to El Sombrero's with KK and Papaw and we were going to get the waiters to sing to Graham. He realized what we were doing and started crying, so we said nevermind!
