6 Month Milestone

So today marks the 6 month anniversary since Chelsea Rae went home to be with Jesus and close to the one year point of the initial diagnosis. In the book of Joshua, he demonstrates the importance of building/leaving monuments and remembering God‘s faithfulness. So that’s what I’m going to do today. I’ve been doing some reflecting, and I smile as I remember my girl. I’m including some of my favorite “Chelsea Quotes” as well as some more phone clips…. and a poem that is everything I’d love to say and didn’t know how. Enjoy!

From Chelsea Rae’s journey:

"Don't worry about a thing, the Lord WILL get us through this, we just need to trust in HIM. LOVE YA LOTS!!!"

“I love you guys, and may the LORD bless your socks off 24/7!!! And remember, ALWAYS trust in HIM. Thanks again. Chat with ya later!!!

~Chelsea Rae (who loves bright green even more than pink.....)”

“ooxxooXoXXx (for those Nacho Libre fans!)”

“Please pray that I can put all my trust in God and in Him alone.”

“Thank you sooo much 4 all of the encouraging scriptures. Here is one of my favorites... Matthew 13:44 "The kingdom of is like treasure hidden in a field. When a man found it, he hid it again, and then in his joy went and sold all he had and bought that field."
In this parable the man is like Jesus Christ, who went and gave EVERYTHING He had by dying on the cross to save US from OUR sins. He did it because He loves EACH AND EVERY ONE OF US!!! Even if there was only one person in the whole world, He still would have done it because HE CARES.”

“Thank u all sooo much 4 the prayers and encouragement. The Lord is comforting us and it is great 2 know that I get 2 go b with him 4 eternity.”

“Don’t be sad, God doesn’t want you to fix this or you would.” She knew how as parents we felt so hopeless that we couldn‘t make her better, and yet she was the one who’s faith encouraged me.

Remembering
Go ahead and mention my child
The one that died you know.
Don't worry about hurting me further.
the depth of my pain doesn't show.
Don't worry about making me cry.
I'm already crying inside.
Help me to heal by releasing
the tears I try to hide.
I'm hurt when you just keep silent,
Pretending she didn't exist.
I'd rather you mention my child,
Knowing that she is missed.
You asked me how I was doing.
I say "pretty good" or "fine."
But healing is something ongoing.
I feel it will take a lifetime.
(by Elizabeth Dent)

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Ready for 2008!

Well, it’s a new year, that’s for sure.

I’m looking forward to 2008 and all it brings. So far it’s been off to a busy start. New Year’s was my birthday, and I have to say that it was a more difficult day than Thanksgiving and Christmas combined. I wasn’t prepared for the memories that bombarded me the day after Christmas - when the countdown to my birthday would begin. I had forgotten how Chelsea would get so excited for my day - teasing me about how old I was getting, stressing about not having gotten me a gift yet…. Working at making me that perfect homemade card. I use to love her excitement - for as many of you know - I personally don’t get excited about my birthday. On Thanksgiving and Christmas, we stayed so busy that I didn’t have time to dwell on me - yet on my birthday, no matter how hard I tried, the focus was continually on me. Phone calls, emails, birthday cards… all very sweet and I’m so thankful to have those in my life who remember… but also a constant reminder that I wasn’t hearing from the one I wanted most to hear from.

But that’s okay. It’s done. It didn’t get better right away with migraines and Kati getting some kind of stomach flu the day before she was supposed to be the flower girl in Mary’s wedding…

… but what a beautiful wedding it was! Jeff helped much with the decorating, and Kati loved hanging out with the radiant bride. It was a special day that we will always remember.

The sun is out today, though I am a tad disappointed that we didn’t get any snow last night. I found a video clip on my phone from Jan 16 of last year - of Chelsea and Kati playing in the snow. It seems like lately I’ve been bombarded with memories.

Jeff and I had a fabulous time at the coast just before Christmas. It was the first year that I had everything done days ahead of time. That’s something I hope I accomplish next year as well. We had a great storm and a great room, and I’m so ready to go again.

We have a retreat planned in a few days that will be refreshing - up towards Mt. Hood - again, hoping for a few minutes in the snow - and hours by the warm fireplace. We’ll be with some of our closest friends, and I’m looking forward to it big time.

Jeff has been busy lining up those camping reservations for the summer as well. I’m so glad he does that, for him getting a jump start makes it so we have some pretty sweet places to stay. Of course, we’ll be hitting Beachside at least a couple of times. He’s itchin’ for some new toys - Polaris like - so we’ll see what happens.

I guess that’s about it. I’m not feeling super chatty these days (obviously) - and I apologize to those of you whom I still haven’t returned phone calls to. The migraine has been pretty intense and I haven’t had the phone ringers on in some time. However, I do still check my email and myspace pretty regularly (which in fact has been quite fun lately as I’ve recently been reconnected with 2 friends from school).

There is much happening that is promising for a good year to come… new migraine treatment, new ministry opportunities, recreation, new friendships, and of course, time with our loved ones whom we treasure more than ever. Not forgetting those life lessons that we learned through last years trials, and applying them now to make this year one of the best yet!

Happy New Year!

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