Blessings Abound

Today was John's funeral and although we are sad, we know he is in a better place. My heart is really just breaking for Tracy, John's daughter and Jane, my mother-in-law. My mother-in-law is simply wonderful and it makes me ache to think of her hurting so deeply, what an incredible loss, I can't even begin to imagine.

We have been so blessed by our family and friends! Yesterday, my dear friend from church, Meg, came up to stay with the boys while we were at the wake. She heated up the food, set the table, made coffee and cared lovingly for my children. She also brought a vegetable lasagne for us for later in the week, she is such an example of friendship and love.

On Monday, when I knew when the funeral and wake would take place, I began to think of who could watch the boys for us. Laurie would normally help me out in a moment's notice, but she just moved and today she was scheduled for a long test (she is alright) and I didn't want to bother her. I decided to call a friend of mine from Boy Scouts. She called me back and said that she had wanted to call me earlier in the day, that I had been on her mind and she wanted to know how she could help. I asked her if she could take John and Jeremy for me today so we could go to the funeral. She offered to pick them up this morning so we would not have to run around and she prepared a wonderful dinner for us as well.

My plan was to separate the boys, they are a little easier to find homes for (grin) when they come in smaller numbers. I just needed someone to take Joe. I have another dear friend from church whose daughter I used to, sometimes, babysit for. She called me Tuesday and said, "I'm not hanging up the phone until you assign me a job or task." I asked her if she would be willing to take Joe and she said, tell me where to pick him up and what time to be there. I am truly blessed with a wonderful church family.

My mom and dad sent a beautiful bouquet of flowers and Laurie did all of my food pick-up (she also paid for the food). Calvary Chapel in Wilmington (NC) sent us a lovely arrangement of flowers, we are surrounded by reminders of God's goodness and faithfulness. We have been enveloped in love by His people. Jess sent me a beautiful e-card and we have been covered in prayer by all of you in cyberspace.

Tonight, we are going to lay low and rest. Kevin heads back to work tomorrow and the boys have art. Life doesn't stop, you just have to keep going or pressing on to the finish.