Loss, Life and Love

So many things have been happening in my life lately.  It has taken a lot of intense focus on some pretty intense prayer to hear the whisper of what my God is wanting of me.  I’m not sure why, and it probably isn’t for me to know, but 2 wonderfully spirited men made there way to heaven a little “early” this week. 

               

Vern was the Security Officer who manned the front entrance to Heritage Ranch Golf and Country Club.  Now, that may sound like someone who was is the background, but Vern was a stand-out.  He was a tall man, very friendly and always had nice words for everyone.  He always ended his conversation with you, no matter how short, with “and you have a blessed  day!”.  The girls always made sure to talk with him as he made a point to recognize them in the way back of the mini-van.  Vern, you left an impression and I am so grateful that you left this world with Christ in your heart.  You are now reaping the rewards God our Father promises us! (He was only 54)

                Then there is Dr. Ladi Haroona.  What a phenomenal Pulmonologist/CC Intensivist with this awe-inspiring smile!  He was a doctor who not only uplifted you in a professional sense, somehow he managed to know little details about your life and ask you about them when he saw you.  Even if it was only about your children (and how he knew how many/ages is beyond me!).  He touched the lives of his patients with his positive and uplifting attitude and was loved by the nursing and RT staff for his approachability and willingness to listen.  Dr. Haroona, may your legacy live on.  (He was only 48)

               

I know I have spoken of it before, but I have had this strong urge to get my hands dirty and work with my old home base of Cardiac ICU in empowering them to reach the goals and become all they want to be.  It’s a strong emotion that has been stirring in me, and I wondered if some of it was guilt for the choice of recent manager they have been frustrated with.  Whether current changes are God’s way of opening a door for me or His way of facilitating what my prayers have been, I hear ya and I’ve done a lot of soul searching.  I  have spoken with a few real mentors I have, more importantly with my husband, and we looked at every angle.  We discussed the financial impact, the family impact, the professional impact, the impact on our relationship, the pro’s and con’s of each impact, and the educational goals for both he and I.  And did I mention a lot of PRAYER?!  I have come to a decision and I feel very confident that it is the best decision.  I am at ease with my choice, and I know that is God’s way of letting me know it’s the right decision.

 

I’m looking forward to spring.  I love the season of renewal, rebirth and new life.  I love that my children celebrate their birthdays in or near the season.  Keara and Ashlynn were born within a week of Easter!! How awesome to enter this world during the time that Christ was giving of himself for us!  I love my family J

 

In Him, Forever Blessed...

    Jenny

 

 

Family

So for Abigail’s 6^th birthday dinner, we took all the family to Buca di Bepo.  It’s this great Italian restaurant that serve’s family style.  That means that you order either small (2-3) or large (4-6) which is perfect for our family of 6!  The food is fantastic, the atmosphere welcoming and the service impeccable.  Sadly, I could not get everyone into one picture, but here are the sisters J We had a great dinner of lemon chicken, broccoli and pasta Diablo…yummy!! Abby, though, chose to have a kids pizza, thin crust style.

Abby enjoying her ice cream brownie!! 

It’s hard for me to believe she is already 6.  Where does the time go?  Ian is 17 which I thought gave me a new perspective on how quickly time passes, but I obviously haven’t quite got it figured out.  She is growing into such a beautiful young lady, full of grace, compassion, empathy, intelligence and a love of life.  She is even beginning to speak of Christ in a much more “grown-up” fashion!  I long for the day when she accepts Christ as her Saviour, what a celebration that will be!!  She has flourished in kindergarten this year, surpassing all expectations and benchmarks.  She is in her 4^th year of ballet, loves her class time and the friends she has there as well. I’m sure these next 6 years will bring about there own change and growth.  We are all so proud of Abby and look forward to seeing what this next year brings!!  We love you sweet Abigail!!

In Him, Forever Blessed...

    Jenny

Hodge Podge

Today is one of those days where I take a long, hard look around and realize just how blessed I am really am.  Seriously, I have 4 healthy, happy, wonderful children!  To date, not one of them has had a major life/death issue.  Granted, Keara has had her fare share of chronic illnesses, but nothing she was going to actually die from.  I think of the uneventful pregnancy’s I have had, the fact that even after Ashlynn (and not knowing the logistics of where she would sleep) our life is good.  God works it all out, one way or another but always in His time and according to His plan.  Tonight is one of those nights that I sit here wondering just how much more awesome our life and marriage could be if Josh, too, was a Christian.  But then again, I can’t do that.  For God put me right smack where He wanted me and I have left it up to him to work on my dear husband.  There is absolutely nothing I can do to bring Josh around to my way of life.  Only God can. 

                I am so utterly blessed.  Would I welcome even more children?  You betcha.  (this is where I add on my disclaimer that there is a point where the plant shuts down) Would I change any part of my life…heck no.  We have our crazy fun days, our stressful-wish-you-were-at-work days, and then ever popular “your son said WHAT!?” days.  (Ian is biologically mine, but Josh is all dad to him.  And that is my statement to him by the way) But all it takes is reading one womans blog about the loss of her 5 month old daughter, unexpectedly, to regain perspective into the true reason of family.  Into why we love like we do and forgive everyone and everything.  Because no one is promised tomorrow here on this earth. 

 

Have you told your kids and spouse how you really feel?  If there is no tomorrow, would you have any regrets?

 

In Him, Forever Blessed...

    Jenny