I have to admit that it is a relief to be past all the "firsts." I know holidays and significant Catie dates will always be tough, but I'm glad to be done with all the first times. The weather for the end of the week seemed to match our mood... gray and rainy. No snow down here, just cold, wet, rain. We enjoyed time w/ friends and family who shared our longing and of course hit Cracker Barrel as planned. Catie helped us out none w/ the weather when we arrived at the cemetary (I told her she should have some connections by now :), the rain was still coming down, but we let some balloons go none the less. Iz watched from the car and just kept grinning and waving to us. It made me think of how that's how she's been all this year. Completely and joyfully oblivious to the hole in our home and always there to make us smile and laugh. Tre and I have said a thousand times that we don't know what we would have done had Izzy not been sent our way when she was. After the cemetary, a few of us hit Krispy Kreme where the hot sign was not on, but the doughnuts were still tasty. (Have you noticed how much of our survival of the day involved food??? -- that's got to explain my waistline.) Iz liked the cream-filled kind!
My dad is improving. He's off the vent and doing well with his breathing. His kidneys are showing early signs of possibly trying to kick in and work. We still welcome your prayers for him as I have a feeling the road to recovery may take a while.
Thank you so much for all of your sweet notes, cards, calls, and encouragement. You truly make such a difference. When we arrived home on Sat. my inbox had several e-mails w/ pictures from some of our cancer buddies who had remembered our sweet girl with buttered biscuits of their own at Cracker Barrel. I'll include some pictures they shared below along w/ Iz enjoying her doughnut! Gotta run -- there's a birthday to plan!!!
JoBeth and all in Moultrie
Tab and her crew in Utah
Atlanta crew
Atlanta crew letting balloons go in the snow -- there are 4 CANCER SURVIVORS in this picture!
Ummmmm... doughnuts are good stuff
But the cream is really good
9 comments:
Jennie, Many, many prayers went out for you guys this weekend. What a beautiful stone on Catie's grave, the picture you chose so personifies her personality, that little mischevious smile. I am glad you have made it thru all the firsts, and so thankful that God sent you Izzy when he did. He truely does know what is best! Thank you for sharing all you do, your family has made a big difference in our lives.
Jenny and Tre, the marker is just beautiful, and I love the "Catie Bug"! Hugs to all.
Just a question. . . your marriage seems so strong. I know it's one of the hardest things on a marriage to lose a child. If you get time sometime would you blog about how you have kept yours together? Many of us would appreciate it. Thanks :-)
Gosh, it just doesn't seem right that the world has turned for a whole year without your sweet girl in it. I'm glad that you were able to spend Catie's first Heaven Day enjoying some of the things she loved most. Her stone is beautiful but my heart sure hurt for you when I saw it. You're in my prayers, as always.
Have fun planning Izzy's big day. She is such a beauty!!
Hey, Jenny! I didn't get to comment on Catie's Heaven Day, but I thought about you often. I am so thankful for your continued willingness to share your story--what you've learned, what you face, how you feel, how you struggle and thrive. Catie's headstone is perfect. It's something you never should have had to see, but it is perfect to honor her memory and celebrate her eternal life.
I love hearing about Izzy! The doughnut pictures are great. I wish we could get her and Natalie together. I wish you joy as you prepare for her big first birthday bash.
The picture of Catie is priceless. I have to admit, the picture of her marker made my heart sink. I pray for your family everyday.
Jenny,
I am not sure if you are familar with Rick and Bubba. They are talk radio host who are heard on many stations, and are very outspoken about their relationship with Christ. Anyway, Rick lost his young son in a drowning accident this weekend. He spoke at his son's memorial service and you can hear what he said if you go to their website rickandbubba.com. It was very moving and when I heard him speak about losing his child I could not help but think of you. His message was profound and truly spoke to my heart, much like you have. I thought you might be interested in hearing it. Let us know what you think. By the way you have once again amazed me in the strength you have shown in how you handled the anniversary.
Boy does Izzy look like Catie in the first donut picture! I am working on figuring out how many folks made donations for Macie's birthday. I will let you know when I figure it all out. I am anxious to see pictures of Izzy eating cake!
Boy does that sweet Izzy look like Catie in these pictures.....pure sweetness! As always thanks for sharing Jenny....your faith always encourages me.
Love, Tracy Neal
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