I have hesitated to update this week b/c it has really just been crazy. But I know that it being the week that it is, writing is a good thing. Nothing unusual was scheduled for this week -- just get through Catie's 1st Heaven Day was really all we had planned. Sometimes it's strange how quickly things can change. My dad had surgery last week and has had unexpected complications. He is currently in ICU on dialysis and the vent. His vent settings are rather low, and they hope to try to wean him off today. He was put on the vent on Tuesday. This has been strangely eerie b/c Catie was put on the vent on Tuesday this week last year. I have been unable to be with him due to an unexpected minor procedure I had to have earlier this week. I am doing fine and recovering well.
Because of the procedure I had, I am not able to lift Izzy this week -- hard to care for a nearly 1 year old when you can't lift her. Thankfully Tre's parents live about 40 minutes from us so she's been staying with them. Our house has been so quiet and it has eerily reminded me of the week between Catie and Izzy last year. Tre's folks and Iz spent the afternoon here yesterday and it was so nice for her noise and squeals and laughter to echo off of the walls of our home. She's been having a big time w/ GaGa and Poppy! She's giving the sweetest kisses now too. I really could just eat her up. Hard to believe she'll be one next week.
And it's hard to believe that Catie's been gone for a whole year. Monday I got to see the etching of her picture on her marker that will be in place by Saturday (the actual anniversary). It really looked beautiful and we will be glad to have it in place. I know that Saturday will involve a visit to the cemetary, letting some balloons go, and, no doubt, some biscuit w/ our butter at Cracker Barrel. :) Izzy has already figured out that Cracker Barrel is a good thing. :) I have actually seen her eat an entire biscuit already!
There has been so much to process this week w/ Dad so sick and w/ it being Catie's anniversary that we haven't really had time to do it all. I'm anxious to get to be with Dad. I'm ready to get through the anniversary just so it's done and we've survived the first year without her. It's kind of been a "just let me crawl under the covers and wake up and everything be better" kind of week.
Thanks for checking in on us. We definitely welcome your prayers for Dad and his healing and recovery. We have a couple of buddies in the hospital as well. Chayton is in for the first chemo of his relapse protocol and Abby (enter name AbbySmith12) is in for fever and is just not feeling like herself. Your words and encouragement can make such a difference in their day.
This week we cling to the certainty that Catie is with our Savior. She is basking in His presence each and every day and her heart is full of joy. Her body knows no sickness and no pain. Her face knows only smiles and laughter, no frowns or tears for our sweet girl. She is completely and totally fulfilled.... content.... overflowing with the love of the Father. And she will be just the same when we arrive as she is today. Time may feel forever for us, but it's just the blink of an eye for her.
Thanks for checking in. :)
22 comments:
I just came here to say that you have been very much on my heart and mind and in my prayers this week. I'm sorry to hear about your dad, and about you as well. I don't have any words beyond those that give me comfort: "For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord." Romans 8:38-39
What a week, what a week. My first thought is "Why?" but I know we can never truly answer that question, at least not in a way that satisfies our hearts. Praying for all of you, dad included. What a scary situation.
I pray, most of all, that you can face the memories of Catie's last day with grace (I love that you think of it as "Heaven day"), even as you grieve deeply for her loss, and come out on the other side to celebrate Izzy's life with a fun birthday bash.
Hang in there, Jenny. We're all standing beside you. Thanks for continuing to be so honest about these difficult days.
Praying for you this week. Your whole family has been prayed for by many at Scottish Rite
Praying for strength this week for your family and your dad as well.
Myra
Ball Ground GA
Hey Jenny,
I just wanted to let you know that you've been on my mind this week. I will say extra prayers for your Dad, as well as you and Tre as I know the anniversary of Catie's passing is approaching. I think about y'all often. Your faith in God will pull you through. You are an amazing and strong family. May God be with you and send you many blessings.
With love,
Lesli Stroud
Arlington, TX
Jenny, even the weather this week matches our hearts. I remember last year when I was in Savannah with y'all ,how rainy and cold it was and I thought about how the weather seemed to go along with our hearts. I am thankful that Catie only sees the rainbows and beauty of Heaven and not the stuff we see and feel on earth. I often wish Christ would return for us all, but I remind myself that I only see a teeny tiny pic. I am praying for you all. Love you!
Jenny, you guys have been on my mind & in my heart with extra thoughts & prayers. I'm glad to hear you are healing nicely and will certainly add your father to my prayer list for his healing, as well. I'm always so inspired by the way that you face everything head-on and with total honesty - acknowledging the "human hurt" of losing Catie, reveling in the joys of both Catie & Izzy, and sharing everything with the rest of us - all without diminishing in your faith - its incredible, and I thank you for always bringing a bright spot to my day!
I'm so sorry to hear about your Dad, he'll be in my prayers. I have been thinking about you guys all week. I pray for strength. It sounds like you have a good plan for Catie's Heaven day. Hugs to all of you.
I just want you to know that you have been on my mind so much this week. I've been thinking about
Catie so much and looking at the butterfly that my daughter bought for me last year at the walk. I keep it on my dresser and when I look at it, I always think of Catie. I'm hoping that your dad starts to feel better. Sending prayers for your strength as you face Catie's first Heaven Day.
Liz Unger
Arnold,Md.
mrs. jenny,
it is hard to believe that it has been a year already. I'm leaving tomarrow for Beta Club Convention. and it was while i was at Beta Club Convention in Atlanta last year that i found out about Catie passing away. Izzy is adorable as always and sounds like shes keeping you all on your toes. Prayers coming your way.
Stephanie Deal
Please know that you are in my thoughts and prayers this week as Catie's Heaven Day approaches. I hope that you are feeling better from your procedure. I will be praying for your Dad's recovery and that he will be "good as new" very soon.
I know that sweet Catie Bug is smiling down on you with such pride. Thank you for being such an inspiriration to us all.
Thinking of you in California! I've been following your story for a long time now (silently) and you are an inspiration to many. Catie was a beautiful little girl and Izzy is a delight! Just know that many people are thinking of you as you celebrate Catie's life on her Heaven Day and then celebrate Izzy on her 1st Birthday!
Just wanted you to know we are praying for your whole family this week. Glad to hear your procedure went well, and we'll definitely be praying for your dad. Even though I never met Catie, I feel like I know her through your writings, and it's hard for me to believe it's been a year either. Just praying for y'all to get through this week more whole and healthy than you went into it!
Love,
Alayna
I hope that God's love and comfort surround you even more during these next few days. I hope you and your family can surround yourselves with sweet memories of Catie. Many prayers sent for you and your family. Again, thank you for sharing your story.
Jenny,
You have been in my prayers for a long time and especially this week. Catie will always be remembered with fond memories - such a beautiful and playful smile. Little Izzy has just as sweet a smile. Liz has kept us informed about Mike this week and we are all praying for his quick recovery also. God is good and He will again wrap his arms around you and give you the strength you need.
Thinking of you so much! And I am so sorry that you have had such a hard week. Know that I am praying for your dad . . . and for ALL of you. May God's peace fill your heart.
Love & FROG,
Heather
Jenny & Tre', I'm praying so hard for you this month...and will send up extra prayers for your strength tomorrow.
Miss Catie Bug, I hope you have a happy heaven day! I can only imagine the fun you've been having this past year! We all miss you sweet girl, even those of us who have never even met you. Watch over your parents tomorrow and send them some hugs. They could sure use them!
Always in my thoughts...
Abbie Doser
DSM, IA
Hi! I wanted to drop you a line and tell you that I am thinking and praying for you all! I smile when I think of how Catie is going to be running around trying to catch the balloons that you plan to release tomorrow! I can just see that smile and hear that little laugh of hers! What a day they will have tomorrow playing and celebrating Catie's Heaven Day! I bet she will be the leader of the parade!
I am also praying for your father and that you have recovered from your procedure. This has surely been a week for you, and I pray that tomorrow will bring memories filled with many many smiles. Know that you are loved by us all and by one very special Angel!
Much Love and Prayers,
Tania
I still check in on your family pretty often. We don't know each other, but I feel like I got to know you guys while following Catie's journey. I will be praying for you to get through tomorrow and to have peace and comfort that Catie is happy and waiting for you guys to join her. Like you said earlier, to her it will be just a moment that has gone by. I'm so happy for the joy that Izzy brings to your family. I will also say a prayer for your dad to have a quick recovery.
Regards,
Laurie Bingham
Suwanee, GA
Days strech into weeks, weeks into months and now...months into a year. Yet... It seems like yesterday and the memories are so fresh I can still 'smell' the soap. Where did it go? I am thankful that our friendship has grown and flourished over the past year. Catiebug, You are one of my forever favorite things!!!!!
I've been thinking so much about your family and especially Catie this week. You are in my thoughts and prayers; may God bless you with special signs and memories of your sweet Catie tomorrow.
Jenny, Tre, and Lizzy,
I know this must be the toughest day this week for you all.
BIG hugs, LOTS of love, and MANY prayers are coming your way from all of us.
Post a Comment