Happy Birthday Surprises

Randy and I had a quiet day on Sunday together. It was so nice to be able to have an uninterrupted day with my honey just to relax. I have been extremely touched by all of the text messages, phone messages, calls, and special attention I've received from my friends and family during the past few days. All of you made me feel loved and blessed. Besides the above-mentioned birthday wishes, I also was treated to dinner by Jeremy, Meredith and Parker on Sunday evening. Meredith even baked me a delicious birthday cake! It was so wonderful to spend time with them. On Monday, Jess treated me to a movie. We went to see Bride Wars. (Extremely timely since Jess is getting married this summer.) Caralee and Neil had given me a gift card to Barnes & Noble. Randy and I found three comedy DVDs to add to our collection. Mom and Dad had us over for supper on Monday evening and treated us to an amazing home-cooked meal with my favorite chocolate pie for dessert!

Now, if all of that wasn't enough, today I received a gift from my co-worker, Sandra, and when I returned home I found the gorgeous flowers that I photographed to share with you from my friend, Sharon.

Thanks so much to all of you for being so thoughtful. You're totally spoiling me. I love you all so much!! Thank you, God, for surrounding us with so many loving angels.

Karen

A Word About Me From Mom

This is the page I completed in Trav's Baby Book 27 years ago. He was born at 11:29 p.m. on January 16, 1982..

"When your dad and I realized you were coming we were watching a Razorback basketball game on television. Your dad became very nervous and flustered, but we made it to the hospital in plenty of time. By 11:40 p.m. the doctor put you in my arms for the first time. I was so happy, I cried. You were the most beautiful baby I'd ever seen. Everyone was amazed that you weighed 10 1/2 pounds. Your dad looked so proud holding you in the delivery room.

I'd never felt more thankful. God had blessed me with a perfect, healthy boy.

You have made our life and love totally complete, and fulfilled all of our dreams.

I love you, son."

These words are just as true today as they were then. No Mother could be more proud of their son than I am of you, Trav.

Thinking of You

Today we received the following email from Trav's friend from down the street in Otter Creek, Laura Gentry. I wanted to share her sweet message with all of you.

"Hello!

I am so happy to say that I have started my final semester of the MBA program this week. I'm starting this semester thinking of Travis and how we used to joke about who would finish their masters first. Since we had grown apart for awhile I was looking forward to having him in some of my MBA classes...especially the finance class I just had! Travis was always my biggest cheerleader when it came to my school accomplishments and this semester I will finish this degree for both of us.

Love you both!!

Laura"

See, Trav, we're not the only ones thinking of you today, sweetie.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, MEGAN!

Today is Megan's 28th birthday. She and Trav loved to spend time together. She was like a sister to him. He was always coming home telling me something that he and Megan had talked about or done that day. Mostly, I think they shared a lot of laughter. That is good medicine for the soul. Since Trav's death, I've become closer to Megan. It's easy to see why Travis was so drawn to her. She's full of life just like he was. They both have giving spirits and warm hearts. There's never a visit when you don't end up laughing with her. Laura has become close to Megan, also. Travis has some loyal and loving friends. We have only begun to touch the surface of the amazing attributes they possess. Trav, I put your picture in Megan's birthday card and wrote the caption Happy Birthday, Sis, under it. I know you're watching over us and wanted Megan to know that you remembered her birthday. We love you very much, son. You're always in every moment of each day. The promise of seeing you again is what's pushing me forward. I am confident that you're in good hands. Love, Mom

Thankful

I don't know if you realize how important you are in our lives. We are truly blessed to have so many people praying for and thinking of us each day. We will never be able to express how much we appreciate the love and support you each provide. God is good. We love you.

Our Family Chain

We little knew that morning,

God was going to call your name.

In life we loved you dearly,

In death we do the same.

It broke our hearts to lose you,

You did not go alone.

For part of us went with you,

The day God called you home.

You left us beautiful memories,

Your love is still our guide.

And though we cannot see you,

You're always by our side.

Our family chain is broken,

And nothing seems the same.

But as God calls us one by one,

The chain will link again....