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....

Gathering with Friends

It is always special when we get together with our friends. This week we've been fortunate to have a delicious dinner at the Singleton's. Steve and Becky are long-time friends that feel like family. In the 33 years that I've known them, they've seen my life go through an unbelievable number of changes and stuck with me. I'm blessed to have true friends who love me unconditionally. Even though they've not always lived close to us, every time we're together it's like we've never been apart. I'm so glad they're in Conway now. Their support during the last year and a half has been invaluable. (They were only two of MANY friends who've literally "loved us" through the pain.)
Tonight we got to visit with the Pfeiffers. Brett, Angela, Abigail, and Jessica, had come back to AR for Christmas. We also were able to see Brandon, Pam and KaraLynn, with Neil and Caralee. After a short visit at our house we all went to the Purple Cow for supper. Whenever we're together through the past 26 years, we laugh and reminisce about the adventures our families have shared. The Pfeiffers were Trav's second family. He never tired of going to their home and "taking advantage" of the attention that was lavished upon him by the twins. They're truly our family in spirit. God has been good to us. Not only these two families but so many others have given us the gift of love that God has provided. We have so many angels surrounding us, we will forever be grateful. If you're reading this, you know you are one of our angels. God bless you all.

With all of our love,

Randy & Karen

Wow! It's December!

Randy and I had a relaxing time at Tunica over Thanksgiving. Paula Deen's Restaurant really spoiled my thoughts of ever making a really good meal for the holidays. It was amazing! We did, however, enjoy the company of our moving friends last week. Becky, Steve, Beverly, Jeremy, Meredith, Darin, Cindy and Mom and Dad joined us for a home-cooked meal from my Rachael Ray Cookbook that Trav gave me a few Christmases ago. I think it turned out fine. It was good to get together with some of our friends and spend an evening together. My next goal is to have Randy's employees over before Christmas and the Warrior clan soon after. We have so many people to acknowledge for their love and support during the last year and a half. (Can you believe it's been that long since Trav was with us?) Hopefully, after everyone has been here once for a meal, they'll feel comfortable returning--OFTEN! We've missed seeing everyone and it's been kind of dreary around here. I'm sure the holidays will be over before we can even think about it. Keep in touch and let me hear from all of you. We've missed you.

Love to everyone,

Karen