Caralee to the Rescue!

Randy and I have both been sick since the wee hours of Tuesday morning. It has continued through this morning and I'm just now able to hold down some tea and toast. Randy returned to work today. However, there was a time on Tuesday afternoon when we were both down for the count and called in for backups. Caralee dropped everything and went out in the horrible weather to bring us some needed supplies. We thought for sure we could do better with saltines, 7up and chicken noodle soup. That did not happen. Things seemed better for a short while and then the whole situation turned worse for me. I thought by this morning that I might head to the hospital. Finally, Dr. Wilson (Randy), checked on the web for dehydration info and we began to turn things around. I was able to sleep. (Thanks be to God.) I'm still very weak, but feel like I'm improving. I hope this is not another false start. I sure am thankful that Caralee was available to help. Randy got better after she brought him some nourishment. YOU'RE THE BEST, CARALEE!

An Eventful Weekend

Last night we attended the blessing service at Pleasant Valley Church of Christ. There were a lot of new babies at their church to be blessed. I've never seen so many babies in a sanctuary before! Of course, Lydia was the prettiest and the best behaved baby in the church. She had a beautiful dress with yellow trim and the sweetest bow in her hair.? She also had Trav's yellow blanket with her that Great-Grandma Minnie made for Travis when he was born. It was such a touching service and all of the babies were pictured individually on a slide show during a lovely song. I cried some, but it was a mixture of joy for Lydia and sadness missing my own baby. Afterwards, we all went to the Parkers' home for some delicious treats. They have such a lovely home and were so kind to include us in the group. I've included a few pictures from our evening. I wish we had more from the church but I was very pleased with the one Randy made of Jeni, Necon and Lydia following the service.

Randy and I have looked at a Patio Home/Townhouse for a couple of weeks now in Maumelle. We have wanted to downsize for quite a while. We really only use half of our space. After Trav's murder we feel that this is the right time to make the move and begin in a new location. Randy knows a young man who owns a local real estate office who came by the house to have a look so that he can come up with some comparison prices in the area during the last six months. He's made a few recommendations for small improvements. We began this last weekend with the first closet. Boy, that was a challenge! I did pretty well until I got to Trav's Teeny League baseball jacket. I'm sure Necon has one just like it somewhere. We'll keep trying to clear some things and pack boxes to store or sell. Making changes is an uncomfortable time anyway without the complication of missing Travis and having his things around. Say a little prayer that things will go smoothly and our house will not take long to sell. If you have a hankering to paint some walls we can accommodate you. :) Love to all.

Interesting Day

I had a call yesterday from Andrew's Mom, Joy. She asked if she could come to visit with us. I agreed and arranged for her to come today at 11:00. Her visit was only about 20 minutes. She wanted to let us know that she was thinking of us and wanted to help if there was anything that she could do. She let us know that she is also attending counseling and has been hurting for us. Apparently, she attends Quapaw Methodist Church where Steve Singleton's sister, Betsy, is the minister. She also has met his sister Gail and some of our friends who are there now from Henderson Methodist. She said that there have been many prayers for our family at their church. I shared the scripture cards that we gave to our guests on Sunday and the web address for GriefShare. We shed some tears together and Randy never spoke except for his greeting when she arrived.

Later, Randy and I began cleaning out a closet in the office so that we could begin to store some things away before we place our house on the market. I had a few emotional moments when we came upon Trav's baseball jacket. I guess I'll wait a while to attack his bedroom closet. I don't think I'm quite ready for that yet. We drove through the cemetery today to check on things and I always speak to Trav while I'm there. It's been quite a full day after all.

We're excited to go the the service at the Warriors church tomorrow evening for Lydia's blessing. We're also meeting Brad and Keri for lunch tomorrow so I guess it will be another full day. We seem to be staying very busy.

Thanks to all of you who keep in touch with us and check on us regularly. You're very good medicine. Love to you all.

Birthdays Galore!

OG & Josiah

It seems like my birthday has been going on for weeks. First, Sharon sent me flowers before my birthday and a beautiful engraved ring with an inspirational message. Next, I received flowers from Tommy, Karmin and Attacus. The following day I got flowers from Necon, Jeni and Lydia; a bracelet including Mexican food with the Pfeiffers. On Sunday I got more lovely flags from Becky and Steve, a fish charm from the McKinleys, Crocs from Jess, $ from Hazel and Lloyd, a sweet plaque from the Porters, a devotional book, dream catcher and teddy bear from Manuel and Beth and a warm-up suit from Laura. Plus, a special day with all of you sharing your memories. Now, to top it all off, today Jess treated me to a birthday lunch at Buffalo Grill and Beverly brought me a touching figure of a Mother & Son as well as dinner at Razorback Pizza. You guys have totally treated me like a queen. I cannot imagine that I've ever been treated in a more special way. 56 didn't hurt at all!
I've got to add that Randy and I were totally thrilled that the memorial to the AR Game and Fish Foundation donated on Sunday amounted to $665.00. I'm certain Travis was equally pleased to be remembered in such a meaningful way. Randy will make sure the donations are used to support the education program in north AR close to where Jo and Steve Wilson live. When Travis went with us to visit their home on the White River, he said, "this must be what heaven is like." We think of you every minute of the day, son.

Worked Today

OG and Lydia

Today I went back to work for the first time this week. It was a very busy day. I have found some peace in a decision to not take a medical leave and continue to work as many days as possible. This journey has sure been full of hills and valleys, but so far we've survived them all. My principal has been very supportive and understanding. She's not complained or been negative in any way. I'm fortunate to have that kind of boss. I think if I was home every day I'd go nuts for sure. It's been good for Randy and I to continue our visits to the counselor each week. His experience with counseling in the area of grief has been tremendously helpful to keep us on the right track. I feel blessed that God showed us a compassionate and knowledgeable professional to help. I felt emotionally and physically drained after Sunday, but I loved seeing everyone and hearing stories about Trav. That is the way we are going to keep him alive in our hearts. Thanks again for being a part of our celebration.

Fantastic Friends & Family

Pop & Josiah

Necon, Jeni and Lydia had driven all the way from OK.

Thanks for all of your help, Becky and Steve.
We were so thrilled to see everyone yesterday! Thanks for coming and sharing your laughter and love. It was a much-needed celebration of friendship and remembrances. I felt Trav with us as we connected with his love for us all. At times I felt like I was going to get emotional, but overall it was an outstanding day for us. I hope each of you enjoyed the company and are glad that you came. I loved having Sharon spend the night so we could have a chance to visit more. I don't want to spend a lot of time with words because there are so many wonderful pictures to share with you. Sorry if I happened to leave you out of pics. Randy and I love you all!

Hit It Runnin?

Picture of Trav's Confirmation Age 12

Randy had the alarm set this morning and I asked him why. He said, "I've got to hit it runnin". I replied, "Hit what?" Apparently he was under the impression that I was going to jump out of bed and do some chores. WRONG!

I didn't tell you that yesterday even the Hispanic lady, Herminia, and her sister-in-law, who come twice a month to clean the house, knew it was my birthday and I opened the door to a HAPPY BIRTHDAY song and flowers, teddy bear, Herminia's daughters, and a sweet card. They also work for my friend, Melissa, and had seen my birthday posted on her refrigerator!

We end every evening with a Bible reading, a GRIEFSHARE thought on e-mail, and an inspirational thought from the book, GRACE for the MOMENT by Max Lucado. Last night the reading began with a quote from Hosea 10:12, "Plant goodness, harvest the fruit of loyalty, plow the new ground of knowledge." Then M. Lucado continues, "Want to see a miracle? Plant a word of love heartdeep in a person's life. Nurture it with a smile and a prayer, and watch what happens....Seeds are planted, and topsoils of hurt are shoved away. Don't forget the principle. Never underestimate the power of a seed." I truly believe that Randy and I are fortunate to be harvesting Travis' efforts to nurture others with his smile and love. Thank you, Lord for allowing us to witness this miracle!