TESTING IS OVER, THANK GOODNESS

Since I returned from spring break on March 31st, I've been drowning in responsibilities for testing at school. Now that the tests have been returned today, things should be smoother. I'm looking forward to having Jess' bridal shower on May 2nd. The date has sneaked up on me and I can't believe it will be May so soon. Hopefully, I'll pull everything together quickly and give Jess a shower that she will enjoy and remember. Thanks to all of you for being so patient with me lately. I've been a terrible friend. I haven't hardly spoken to any of you. I hope everyone is doing well. I miss you all. Love and hugs.

Karen

Easter is Coming

(I WONDER WHERE HE GOT THIS IDEA?) LET'S PLAY BALL!!!!!!

Travis was 15 months old when we had our first egg hunt at Grandma and Grandpa Wilson's house. That became an annual event. Isn't he precious in his outfit? How about the handsome HUNK holding him?

"Travis was always genuine with the people he met. He brought many true friends into his circle of fun-loving adventure! He knew God and His spirit was evident in Trav's life. Gentleness, faithfulness, warmth, laughter, respect, giftedness and devotion only begin to describe his character. My life has been transformed during his 25 years on this earth. I trust God will reunite us someday to continue our journey of love."

My Writing Continued

"Travis was trusted and respected by everyone who knew him. I've always been amazed that he was such a memorable person. Teachers from kindergarten through college; church leaders; coaches; family friends; co-workers and loved ones all felt his importance in their lives.

His encouragement and love helped me develop my confidence in myself as a mom. My life has been enriched by his presence beyond measure."

Part 2

"It was our family's involvement at Henderson that deepened my faith and strengthened my character. Knowing that Trav was always watching was a very strong incentive to model my beliefs through my actions and words.

Travis had such a warm and loving character. His presence in a group always brought a confident feeling of being heard and appreciated. Whenever he spoke, people would listen."

Sharing My Assignment

Daddy and Travis bonded quickly. This photo was made when he was 5 weeks old.

My picture with Trav was taken on my birthday when he was 2 days old.

I was asked by Bob, my counselor, to write simply about the significance of Travis as a person. I'm going to share my personal thoughts through this site and if it makes you uncomfortable, you might want to skip a few of my postings. I won't put all of my writing in this one entry. It will be spread over several days. Please remember that I'm using this as a means to honor my son's memory and know that my healing is going very slowly. Please be tolerant.
"God used my body to form and care for Travis from the moment of his conception. My sense of self was transformed by being entrusted with such a perfect gift. From the moment I first held him and nursed him I felt an overwhelming sense of joy and purpose. I had never felt as important to any human being as I did to him. He needed me for his sustenance, but even more depended on my love and involvement in every moment of his life.

As parents we felt responsible for leading Travis into a relationship with God. Because we felt he needed to know God and be around Christians we became involved in regular worship activities at Henderson United Methodist Church when he was 3 months old." (to be continued)

Meaningful Message

I've seen this a few times before, but it always makes me smile. God is good. I hope you enjoy reading it.

Woman and a Fork

There was a young woman who had been diagnosed with a terminal illness and had been given three months to live. So as she was getting her things in order, she contacted her Pastor and had him come to her house to discuss certain aspects of her final wishes.She told him which songs she wanted sung at the service, what scriptures she would like read, and what outfit she wanted to be buried in. Everything was in order and the Pastor was preparing to leave when the young woman suddenly remembered something very important to her. 'There's one more thing,' she said excitedly. 'What's that?' came the Pastor's reply. 'This is very important,' the young woman continued, 'I want to be buried with a fork in my right hand.'The Pastor stood looking at the young woman, not knowing quite what to say. 'That surprises you, doesn't it?' the young woman asked. 'Well, to be honest, I'm puzzled by the request,' said the Pastor. The young woman explained, 'My grandmother once told me this story, and from that time on I have always tried to pass along its message to those I love and those who are in need of encouragement. In all my years of attending socials and dinners, I always remember that when the dishes of the main course were being cleared, someone would inevitably lean over and say, 'Keep your fork.' It was my favorite part because I knew that something better was coming....like velvety chocolate cake or deep-dish apple pie; something wonderful, and with substance! 'So, I just want people to see me there in that casket with a fork in my hand and I want them to wonder 'What's with the fork?' Then I want you to tell them; 'Keep your fork....the best is yet to come.'

Holy Spirit

Last night when Randy and I attended church, the message was on the Holy Spirit. I've been meditating on these words from Romans 8:26-27, "And the Holy Spirit helps is in our weakness. For example, we don't know what God wants us to pray for. But the Holy Spirit prays for us with groanings that cannot be expressed in words. And the Father who knows all hearts knows what the Spirit is saying, for the Spirit pleads for us believers in harmony with God's own will."

This message gives me hope that my own inadequacies will not get in the way of God knowing my needs at this time. His grace will remove the bitterness and anger I have toward Andrew in time and I trust that those feelings will be replaced with God's peace which passeth all understanding. Only my Father in heaven can give me the peace for which my heart yearns each day.

I cannot imagine how I could survive without God's word reassuring me each day. My faith has been a true blessing that gives me the breath of life and desire to move forward.

Karen