Christmas Eve 2011

Here it is Christmas time again.  It's our fifth Christmas without Travis.  How could this be real?  I find myself getting upset over the fact that families are gathering and our family is now the two of us.  I had to have my big cry last night.  I don't know if this is ever going to get any easier.  I'm beginning to doubt that.  God has given me the strength to make it through 4 years, 11 months and 24 days and I know that he remains in me.  Thank you, God, for your love and strength.  I know without God my struggle would have been impossible to bear.  We love you, Travis Clark Wilson!!!!!!  Mom & Dad

IT'S NOVEMBER?

This year has flown by!  I couldn't believe I hadn't written since July!  Our Maumelle home sold in 3 wks.. We moved back to Otter Creek.  We've made a few changes so far but still plenty more to go.  We got to see Angela's family last night while they were here for Thanksgiving.  Today we had our first Thanksgiving meal with Hazel's family since Trav's death.  It was easier than I anticipated.  We missed the last 4 Thanksgiving family dinners.  I could not stand the thought of Travis not being there.  He always LOVED the Thanksgiving gathering and the food.  No matter where he had wandered he always was there for the meal with his grandma's family.  Loved her chocolate pie!  (so do I).
After a couple of hours Randy and I drove by the cemetery.  It still doesn't seem real somehow that he's really gone from our earthly life.  Our lives have been transformed in so many ways.
Randy and I began in January working on getting healthier.  We both have lost over 50 pounds and feel much better.  I was excited to get to participate in the Race for the Cure this year. I've never felt like doing it before.  Again, the UNWRITTEN team participated in the Raid the Rock Adventure race in Trav and Hartford's memory.  We hated that Jeremy was unable to participate but Kevin did a great job filling in at the last minute.
Work continues on our home but we'd love to see any of you for a visit.  It seems like everyone has been running through crazy days of work and responsibilities. 
I HAVEN'T MISSED THE SCHOOL COUNSELING JOB AT ALL!  Actually, that surprised me.  After working in schools for 30 years I thought I might feel lost.  NO WAY!  No stress at my new job.  I love being at Oxford SP with Randy and Sophie.  It's really our family business now.
Take care everyone.  I hope to get back in the habit of writing.  Love to you all.
Karen

HOME FOR SALE

Randy and I have chosen to sell our townhome in Maumelle to relieve the debt of two mortgages.  Our home in Otter Creek will soon be vacant and we will need to return there to make some changes before we put it on the market again.  Hopefully, God will guide us during this transition and everything will go smoothly.  I'm not wanting to leave Maumelle, but at this time it will be necessary.  Hopefully, someone will come along who will appreciate our wonderful home.  Pray for a quick and stress-free sell, please.  We need as many prayers as possible.  God is always lifting us up in every situation so I am confident this will be no different.

Love,
Karen 

Missing You, Son

Dearest Travis,

Our lives have changed drastically since you've been gone. Dad and I have been walking lately with Sophie to get exercise. The time we're on the paths walking has been so peaceful for us. I have always enjoyed listening to the birds and hearing the sounds of nature. The lake is beautiful rippling in the sunlight. The ducks have some baby ducklings swimming along behind now which reminds me of the story, " The Ugly Duckling", that we read together. I adored having you in my lap reading a story. You would laugh at all of the sounds I'd make and the pictures. You would begin telling the story as if you were reading the words. There are small rabbits and squirrels scampering along the sides of the paths surrounding the lake. I always think to myself (and sometimes aloud) how much you'd love living here. Every walk brings the sight of someone sitting on the dock or edge of the lake fishing. It makes me recall the last time Dad and I drove through Boyle Park in 2007. Your Jeep was parked on the edge of the road and there you were standing in the middle of the stream practicing your fly fishing. We both laughed out loud when we spotted you. It was so typical of you to find the only nearby body of water to fish. It had to be the "Clark" in you that led you to love fishing and hunting so much. I could always find my dad at a lake or river.

Son, we miss you so much our hearts ache every second of every day. We will see you again someday and be prepared for the biggest bear hugs ever!!

Your friends have shown us the kind of love that they know you would have given had you been here. You chose many loyal friends. It's a testament to the kind of friend that you were to so many.

Dad and I love you, sweetheart!

Forever,

Mom

Quiet Saturday

Wish I was in Hawaii helping Regina make this photo. Steve and Becky got back a couple of weeks ago from their Hawaiian cruise. I could really get into a trip right now.

Today Randy and I have accomplished a few chores around the house. It makes me feel good when I can be productive. Things have been extremely slow at Oxford since January.

We've both been trying to get out and walk as much as possible since my birthday. It seems to be helping my energy level and mood. I decided if I don't do something now.... before long I'll have no strength at all. I sure don't like that the weather turned cold again the last couple of days. Today looks really dreary with the rain continuing from last night. It keeps me indoors except the few times that I have Sophie out for her business.

I'm looking forward to our weekly dinner tomorrow with Jess. She and I had a pedicure this week. I enjoy the time we spend together. Guess I need to figure out what to have for supper. Randy will be home soon from Kroger's.

Karen

Missing Travis Sooooo Much

MY BEST BIRTHDAY PRESENT EVER!
I really don't know how to begin what I need to say. These have been the most horrendous 3 years 7 months and 13 days of my life. Each day I make myself get out of the bed and follow a routine. I try to "act" as normal as possible not to upset those around me. Yes, I pray and continue to lean on my Heavenly Father. However, the pain does not subside, nor the need to hold and talk to my son decrease. Everyone has been supportive and loving. I'm forever grateful for our Christian friends. Without Randy I'm not sure where I'd be today. He keeps me grounded and comforted. I know that his grief is as overwhelming as my own, but he pushes himself to take care of business and me. I'm still confused about the lack of compassion and comfort we've gotten from Ray and Pam. Instead of acknowledging our pain, they continue to feel that we somehow have "wronged" Andrew by feeling that he belongs in jail. Maybe some day they will begin to understand our suffering and show some love toward each of us. I'm anxiously awaiting that day. How does this earthly life offer any solace? God, please give us your strength and peace as we face each coming day. We are holding onto your promises for eternal life AND PEACE WHICH SURPASSES UNDERSTANDING.
Karen

Almost September

It's been a couple of months since I posted anything. Lots of changes in my life since June. Working with Randy at Oxford has been a real blessing to me. No stress!!!!! Now, if we can only manage the bills without my school district paycheck, that's the question. I'm trusting that we'll be fine. I'm glad that we have our own embroidery machine now. I can't wait to do some gifts for the holidays. You might want to place your orders now. :)

We went on an Alaskan Cruise with Caralee and Neil in late June for a week. It was amazing! Being with them for the week was the best part!

I had LASIK surgery a couple of weeks ago and I'm FREE of eyeglasses for at least 10 years. YAHOO!!

Jeni and Necon have another sweet boy, Isaac Necon Warrior. I lobbied for him to be named Travis or Wilson, but I didn't win out. I love the name Isaac. Abraham and Sarah were thrilled to have their little Isaac and the Warriors are equally excited. There children's names sound like a Bible story. Lydia, Levi and Isaac are all beautiful names.
Randy is working way too many hours right now. I hope the flow of work will continue into the winter months this year. It could be distributed a little more evenly and that would be nice. We're grateful for all of your prayers and support. Love to everyone. We miss you, Trav.
Karen