Christmas 2012



Owen Clark McKinley


SUCH A PRECIOUS BOY!

Mommy & Owen

 

I've had an interesting time keeping Owen since the beginning of September.  He was 10 weeks old then.  Now, he is 6 months old.  We've enjoyed him so much!  He's brought lots of laughter to Randy and I.  We both love his hugs! Having him in the house reminds me of Trav when he was little.  He is a happy baby just like Trav was.  The first time he smiled when he saw me I thought I'd cry.  Sophie is adjusting to having someone else get our attention.
Christmas Eve we attended the candlelight service at Henderson.  The music and message were  very good! 
Isaac came by the house and visited with us last week.  It was so good to see him. 
The weather has killed our electricity.  We're staying at Jeremy and Meredith's house in Conway.  Christmas evening the snow and ice converged on Otter Creek.
I'm back now. I've taken a really long break from my blog and several of you have mentioned it.  Í'll try to do better this coming year.

Pop & Owen

Our Star

Today marks 5 years without Travis. It's still hard to believe we'll not see him again during this lifetime. Every moment of every day has been changed because he was taken from us. Randy and I have done the best we can under the circumstances. We have spent the last year trying to live healthier lives. I know in my heart that Trav is pleased with our efforts. Adding Sophie to our family has allowed us to be entertained with her antics. We had a fantastic trip to the Southern Caribbean as a surprise 60th birthday present for me. I've considered recently writing a letter to Andrew to express my feelings about his murdering our son.Everyone has moved on in their lives. Randy and I will forever have a giant void in our lives due to our loss. It's hard to accept the truth! God leads us through each day and gives us the strength we need to function. Travis, son, our love for you will never diminish. You're sorely missed.

Mom & Dad

MARCH ALREADY?

The beginning of this year was difficult.  I've spent a lot of time in depression and pretty secluded.  Luckily, I've been getting better.  I think the clear weather and nice temperatures have helped me.  Randy totally surprised me with a 60th birthday party.  I was so happy to see so many of my dear friends there.  He also purchased a cruise to the Southern Caribbean for us.  I'm thrilled that the Pfeiffers are going with us. 
I've been doing most of my office work from home because the beginning of the year is slow.  Pretty soon I think I'll have to return to work.  The office is getting much busier for Randy.
Normally, we'd be full swing into baseball season by now.  I miss watching Trav play.  He was such a gifted person in so many ways!
Beverly and I have been walking each week at the Two Rivers Bridge and trail.  Randy has been joining me a few times lately.  I'm so glad that I have stayed committed to my fitness plan since January 2011!
I may get healthy yet!
Karen

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