She's 17 today; this sweet girl that has taught me so much about life. The girl who lost her dog and brother in a 2 week time span. Her Nana 7 months before that. Then the shocking walk of her father through cancer. This girl who walks in strength and grace. Whose smile and laughter light up a room. Her spirit; gentle and soft. A life surrendered to the King of all Kings. Practical like her dad. Free spirited in so many ways. She'll celebrate without her older brother to cheer her on. Her confidant. Her role model. She'll cross another milestone. I fear the ... View Post
The Heartbeat Of Women
It's right there on the return address label. I am surprised by the emotion it evokes. I shouldn't be. I should be used to this by now But I'm not. Rose Bud Lane it says. Someone lives at Rose Bud Lane. It stirs in me that raw, yet warm memory feeling. Mom called Clarissa, "Rose Bud". Dad called her Rag Weed. Mom; gone now to live with Jesus. Dad; companion with the memory thief. Rose Bud was the perfect name. She was rosy and sweet when she was born. I dressed her in everything pink. I treasured all ... View Post
Are You Able To Run The Race With Perseverance?
Miss you so much. Don't know if I can handle next year without you. #brother This was Clarissa's face book post on June 20, 2013. It's the picture of them on the first day of school; his Senior year. Elijah had gone on a trip the day after graduation. We all missed him. Boot camp was coming and we knew we weren't prepared. He rarely left home. His presence always here. He wasn't one for sleepovers; preferring his bed to others. Little did we know. Clarissa and Thomas have devotions for Youth Group. The topic; Perseverance. With the Olympics permeating much of our ... View Post
