**Warning, long post with no pictures!**
I remember when I had first had Preston, I made the choice to not be involved in as many activities and things so I could really focus on being a mom. I remember feeling guilty about not being as involved with ministries at church when an older, more experienced mom said, "Just remember, there are seasons of life we live through and you're in a new season of being a mom. Enjoy this season while you're in it." I have thought about her words of wisdom many times over the years, and especially during these last five months.
April 1, 2010 began a new season of life for our family. A tiring season. An unfamiliar season. A scarey season. A sad season. A memory making season. A season spent with family and valuing time together. A season spent learning to compromise and support each other. A season that has brought us closer together. A season that has challenged us and forced us to grow up. But thankfully, a season that we know was determined by the Lord and covered in his love and mercy.
April 1, 2010 was the day we found out the devastating news that Darron's dad had stage 4 pancreatic cancer. That day, our priorities in life changed. Everything we did centered around spending time with dad and making our last memories together.
During these past five months, our lives have been full of chaos, challenges, and time together:
*I quit my job at a school I dearly loved and had been a part of for nine years!
*Darron went solo in his business that he has shared with his dad for the past 10 years. He moved offices. And he had a huge audit for work (which of course he passed with flying colors)!
*Parker was born, then three weeks later spent seven days in the hospital. This was also the week of Darron's huge audit for work and a family fishing trip to celebrate dad's 70th birthday! More on this story in a future post.
*Countless family member flew into town to spend time with mom and dad and our family.
*Dad turned 70.
*Mom, dad, Darron, T, and Chris went to Seward together for 5 days.
*Mom, dad, Darron, T, Chris, and Suzy went to Hawaii together for 10 days.
*I flew to Texas by myself with the three kids and SURVIVED! :)
*The entire family (except for me and Parker) went on a fishing charter to celebrate dad's 70th birthday.
*Numerous weekends were spent at the cabin together and numerous evenings were spent on the Hillside having dinner together.
August 31, 2010....the pancreatic cancer that had spread to dad's liver and kidney's finally caught up with him and he passed away at 5 am. He was at the cabin surrounded by all five kids and mom.
September 9, we celebrated dad's life with a beautiful memorial service and reception. Over 300 people came to honor dad and remember the beautiful life he lived.
This season of life has been the most challenging during our 9 1/2 years of marriage. Although I don't feel as though we are transitioning to a new season yet, I do feel like the rain is letting up and the flood waters are beginning to recede.
While I don't wish for another stormy season like this, I am so thankful to have been carried through on the shoulders of dear friends, an incredible chuch family, and a close physical family. Although I still have many questions and don't understand why some things had to happen, I know that the Lord is still MY Lord and He has carried our family through. And for that I praise him.
Just like the seasons change from Summer, to Fall, to Winter, to Spring....I know our seasons in life will continue to change as well. And I'm really looking forward to a more calm, peaceful season!
