Well, as is usual, I'm running a bit behind on the update this month - my apologies, it seems that between the upcoming arrival of Matthew, getting through the last stages of our system testing process in addition to getting ready for user training and going live across the company,& it being tax season for Anna – we’re running a bit behind on all fronts. However, we’ve managed to get the majority of the new nursery completed for Matthew’s homecoming; we just have a few minor touches left before Anna considers it completely done. Hopefully the weather will start getting warmer here soon and allow us to get a little bit of the initial outside work complete before he arrives and takes my attention completely away.
Just last week, Anna’s family went through the loss of her grandfather – a great man who had, for the last 10 or so years, been slowly succumbing to the effects of Alzheimer’s. While it was a very sorrowful event, the service that was held in his memory Tuesday was lovely and it was really quite wonderful having an opportunity for Anna to see all her extended family. In addition, a few days ago, her aunt also lost her husband – any prayers that you can spare for her at this time are greatly appreciated.
I, as many of you might know, am always fascinated by the ebb and flow of the sociological impact of death and loss – and this situation was certainly no different. Especially standing in the unique position that I had throughout the ceremony – as both a member of the family, but at the same time, separate from them – I was once again struck with just how the family unit responded to the unexpected grief by constricting into a powerful, single entity whose sole purpose, for the short term, was the protection of itself. The support that flowed throughout this group of individuals, many who were usually somewhat at odds with one another, was awesome and really pointed to the underlying strength and faith that each of them had in each other and, ultimately, in God. It was, to me, yet another point of pride that this was the group that my son would be growing up within – a group of people that, even through the immense pain of the loss of a central figure in most of their lives, was able to continue to radiate warmth and love to each other on a level that rose them above many people that I’ve seen in my life. Truly, I am not able to think of a more supportive environment to raise a child within – the knowledge that this intricately woven web of support was behind Anna and I made me realize just how lucky we are.
As is the norm, I want to be sure to say that if any of you are ever in the area, please do not hesitate to give us a call – we would love to catch up with you over a cup of coffee (or, in Anna’s case, tea) or dinner. Also, due to the impending arrival of Matthew – we know that many of you are wanting to come see us (and we’re super excited for that!!), but I would ask that you give us a heads up on when you’re planning on coming up so that we can be sure that we give everyone a fair share of our attention and love. Shoot me an email or text about when you’re hoping to come by – I know that Anna is really, really looking forward to introducing our new arrival to everyone.
Just last week, Anna’s family went through the loss of her grandfather – a great man who had, for the last 10 or so years, been slowly succumbing to the effects of Alzheimer’s. While it was a very sorrowful event, the service that was held in his memory Tuesday was lovely and it was really quite wonderful having an opportunity for Anna to see all her extended family. In addition, a few days ago, her aunt also lost her husband – any prayers that you can spare for her at this time are greatly appreciated.
I, as many of you might know, am always fascinated by the ebb and flow of the sociological impact of death and loss – and this situation was certainly no different. Especially standing in the unique position that I had throughout the ceremony – as both a member of the family, but at the same time, separate from them – I was once again struck with just how the family unit responded to the unexpected grief by constricting into a powerful, single entity whose sole purpose, for the short term, was the protection of itself. The support that flowed throughout this group of individuals, many who were usually somewhat at odds with one another, was awesome and really pointed to the underlying strength and faith that each of them had in each other and, ultimately, in God. It was, to me, yet another point of pride that this was the group that my son would be growing up within – a group of people that, even through the immense pain of the loss of a central figure in most of their lives, was able to continue to radiate warmth and love to each other on a level that rose them above many people that I’ve seen in my life. Truly, I am not able to think of a more supportive environment to raise a child within – the knowledge that this intricately woven web of support was behind Anna and I made me realize just how lucky we are.
As is the norm, I want to be sure to say that if any of you are ever in the area, please do not hesitate to give us a call – we would love to catch up with you over a cup of coffee (or, in Anna’s case, tea) or dinner. Also, due to the impending arrival of Matthew – we know that many of you are wanting to come see us (and we’re super excited for that!!), but I would ask that you give us a heads up on when you’re planning on coming up so that we can be sure that we give everyone a fair share of our attention and love. Shoot me an email or text about when you’re hoping to come by – I know that Anna is really, really looking forward to introducing our new arrival to everyone.
