Grateful

4 Years, 30 Weeks.


And why shouldn't I be?  This is the month Thanksgiving falls in, after all.

But even more so, I am grateful, because of this man's tragic story.

Chris Picco.

I don't know him personally, but we share many mutual friends.  He lives in Loma Linda, and is the worship leader at the University Church; my sister-in-law worked with him during her time as a pastor there.  I never knew he existed;  I'd only found out about him just this past week because of the many posts and comments made on Facebook.

He and his wife Ashley were expecting their first child, a boy, this upcoming February.  This past Saturday evening she suddenly suffered a pulmonary embolism and died in her sleep; she was only 30.   They had to perform an emergency C-section to save the baby, born at 24 weeks old.   For 4 days Chris spent time in the hospital with his precious son, playing his guitar and singing to his little warrior.  But Lennon was just too premature, and he too passed away this past Tuesday evening, in the arms of his grieving daddy.

As both a husband and father, this impacted me tremendously.  I cannot fathom this man's loss and heartache.  His world, his life -- all he has loved -- taken from him in a matter of four days.  I can't even begin to think of what he has gone through, and will go through, in the days ahead.  But even then, his words and his faith express a strength that could only come from having peace in knowing Jesus and His promise of eternal life.  He expressed words of gratefulness for the short time spent with his wife, and even shorter time with his son.  He said, "All you need is love."

I took my time to really savor and cherish the kids this week, especially because of Chris's story.  It reminded me of how blessed our family truly is, regardless of any issues or situations that might arise.  It reminded me to see the big picture, and forget about the small, trivial stuff.   It reminded me that life is a gift, and that our time here together is more valuable than anything we could ever possess.

God bless you Chris.

Here was our week:

Watering the Grodack's trees for them while they were out of town.

Ready to work on our winter garden!

Sampling at Costco, a favorite pastime!

Braelyn wanted to look like me.

Maddy sitting on the hammocks under the pergola Friday evening.

A beautiful full moon overhead, we enjoyed the warmth of the fire pit.

Happy for some cool weather, especially in the evenings!

We enjoyed a potluck lunch at the Clarke's after church.
Isabella and Maddy reunited for the first time since our cruise with them back in September.

Mommy and the kids partook of the Relay For Life charity walk Saturday night.
 Ernst & Young was a sponsor again this year.

The kids spent the entire day with Mommy on Sunday, as she would be out of town the next three days.

Tangie took the kids to the new Dr. Phillips Center for performing arts, as it was their grand opening.

They had a little festival outside on the grounds and the kids were able to get some things.

On the stage at the center, taking a tour of the inside.

Then they headed to Home Depot, for a kids workshop.

Early Monday morning, heading to school.

Getting my flu shot.  It didn't hurt.  Much.

Enjoying the weather and backyard on Tuesday.

Weekly stop to the Science Center after school.

Brae built this stick tower…with Daddy's help!

Stud!

Duck lips!

They really enjoy swinging, now that they can do it all on their own.

My garden assistant choosing this winter's crop.

Looks like they were all famished!

Uncle Mike was in town for a job and swung by to surprise the kids.

He even had time to play a game of bowling with them on the Wii!

They sure love their Uncle Mike.

Picnic up in the swing set.  Just amazing weather this time of year.

Don't ask me why he thinks it's okay to lounge on the countertops!

Food:

Vegetable medley:  sweet potato, baby carrots, and asparagus tips.

Randoms:

So nice to have a warm fire on chilly nights!

Look who I sat next to at church again.  Kramer!!

Cloudy skies means a cold front coming through.

Seriously SunTrust?  Christmas decor??

Denver on Wednesday.  BRRR!!  No thanks, we'll take our 70º!!

Quotes:

• Braelyn was being silly and funny one morning:

          Me:  "Braelyn, you should become a comedian."

          Brae:  "What's that?"

          Me:  "Someone who is always telling jokes and making people laugh."

          Brae:  "Yeah okay.  I want to become a Canadian."

          Um…

• We were having supper one evening, and I had heated up some veggie patties so the kids could have some protein:

          Me:  "Maddy, don't forget to finish the griller on your plate."

          Maddy: [looks at her plate, then at me, confused]  "What gorilla?"

          Um…

• Braelyn was given the role of "Mary" in the Christmas program and she was telling me about all the rehearsals:

          Brae:  "Daddy, do you know who Joseph is?"

          Me:  "Who?"

          Brae:  "Roy."

          Me:  "Who's Roy?"

          Brae:  "He's in first grade."

          Me:  "Ahh.  A younger guy."

          Brae:  "Yah.  He's a little crazy."

          Um…

• Braelyn and I were playing catch with the football in the backyard one evening, and one of my throws accidentally hit her in the face.  She shook it off and without missing a beat, she said, "Daddy, that's why the Broncos wear helmets."

Have a great weekend!