Tuesday, April 08, 2008

More Firsts

April 3, 2008-More than eleven months have passed since Debbie left us. I have been anticipating this month and how emotional it would be for us. Pray for us.

More firsts for our family since my last update. February 12, our first anniversary of Debbie’s birthday on earth without her. February 14, our first Valentine’s Day on earth without her. March 14-21, our first family vacation on earth without her. March 23, our first Easter and our first Easter pictures without her. March 24, Will’s first birthday without his Mom. Will is now eleven.

All of these firsts without Debbie are very difficult for all of my family. I am so proud of my children. I know they are hurting at times. I am amazed they handle it so gracefully. They miss their Mom so much but they are adjusting and are learning how to enjoy life without her. I am so grateful that they have come so far in such a short period of time.

It is my tradition to lay my hands on my children and bless them in prayer on their birthday. As I started to pray for Will, I noticed that he removed something from his pocket and held it in his hand. It was the clinging cross that his mother held so much the last few weeks of her life.

As I prayed for him for his birthday, clinging to that cross was his way of remembering his mom on his birthday. Clinging to that cross was his way of trying to feel close to her on his birthday. Clinging to that cross was his way of having hope that one day they will be reunited. Clinging to that cross was his way of expressing his faith that he could be successful without his mom.

One day I asked Will why he seemed to grieve more over the death of his granny in 2004 then he did his mother in 2007. Will said to me emphatically, “I did not understand then where granny went. I know where Mom is!” Thank you Will!

My beloved Mom Joy Burgess has suffered much in the last six weeks. She has always gone beyond the call of duty to care for us. Now she is the recipient. It started with a bout of pneumonia. She then broke a finger on her left hand. She then fell and severely broke her right arm. Our family doctor called it the perfect storm. Nearly two weeks in the hospital and now nearly three weeks recovering at Ginger’s home. The road to recovery is still long but she is determined. God is being merciful to all of us by renewing her strength day by day. Please pray for her.

My sister Sandy had hip surgery. She has suffered for many years with pain in her back. Hopefully this surgery will relief the pain. Please pray for her.

Mercy continues in Physical Therapy to recover from knee surgery. She is working very hard. Things are going well. I am so proud of her.

Josh will graduate from Law School on May 17. What a hero! I am talking about Jill. What would Josh do without a wife like Jill? On Easter Sunday, they announced that grandchild number three was on the way.

Josh has worked full time for the last four years to support his family while completing law school at nights. He has been the executive editor for the OCU Law Review. He ranks very high in his class and even higher in our eyes. I am so proud of him as are all the Wells. Because of his character, he is a brother to be admired and followed. Congratulations Josh!