My mind keeps drifting back to June 2009.
Mom and Dad went on vacation with us to Charleston, South Carolina.
June 2009
Mom was not feeling well and was seeing a doctor for what she thought was Atrial Fibrillation.
(Two months after this picture was taken we found out Mom had Stage 4 Gastric Cancer)
None of us had any idea that the next few months were going to be some of the most difficult of our lives.
My sister and I were talking yesterday about how sometimes it already seems like a lifetime ago.
So many things have happened in our family since she passed away.
There are still no words to tell you how much we miss our Mom.
She is the heartbeat behind each of us.
She taught us to love big, to laugh a lot, and to always go after your dreams and she was always cheering us on!
But most importantly she introduced each of us to Jesus and He was her passion.
Mom wanted each of us to find a place within the body of Christ to serve and she certainly led by example.
But here we are June 2011……..
Our precious Dad will marry Janet on Saturday. It’s hard to believe how quickly life can change.
I could not have imagined in June of 2009 that I would be watching my Dad remarry in 2011.
I’m so thankful we don’t know our future, but so glad I know the one who holds my future (John 3:16).
In the midst of all we’ve been through I have to say I’m thankful.
Thankful for God’s grace, for His faithfulness, for His protection and for His love.
Janet is not our Mom and she’s not trying to be our Mom.
But she truly is a “blessing” to our family.
You see it is going to take someone very special to love all of us!
We are a crazy, passionate, loud, loving, large family.
My family with our adopted daughter from France and a baby on the way (my daughter Courtney is pregnant)
My sister’s family….need I say more…..four rambunctious but precious boys!
Then there’s my brother’s family….more rambunctious boys and a sweet sweet daughter.
Oh my I hope Janet knows what she’s getting herself into! 🙂
Saturday will be a joyous occasion and I’m so glad Dad has found a companion. He deserves to be happy.
I have come to a place where I know, no matter what happens, Mom will always be a part of our lives.
I see her in each of us and we are each who we are today because of Mom.
She is gone from us now but one day (thank you Lord) I will see her again!
Thanks for letting me share my heart and I pray you have a wonderful weekend!
Walking in His Grace,
Cyndi,
Just came to your blog today. Thank you for following the prompting of the Holy Spirit to make your blog and share the wonderful ideas and insights He’s given you! I am a minister’s wife, too, and appreciate so many of the things you’ve presented here.
Thank you for being willing to tell what’s in your heart here. I hope that I can learn from you and be more compassionate with those whose hearts are going through the same things…II Corinthians 1:3-5.
Thank you also for the fashion advice-very helpful!
God encourage you in your efforts here!
In Him+
Ruth
I had no idea Wanda passed away. She has a special place in my heart and always was so kind and loving, 2009 is also the year my daughter Andrea passed away. It is a difficult time to get through. I am so glad your dad found someone to care for him. You have a wonderful family.
I have been praying about this day, and this transition way before today! I know our Lord will be there for you all. I am thanking Him for His blessings in the midst of the trials of life. God can always take a negative & make a positive…that is a blessing!
God bless this day, and God bless each of you…and I know He will.
Love,
Donna
Thank you Barbie! The wedding is at 11:30 am if you want to say a prayer around then.
BLessings,
Cyndi
We love you!! Thank you for your prayers! We need to get together soon!!!
BLesings,
Cyndi
Love you Aunt Pat and thank you so much for your prayers!!
BLessings,
Cyndi
Thanks Lisa! It seems like we’re always transitioning lately 🙂
Have a great weedend!’
BLessings,
Cyndi
You are right Sharon….Life is too short and he was very lonely. Thanks for stopping by!
BLessings,
Cyndi
Love you!
I like that….late-life companion and he needs that. It’s going to be a great day! 🙂
Thank you Darlene!
My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Thoughts and prayers that tomorrow will be a joyous day for your family.
We love that Spivey-Long family–all of them!
All is well, it is good. Loving and missing our sweet, wonderful Wanda. Happy and excited for Doug and Janet and your entire family. You will all be in my heart tomorrow as I think of you on this special day. Love you so very much!
Your mom sounds like a wonderful woman and I look forward to meeting her in Heaven. Many blessings to your family this weekend as you transition into a new stage.
You know I am glad he is remarrying. My best friend lost her husband after almost 25 years and her loneliness was so deep until she found a ‘new love’ (with the help of myself) now they are peacefully happy and her heart is not broke anymore. Life is too short to be alone and empty.
I am so happy for your dad and all your family, Cyndi! I hope tomorrow is a joyous, wonderful occasion. I am so glad your dad found a godly woman to be his late-life companion. Thank God for his mercies!!
I can just imagine Wanda dancing in heaven at the thought of her sweet Doug and Janet being happy together. 🙂
beautiful. with eyes filled with tears, I said a prayer for your special day tomorrow.
Thank you Tara! He sure does!!
Thanks Crystal! She definitely was a sweet Mama!
Thanks Alex! There will never be another Nana and I hope I’m as good a grandmother as she was.
Love you bunches!!
Cyndi
Thought of your family the other day- have a blast tomorrow, rejoicing over our God who redeems, restores, and rejoices over us! 🙂
Best wishes for your Dad and your family! What a special family you all are. What a special woman your sweet Momma was. 🙂 Praying for you!
~Crystal
Praying for this transition for your family!! Wanda still holds a special place in my heart. Thankful for the woman that she was, she was such a blessing for Courtney and I during those college years!!! Can’t wait to see you be a grandmother…I know you will impact Colts life just the way Nana impacted Courtneys!!! Love you Cyndi,
Alex