Part of the Club

When I was in elementary school, the girls were always forming "clubs." The decision about who would be a part of the club was a random one, but I always wanted to be a member of these clubs. It didn't matter what the club was for! I guess that's our human nature; we want to belong.

Jim and Charlie are both members of a club that no one wants to belong to. I caught the above picture yesterday morning before Shelley's Memorial Service. (I felt a bit like papparazi, sneaking a shot through the dining room blinds with my long camera lens!) They were two brothers, sitting for a moment on the morning of a really tough day. Charlie had been through what Jim was about to experience. I don't know what they were talking about, but I'd like to think Charlie was empathizing with Jim in a way that only someone who has gone through it can. There are others who are members of "the club" that I referred to who have encouraged Jim and Linda. I hope more of those people come forward to offer a hug or words that really can help to heal the gapping hole that is left with Shelley's death.

Shelley's Memorial Service was difficult but also encouraging. A friend of Kylie's sang a beautiful song, that she had written! Pastor Tim Allen and Pastor Steve Duyst summed up Shelley's life very eloquently. They both stressed Shelley's love for the Lord and her beautiful smile. I am hoping that those who don't know the Lord will be encouraged by her example. I came away from that service wanting to be a better person, mother and Christian. I also wish that I had known Shelley better. A slide show was presented that chronicled Shelley's life, especially her role as a mother. That was hard to watch. But we tried to smile through all our tears. Of course, after the service, we ate. What is it about tragedies that causes people to cook? :) I guess we feel like we can't do anything, so let's keep our hands busy and useful. It was wonderful to see all the friends and family of Shelley and her family there to encourage those left behind. Now it's on to a "new normal."

On a different but equally sobering note, please pray for Annette. She has been diagnosed with cancer pretty much all over her body. She's young and doesn't deserve this, but it's not our place to question God's plan. AJ is a strong Christian with a strong faith. It's still going to be hard for her and "her men" (She has 4 boys!).

Today, tomorrow and Sunday we have 3 parties to attend, and then on Tuesday we're leaving for 6 days in the trailer. We are very much looking forward to spending some time with each other and our girls.