Saturday, January 31, 2009

Storm 2009

I did not take this picture, but found it to be representative of what we saw over the last few days. This was in our area hit by the storm. I borrowed this from http://nwabehindthelens.com/2009/01/28/readers-ice-photos/ taken by Blair Cartwright.

This whole month has been a storm for us. So why not go ahead and throw an awful ice storm into the mix? Our power went out Tuesday afternoon (Jan 27th.) My awesome sister and brother-in-law drove us literally from friend's house to friend's house to find heat from generators, gas fireplaces and finally real power on Thursday night. I finally gave up on getting power at my own house in Fayetteville and drove an hour away yesterday to be with stable power and heat at my parents house. Not to mention lots of love and yummy food that is here.
Thomas would have enjoyed the adventure and figuring out what we needed to do. He was such a problem-solver. I realized going through this week how different our lives are now that he is not here. I relied on him to protect and take care of us. I kept thinking, "What would Thomas want us to do?" while figuring out where to go each day. I am so thankful I have such good friends and family to step in and make those decisions and help us. I think it was just hard coming to terms with relying on others forever to help us when we need anything done.
What a rough week. I am exhausted mentally and physically for a myriad of reasons, but Caroline has kept such an upbeat attitude it has helped me so much. I have heard our power came on today, but I want to make sure it is on for good before heading back.
A few side notes: thanks for the offers to help with tree clean up, but my friend Jacob and brother-in-law Travis have taken care of most the limbs. I will reassess when I get back to the house and call in for reinforcements if it looks like we need it.
Prayer warriors (fellow bloggers, family and friends): Thank you for your continued messages of encouragement. I am reading each and every one and I appreciate them more than you can know.
Prayer requests:
  • A very special friend's (not sure if she wants her name here) father's health has taken a turn for the worse. Pray for the family, his health and her safety as she travels to be with him tonight.
  • Praise for baby Hayden born January 23 (before the ice storm!) She's adorable.
  • Caroline's 2nd birthday is Monday, so that may be a hard day and I would appreciate a special prayer for that day.
  • Pray for the families who have lost loved ones from this storm and that all power is restored for everyone quickly. It was 40 degrees in my house during the warmest part of the day when we checked it the other day. I could see my breath while standing in my kitchen. I have heard some people are staying at their homes without heat and I cannot imagine this with the lows being in the teens.

36 comments:

  1. Continuing praying for you. And hoping that the days come easier :)

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  2. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
    Your story has touched me, I am so sorry for your loss.

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  3. I was so glad to find you were all right. I thought about you all through the week and wondered how you were doing. (I also worried about the food thing, wondering if you were getting some good food to eat) Keep relying on others to help fill that void, fill those tasks that Thomas handled (though obviously no person will ever completely fill that void...not possible). I know Monday will be a bittersweet day for you...will be praying.

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  4. I stumbled upon your blog about a week ago, and wanted to tell you how sorry I am that you are going through such a sad, difficult time. It sounds like you have a wonderful support system around you, and they will help you through. Prayers from Atlanta. -Christine-

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  5. We live in Ohio, so we know a thing or two about cold and ice. :) I want you to know that I am still praying for you, Caroline, and your new sweet baby. I think of you often and pray for you each time. Blessings-- Rachel

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  6. So glad to hear you are warm and safe at your parent's house! I continue to pray for you constantly and will send up double prayers for you and Caroline on Monday!

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  7. Bonnie,
    I'm sorry the days are filled with so much difficulty right now on top of everything else going on in your life. I will definitely be praying for you. Keep giving all of your struggles and burdens to God- He can take it all! I hope your home warms up quickly and that you can settle back in there soon. Give Caroline a hug from us! We love you!
    Sarah and Josh

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  8. Bon- Thanks for the update. I knew you had stayed with Tara for a little while, but I was still worried about ya'. I feel better knowing you were all warm with your parents. If your electricity isn't back on...you are definitely welcome here (although you already know that). We have plenty of room for you girls and we'd love it! I know you're busy, but call me when you get a chance to breathe.

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  9. I came across your blog last week and have been thinking about you, and praying for you and your family constantly. It is so hard to understand God's reasons for doing what He does, but I pray that He continues to be with you and help you through this. By the way, Caroline is absolutely gorgeous. Stay warm!!

    Sincerely, Mackenzie M.

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  10. Still praying for you:)

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  11. I am sorry there has been so much difficulty in this last month and I can only say that you continue to push through and are such an inspiration to the rest of us! I wish Caroline a happy birthday and for you to find peace in the day as hard as it may be for you. I love you!

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  12. That ice storm was a doozy. I just bought a chain saw so let me know if you need anymore cutting.

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  13. I am so glad you are safe from the storm. I pray tomorrow is a day of joy celebrating Caroline's life. I know it will be bittersweet but I pray you feel held by our Savior.

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  14. Bonnie, thinking of you today as you celebrate Caroline but also face another "first" without Thomas. I do hope that Caroline has a special day, and I pray for God's presence to fill your heart as you walk through this day.
    Reba

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  15. I had no idea the storm was so bad! Glad you two are safe!

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  16. I am in NE Ark. and still don't have power at home. I'm at the office where we just got power this weekend. I am keeping you in my prayers, but certainly today, on Caroline's birthday. laurie

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  17. Happy Birthday Sweet Caroline!
    Bonnie, I have been following your story through Angie @ Bring the Rain. I just wanted you to know that I am praying for you. I am so sorry for your loss. I know that you don't know me, but I think about you and lift you up to Jesus everyday! Know that I am especially praying for you today on Caroline's Birthday.

    Prayers from Washington,
    Maureen

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  18. I hope that Caroline has had a good second birthday. I know it has been tough for you, but I pray for you, Caroline and the new baby whenever you cross my mind. God bless you all!

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  19. Happy birthday to sweet Caroline. I pray that you've felt some true joy today as you celebrate her big day. I know it has to be so hard for you. I found your blog through Angie's and have been praying for you ever since. I am so sorry about the loss of Thomas. The Lord brings you to mind often and I will pray for you daily for strength and God's comfort.

    Elizabeth in Illinois

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  20. We're still praying for all of you!

    Happy Birthday Caroline!

    ~Blessings,
    Tom & Jan

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  21. I stop by your blog every day to see how you are doing. I am so sorry for your loss. Praying you are given the strength to get through this time. I am glad you have such wonderful friends and family to help you during this tough time.

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  22. Happy birthday sweet Caroline! Love you.

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  23. Happy birthday to Caroline!

    I understand all with the ice storm. My family is in NE Ark and just got power Saturday and my MIL got power last night.

    I found you through Angie Smith and your story has touched my heart. You, Caroline and baby are in my prayers as you go on this adventure called life....God bless you

    Ann in Georgia

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  24. God bless you and your babies. My dad passed away when I was 4 and my sister was 2 and I know that we got her through every day. You are in my thoughts and prayers. Happy birthday Caroline!

    Zoe

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  25. I have just started reading your blog today and I wanted to say how very sorry I am to hear of your loss.
    I prayer that the Lord grants you peace, strength and faith.

    Em
    from Australia
    PS Your little girl is adorable

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  26. Happy Birthday to Caroline,
    We continue to pray for you and your family.

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  27. I'm glad you made it through the storm and I'm sure your parents enjoyed having you and Caroline there for a little while. Grandparents are such blessings. I will continue to pray for you and I'm sure Thomas would be proud of how you and Caroline handled such a crazy week.

    Jennifer

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  28. Hi Bonnie, I'm Elizabeth from Grand Occasions. I saw your picture on Mamma Queens blog and noticed you have a Caroline too. I'm so sorry for your loss, but rejoice in the fact that you will one day be re-united because of our Lord's promise to us and your husbands acceptance of that promise. I lost my mother at a young age and know how hard it is to lose someone so very close to us. The Lord promises His grace and His strength when ours is non-existent. He also gives us a wonderful thing called memories that keep our loved ones close. We just got our own little Caroline a little less than 2 weeks ago. Our first granddaughter who decided to make her debut 3 weeks early. I'm so glad I found your blog. My prayers are with you and your sweet babies. Please come and visit me sometime. I've only been blogging about a month now and since I've been at my daughter's for 9 days I'm a little behind with posts, but hope to catch up soon. Your little Caroline is a doll.

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  29. I will pray for your specific requests. I know these days can't be easy for you. It's probably taking everything you have to get up in the morning. You are precious and an inspiration!

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  30. I will pray for your specific requests. I know these days can't be easy for you. It's probably taking everything you have to get up in the morning. You are precious and an inspiration!

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  31. Bonnie, I found your blog through Bring the Rain. I am Sharon S.'s friend, Lynne's friend. I see you connected with Tara. I don't know Tara, but I know her story because it was my friend that was driving the car that hit her husband. I have been praying for Tara since the accident and now for you. I too have a toddler (19 mos.) and am 32 weeks pregnant with my second. When I read your story it sounded so much like Tara's. I didn't know either of you and didn't know how to connect you until I saw a comment from Sharon. It was a God thing. I will continue to pray for both of you as you grieve the loss of your husbands, mother your children, and welcome your second child into this world.
    Blessings,
    Sarah

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  32. I saw on the news and read in the paper about the visit to Har Ber. Very beautiful and I know it must have been very uplifting. Your husband was loved by everyone he knew. He touched so many lives.

    I've been following your story. It is making a huge impact on so many people.

    Praying for you, Caroline and the new baby.

    God bless you,

    Betsy

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  33. I am a CofC too. :o) Praying for you!

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