Father's Day 2008-Caroline loved getting us to all sit together and wrap her arms around us.After such a busy time the last few weeks and then a great "break" with Tara last week (see post below,) it gave me some time to re-group for another challenging week coming up. I will appreciate prayers as I have my second (four hour) glucose test Tuesday (Yes, I failed the first one. I did with Caroline also, but passed the second-so I'm hoping for a similar outcome.) This week I will also meet with my financial advisor/planner, which will be good, but also stressful. This week also begins my first weekly meeting with a grief group recommended by a friend at a local church. I pray that it will be a good experience for me and help me to feel like I am grieving the "right" way. I have been feeling even more intense feelings lately. Tara (from the northwest) wrote a blog that reflects a lot of what I'm feeling, so feel free to check that out.)
Hiking May '08I am determined to try and do things for Caroline that I may not feel up to in these difficult times (and I am DEFINITELY feeling the third trimester of my pregnancy.) So, it is also Vacation Bible School this week that I hope to get her to it each day. To round out the week, it is Father's Day next Sunday. I really have been dreading this holiday for a long time and I am still not sure what to do or how I will handle it. Blessedly, God openened a door for me last month to make me reflect about the holiday and at the same time share a part of my faith with a broader audience through a local family magazine. I was contacted to write about our story for their Father's Day issue. I wasn't sure if I could do it or if I even knew how to approach it, but after reading the comments left at the Peekaboo website I feel even more encouraged and moved by the sweet words left for us.
Working in our first garden June 2008Thanks in advance for the prayers.
Dear Bonnie, I again sit with tears in my eyes and wish I could somehow hurry your healing process along or take the hurt away. You are far too sweet and loving to have to deal with such pain. :( I am glad that you had a good getaway to see Tara...I know that had to have been food for the soul. I will continue to pray for you this week...may you feel His love and comfort every day.
ReplyDeleteoh sweet picture of Caroline and Thomas in the garden, makes me tear up! How things change in just a year... ugh! But I am so thankful for you, you are amazing and I constantly learn from you, love you lots!
ReplyDeleteTara
I really enjoyed reading your story that you linked to - well, I don't know if 'enjoyed' is the right word, because I sobbed through it (those pregnancy hormones and all), but it just reminded me to be so thankful for all I have, and not take it for granted, ever. I never thought about Father's Day being so painful for those who have gone through loss, either. Thank you for sharing.
ReplyDeleteOh, Bonnie, that's a lot for one week. Especially considering how busy you've been for the weeks before too. As always, I'll be praying for you. (And it's good to know specific things to pray for.)
ReplyDeleteI'm back in Arkansas and I went by Harp the other day. I missed you in your classroom!! (But, don't get me wrong, I'm still so glad that you weren't there this year.) I love you!
Dear blog friend,
ReplyDeleteI will be praying for you. I hope the grief group helps. They have been a great comfort for me, and also have taught me that there is no "wrong way or right way" to grieve.
prayers,
Erica
I pray that God gives you great peace Sunday and that you are able to enjoy your sweet girl! I think of you often and pray too that you are taking care of yourself. Have a good week!
ReplyDeleteSweet Bonnie, we think of you often here. Please know we are praying for you (and the children) and will especially be praying next weekend. I wish I had more comforting words for you now. Maybe this will be of comfort:
ReplyDelete"Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God. For just as the sufferings of Christ flow over into our lives, so also through Christ our comfort overflows." 2 Cor 1.
Love you!!!
Your article is beautiful. Keeping you in my prayers, especially this Sunday.
ReplyDeleteA Friend in Indiana
Bonnie-
ReplyDeleteI know Sunday will be hard. I know everyday is hard. I am so proud of how you are allowing God to use you. His love is shining through you to so many people. Some who don't know of God's love.
I picture Thomas preparing Thomas Alexander for his arrival here on earth. Letting him know what a wonderful mom and sister he has to look forward to.
Continued love and prayers!
Bonnie, I always read but seldom comment. I followed the link to your story and you are a very talented writer. Thanks for sharing your story. Praying for you and your family and especially during Father's Day! The pictures are beautiful! Sending you hugs! XO
ReplyDeleteBonnie,
ReplyDeleteI was thinking of you and Tara(from the NW as I follow her blog too) and how hard this Sunday will be for you both. I pray that you will fill the loving arms of our heavenly Father wrapped around you tightly on Father's Day. I pray that you can feel joy and thankfulness that your children were blessed with amazing earthly fathers.
Brenda Elmore(Meg Smith's mom)
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Need Unique Father's Day Gift? Get the just released to the market - all new
ReplyDeleteRollingRazor, offered a special Father's Day discount of 35%
Revolutionary - Saves up to 50% shaving time
Easy, self cleaning - Longer lasting precision blades
4 different blades, customized for individuals' skin type
Safer Shave, eliminates irritation, nicks, cuts, bumps & burn
http://www.rollingrazor.com/home/rr?c=217ab864-460d-4b18-94ea-b5f3e2498d58&src=unknown&n=h&type=b
Bonnie: You and Caroline will most definitely be in my prayers this week and especially Sunday! God has put you on my mind a lot lately...maybe this is why! I am praying for comfort and love to be showered upon you.
ReplyDeleteHeather
What an awesome article. I read it with tears rolling down my face. You are amazing and God's grace and love is pouring out from you. I am still praying for you every time your name crosses my mind, which is pretty much everyday. I think that God is reminding me that you need that. Much love sweet Bponnie. I will be thinking of you and praying this weekend!
ReplyDeleteI love you. I will be thinking of you and praying for you all day on Sunday. I know how difficult it is when there is an entire day devoted to a person you miss so much. In case I haven't told you lately, you are so awesome.
ReplyDeleteBonnie,
ReplyDeleteYour article was beautiful. I will be praying for you as Sunday approaches. I know how hard it is (I broke down in Hallmark buying a card for my father-in-law!). Your story is such a testament to God's mercy and love. Thank you for sharing your heart with us.
Love from Texas,
Tricia
My prayers are with you this Father's Day.
ReplyDeletePraying for you today.
ReplyDeleteI'm thinking of you today and praying God sees you through this day with lots of love and support around you, as well as peace and comfort within you. I love you!
ReplyDeleteDear Bonnie,
ReplyDeleteI went to school with both you and Thomas and heard about his passing on the news. I am so sorry for everything you have gone through and are continuing to go through. You have a beautiful little girl and I wish you all the best.
God Bless,
Kristin Gardiner(Meeks)
Dearest Bonnie,
ReplyDeletePlease know that I will lift you, Caroline and Thomas up before the Lord God on a daily basis. I know that God loves you dearly and is glorified by your faith in him and your willingness to share it with us. Your children are blessed to call you mother.
In Him,
Susan at Katy Cottage
Bonnie, I am so glad I ran into you the other day! I decided to let you enjoy lunch with your friend, instead of bringing my crazy bunch over to your table. We wouldn't have been able to talk anyway, with my little monkeys. You have been on my heart so much these past months. So glad I can keep up with you on this now. Thanks for sharing in this way! Praying for you...
ReplyDeletekerri