Grant had the privilege of being a part of the OMEA District 2 Honor Band the last two days—17 middle schools represented—and had a great experience. We got to go to their concert at 4pm today. They sounded great! Thank you, Ann McBride! @westorientband
Been a full week/weekend with a trip to Roseburg for Aubrey’s tennis tournament. It was a fun time away with the team and the other families. Glad to have made it home late last night to be able to go to church this morning to celebrate Easter. I’m more thankful than ever for the encouraging words from Jesus that remind me that while in this world we WILL have troubles (cancer, death of loved ones, hurts, exhaustion, illness, depression…), we can take heart and have peace because He has overcome the world. In rough seasons it’s so comforting to have that hope. Happy Easter!
Kari and Joel were at the Solomon's for Easter weekend. They hosted 18 CBU kids. So kind!
Aubrey and her doubles tennis partner, Bailey, had a great season this year. Greg, Grant, and I all went to the Roseburg Tournament this year, which was fun. We drove Aubrey, Reagan (Pates were in Bend for Camden's tournament), and Halzie (her parents were coming the next day). The weather that weekend was perfect, and we enjoyed being there with the team and watching tennis. They did well, winning half their matches and playing against some very good teams. They were exhausted by the end, though, and that last match was a struggle! Thankful for tennis friends and a good weekend together!
FB Post on March 30: "I’ve been struggling to put my thoughts into words, since losing my friend, Natalie, Friday night to cancer. She is rejoicing in Heaven with Jesus, no longer struggling to breathe, and I’m thankful for the hope of seeing her again and happy for her that she’s with Jesus, but I’m heart-broken for us here, especially her husband and four boys. Their faith is firm, and I know God will provide all they need in the days, months, and years to come. But it’s hard, and it hurts. Memories like this Waco trip, and so many others without fun photos, are flooding my mind—carpooling kids to/from activities, driveway and porch chats, book recommendations, kid birthday parties, Christmas parties, sharing of shows/series we both loved, and her quick wit and stories that made me laugh. It’s just surreal that she’s gone. I’m thankful for the time I was able to spend with her this week and the ways in which we were able to support her and her family these last few months since her diagnosis. Her faith never wavered. She was a bright light to those around her. Well done, Natalie! Love you!"
These photos showed up in the slideshow at her service, and they got me. I was already teary before the service even started. We ladies were helping with logistics of the the service and had gotten there early. Tears were flowing then, too. I haven't cried that hard for that long maybe ever. The service was an hour and a half, and I cried the entire time. It was such a God-honoring service. Paul and the boys did an amazing job. But it was excruciating. Death hurts, even when you know someone is in heaven. Three months from diagnosis until she was gone. It just hurts.
