Happy and Sad Family Reunions

Over the course of this summer I have seen nearly all of my extended family. One of the trips was planned, and very joyous. We traveled to Reno for my cousin Melissa's wedding on July 6th. We saw most of my mom's side of the family, missing only a few cousins. We celebrated the fourth of July with a good old American style Barbecue, and watched fireworks burst over the Reno skylight from the back of Tom's truck. The wedding was held at a gold resort, where we stayed with the rest of the family. It was beautiful, elegant and very "Missy". There was a threat of rain the day of the ceremony, but luckily the cloud cover just cooled things off a bit, and then there was beautiful weather for the service. We had a great time celebrating with family, and are already talking about plans for the next family reunion.

Then, just last week we had an unexpected, and very sad family reunion with my Dad's side of the family. Everyone was present as we rallied around my Aunt Marti, Grandparents and Dad and Uncle Ron. My Uncle Paul, Marti's husband, Dad and Ron's brother, passed away last Sunday due to complication with a stroke he had the previous week. It was tragic and unexpected. We are all feeling the loss deeply and grieving yet another life too young to be taken. Mom, Isaiah and I arrived on Thursday, Uncle Ron, Aunt Benita and Dad were already there with Grandma and Grandpa. Everyone else came in on Friday and we all participated in the memorial service on Saturday morning. It was a beautiful service, but hard to get through.

I constantly have to look to God for support and comfort as I grieve now the loss of two people. I'm still grieving the loss of Jenny, and now my Uncle Paul. His death was another reminder of a life too young to be taken, and I am dealing with so many frustrations, questions, and doubts.

The bit of light in the darkness of this week was Isaiah. There is something so comforting about a young life, unaffected by the tragedy, laughing, smiling, carrying on with life, in the midst of every one's sadness. Isaiah's smile, laugh and hugs were a great comfort to many this past week.

We are anticipating Isaiah's first birthday, planning a party that is very quickly getting way too big, and anxious about the new school year starting. It will be a lot harder for me to go back to work, I have enjoyed my summer home with Isaiah tremendously!!!

Some of Isaiah's latest tricks. He likes to hide behind the curtain covering the sliding glass door and then run out so that the curtain comes up and over him. He runs laughing and grinning, looking for your elated response as well. Yesterday he surprised me by picking up a book, opening it up and pointing his finger to pictures in it, babbling distinctive sounds. Yeah! A young reader!!! :) He is way beyond baby food, and if I try to put anything near his mouth he violently shakes his head NO. He wants to feed himself, but doesn't quite get the spoon thing yet. Finger foods for now! And a favorite food that might surprise you...Broccoli!!! Yes, I know it is strange, but he loves broccoli.

Keep checking for upcoming birthday blog and pictures!