I read this on a blog I follow today & wanted to share it:

"Sorrow is one of the things lent, not given.

Joy is given; sorrow is lent.

Sorrow is lent to us for just a little while

that we may use it for eternal purposes.

Then it will be taken away and everlasting joy

will be our Father's gift to us, and the Lord God

will wipe away all tears..."

-Amy Carmichael

Where Flowers Bloom So Does Hope ~Lady Bird Johnson

A Wonderful Friend of ours sent us these pictures of her Flowers. These are not just any flowers, they are the flowers that grew from Cathy's seeds. From the seed packets we passed out at Cathy's Funeral.

Aren't they Beautiful? Just seeing them brought a Smile to our faces.
Bright & Cheerful!

Our Friend said, "Every time we look at them we think of her!"

Thank You!

Finally... a place to go to Remember & Honor Cathy!

Finally... 6 months after Cathy passed away her headstone has arrived! It was ordered... but back ordered... and back ordered... etc... We have had Beautiful flowers there with her, but now we have a Beautiful headstone as well. Not exactly something I thought I would ever be excited about, but we all were truly grateful it arrived!!

Here are a few pictures. As we walked away I turned around & saw Mia 'hugging' Grandma. So I snapped a picture & our friend Steve got a few pictures as well. Such a touching moment.

Do not stand at my grave and weep

Grieving is so complex & one cannot predict how you will find your way through that journey. I truly feel I am at a place of healing now. I am able to look back & smile. I am at peace knowing we did all we could do.

I had a dream about Cath this week... I have woke up seeing her face many times since the day she passed, but it has been memories of that day, & I have struggled with that. But this time was different, this time she looked like her old self. She was smiling at me & she gave me a big hug. She said something to me about going home, but I cannot remember the exact words now. I just remember the feeling... feeling Loved by her, feeling her arms around my shoulders, seeing her smile... I am so Thankful for that dream.

Sadly our family is still struggling... so I will continue to Pray for healing for everyone. I will continue to Pray for everyone to respect the other & how they are grieving, to not rush anyone one way or the other, to let time heal, to be understanding, & to not let our grief turn to anger against one another. You really do not realize just how much a MOM holds a family together... until she is not here to do so.

Special Thank You to all of Cathy's family & friends for their support over the past few months. Many have been there for us to just listen while we struggle through our grief... not taking sides or pushing us one way or the other. Just being there. We hope that we can return the favor someday. Love & Friendship are such a powerful thing! Even in the midst of grief we feel Blessed!