Faith

 How I have missed Faith!  She was in town over the weekend for a visit with friends but was supposed to leave today.  Since I just got home from vacation yesterday I knew it would be nearly impossible to see her.  She texted me today and said she was changing her flight to tomorrow and could we all meet for dinner so she could meet Trystan.  It all came together and we were able to meet for dinner - including Faith's sweet friend, Anna.  I love all these kids so much.  My heart is so full tonight.  I started my week today with a few of my favorite people.  What a blessing! 

Florida 2024

Jay, Trystan and I just got back from Florida.  Mike and Nick opted not to go this year.  It was a wonderful week filled with lots of family time and laughter.  It was such a joy for me to spend this week with Jay and Trystan.  They are such a sweet couple who truly bring out the very best in one another.  Jay is the best version of himself when he's with her.  I am so thankful to God for answered prayers and not only that but He gave me so much more than I even asked or prayed for.  I love how God does that.  I'm so undeserving, I mess up and yet He blesses me.  My relationship with Trystan is easy and natural, exactly what I imagined and so much more.  Thank you, Jesus.  

On Monday we all went to Ohana (Kim's family too).  it was a good meal and a fun experience. 

Almost everyday we were at the pool.  Here is Jay and Trystan playing a game that Jayde and Lauren were a part of.  I love being surrounded by family on vacation.  We all do our own thing and never feel any pressure to do anything.  Most days at some point we all ended up at the pool.  

  Aunt Karen and I.  I love this woman.  She is the cats meow as far as I'm concerned.  

Trystan and I - my answer to many years of prayer.  Thank you, Jesus, for this new treasure.  

Vacation is not vacation without my sister.  Sadly this year she broke her foot mid week (hence the scooter in the side of this picture) but she still managed to get around and have a good time.  I really enjoyed Craig this vacation too.  He was relaxed and had coffee with me every morning on my patio - usually in his speedo but that's another blog.  It provided good entertainment.  

By the grace of God mom got through the week but it wasn't easy.  There were many calls, many frustrations from mom which had a domino effect on Kim and I.  I tried to push her problems out of my mind (for my own mental health) but there were several nights I woke up in the middle of the night, worried.  Mom's warrior daughters are back and she is beyond relieved.  Kim and I have a care meeting scheduled for this week and we hope to get things back into alignment for mom and her needs.  
 

Soul Care Conference

In February as I was on one of my daily walks I was listening to my favorite podcaster, Susie Larson, she was interviewing Dr. Rob Reimer about his Soul Conference(s).  As I continued to listen my spirit was on fire.  I simply could not ignore it.  The message I received loud and clear was I needed to go to this conference and take my sister with me.  Around this time I had been intentionally praying for some things so I knew without a shadow of a doubt that it was an answer to prayer.  When I got home from my walk I looked up to see if there was a conference close enough for Kim and I to attend.  Sure enough there was a conference in early June (when Kim was done teaching school) in our neighboring state, a short 3.5 hours away.  I didn't hesitate and bought the tickets and surprised Kim in April.  My soul is so full from this.  I can't quite put it into words (yet).  I grew in my faith, got to spend time with Kim and got to meet Sylvia (below).  Sylvia is a sweet and young woman who was part of Kim and mine triad.  On the first day when we learned we'd be forming groups of three, Kim and I noticed Sylvia right away.  She was by herself in the row ahead of us.  When we were told to form our groups, Kim touched her on the shoulder and the rest history.  The three of us really enjoyed our time together.  I give God all the glory.  His goodness overwhelms me.  

 

Copper

A few weeks ago during my prayer time I was petting Copper when I noticed a huge hard mass in her neck area.  In that moment I knew she had cancer but I pushed it aside.  At that time she was eating and acting fine.  I got through Nick's graduation ceremony and over memorial day weekend (before his party) I was getting more concerned.  By Memorial Day weekend Copper was barely eating and had lost weight.  I had my dear friend and vet come over and as she felt Copper's neck I could see the alarm on her face.  She took samples from Copper and the day after Nick's party we had a confirmed diagnosis of cancer.  I knew it in my heart but it was still hard to hear.  Through the week my vet, Jami, helped me navigate decisions that I needed to make but kept putting off.  By Friday, May 31, I knew she was suffering.  She was refusing treats, losing her hair and was as skinny as I've ever seen her.  With tears in our eyes me, Mike and Jay took Copper to Jami's office where we helped Copper cross over rainbow bridge.  

Originally Copper was Jay's dog.  However, Mike soon became her favorite person in the house (big surprise).  We got Copper 12 years ago, after I started working from home.  She was the one who showed us what a wonderful breed the vizsla is.  She had a sweet, patience and calm temperament and was the runt of her litter.  Her and Cole were sidekicks and now that she's gone I know Cole misses her.  As for Walker he will miss chewing on her ears (another example of her patient and calm demeanor) until they looked like a wet dish rag.  Ha.  

This isn't a great picture of Copper but this is her laying under my desk one day before she passed.  She didn't come to my office often.  When she did she loved laying on the cool floor (especially in the summer).  She woud sprawl out and groan and lay peacefully until I had to exit my office.  In true vizsla fashion she always wanted to be with her people.  She was the best dog and will be missed.