Happy New Year

So as we reach the end of another year we tend to reflect on all that’s happened in the past year. For us I think the biggest thing is how hard it is to believe that another year has gone by so quickly. We all get that sense at the end of a year so I suppose that is just a normal feeling. It just so hard to believe that James has been gone for so long already. It used to be that we would think “Last year at this time …”, but now when I think that it hits me each time again that last year at this time he was already gone and we were grieving intensely. But at the same time it’s a reminder how far we have come over the past year. It often leaves a feeling of guilt to know that we have continued with our lives. It’s not that we will ever be the same as before, but as we return to normal we will slowly have to get over the heartache of leaving James “behind” (we know he’s really not behind us but ahead). Although that heartache is no longer as intense now, we still miss our boy an awful lot.

We are so very thankful for the three children the Lord has given us. Like all children they bring some not so joyful moments at times, but in general it is a great joy to raise them. And I can end off the year at bit more lighthearted after seeing such a drastic change in our little boy. We still have not gotten over the amazement and joy of having such a happy boy who eats and plays so nicely. Not a day goes by that we don't comment on how wonderful it is. We realize we're going to have ups and downs yet as we try to figure out his diet in more detail, but having gotten to the route of the problem and having a decently stable boy right now is enough for us to rejoice!! We pray that we can soon have the same joy for Rebecca, that an answer may be found and relief for her as well. And how thankful we are that at least one of our children does not have any health issues (at this point).

And of course I am extremely thankful for the husband I have who stands by my side and is my soulmate ... I cannot imagine where I would be without him to help me through each day again. What a blessing it is to be able to work together as a team through all the ups and downs that life brings.

So I end off this year by wishing you all a very blessed and happy new year. No matter what happens may you look to our Lord and Saviour throughout the coming years to guide you, strenghten you, comfort you and grant you all you stand in need of each day again.

I leave off with the words of the text from our sermon this evening:
"Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come" II Corinthians 5:17