When JW was interviewing for jobs with different firms and received an offer from one in Houston, we didn't fully realize the blessing that it would be to live near family. In fact, after living the first three years of our married lives in a different city than our families, we were a little nervous about the transition. JW and I are both are the oldest of big families and love them very much. When we moved back we wanted to remain independent as a couple, but also wanted to be more involved in the small stuff that we missed living three hours away.
As I reflect over the last couple of months, I am so grateful that we are here and that God in His perfect timing has us in Houston. I have several pictures of everyday stuff I wanted to share with this post, but my google memory is apparently full. I didn't want to wait on this post though, so I'll have to add those later when I get it figured out.
We have gotten to be a part of little stuff like going to siblings' sporting events and being a part of impromptu shopping trips and dinner visits. We have also been around for bigger events like a Women's Ministry event my mom was in charge of featuring the Christian comedian, Chonda Pierce. I got to be there in support of my mom and see her in action. She really is amazing and it's fun to see God use her for things she never imagined she'd be doing. I am proud of her.
We are so grateful that we have been close to spend time with loved ones that were sick. JW's Papa had had a scare with seizures and was in the hospital recently. We were able to spend the day with JW's family laughing and crying together. Their family is so close and I really wish I could post some of the pictures I took of Uncle Ricky that day in Papa's hospital room. He was a great comic relief. This family has such a fun sense of humor and I am grateful to be a part of it.
My grandmother has been battling diabetes for months, but as her health deteriorated over the last several weeks, I was able to run over there after work with dinner to spend time with her, my dad, and my Aunt Kimmie. I was able to take off work and spend the day over there when I just wanted to be next to her and to hug my aunt and tell her how strong I think she is. I got to be there for some of the last moments with my grandma before she met Jesus. I have sweet memories of sitting next to her bed while she slept, holding her hand and singing worship songs to her. She loved music, especially hymns. I have memories of singing with her while she played the keyboard growing up. Grandma went to be with the Lord last Saturday, November 17th. We miss her a lot, but can't help but rejoice that she is no longer suffering; that she has met her Maker and is in heaven with her family that is already there; and that she is in heaven looking down on us and waiting to be with us again one day.
Grandma and me playing dress up
We have so much to be grateful for this year. The Lord has blessed us immensely, but I think among the many things we have to be thankful for, family is at the top of the list. Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours!
