Boys will be Joys

Does everyone cry everyday, when they look at their Facebook memories? Asking for a friend…

Sunday, August 28th, 2016- That was such a hard day, 8 years ago. Derek left early that morning to drive to Texas – without us.

During our marriage, of almost 20 years at the time, Derek and I were used to crazy schedules, trainings and special assignments that required days and weeks apart from each other. This was different, though. Not because we would be living apart for months, with over 750 miles between us. This was different because each time he would return to Decatur after that, he would be visiting, rather than coming home. That was the beginning of a very long year for me.

I had cried so much that Sunday morning after he drove up the hill and out of our neighborhood of sixteen years. I didn’t think there was anyway that I could go to church, but we managed to make it there.

Obviously, Derek was absent, unable to fill his usual middle spot as an usher for our Sunday morning offering. So, Isaac took a step over, and filled his dad’s shoes, as he did many times, in many ways, over the next year. On the right hand side, where Isaac usually stood next to his dad, Russ stepped in…

I don’t remember if they ever ushered together again. I just remember that day so vividly. We had no idea that this was the beginning of a scary, frustrating and exciting journey.

It has been an adventure! We have grown, we have experienced new things, and we’ve learned so much! So thankful for God’s hand of provision through it all.