Happy Birthday

Yesterday we celebrated both Joey's birthday and his Grammy's, and boy what a day. So many family members in one place, just thanking God for our blessings. I miss my son in a way, and in a way I'm thankful for the way things played out. Joey was suffering in his last days with us, and no child should have to live the way he did. I still remember looking at him and seeing myself. His appearance was so similar, and the way he would curiously study everything he could see just seemed a lot like the way I am. So I suppose in a way I really miss what I hoped for my son. I looked forward to seeing him run around the church like the other kids. I looked forward to teaching him that a scraped knee is nothing to cry to mom about. I wanted to give him everything I had, but I couldn't. When Joey passed away, a little part of me went with him. I just hope God sees fit to give me another chance to be dad.

The past nine months have been different for me and Jessica, but I suppose it is just a new phase in our lives and our marriage. We both still have our good times and bad times, and I try to catch when those bad times come up so she doesn't have to deal with it alone. Overall, I'd say we've moved forward in our lives and we are both much better people now than we were before.

Thanks to everyone for the kind words, the frozen meals, the financial support, the cards that come when we least expect, the hugs for my wife, the time off work when we really needed it, and the compassion that came from all directions in amounts that were simply immeasurable. Thank you so much for everything.

Mike

Jer 29:11