We knew the time would come.
Back when my dad was diagnosed with brain cancer in January of this year and was only given a few weeks to live, and then passed away February 9th, we knew the year ahead would be full of alot of firsts without him.
Here we are going into the holiday season and we can already feel the void and an ache in our hearts for the person we miss so much. Thanksgiving is a time to give thanks and our family knows we have so so much to be thankful for. Truly we do. The way God has gotten us through this first year without our dad can only come from his grace alone and for that we have alot to be thankful for.
We have spent most of us this year all grieving in our own ways. We've just been trying to navigate and deal with our emotions following the passing of my Mom's husband and our amazing father.
This weekend we are having Thanksgiving with "Larry's Clan" as we have affectiontely named ourselves. For those of you who don't know, we are a blended family and have still remained very close. That was so so important to him and he expressed that desire so many times before he passed. I'm looking forward to all of us being together, chowing down on good food, hopefully lots of laughing, sharing fond memories, and reflecting on this past year and giving thanks.
This was our last family picture after he was diagnosed. I remember that day so vividly. There was so much laughter during this time when we were just trying to enjoy the days we had left with him. It's hard to believe we're coming up on almost a year later.
Today, I'm so thankful for this amazing family God has given me! I'm thankful that as hard as this past year was and I will not be sad to see it go.....
God still remained faithful. I'm so thankful.
Have a great weekend.
Have a great weekend.
9 comments:
I've been thinking of you and your family and hoping this first holiday season wouldn't be too sad. We all have much to be thankful for-- I'm so thankful for our friendship!!
I know the holidays have to be the hardest :(
I'm so glad you all did pictures & had those last memories together.
Ah, my heart is breaking for you, sweet friend! I wish that there was something I could say that could make it easier for y'all, but there isn't, so just know that my heart is with you and I am praying for y'all as often as I think of you! I truly admire your ability to focus on how good the Lord is even in your grief. He IS good, and He feels every ounce of your pain right along with you. You are not alone, you are never alone!
I'll be thinking and praying for you during this season!
What a wonderful family pictures. Sending web-thoughts your way and hoping the Holidays take it easy on you. God IS great. :)
Praying for you and your family...the "firsts" are so tough....and I will be praying for you all as you walk through this time especially.
I think you have a very good perspective of your first holidays without Larry. You were blessed while he was here and God has walked with your Mom and your family while you have grieved this year. But you are right, He is always faithful!
Thinking of you, sweet Lauren, and praying God will bring you much joy in your life!
Blessings!
I have been thinking about you and your family as the holiday approaches and praying and thinking of you. Hugs!
The year of firsts is so very hard. We had an extra hard time the first year because my Dad's birthday is around Thanksgiving so we got all of those firsts out of the way together!
It's so amazing that you have that family to give you strength. You will get through it all and it will just be another something that you've been through. You'll be in my thoughts and prayers.
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