Well, I must say that the response to our blog has been fantastic!!
Abbigayle decided she wanted to start blogging also, so please check out her link!! Abbie is such a special girl and my heart breaks that she, Caroline and Sarah must live their lives without Claire in the middle of it.
Claire will be in their hearts and they all have a special piece of her with them. Abbigayle and Claire shared a bedroom and with that they shared their love for each other and our Heavenly Father, as each night Jeff would tuck them in with a devotion, reflection on their day and prayer. Caroline has worn almost every item of clothing these past few weeks that belonged to Claire. Claire and Caroline were practically the same size, but they each have a few clothing items that they did not have to share. I totally get how Caroline must feel right now. One night last week, I slept in Claire's bed. I must say that was the best night's sleep I have had in 3 weeks!! I sure do miss Claire!! Sarah has all of Claire's adventure and spirit!! Claire had taken on the role of Director for all of our evening living room performances. (Abbigayle outgrew that role a couple of years ago) I remember thinking, the day or two after Claire's death, "who will direct and organize our evening plays?" Well, Sarah has worn every costume she can get on and has said more than one time "watch this!" God really is so merciful!!! So many things Sarah has done the past few days reminds me of Claire. We have large tile floors in our kitchen and Sarah was standing on one color, counting to 3 and jumping to the next tile, very accurately (definitely a Claire thing)!
Please pray for us as we begin another week! My parents have been with us this weekend and we have been surrounded with our church family most of the weekend! Nighttime is very hard for me and we must begin to get back into some type of routine. Pray for guidance and direction!
Until next time! Blessings to you and your family!!
PS Hug your babies a little longer this evening!!
12 years ago
13 comments:
Hello sister I so enjoyed my day with you all. Thank you so much for having us and all the good food. This morning Sunday School was wonderful you and Jeff are such an inspiration. I know that God will continue to bless you with the mercies that you need to get through each day. You know how much of my heart Clairebear has she was such a blessing in my life and although she wasn't mine I still claimed her. I also know that she would want us to continue to celebrate the fact that she is in the arms of our Saviour and she has looked in the eyes of our Lord. And as a sweet little girl said "I want to go live with Jesus" so I too can have that ultimate gift. Know that you are all in our thoughts and prayers and that we love you soooo much. Thank you for being a sister, mother, wife, and women of God that we can all look to.
Your brother
Jay
Your new blog is great! I have enjoyed reading each word you have written. It has helped me to know how your days are going and to know how to better pray for ya'll. In reply to your p.s...Lelia and Ryan have been held and snuggled even more than usual the past few weeks. No matter what else we've got going on, if Lelia says "I hold you" or "I rock mama" she gets held or rocked. It may be a ploy to not have to go to sleep but I know that one day she'll be to big to want to be held and rocked. I think about you every time I hold one of them and cherish each moment. I love you! Emily
What a Godly example you are to all of us. I know that just getting out of bed and taking your next breath can be difficult -- know you are being prayed for and that you are loved tremendously by so many. Thank you for being willing to share your journey. Looking forward to sharing your burdens and joys along the way!
Love, love, love! Kim Scruggs (Dawn's sister)
What an excellent way to keep in touch and share your story! I continue to be amazed at your strength and God's goodness as you share through Claire's life and death. Caroline made me smile this morning as she came into school and rolled her eyes and said "I know, no hair extensions." I love you guys and you are continually in our prayers.
Meredith
WOW! I love the blog. You are an example of God's Amazing Love! I was just sharing with someone the other day that I would never be the same parent after attending Claire's memorial service. Your devotion and love for God as well as your family was, and continues to be, so evident. Your family is a wonderful example of family, faith and God's mercy. I appreciate you so much and the testimony you live. Please know that I will be interceeding on your behalf everyday.
Love you
Claudia
I love your blog and I love hearing about your day. You are such an inspiration to me as a mom and as a strong christian woman. Keep up the blogging... Lara Morgan
Jeff and Angela, my brother and sister in Christ. I love you both so much and am praying for you daily (and more often when God brings you to my mind). I thank God for you and want to say thanks to you both for sharing with the world your story. What a precious gift...Claire. For those of us who were blessed to know her, I thank God for that. For those who didn't and are just reading your story, maybe she'll touch them too. Give the girls a hug and a kiss for me. God is good.
Ginger
Jeff, Angela, and girls:
I am overwhelmed with emotion reading your blog. I can't tell if I want to cry or smile or laugh. There is a knot in my throat that reminds me to just be quiet and allow the your words to penetrate my heart and speak what God wants me to hear. I know He is faithful and true.
Each time I see a butterfly, which has been quite frequently since Claire's service...I am reminded to pray for you and to remember God's promises. What a wonderful word picture you left with all of us that day as you released those butterflies. If I live to be 90 years old, I can't imagine ever seeing another butterfly and not think of the Lord and your family!!
We love you and are praying for you. We will be praying for Abbigayle, Caroline and Sarah as they live and grow through the joys and struggles life brings them through this "journey".
Angie Ownbey
Big news from the Rector house!!! Eli (the 2-legged one, not the 4-legged one) is riding a bike without training wheels!!! Since the day of the service when he started rolling down the hill on the little bitty bike that he gave to Claire, he's been riding his own big bike (that he was ready to let us sell) and loving it! We told him that Claire would be very proud. Ironic isn't it...the bike that he outgrew and that Claire loved so much was the bike that he eventually learned to ride on. (Again, I don't know why I'm surprised that God do that).
Sending 4 hugs (and 1 very waggy tail) your way,
Kim and the boys
I love the blog idea... and you did a great job. I love hearing about your day and how God has "carried" you thru it... You guys are such a blessing and inspiration to me that I can not begin to put it into words... Without saying, your family is still in my prayers...
Love to you all
Tracy
Hi! I love your blog! It helps me feel closer to you guys by reading about your day. All the love you share with your family and with our Lord and how you are teaching us how to do the same. I pray daily for the Lord to wrap each of you in his arms and carry you through out your day. I will say an extra prayer before bed for you guys to have a good nights sleep. Love you guys dearly!
"your favorite cousin" :)
Karen
I don't know you personally but have really felt a connection to you over the past few weeks. My heart broke when I heard about your precious Claire. I am a friend of Kim Rector and I'm so thankful that she shared your story with me. I feel honored to be able to follow your jounrney through this blog.
Kisha Clark
Great job! It is such a nice way to share your stories and also let you know that you are all in our thoughts and prayers each day. Dad has always said how proud of you and Jeff and your accomplishments. That you have done everything the "right way". Now I know what he means...its because you serve as a mission and role model to all of us through your faith. Love you all. Denise
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