Differences that can be seen in family photos.

Yesterday, Jeremy and I had family photos taken for the church directory.   The chore of having the pictures taken went well.  However, when we returned home, I was admiring the family photos that were taken for the last directory.   The last photos were taken in September 2011 - Mark, my husband, was in the beginning few treatments of chemo.   We were so cautious to try and keep his hair from falling out until after the pictures.   You can tell by looking at the pictures that Mark felt so bad.   Jeremy was a Junior in high school at the time of the last pictures.    I didn't know that those portraits would be the last family portrait that the 3 of us would take.   The plan was for the chemo and radiation to heal Mark of his cancers.  That didn't turn out to be the case.   Mark put up a hard fight, but in the end he would lose his battle with cancer.

So, my family has changed considerably since September 2011.   In November 2012, Mark lost his battle with cancer (or maybe he won the battle depending on how you look at it) and I became a widow.   Jeremy has graduated from High School and is trying to figure out what he will do for a career from here.  He wants to help people, and make a difference.   Jeremy helps me out so much around the house, and helps to keep me entertained (as he always has).   My family is complete and blessed, even though it has changed.   We are missing a member, but he lives forever in our hearts and memories.   So, even though the new family photo will look different, we are still a complete and blessed family.

What am I thinking?

Am I really going to attempt to write a blog?   Yes?!?  I feel like I am being called to do this.   There is a story to tell, but I'm not sure that anyone (besides me) will care anything about it.  So, I guess I will write this blog and see if anyone else reads it.   If it turns out to be written only for me, that is ok too.

God has blessed me in my life.   He gave me a son (20 years ago), my where has the time gone.   My son, J, has been a blessing to me.   I was lucky enough to be married to my best friend, Mark, for 14-1/2 years.   I treasure every moment that I got to spend with this wonderful man.   Mark passed away in November of 2012.  Now, I am still working to get a grip on my new normal.  I'm 42 years old and single again.   This isn't the path that I planned for myself, but I am thankful that God gives me the strength to face every challenge in my life.   Every challenge makes me stronger, and makes me more confident in my faith.   I can't wait to see what God has in store for my future.

Jeremiah 29:11 "For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."