A week after my mom’s memorial service, we flew to Texas for my cousin’s wedding. It was tough to get home, unpack and then repack again. On top of that, I was really sick. Still, we managed to make it work.
Benjamin’s grandparents picked him up in Dayton, and then Abby got on the plane with us. She was a teething mess, so we PRAYED she wouldn’t cry the whole trip.
After take off, she was out like a light. Whew. What a relief. She was a super traveler.
The hotel had a crib set up for her, which was great for containment and sleep. It is difficult to entertain a baby in a hotel!
Abby and my cousin Drew got along great.
Papa is on her top five favorite people list.
She also danced with Bob Bob!
She loved hanging out with Zach Kayle, the groom.
And Leslie Kayle, the bride.
Abby gave kisses to the baby in the mirror back at the hotel.
And, this photo doesn’t fit with this post, but found it and have to include it. Jeremy took it while he was giving Abby a bath one night. So silly!
It was not easy to say goodbye to Nana/Mom. But, we will always hold her close in our hearts. The memorial service was filled with recent and old friends. Most of the family was able to attend too, which was wonderful. Mike (my twin brother) made us so proud when he spoke of my mom and her story, which he reminded us, is still being written.
I am posting her “story” below. I also am including the slide show we played at the closing of the ceremony.
Kathy’s Story December 2012
“Be very careful never to forget what you have seen God doing for you. May His miracles have a deep and permanent effect upon your life! Tell your children and your grandchildren about the glorious miracles He did.” Deuteronomy 4:9 TLB
To my precious family,
God has blessed me with 57 years of joy as a wife, mother and nana. He is so good. :) I wanted to record my story of miracles for you, because I want you to know how much Jesus loves you. My greatest desire is for you to love him right back. Forever!
Looking back at my life, I thought I was somewhat “religious.” I went to church fairly often, but I didn't have a relationship with Jesus Christ, and I only prayed when I really wanted something. When I was 20, I was diagnosed with cancer. I had to drop out of college for surgery, followed by several rounds of intensive cobalt radiation treatments that nearly killed me. I felt sure that I could beat it, and I didn't think God would let me down. Eight months after being diagnosed with cancer, I married Don, my high school sweetheart, who stayed by my side through it all, despite doctors' predictions that I wouldn't live a long life.
God granted me a miracle, healing me from Hodgkin's disease. We thought that all the sickness was behind us. But, three years later, the day of my college graduation, I was told the cancer had returned. I was shocked, because I didn't think a bad thing could happen to me twice. I was full of anger. I struggled through my first year of teaching, receiving chemo every other weekend. The worst news came when those treatments ended, and doctors told us we would probably be unable to have children.
At that point, I was raging mad at God!
Then, two years later, God blessed us with our miracle baby, Kimberly. I was so happy, I “forgave God” for putting me through so much. We couldn't believe it when 11 months later, we were told that Kim was totally deaf. She would never hear us speak. She would have to attend special classes and use sign language her whole life. At that moment, I hardened my heart and shut God out of my life. For five years, I let that anger toward God grow in me and missed out on the comfort and joy He wanted to give me. Still, He was faithful. He brought people into our lives that helped Kim to use hearing aids and to speak. Then, he blessed us with two more miracles – our twins, Lindsey and Michael!
Because I was so angry at God, I left the church when I thought I would be unable to have children. My children were the ones that drew me back to God. When they were in nursery school, they asked to go to Sunday School like their friends. So, I reluctantly went back to church. I even took a job as the Christian education director at our church in Amherst, and Don and I taught Sunday School classes. We were back to accepting the role of “religion” in our lives.
I still was wary of God, but He was slowly softening my heart and drawing me closer to him. God brought me to my knees time after time, but He never gave up on me.
It wasn't until we moved to Findlay in 1998 that I discovered what it truly means to have a relationship with Jesus. The funny thing was, I thought I knew who God was. I thought I understood the role of Jesus. So, it baffled me when I saw people walking into our new church with Bibles and talking about Jesus saving them. I couldn't understand what I assumed was a fanatical approach to church and religion. I even questioned the pastor about it. He explained to me that I needed Jesus, and the cross on which he died was like a bridge over the great divide between Him and me. My sin was separating me from God. I finally asked God for forgiveness and accepted Jesus Christ into my heart as my savior and Lord of my life.
When I turned my life over to Jesus, I had the peace that no matter what I faced in the future, He would be in control of my life. He would encourage me. He would sustain me. I was His daughter, and I would one day go home to be with Him eternally in Heaven, where He had already prepared a place for me.
My Bible is precious to me, because through God's word, I can see how he has always had a plan for my life. I have spent much time in His Word the past few years, especially after I learned, yet again, that my battle with cancer was not finished. It was just days before Easter of 2008 when I found myself in the emergency room with intense pain in my chest. Doctors admitted me into the intensive care unit to treat blood clots in my lungs. They also discovered breast cancer and congestive heart failure – a result of the aggressive cancer treatments earlier in my life. This time, I was able to give the situation to God and trust that He would walk me through whatever was to come. I was in His hands, and this was His plan.
Next, I underwent surgery to install a pacemaker, which doctors felt would help me survive the next surgery – a lumpectomy. Although the tumor was removed, doctors felt it was a matter of time before the cancer returned. Still, God answered prayers and blessed me with more time. None of us knows the number of days we have. Knowing that mine always had the potential of being shortened, taught me to enjoy each moment.
I ended up back in the hospital again in January of 2010 with pneumonia and a 35 percent chance of survival. Doctors predicted I wouldn't make it. But, as all the family gathered to say goodbye, I pulled through and went home again five days later. God blessed me with nearly three more wonderful years with the people I love, especially my four precious grandbabies – each one a miracle.
In each circumstance, I know God gave me yet another miracle. Doctors really didn't know what to make of me. According to statistics, I should have died long ago. According to my medical chart, I should not have been functioning like I was with so much energy. I never missed an opportunity to tell them that Jesus is the reason for my peace, joy and strength. There was no other reason than Jesus' miracles that I kept walking out of those hospital rooms with joy in my heart and back to my life with family and friends.
Facing cancer again with the joy and peace of Jesus in my heart has been a totally different experience. It has drawn people to me, because they have seen the change in my heart and they want to know its source. What a blessing it has been to be able to tell them about Jesus. I believe that is why God has given me the miracles I have had in the last four years. I pray my story of peace and joy in the midst of trials will be an encouragement to others.
I am grieving that I have to say goodbye. I don't want to miss out on any moment with the ones I love most. But, my prayer is that each of you will find the peace and joy I have found in Jesus. I look forward to our reunion again one day in Heaven. And, while I can't be here to encourage you in your journey, know that I have loved you with my whole heart. I have confidence that you will be blessed beyond measure in this life, and you will persevere during times of pain and heartache. I intend to be up in the bleachers in Heaven with “the great crowd of witnesses” cheering you on. And when you miss me, think of me hosting story time with all the children in Heaven, wearing pantyhose on my head while we sing, “Do Your Ears Hang Low.”
It has been a while since I have been able to blog. Christmas was not an easy time this year. Nearly a week prior, I went up to Findlay to help take care of my mom. She progressively got worse, until she died peacefully on Christmas day. We did our best to make sure the kids got to celebrate. Jeremy took Benjamin to church for the "Silent Night" song at the end of the Christmas Eve service, because Benjamin wanted so badly to see the candles that I had been talking about. My dad and I stayed back with my mom. On Christmas morning, we had birthday cake and sang, “Happy Birthday” to Jesus. Benjamin wondered if Jesus was going to share a piece with him. It was fitting to later tell Benjamin that Nana was celebrating up in Heaven with Jesus.
I didn’t take many photos, but here are a few of the kids Christmas morning.
Abby got a chair like Benjamin’s red chair. We have loved his Pottery Barn chair, and we figured this one would get a lot of mileage.
We also got Abby a new stocking.
Benjamin got an XBox game and some odds and ends.
Nana made both kids blankets.
I rolled my eyes when Jeremy picked out this Angry Birds blanket for Benjamin, but it makes me smile now to watch Jeremy run around the house with it on his head while he chases Benjamin. It is a new favorite game.
Here is Benjamin eating the blue birthday cake. He insisted that Jesus would want a Thomas birthday cake.
This was three days before Nana died, and the last photo we took with her. She wasn’t really with it mentally, but she loved seeing Abby in her Christmas outfit.
Benjamin turned 3 years old today! It was such a fun experience to celebrate his birthday when he actually understood what was going on. After his three guests left, he said, “Mama, that was a great party!” It made me so happy.
Here are the details…
I hung streamers and balloons last night after the kids were in bed. Decorator I am not, but it turned out good enough to impress a preschooler.
I bought a centerpiece and napkins, but made Man in the Yellow Hat place settings. I also made napkin rings. This is about as crafty as I get!
Benjamin liked his gift, though I think he will be more excited about it a few months from now. It is an easel from Ikea, with markers, chalk and a really big roll of paper.
We let Benjamin watch a lot of TV this a.m. to keep him from getting into everything. So, when the guests arrived, we encouraged a game of running around with balloons. Here is Tyler showing off his static hair.
I asked Claire how she thought being 3 was different than 2. She said, “I think it’s a bit sillier.” I just love her!
I made frozen bananas, rolled in PB&J and Cheerios. They were a huge success…especially since they were on a stick!
We also had “ants on a log” and pizza; all Curious George approved foods.
For dessert, I made banana pudding and banana bread “cupcakes.”
I gave each child a candle in his/her cupcake to make things more fun.
Benjamin kept his mask and hat on the whole party!
Now that Abby is mobile, it was funny to see the kids’ reactions to her antics. While they ignored the other immobile babies, Abby got quite a bit of attention! Here, Tyler gave her a little “nudge” out of his way. I watched in amusement as Abby gave him an adoring grin and kept trying to climb on him!
She also LOVED helping open presents…eating the paper, pulling out all the pieces, etc. Poor Claire was having fits that Abby kept eating the farm animals.
Benjamin was super excited to get a Thomas the Tank Engine board game.
Dominc got Benjamin a puzzle, which I am sure he will love too! Dominic’s mom wasn’t at the party during lunch, and Dominic got his first taste of pizza. He ate the whole thing. I think that is why he is smiling so much in this photo. She said he could eat whatever I served, but didn’t think he would want anything. That boy was super excited about his frozen banana and pizza. I think I corrupted him!
Abby and Leila watched the chaos in awe.
Each child went home with a goodie bag that included a Curious George Birthday book, a Curious George balloon , Curious George stickers, a Curious George (home made) coloring packet and Curious George fruit snacks. I was quite proud of that too.
So, my first theme party was carried out without any issues. Three friends (because he turned 3) was the perfect manageable size. Benjamin and all the kids had a great time.
I love tutus! I tried so hard to get a good shot of Abby in hers for a Christmas card photo. But, she was too interested in the tree and the lights to give me a big Abby smile.
This tutu was a 12-month size, so I didn’t know if it would fit. But, I knew it would make my mom smile. So, we tried it on Abby, and it was a hit!
It has been a tough few weeks for Mom/Nana. She has declined rapidly, and there have been a lot of tears. So, we try to enjoy each moment. We spend a lot of time hanging out in her room, or quietly sitting. Some days are better for her than others.
Because we have been trying to keep things calm, we had Benjamin spend the night at his grandma and grandpa’s house. He had so much fun, and it gave me one-on-one time with my mom.
He was so excited to pack his bag and get undivided attention! I think Grandpa Joe heard, “Read me another book,” a lot.
Abby didn’t stay, but she enjoyed cuddling with Grandma Jan before her nap.
That night, Benjamin said, “Grandma! You made me a square bed (of pillows). Next time, let’s make a triangle!” I thought that was pretty funny. So, next time, I would like to see how they manage a triangle bed.
We would have been up in Findlay again today, but Benjamin came down with a stomach bug Tuesday night. And, I am waiting to see if I catch it too. But, we hope to head up there ASAP. It has been so difficult to be far away, when all I want is to be with my mom and dad. Mike was able to fly up this week, so I am so disappointed I missed him, but grateful he was able to spend that time with her. I know it must be even harder for him living so far away.
I feel so blessed by all the people who have helped us these past few weeks…and months! One of my friends even volunteered to make 30 cucumber sandwiches for me, so that I didn’t have to worry about it for our MOPS tea next week! We have felt and appreciated all the prayers!
OK…so she isn’t running yet. But, her little legs and tiny feet would run after Benjamin if they could. I give her a few months, and she will be a toddling accident waiting to happen. We better buy her a helmet now.
Abby is on the move, and there is no stopping her!
It started with her attempts to crawl, beginning at about five months. Then, she mastered that at six months. Now, at 6.5 months, she is beginning to cruise. At this pace, I fear she will be walking at 8 months!
Abby pulls up on EVERYTHING. That means, the train table is now fair game. Look out! She also loves to chase Benjamin around…especially if he has the Nook! I think they may get into a wrestling match over it one of these days.
I was putting away clothes, when I looked up and saw her straining to see the Nook. Benjamin was in there lecturing that she was going to get her head stuck between the rails of his crib if she didn’t back off. Too funny! They adore each other most of the time. I love it!
Prior to Thanksgiving, we decided to have a party at our house with friends. Benjamin was so excited, because our craft for the party involved lots of paint!
We made special Christmas presents for the grandparents! I also bought Benjamin some finger paint, so he plans to make plenty of masterpieces in the near future.
Meet the adorable party guests… you may recall them from our Halloween party in October. These are our best friends here in Cincinnati.
Here is my friend Katie with her boys Tyler and Thomas.
I made soup for lunch, and she made fruit turkeys out of pears and grapes. So cute!
It was such a fun time for the kids, and we can’t wait for the Happy Birthday Jesus Christmas party! It will be at Tammy’s house with Dominic and Leila hosting us. Stay tuned!
She said he could eat whatever I served, but didn’t think he would want anything. That boy was super excited about his frozen banana and pizza. I think I corrupted him! 
