Never underestimate the power of friendship!

Wow! I have really been blown away by the amazing friends God has placed in my path along the way in each stage of my life...but esp. over the course of this past year. There are many levels of friendship, but I feel like I have experienced them all! I could seriously write a whole book about the way people have reached out to me and provided for me on ALL levels! I have been SO touched by cards, phone calls, prayer, financial gifts, anonymous gifts, acts of service, flowers, hugs, gift cards, smiles, emails, more prayer, verses (so powerful), thoughtful words, time set aside, playdates, food, surprises, more prayer, special deliveries from my little angels, hand-me downs for Ethan, a home makeover, a fence put up in my yard, more cards and prayer, and absolute proof of God's provision! As I look back over the past year, I am utterly amazed at how generous everyone has been and know that there is NO way I would ever be able to really put into words how very thankful I am. It is because of God and the way He used these people in my life that I have survived. At times, I feel like it was all kind of a blur. There were times when I felt like I was truly having an out-of-body experience and I was just going through the motions making sure Ethan was dressed, fed, and somewhat clean. (He is ALL boy!) There have been new friends and old friends that have been made through this process. I have been blessed to see and experience first-hand what it means to genuinely have the spiritual gifts of encouragement and giving. I have had people that I barely knew, or didn't even know at all treat me with such love, compassion, and generosity. I know this may sound like a cliche, but I have truly seen Jesus in others around me.

Some of these people will never receive the thanks that is due to them (at least not here on earth). Yes, I tried to stay organized and write down every gift and detail, but in the shuffle of keeping all of the business paperwork straight and just trying to survive, I know there were some lost in the moment. Honestly, I don't even remember much of what happened that first couple of months. I do remember spending a LOT of time on the phone with different companies, businesses, state offices, insurance, mortgage company, etc. etc. I remember having to explain over and over what had happened to my husband and collecting information and mailing in yet another "certified" copy of the death certificate before some companies would even talk to me! I remember organizing funeral arrangements and trying so hard to keep it all together for Ethan's sake. I clearly remember going to the morgue and sitting there for what seemed like hours only to have them tell me that they would strongly advise against me viewing my husband. I remember thinking this over and understanding where they were coming from, but convincing them that I needed to see his hand. I remember Ethan standing at the front door of our house and saying "Dada, Dada" over and over again as I would remove him from the door and go into another room to sob. I remember forcing myself to return to my bedroom night after night and pouring over scripture as I would cry like I had never cried before. I remember waking up on my tear stained pillow and asking God for strength to face yet another day as I would hear my sweet little boy calling out, "Mama" as he waited so cheerfully for me to come get him early each morning. I remember an AMAZING group of friends that put together a scrapbook of memories of Rich before the memorial service had even taken place! (Affectionately now known as "The Daddy Book") I remember trying to gather every picture I could get my hands on so that I could share it with the world and Rich would never be forgotten. I remember the memorial service and how many friends were there to support me and remember my sweet, Rich. I remember the beautiful music and how I felt like heaven had become that much closer to me. I remember seeing many "God moments" where I would just KNOW God was still involved in it all and had not forsaken me! And most of all, I remember the FRIENDS he placed in my life to love me, care for me, hold me, and provide for me!

"I thank my God every time I remember you. In all of my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now, being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus." (Phil. 1:3-6)

The friendships continue to change. Some were just there for a time and have passed on. I know God put them there just when I needed them. Others have blossomed and grown into even deeper friendships. I know some will definitely be life-long friends no matter what season of life I am going through. I am grateful for each and every one and am blessed beyond what I could ever ask or imagine. I can't wait to spend eternity with my friends, my Richie, and my Savior!



This face pretty much sums up how I feel about my friends!