11 Months...

Today marks 11 months since Rich went to live in his eternal home. I miss him incredibly!!!

I decided early on that I was going to do my best to carry on with traditions and begin some new ones as well with Ethan. So, I went ahead and hosted our 6th? annual 4th of July party. It really was a good time and God gave me the strength to not just endure it, but to ENJOY it. What a blessing!! All of my family and many of my closest friends were able to come. I felt like everyone pitched in more than ever this year with the setup and cleanup and it made the whole thing run so smoothly. Also, I have worked really hard on trying to just enjoy the moments and not fret the small things. I didn't even dust or vacuum before everyone came! I figured it would probably be dirtier after everyone left and so why bother?! I ENJOYED the people that surrounded me. What amazing people surrounded me that night...

My Parents- They have been a HUGE source of strength and encouragement to me. My dad immediately began sending me verses and encouraging emails after Rich's death, helping me to focus on God's perspective rather than my completely confused and small perspective. My mom has recently started taking Ethan once or twice a month while I go to appts. and get errands run. They have listened to me cry and prayed with me, laughed with me, and fed me many dinners at their house! My dad helped me keep focused and organized when there were so many details to take care of and has continued to be quick to help out with whatever need I may have...and is an amazing "Papa" and Godly example for Ethan.

My Sister (and family)- Has been SO good to listen to my whys and what ifs and is quick to not always give me the "easy" answer, but pushes me to think about it from an eternal perspective. Stephen (a man of few words) sent me the sweetest letter after Rich's death that was so encouraging and helped me to see that Ethan will not be without Godly men in his life.

My Brother - Has been SO dear to me and has encouraged me with his own life change! What a blessing to see God use something so tragic and make good come from even that. He also calls me almost every day just to see how I am doing and to check if he can do anything for me. He offered to spend the night at my house at the beginning just so I would have him here if I needed him. He has done so many tasks and jobs that I can't even name them all!

Rich's Mom and Dad- They have been so loving and supportive of me from the beginning. They LOVE Ethan so deeply and I also feel loved and accepted as a part of the family. What a blessing!! Rich's Mom is QUICK to offer to help with Ethan and has given me opportunities to get out and enjoy just being me...girl time, shopping, relaxing, having a mommy break. This is something Rich was so good at and so it is special to have his mom take on that role. Rich's Dad never comes to my house without a task in mind. He has helped me with many home improvement tasks and is so good about sharing his hugs and quick to say, "I love you".

Jeff- He has just recently begun to open up and for that I am SO thankful. I have enjoyed our talks and the way he shares about Rich. He is also an amazing "Unca Buff". Ethan adores him!

Holly- I have seen a new side of Holly since Rich's death. She has become such a servant leader. She is quick to serve behind the scenes, always picking up after the family and noticing the "little things" that may be hard for me to communicate. Her sensitive heart has been a true blessing to me and she has become more of a sister than ever before!!

Amy- I feel like I have grown to know Amy so much more, esp. since going through Grief Share with her. She seems to have really grown spiritually and desires to live a "Rich" life!! I love her fun nature and how she knows how to keep things light and make me laugh but also doesn't mind me sharing my heart and tears!

Ben & Joy- Wow!! What life-long friends! They have been amazing in so many ways. They have been more generous than I will probably ever even know. They have given of their time, finances, and hearts. Ben called me regularly at the beginning to just check-in and make sure I was okay and if I ever needed anything. Joy was always sending me encouraging emails. They also were SO generous at Christmas and I know they have given SO much money to the Heyroth Memorial account. It is partly because of them that I was able to live without financial concerns this year.

Matt & Libby- Good friends for life. Libby was quick to be there for my every need. She sent me books, CDs, cards, and has been an amazing prayer warrior. Her friendship has been priceless to me! Matt has been selfless and watched the kids so Libby and I could go out and enjoy some girl time together. He also was quick to fill in and be our grill master for the 4th.

Ed & Rochelle- Another amazing friendship! God has truly blessed me!! Rochelle- A quiet, yet very dear friend. She is one of those people I feel I can trust with my heart. She is easy to talk to and has been quick to encourage me! Ed has been another hard worker fixing things and making my life easier!

Heidi- This girl has been such an encouragement to me and has allowed me to vent, cry, and laugh. She listens to my fears and hopes for my future without judgment. I LOVE that she is ready and willing to hang out with me, esp. when I need a movie buddy. She is also faithful to pursue me even when I am not always available and is one of my most understanding single friends that "gets" the kid thing and even loves to hang out with Ethan involved OR babysit when I need it. Love her!!

GREAT IS YOUR FAITHFULNESS, OH GOD!!!

This is only the beginning of a list of dear friends God has brought my way to help supply all of my needs. How could I ever doubt His provision, when all He ever does is take care of me?!!!

It hasn't been an easy road to travel, but He is quick to carry me over the rough spots and lead me down the right path!!

"Consider it pure joy, my brothers, when you encounter various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance. And let endurance have its perfect result, so that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing. " (James 1:2-4)

"Perfect Trust doesn't alter our circumstances. Perfect Trust in Him changes us!"