In fact I believe the opposite has been true. 2005 has been a tough year so far, but also a lot of good. First the hard, loss is hard. Even when you know your loved one is now healed, not in pain, and is in heaven, it's hard. A dear friend lost a loved one some years ago and shared a post about grief being "like a ball in a box." I think that's very true- at the beginning the ball (grief) almost constantly bumped against the side of the box (a person's life.) "This analogy helps explain why grief can feel so consuming at first and why even long after a loss, unexpected triggers can bring back intense feelings of pain. It also emphasizes that grief is a journey, and while the pain may change, it doesn't necessarily disappear completely"
I think like most else in life grief process isn't linear but has some ups, downs, backwards, plateaus, ... and all process at different times in different ways. I've also learned this year that there is no easy way to lose a loved one. Gradually and suddenly each have their own challenges. Thankfully we do know that God loves us, He mourns with us, He holds our hands, and He has good plans for us. That (and good community) helps along the way.
We've also had some good things this year. I got my left knee replaced in MAR 2025. Recovery went well. We did miss our annual ski trip :( but we went on a summer beach trip instead. CE's soccer team won state so we had a last minute trip to Texas for me, CE, and V. Hopefully, i can add pics from some of those events. but here's the pics I found so far from this year :)
we were blessed to be able to spend some time serving at Fayetteville Cares. Sometimes some Beta club friends joined us there!!
Christmas we had a really great turnout!!
One of our many soccer teams! K played NC State intramurals, C played at Guilford, T played travel and Crusaders, KG played Crusaders, CE played Crusaders and travel, and V played academy. No wonder I'm tired :)
Easter is another favorite time to be together. So thankful K and C go to college not too far away and we can see them often!
KG was only one from our family who went to prom this year. Pretty girl!!
I'll find more pics later. Glad to post a little hear during this wonderful, busy life!
