Saturday, September 10, 2011

Faith of a Child

I haven't blogged for a while.  We've been so busy and just emotionally tired, that the bare minimum has been getting done lately.  I shouldn't say 'bare minimum' because school is now in session!  We are in week four of Kindergarten at home.  B is really flourishing.  He counted to 25 and can read the words, CAT, SAT, COT, and AT.  He can match all upper and lower case letters and is working on writing his numerals.  Also, he is learning many Old Testament stories in the Bible.  Jilly is learning to count and has really picked up the days of the week in Spanish.  Singing everything is key to Jilly's learning.

We are emotionally spent because our hearts are heavy.  Erik's dad is battling cancer.  It's a tough, tough fight.  We all love him deeply.  The kids are crazy about Papa.  He is such a huge part of our lives.  He and Nana have done so much for us.  They are always there to offer encouragement, hugs, laughs, support.  B likes to go down to Papa's gym and 'work out.'  I think back fondly to a 2 year old B with one pound weights watching his Grandpa's every move and imitating with a "One, two.  One, two."  Papa holds the kids in his lap and reads them book after book after book without once seeming bored to tears.  Jilly absolutely adores him.

Erik has been tremendous through this fight.  His honor for his parents leaves me praying that our children will be as honorable as their Daddy.  He is this way because that is how his parents raised him.  I am eternally grateful to them.

This week, we told B that Papa is getting ready to go to heaven.  It was a hard conversation.  B teared up and said, "But I'm going to miss him."  He's had a lot of questions this week.  Tonight, he asked, "Mommy, is there a pill Papa can take to get rid of the sickness in his body?"  I answered, "The doctors have tried everything they could.  We can pray for Papa."  I then explained that in heaven Papa will get a new body that doesn't hurt anymore.  He immediately folded his hands and in a sad little voice said, "Dear God, Please heal Papa.  But if you want him in heaven, then go ahead."  What a selfless prayer for a little guy.  He is torn up about losing his Papa, yet prayed for God's will to be done.  All this time I've been struggling with how to hand everything over to God and my five year old little blessing showed me how with his hands folded.....crying out to God.

  Prayer is very much appreciated for Brice (B's Papa) and Karen (B's Nana) and our whole family.  Thank you friends.

5 comments:

  1. So sorry to hear about your father in law, I can't imagine. I'll be praying for you and your family.

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  2. T, we are still praying for you guys. I will say, I learned so very much during the time of the loss of my husband's father. Our lessons came from our son. His faith, his picture of God and eternity, his excitement that his grandpa got to meet Jesus, it was incredible. He showed us a whole new side to death as Christians. I hope you guys can walk away with that after this long, hard journey.

    There is a reason God tells us to have the faith of a child.

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  3. My deepest condolences are with you and your family. I'll continue to keep you and your family in my thoughts & prayers. Cancer is such an ugly thing. It took my Grandpa 3 years ago. He was the 1st grandparent I had lost myself. Simply amazing that B is so selfless, especially at such a young age. You have an amazing little boy there Tiff! You've done a great job raising him! Hugs to you all.

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  4. Praying and thinking about your family. What a strong liitle boys B is becoming. Cling tight to those around you right now. Glad to hear school is going well. Enjoy this time.....it goes so fast.

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  5. Such a difficult and sorrowful thing for B and for J - for all of you. I am continuing to pray and hope that you feel God's nearness and strength upholding you all...

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