Shelly and I wanted to take a second to tell you all how much we appreciate your love, support, and prayers. The amount of cards, phone calls, and visits the past two and a half weeks have been overwhelming (a positive thing!)
We have been staying at Shelly's parent's house in Allendale. They have a wonderful piece of property and a beautiful house that I have always loved coming to (not to mention how much Shelly and the kids love being here)... I guess when it comes down to it, it is a good place to heal. But even being here gets tiresome with so many people in and out. We have had the blessing of having two brief times away in the past two weeks. The Friday following the graveside service and open house, we took off for 5 nights to a beautiful beach house on the bluffs overlooking Lake Michigan (thanks D & K).
Then Thursday afternoon the weather was kinda crappy, so we went to this hotel / indoor waterpark thingy (see pic)... and Noah and Zoe... and Elijah, Emmy, Ezekiel (my niece and nephews) had a fantastic time.
Our kids have been amazing through this whole experience. At first Noah kept asking, "weao babby Abba?" (that is what he called her, Abba). Zoe did the same, but has now picked up on the fact that, "Ava upa sky... Ava upa sky wit Jesus." Don't ask how our little 25 month daughter picekd up on that fact, but she says it so matter of factly... , like, duh you guys. Of course that is whtat is going on.
5 comments:
Dear Buck Family
I am happy to be your first commenter.
I just wanted to note a Hello. And a shout of support.
Jess
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Dear Josh, Shelly, and family:
There just aren't adequate words in a time like this. I'm a good friend of your mom, Shelly, and ever since I heard about your tragedy, my heart has been bleeding for you. Hard to believe that this is all part of God's bigger plan, but we can all rest assured it is.
In my reading, I ran across something that Henry Wadsworth Longfellow (of all people) once wrote. I felt it was timely so would like to share...
"Not as a child shall we again behold her:
For when with rapture wild
In our embraces we again enfold her,
She will not be a child,
But a fair maiden, in her Father's Mansion,
Clothed with celestial grace,
And beautiful with all the soul's expansion
Shall we behold her face.
Please know that our prayers continue for you and your precious family. Oh, the things that God is going to use you for--even though you may not want to believe it right now. Your wonderful ministry will thrive and, even more, it will enrich and impact untold numbers of souls for His Kingdom.
Be blessed and encouraged. God is on YOUR side.
Shar MacLaren
(Spring Lake Wesleyan)
smac@chartermi.net
Dear Josh, Shelly and precious little ones,
As friends of your parents (John and Jean) we have had the priviledge of praying for you over the past several weeks. As I read your blog it is so obvious that your strength is not of this world but comes directly from God. We know Gods' Grace is sufficient but even as I write these words I am not sure what that looks like. As you experience that Grace we know God is grooming and growing you for an amazing ministry.
We will continue to pray that satan has no way in detering you on this journey, but that you feel and know Gods' strength and are powered but the one and only source that is eternal.
Love and prayers,
Brenda Ritsema
I just wanted to say, We love you guys.
mindy
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