Almost Two Years...

It's been almost 2 years since we said goodbye to Dave. So much has happened since then that it feels like a lifetime ago. Jadyn and I have navigated life without Dave, but we're not just surviving, we're thriving. This is not because Dave is gone; rather, it is because of the mercy and grace of God in our lives. While Dave's death had a profound impact on both Jadyn and me, we both have realized that the death of Christ was even more profound. God has a purpose for both Jadyn and me. We still are living for a reason. God has shown us that we have a life worth living to the fullest, and that is what we intend to do. Our being miserable would not add one day to Dave's life. Hopefully, if he knows how we're doing, he is proud of his family.

As I mentioned, so much has happened in the past two years. Jadyn graduated from UALR in 3 years with a degree in Criminal Justice. I honestly do not know how he did it. He had 19 hours the semester his dad died, and he finished all 19 hours with As and Bs. That is GOD! He took 6 months off (very well deserved and much needed), and this week he started graduate school (1/18/23). He wants his PhD in Criminal Justice. He absolutely loves it! He told me that he decided to go to graduate school because he remembered his dad saying just out of the blue that he thought Jadyn could do it. Jadyn still is benefiting from the confidence that Dave instilled in him. I have no idea what Jadyn will end up doing in life, but I absolutely am loving the ride and watching it all unfold.

Going back to Geyer Springs FBC has been the best thing for both of us. Being in the choir is being home for me. Jadyn wanted to be in the choir, especially since we are doing The Kingdom this year, but he has a class on Wednesday nights. So, I think he is going to be a Roman guard in The Kingdom instead since he cannot make rehearsals on Wednesday nights to sing. Either way, he is loving being a part of it, and I am loving sharing our faith with each other. The talks we have are amazing, and so many start or at least contain some variation of "since dad died" or "after losing Dave."

Suffering...Endurance...Character...Hope. Just as Romans 5 promised. We suffered in losing Dave. We endured when we thought we could no longer go on. We both have prayed that our character would become more like Christ. Now, we are living in hope. (By the way, that was my second tattoo on my left forearm--"Suffering Endurance Character Hope"--followed by "Sempre Tenha Esperança" on my right--Always Have Hope.)

We both went on a mission trip with GSFBC to the Amazon River Basin in Brazil, and this has been absolutely life changing for both of us, but I think more so for me. I'm going back in March with Fellowship in Bentonville. I won't know anyone before going, but I want to be back on the river. We're both going back with GSFBC in July and cannot wait. One of the best parts of the mission trip was meeting wonderful Brazilian friends--Adriana, Erica, Alesandra, Fabricio, Alvaro, Andre--to name a few. Brazil has my heart, so much so that at 56 years old I am learning português (hence my third tattoo)! I spent New Year's in Manaus with my dear friend, Adriana ("Adri"), and she is coming here in February before we're both going on the boat in March. I'm still trying to convince Steve (executive director of Amazon Outreach) that he needs a full-time psychologist on the boat, but so far, he hasn't bought into the idea. LOL!

We're still involved with Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge. In June 2022, I spent a week there volunteering and had the best time. I also gave a talk on Compassion Fatigue to the animal care team and to the administrative team. Emily McCormack (curator) then asked me to present it at the Big Cat Sanctuary Alliance conference in St. Louis in September 2022. That was so much fun!!! I really enjoyed meeting people from other sanctuaries and getting to know folks from TCWR even better. And, in December 2022, the Big Cat Safety Act was signed into law. That was huge! This is what they have been working toward for years. Now to prepare for what all may happen now that speed breeding and cub petting are illegal.

I'm still working out at Anytime Fitness with my trainer, Michael Olivella. He is so awesome! I am so happy with how much I have improved. I have increased in strength, balance, mobility, and overall fitness. I didn't think this was possible, but I actually have more confidence, too.

Our friends and family have been amazing for us. Every time we turn around, we are reminded of the grace of God. It surrounds and sustains us. We talk of Dave often and share lots of laughs. He is never far from our thoughts and our hearts.

Dave, we miss you so very much, and if you can see us from Heaven, I hope you are proud...