Back on the Blog

Hi there.

I really don't know where to start. When I touched base with ya'll last, we were in the middle of the chaos -- trying to plan Mom's funeral and all that jazz. If you weren't there, it was amazing. At best guess, there were about 700 people there -- I couldn't begin to tell you who all was there. And the flowers.... There were so many flowers -- and all so beautiful. The overwhelming support we felt is something we will treasure for a long time to come. Mom was so humbled by the sheer numbers of people who were praying for her. And I have to say, that we continue to be uplifted by cards and emails we've received from old and new friends -- some from people we hadn't heard from in years.

After the cemetary we went to the community center for cookies & tea. That was nice. A chance to visit with friends and family and just relax. (If you were among that group of girls growing up that would sneak into the bathroom and throw wet paper towels at the ceiling to make them stick -- you know who you are -- there's still one up there!)

Going back to Mom's house, God sent us a beautiful rainbow. As we came off Browning Hill, there it was spread before us -- a perfect reminder of God's continuing love -- that He is in control. I keep hearing, "I know the plans I have for you," says the Lord. "Plans to prosper you and not harm you. Plans to give you a hope and a future."

We came back to Houston to get started on that future. The girls' rooms are now "done." I was up until 1:30 this morning sorting out a bajillion Polly Pocket shoes and Loving Family dollhouse toys. Not to mention Abbie's zoo -- a collection of plastic animals that defies logic. Mimi and I bought cubbies last week at IKEA, so every toy now has a HOME. We'll see how many can find their way home each night.

We've had a few playdates this week -- the girls are making a few friends, which helps. We still haven't found a church home but really aren't stressed about that at this point. We're kind of enjoying visiting around to see what Houston has to offer. Most of the new furniture has been delivered, although we're still short the key pieces -- the new kitchen table and couch and chair for the living room. Those are supposed to be in in mid-August.

As for me, I'm still treading water. Staying busy helps. But the last few days I've been overwhelmed with reminders of Mom -- pictures, toys she bought the kids, etc. It's so hard to believe that she's not filling that role in our lives any more. I'm a bit jealous of those of you who didn't see her at the end -- of those of you whose memories of Mom are of her being vibrant and in the middle of everything. I've got those memories, but I also have the pictures of her at the end -- when I'd be sitting there telling her all about the kids riding in the rodeo or something and she'd be snoring away. Or I'd be trying so hard to get her to respond and she just wouldn't.

I've put part of the slideshow up at www.yuwie.com/3daymom. It's not the whole thing, but most of it. There are some great pictures on there.

Thanks for your continued prayers for all of us.

Much love,
D'Lyn