A Sad Mother's Day ~ May 13th

Friday evening, our church family was devastated to hear the tragic news that the young man who had drowned at Golden Ears Provincial Park that day was beautiful 19-year-old Samael, whom the boys have known from youth group when he had attended years prior. His younger sister Margarita is a good friend to the boys as well. We had attended Margarita's 15th birthday occasion in October, where Sam had escorted her into the auditorium and then blessed us all with singing several worship songs on guitar for her. Those are priceless memories now. Margarita attended church Sunday morning, so brave and full of faith in knowing that her brother is singing now in heaven in front of our Savior, whom he has always praised. It was so hard to celebrate Mother's Day knowing that Lorena had lost her son this weekend, and will long for his presence now the rest of her life. Despite the irritation of working evening shift for Saturday and Sunday, missing out on my own time with the kids, suddenly it was enough to know that they were all still alive. To dwell on the reality that God holds each of us in His hands, and that we will never know when the last time will be that we will say "Good night", and "I love you." We continue to pray for the Hernandez family, and will be attending Sam's funeral on Friday.

Sam, forever remembered as the loving brother and son that he was.

Scott took some photos of Nora and I on my request after church, to celebrate our third Mother's Day together. (Which I now realize was on the 12th...) Even as I write this with tears in my eyes as I remember Sam, Nora is asking me why there is water on my face. Suddenly she has a Kleenex and is wiping my eyes, rubbing my arm and saying that "It will be alright, Mommy". Yes, it will be alright but not for a long time... Nora isn't quite getting the concept of death right now as I try to explain. Her innocent answer... that Sam needed to have a boat. If only it were that simple. We will trust God in His wisdom, praying for his overwhelming comfort and presence right now to Margarita's family.

You would never know the fights we had earlier in the morning...
Nora has a classic short-term memory!

 I don't deserve all the love that this fiercely tempered little girl has
 for me, but I am thankful for it all the same. Makes up for all the fights
 we have... she's just not a morning-person!

Here's one for a laugh... I took this while Nora slept.
 The boys were babysitting her,so I was surprised to see this when I checked
 on her later. At least they're trying to take care of her!