Another Family Loss

We've had alot going on in the last weeks. We had a few appts last Friday (April 10th) at Children's (not St Louis, our "local" 4 hour away hosp). So, we decided we would take the weekend to spend with my family- who lives about an hour away.

Thursday night (our 5th anniversary) was hell. The entire drive was literally spent driving through hail and dodging tornados. We spent Friday night with my Grandma and Grandpa. Saturday we headed to Dad's. I got a call I missed from him on our way.Then a text from my big sis who said to come there b/c Dad & Liz had left. Long story short- my Uncle died. He was dx'd with lung cancer over spring break (about 2 weeks ago). He had begun chemo and radiation.

My Uncle left behind a young daughter, Dawn. My Dad & Liz have legal guardianship over her.

Dawn NEEDS your prayers. She seems to be ok, but my littlest sis said she's good at putting on a "show". D lost her mother in January (she was shot). And, now her father. D's life has been full of tragedy. Her mother used to do some pretty bad things, such as locking her in monkey cages. I just ask that you say some prayers for this sweet child.

We had to drive back on Sunday after church b/c Adam had to work- he's not getting paid for the time off, so it's been a challenge. I drove back down Wednesday morning, attended the funeral and drove home. Let me tell you that 8+ hours in a car and a funeral in 1 day is very difficult. I didn't get home until after 1:30am.

My Aunt Pam was at the funeral (she was the aunt that lost her spouse {Uncle Stevie} in Sept). She hugged my sisters and I am said, "It's just not fair you girls have had to lose 2 uncles like this in such a short time." And, she nearly lost it. Brings back memories. It's still not settled that Uncle Stevie is gone.

My Dad caught me in the kitchen alone that Saturday night after Clark passed. He said, "Aren't you glad you aren't here for my funeral?" I looked at my dad like WTH? Did you relly say that. Then he continued with "you all will not need to cry and grieve for me when I'm gone b/c I will be with the Lord. Very happy." I am still bothered by this.

I will update on Logen's appts last week and the rest of our lives. I have figured out how to update from my phone (using text, so my character limit is 160). I think I will add twitter.

Continue prayers for Logen as well. He's been throwing up his pediasure this week. Not good.

Uncle Stevie- RIP. We Love You. We Miss You.

Steven H. L. of ____, 48, passed away Thursday, September 18, 2008. He was born March 13, 1960 in Ft. Worth, Texas but had lived in ____ for 46 years.
Steve was a 1978 graduate of ____. He was a building contractor and land developer for 25 years. Steve was a devoted family man with a strong work ethic. He was a nurturing father who doted on his son Tyler.

Steve never met a stranger and his charismatic personality attracted many friends. He was very generous and always gave more than he received. Steve had a lust for life, always living it to the fullest. Steve had a love for the water, boating and camping with his family and friends. He had a passion for motorcycles. His special love was for the farm where he found peace and solitude. If you couldn’t find Steve at the farm, he was sure to be surrounded by his best friends. He will be deeply missed by everyone who knew him.

He was preceded in death by his mother, Janet, grandparents; Herman and Bernice, Martin and Louise.

Steve is survived by his wife of 23 years, Pam and his son Tyler, his father, James, brother Jim II and his wife Liz, his sister Jennifer and her husband Stacy, mother and father-in-law, Don and Joyce, sister-in-law Terri and her husband Max, brother-in law Robert and his wife Lisa and sister-in-law Degina; nieces and nephews, Eric , Brandon, Lyndsey, Brad, BreeAnn, Tiffany and her husband Will, Jessica and her husband Adam, Hannah, Brandon, Abbey, Penelope, Callie and G.W. Cooper. He is also survived by three nieces and nephews.

Pallbearers are Gary, Frank, Don, Russell, Stacy, Jason and Cyrus.

Honorary Pallbearers are Jeff, Steve, Larry, Mike, Mike, D.L., Dennis, Rick, Will, Nicky, Rick, James, David, Robert, and Max.

Arrangements are by C-H Funeral Home. Visitation will be Sunday September 21 from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. and funeral services will be held at C-H Funeral Home Chapel, Monday September 22 at 10:00 a.m. with Minister Allen and Bro. John officiating. Burial will follow at M. G.

Family and friends are welcome, following burial, at the home, Address Here.

I wanted to post a copy of the Obituary. I edited out places and removed last names b/c I wouldn't post those without asking before I posted that kind of stuff. I got more info involving the wreck while we were there, and it was not nearly as 'simple' as I thought. I will post later. I want to be up blogging again- I'm just so scatterbrained with everything. And, we are taking Logen to St Louis tomorrow. So wish us luck and pray as we are on the road traveling a good distance.

Heaven Has A New Member

Photo: Tyler (cousin), his girlfriend Jessie, Aunt Pam, Uncle Stevie

My Uncle Stevie went to be with our Lord last night. Please pray for our family. My Aunt Pam and Tyler lost their husband and father. My Dad and Aunt Jennifer lost their brother. My Papaw lost a son. We lost an uncle. A great, wonderful man he was.

He was in a motorcycle accident. It was on a road where you have to lean the bike left and right to go with the turns. I'm not sure exactly what happened (Dad told me but his voice was shakey and I was trying to keep from crying with him on the phone), but he went off the bike and died instantly. The EMT was there within 60 seconds and he was already gone. All deaths are hard, but for some reason the unexpected ones seems a little harder to grasp.

Adam & I were just talking about him the other day. My littlest sister was scared of him when she was little. He'd walk into a room and she'd flip out and run to Liz or Dad. When Logen met him, he instantly feel in love with him. I have some very cute pictures of Logen & Uncle Stevie together- many from my oldest sister's wedding where they become good buddies.

We are heading down to be with my family tonight. The funeral in Monday. Please, I ask that you keep us all in your prayers. The entire family needs to lifted in prayers.

He was just so young and in great health, we never would have expected it. Infact, last night after I had several missed calls and texts from various family members (I was studying) I honestly thought something had happened to my Papaw.

Hugs Blog Family. Tell the people in your life that you love them, and go do it now b/c in 10 minutes might be to late.
I love you dear friends.