This is the present I gave my mom for Christmas. I had it printed on a big 24x36 canvas. She loves it!!!
**I took this photo of my niece Madeline years ago, planning to incorporate it into her future "wedding video" someday. As you all know, Madeline's life on earth ended in April of 2007.
The day I took this picture Madeline and I had a blast! I dressed her up in my mother's wedding dress and we laughed as I had her attempt to say her wedding vows before a packed house of Barbies, Strawberry Shortcake Dolls, GI Joe, etc... One day I came across the picture and just sat down in my office and looked at it for a long time. I started thinking about how innocent and pure she was. A true example of what we are to strive to be as the body of Christ. I emailed the photo to a friend of mine (through the video industry) Lance Gray who is a photoshop master, and shared with him my idea for the photo in the future. He has experienced tragic loss within his family, so we share a common bond in that respect. He also has a daughter about the age of our Maddie, so the picture really touched his heart. A few weeks later he emailed me the photo & he had transformed it into the artistic representation that I had envisioned. It's a priceless treasure to me and to my family & I am so thankful that he shared his talent with us in such a special way. Thanks Lance!!!
Our Radiant Bride
One Year Memorial
Balloons were released at an impromptu memorial service held on the one year anniversary of the accident that ushered Melanie and her children into the arms of their Lord and Savior. Missy and I decided we wanted to do something to honor their lives, but at the same time we didn't want to go through the emotional strain of having "another funeral". Close friends and family gathered around their grave and we laughed, cried, sang, shared holy communion, and reflected on the beautiful souls that we so deeply miss! It was a beautiful day and a memory we will always cherish. I cannot thank all of you who have supported us through this past year enough. What a blessing you have all been during this time of healing for us. You may not even realize it, but every card, email, or other expression of kindness has been God using you as instruments to strengthen us with his abounding love. So there it is-You've been employed by the maker of the universe. Try putting that on your next resume. Just don't let him look at you someday and say (You're Fired!) LOL!
The photos are of the balloon release and an email I received from a guy that found one.
Hello,
I came across a balloon May 3rd 2008 while taking a walk in the mountains in Reynoldsville Pennsylvania, I figured you would like to know where it came down...I added a few pics from the spot...
Once I got home I put in the email address...such a sad sad tragedy! :( Rip All 4 Victims
Thoughts and Prayers!
Jim McCloskey
Wooden Crosses
My cousin emailed me this picture today. I think it's wild how the stream of light is coming down right in front of the big cross. I feel like it's another way God has revealed himself to us. Pretty awesome, huh?
Bardstown All-Stars
Bardstown Gymnastics created a shadowbox in memory of Madeline. It is hanging in their lobby. Madeline was so proud to be a part of the squad there and she was just crazy over her coach Miss Tracy (Tracy Downs). They also created this page on their website to honor her. Thanks Tracy for being such a great coach for our special little girl!!
Judgement House
This is so cool! Porter Memorial is putting on this amazing alternative to a "haunted house", it's called Judgement House. It's going on through Halloween night. Call Gina at Porter for reservations. Oh yeah, Did I mention it doesn't cost a dime? I mean seriously...what's free anymore?
What makes you happy?
My son Grant is in a group called Awana at Porter Memorial. Each week a different speaker delivers a message catered to their "developing" minds. "What makes you happy?" the speaker asked the room full of five year olds. The hands flew up! One by one the speaker called on the children and they responded to the question. Candy...Presents...Staying up late...etc...typical responses for kids their age. Grant was seated on the back row and with each answer his urgency to be picked became more evident. Rocking from side to side, extending his little paw just as far as it could go. Finally, the speaker called on him. Grant, What makes you happy? "Getting to see my cousins in Heaven someday!" he proudly proclaimed. My heart leaped. Thank you Jesus!
Missy and Melanie's Birthday
I want to thank all of our wonderful friends for making Missy's birthday so special! She knew some friends were going to meet us after church for lunch. What she didn't know is that they were all going to attend church with us. I can't describe how wonderful it was to walk up into that sanctuary and see all of your beautiful smiling faces... Friends as far as the eye could see! I'm sure that was a little glimpse of what heaven will be like. Melanie would have been so proud!! Missy got up and spoke at the end of the service. She thanked everyone for making her feel so special today, during such a difficult time. She said that her friends coming to church with her was the best gift they could have given her. I would have to agree!
**Click here for some Missy & Melanie birthday flashbacks.
