Monthly Archives: December 2006

How God Prepared Us…

We could not have foreseen the tragedy that would strike our family on 16 December ’06. However, the more I think about it, the more I believe God was preparing us. For me, it happened on the morning of December … Continue reading

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A time to be born, and a time to die…

I feel utterly spent. Last night was the viewing. Today was the funeral. It has been a time of tears. A time for embracing. And yes, a time for death. I felt the very core of me roiling in turmoil; … Continue reading

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Before & After

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Trash vs. Toys

Ok, fine. I give up. I should have gone dumpster diving instead of Christmas shopping. Yeah, yeah, they liked the actual gifts. But the toys that get the most play time are not toys. The kids have been busy building … Continue reading

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This is an important message from Snap, Krackle & Pop

"James! James!" Jude shouts. "The Rice Krispies told me: the dinosaurs are in the mountain. Go kill them!"

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the last gift…

The children unwrapped Karen’s gifts tonight. She had bought the boys these super cute Hawaiian-style shirts, and a lovely "spin-able" dress for Jewel. I hadn’t cried all day. And I just broke. Those wracking kind of sobs that shake your … Continue reading

Posted in Grief&Loss | 1 Comment

How Grief Makes Joy More Sweet

My dear friend, Eden, brought me a vase of paper-white narcissus. Today, the first bloom emerged. Today, it is this very small thing that has shone light into the darkness of loss. It is a small thing. A quiet thing. … Continue reading

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Despite everything, the music plays on…

The first blow of grief stuns you. You sit (or fall) down. Your mind repeats: she is dead. But there is no meaning to this, nothing in real-time to provide context for the loss. Nature allows you to lie stunned … Continue reading

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How Quickly Life Changes…

She was just here, standing in our living room laughing and talking while we watched Luc play with our children. Her wrapped gifts lie unopened beneath our Christmas tree. On Dec. 7, she joined our family at the Santa Train … Continue reading

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IN LOVING MEMORY OF MATT’S STEP-MOM

Karen Olhava-Henderson1958-2006 We love you. We miss you. We will always remember your gracious, hospitable spirt and your devotion to your son and our brother, Luc.

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