Beginning October 1st through, I think, tomorrow will mark a period in my life that has been crazier than I have ever known. God has proven himself faithful, and His peace has flooded our lives. It is amazing how life is full of varying emotions.
My mom arrived on the 1st for her 2 week visit. I had to work that day, so Kelly, Jake and Isabelle got to pick Grammy up from the airport. Grammy stayed at their house, and Stone, Grant and I were on the road early Thursday morning to get out to put our arms around Grammy. Tyler had a business trip to Austin, so we got to stay at the Keller Stones house for the night. 4 children ages 4 and under means busy fun times. They jump, jump on the big trampoline and then need some food to fuel some more jumps. So much fun!!!! The weekend was quickly here with a class at our church on Saturday morning and church that evening. We went and picked up Grammy on Sunday and she came back to our house to be here to watch the boys while I worked on Monday. Here is where God showed up....
Tuesday, October 7th I got a phone call from Tyler, who was already at work. In the midst of his tears, he asked if I was sitting down. I said, "What happened did someone die?" The answer was yes and are you sitting down. I sat on our bed and said yes. The tragic news was shared that our dear Pastor Kevin (he married us) lost his wife, Cindy, the night before. Shock! I could not believe it. Then the reality hit with sobs of tears. Questions where flying in my head and my mom was at the bed praying. Cindy had so many amazing qualities and filled with so much life. How, why, what... Dear God, please be with Pastor and the girls. Evidently, Pastor and Cindy had their date day on Monday and on their way home at 10pm in the middle of Cindy's sentence she was gone. God took her home. I got off the phone and called Taylor (their middle daughter and our babysitter). She said hey. I said hey. Then the tears flowed. Finally getting a breath, I asked if she would like company. She said yes. Stone and I went to see Tay. She was laying in bed with 3 of her girlfriends sitting with her, which gave me so much comfort to see her friends there for support. Our visit was short, yet the week was only beginning for the Eldridge family.
Wednesday evening, the church was opened for the family and friends to come share whatever was on your heart about Cindy. The things spoken were funny, sad, hilarious and heart wrenching. A precious lady was going to be extremely missed, yet left a true legacy for God's glory and for her daughters to cherish. Thursday evening held the viewing. Tyler and I arrived and there was a buzz of people talking. If you knew Cindy, you know she loved to talk about anything. Tyler said he hadn't been to a viewing where there was so much noise, and my response was Cindy would have it no other way. Tears sting my eyes as I write because a dear lady is not here to physically hug and talk to. Pastor and the girls handled everything with strength, grace and peace. We all were in amazement how the Lord was very evident in being present and holding this family up.
Friday, October 10th was the funeral and let me say the place was packed. Standing room only. People would cry and then share a laugh. Pastor's heart is to see fruit from Cindy's passing, and the testimonies have only begun. The officiator of the service, Terry Law, shared an amazing Salvation message and 70-80 people accepted Christ as their Lord and Savior. The funeral was the largest the funeral home had ever hosted. God was and is about a mighty work. At the grave side, the reality really hit my heart when I saw Pastor look over the crowd and at that moment I realized he was laying to rest the love of his life. Cindy's brother spoke at the graveside and there was something different about him, though I could not hear him I just felt it. Last night, I learned that he too had accepted Christ. Praise God!
Do you see how the emotions have gone from highs to lows?! Just incredible.
In the middle of this on October 8th, my dear friend gave birth to her first baby, Liliana Faith. Lili was born at 26 weeks, yet has been doing amazingly well. God has her in the palm of his hand, and Jesse and Ceci are being the amazing parents that God created them to be. Please do keep them in your prayers, as Lili is still in NICU. I read a blog written by Jesse/Ceci and was just in awe of their strength and trust in God. I look sooooo forward to hugging Ceci and seeing precious Lili!
Friday afternoon, Tyler, the boys, my dad and I drove to Austin for my cousin Nate's wedding. The trip went fantastic. Stone and I played ball in the car, very, very fun! Grant thought it was hilarious and would do his best to toss the ball. I just love my boys. They bring me so much joy and laughter. We were late for the rehearsal, but attempted to make the rehearsal dinner. Tyler and I arrived as Uncle Jud was getting ready to say the closing prayer, yet how fun it was to see the bride and groom. Their day was just around the corner. We left the restaurant to go to a Japanese restaurant to meet Uncle Dave, Aunt Trina, Allan, Nicole, Preston, Kathryn, Uncle Brian, Dave, Uncle Al and Aunt Mahna for some good sushi. Might I add this was just some of the Stone family. What a fun weekend to see and play with the fam!!! Saturday was busy with the hustle and bustle of wedding activities and at the same time managing the boys. Tyler did an amazing job with help from my parents, Uncle Jud and Aunt Kelly. Thank you so much. It blessed me in ways that I am still realizing. The wedding began a little after 6 and how beautiful was the bride. The ceremony held tears and laughter and ended with Mr. and Mrs. Nathaniel Stone walking down the aisle. Dinner and dancing was lots of fun and then back on the road to arrive home at 1am.
Sunday, we tried to catch up on sleep, and then Monday we went to see Grandpa Fred and Grandma Nella. Stone got to show and tell his new bike. He loves it! Then we went to Jason's Deli to have our last lunch before Grandpa and Grammy got on a plane to go home. Grandpa Bill came and we sang happy birthday to him!!! Saying good bye to Mom and Dad in the parking lot was hard, yet I am already excited about the next time we get to see one another, not sure when that will be, probably in March when grandbaby #6 arrives. Jud and Kelly are expecting a baby girl. Yippeee!!!!
Tuesday, I worked and what a day. Taxes are due today!! Bill said I yawned a lot, which after writing this post I know why. This was a glimpse into our lives for the past week, and again I have to reiterate that the Lord showed himself faithful through the entire period. My favorite quality of the Lord is that he brings amazing peace to any situation. I am grateful for all my friends who called and supported me. Your sweet words of encouragement have blessed me beyond measure! I know without a doubt the Lord is in control of my life, and I know He desires the same for yours. Be blessed today!
