Happy Father's Day Daddy!

God took the strength of a mountain,
The majesty of a tree,
The warmth of a summer sun,
The calm of a quiet sea,
The generous soul of nature,
The comforting arm of night,
The wisdom of the ages,
The power of the eagle's flight,
The joy of a morning in spring,
The faith of a mustard seed,
The patience of eternity,
The depth of a family need,
Then God combined these qualities,
When there was nothing more to add,
He knew His masterpiece was complete,
And so, He called it...
Dad
-Unknown Author

Happy Father's Day Dad!
We miss you very much and wish you were here.

Love, Natalie and Joshua

Happy 12th Birthday Natalie!

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Natalie is 3 days old in this picture! Jerry was 30...and a "New Dad". I just love this picture of Jerry and Natalie. I think it is so sweet of the two of them. Natalie looked just like her Daddy even way back then, and still does today!








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It's amazing how fast time passes. I can't believe we have gone from that little 3 day old baby to this beautiful 12 year old girl.
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Celebrating Natalie's birthday today was bittersweet. This year of "firsts" has really been hard for me. As soon as we celebrate one "first" without Jerry and clear that hurtle, we turn the corner and another one is right on top of us again. I think Natalie did a great job today and I'm so proud of her. It was; however, a really difficult day for me as I thought about Natalie and stared at the picture above of Jerry holding his first newborn . I think I took it a lot harder than I even expected. I can deal with my own grief and pain, but I think the grief and pain I feel for my kids and the crushing heartache I have for them over their losing their Daddy is most overwhelming.
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All the neighbors on our lane had dinner with us tonight at our home. And, there again, Jerry was sorely missed. It's not the same without him. I could picture him being at the dinner table with all of us tonight...laughing! We all miss his laugh. I think he laughed at everything.
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Happy Birthday Natalie! I know Daddy is all smiles as he watches you from Heaven!
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The Lord is near to the brokenhearted, And saves those who are crushed in spirit.
Psalm 34:18
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Candy

Happy 6th Grade Graduation Natalie!

Natalie graduates from the 6th grade this afternoon. The public elementary schools in Santa Barbara are kindergarten - 6th grade and junior high is 7th and 8th. She is very excited and looking forward to junior high this Fall. This picture was taken this past Friday before she left for her 6th grade dance. She is so much like her Daddy! Her personality and character traits are just like Jerry, which are some of things that I just love about her. I can't believe how much she has grown and how beautiful she has become. She is now taller than me!

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Pray for us as this school year comes to an end. It has been a year of deep heartache and tragedy for us. We began this school year with Jerry alive, and end the year alone. It was on the very first day of school in August 2008 that Jerry went for his first MRI. Five weeks later he went to be with our Lord. How did this happen? As we face life on this earth, we truly do not know what tomorrow will bring.

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Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes. Instead, you ought to say, "If it is the Lord's will, we will live and do this or that." James 4:14-15

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Pray for Natalie this afternoon. Her speech was one of five chosen to be given at graduation. She has such a positive, sweet and gentle spirit. I know she will do well. Please pray for me too. My heart is crushed and I'm so heartbroken that Jerry will not be sitting beside me this afternoon to see Natalie graduate and to share in this event with us. We miss him so much and many of our activities feel "empty" without him. We truly live one day at a time and only by the faith we have in the God we serve.

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Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart. Hebrews 12:2-3

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Love, Candy