THE HEART SPEAKS MUCH...

Today, sadly, I attended another funeral service. This time, again, though I did not know the deceased, his daughter has become like family to me and Jack. Mid week, Jack's teacher, Michelle, learned of the sudden passing of her father. I know it has been an especially difficult situation, and there are many emotions she is having to face.

In all of this however, what I am most impressed with is Michelle's ability to be strong, for herself, for her daughter Lexi who is just in 1st grade, for her grandmother who lost a son at just 47 years old.

There is something about Michelle that has always struck me as special. From first meeting her last September when she was a new teacher at Odyssey and Jack was one of her first "kids", I can say it is a rare thing to be around someone that truly shows compassion and care for children as she does. And as much love and sweetness as she showers the kids in her care all day long, I have absolutely no doubt she doubles that for her own children at the end of what can only be a very long day among 1 & 2 year olds. Lexi and Cain are two of the most polite, well mannered, sweet children I have had the pleasure to meet.

So, my heart and prayers this week go out to Michelle, Lexi and Cain, and also for the man in her life - Jonathan, who seems to also have found how special she is. Jack has been blessed to be in Michelle's care since last September, the longest relationship he's had with anyone on a daily basis other than me and Cory. With us living away from home and family, it's people like Michelle that make us feel like Birmingham is truly our home and that we do have our own "family" here!

A Tribute

Today I attended the funeral for Brooke Paracca Isbell (see yesterday's blog for more info). I can't even describe the grief that filled the room for this young wife and mother of two, she was just 31 years old. Although we all agree she lives on, it still will take time for those that loved her to truly move on and understand this life cut short. And through all of this, her mother, my friend Penny, has still not been told of her death as everyone agrees that due to Penny's delicate condition, she would probably not survive the news. On a dark day, however there was good news - Penny spoke for the first time today since being put on life support two weeks ago. On Wednesday, March 26th they didn't believe she'd make it through the night but she continues to prove the doctors wrong.

I wanted to share with everyone the poem that was included at the service. It gave me solace during a service that was more difficult than any I have ever attended, and in this case I had never even met Brooke, her husband Anthony or her boys, Bailey (10) and Peyton (3). It speaks to the strength of this family.

To Those I Love

When I am gone, just release me,

Let me go - so I can move into my afterglow.

You mustn't tie me down with your tears;

let's be happy that we had so many years.

I gave you my love, you can only guess how much

you gave me in happiness.

I thank you for the love you each have shown,

but now it's time I traveled on alone.

So grieve for me a while, if grieve you must,

then let your grief be comforted with trust.

It's only for a while that we must part,

so bless the memories within your heart.

And then, when you must come this way alone,

I'll greet you with a smile and a "Welcome Home."

(Author Unknown)