I am sorry it has taken me so long to write an update! There is something to say about the distraction of an upcoming birth and the preparation that it requires! Janni will soon be an aunt again! She is a fabulous aunt and my two girls threaten to dump me for her time and time again! My daughter was telling me the other day that aunt Janni always says "heck yah!" to all of her ideas and I happen to always say "no". We had a big laugh over her observation. Anyway, Janni loves my children and they know it and feel it!

I woke up this morning thinking about Kole's hands and feet! I do not know why this was in my thoughts! I guess when he was so sick I spent some time holding his hand and praying at his little thin feet. I can remember cupping those feet in my hand! I marveled at their creation and how God could create such beautiful hands and feet on my nephew! Hands and feet that were connected to a body that was so sick! He was beautiful even in sickness! He was handsome and my heart spills over with love for him! I do not think I could have learned about such love any other way than praying alongside his bedside! God was our teacher and our comforter and He brought beauty from ashes and strength from our tears. I was just thinking yesterday that that period time was like a dream and yet it was real. God was real and He was good! I would not trade His presence for anything! God bound our family together with His love! He used Kole to draw us together and to Himself.

Janni and I were driving together to a graduation party as she was telling me Kole was just separated from her for a time! She does not feel his loss, only the wait is difficult. I told her that I felt we did not have to stop loving him even though he is away and that we can take that love and pour it on the children God has left with us! All children are God's and He so graciously loans them to us to point them back to Him. We realize that He can ask for them back at anytime! We are thankful to get the chance to love them and teach them about the Source of our love. I happened to get to enjoy Judah David when we were together! I put him on the floor as he loves to move those arms and legs. He cuddles, which is rare for Janni's babies, but he moves constantly while he cuddles. He has been blessed with "high activity genes" from both sides of the family. Anyway, as he was laying on the floor he looked up with such love in his little eyes especially when his mom knelt down with me to admire him! He tries to communicate and is as bright as any baby I ever saw! I marvel at God's work in forming him and wonder what the future holds for him! I am sure it shines brightly. He is God's baby and we get to hold Judah and enjoy him knowing that God has a special plan for his life. It will be exciting to watch it unfold before us! I believe he and "Grace" (baby not yet born) will be close cousins much like Leah and Kole were.

I will miss watching Leah and Kole play with each other here on earth. Leah said the other day that she would be upset if she gets to heaven and Kole is still a kid and she an adult! She wants another chance to play with him like old times! I told that to Janni and we were both filled with tears. She said isn't that so sweet. Love is sweet! We would have nothing and no one if we did not have a sweet, kind, and generous God. We would not have these precious moments and memories. He is just and good in all He does, even when it seems so hard. God will guard our hearts and grow them as well! Kole does get to play with many of his friends from St. Jude and that brings a smile to my heart and a comfort as well! I am sure they do not get into any fights, but enjoy pure bliss~

Jodi





Jodi