Silver Linings

We all know there are always silver linings in the clouds. We also know they require some real search parties sometimes! Our week has been a mixed bag of blessings and heart break. But I'm concentrating on the blessings part right now, as it somehow eases the heart break a bit! My brother's service was the most beautiful memorial I've ever experienced. There were many people who felt moved to share very sweet things about Wayne. There were little surprises, like Wayne's music he recorded in his young 20's as a rock star ... and a slide show of various pictures that his wife Debbie put together, so perfectly expressing his life within the phases and eras, including his hair dos through the decades! There was a motorcade of motorcycles, 2 of which were actually his. His oldest friend in the world, Bob, rode Wayne's Harley and really did the honor justice. But the absolutely most wonderful thing we found at the service was Erin. Erin is Wayne's daughter who we've seen NONE of since she was an infant. Wayne and Debbie have seen her, of course. But as families often are now, Erin was raised in a different state (Tennessee) and it just wasn't an option for us to visit given whatever situation. SO, now we have uncovered such a beautiful treasure that we would have otherwise waited WHO KNOWS how much longer to find! So, meet Erin! She is a graduate of UTK (Univ. of TN at Knoxville) and is currently choosing her life's work ... and what direction she'd really like to pursue. Anyway, the concentration is animal science, one way or another! We are so excited to welcome Erin actively into our lives and look forward to catching up on a lot of past time. Pictured here are left to right: Erin Taylor - my brother's daughter; Jennifer - my daughter; and Derek Doker - my sister's son ... missing from this generation in the picture is Jon - my son; and Hollie - my sister's daughter.

There were many other silver slivers that came out of the past week. Paul & I had Jen, Vic and Christian at the house from Sunday before Christmas until Christmas day. It was such a treat to have the house filled with family, especially with a family member who is so determined about Santa Claus and enthusiatic about presents! Christian really kept the spirit of the season alive for us, and provided a huge diversion from the sadness. He is precious.

There have been so many sweet and wonderful messages from friends and family and I appreciate all of them. Thank you so much for your love and support!

Will update soon, as the two Adams boys will be arriving tomorrow for a visit!!!! Until next time, joy in your hearts and peace in your souls! (and Paul says, Chocolate in your bellies!) Paul & Cheri