Michele

Early Wednesday morning (May 6th) my Dad called me and told me that my cousin Michele had passed away during the night. I was immediately filled with mixed emotions. The sadness in knowing that Michele's time here on earth was now over and how much that we would miss her, but also great joy knowing that she was now with our Lord and Savior - singing and dancing! With no more pain or suffering. She had a kidney transplant last October and had struggled to recover from that. Since birth Michele has dealt with a lifetime of complications from cerebral palsy, but always has persevered ( I can only hope to be as brave as she was). Working, helping out around the house, loving her time spent with family and friends, giving generously her hand made gifts, many presents, but most of all, her love. It was perfect how the minister said it last weekend at her funeral, "For those of you who knew Michele, you remember how awesome her hugs were, if you were a person that was not filled with the love that she shared for you already, she would hold you so tight that she squeezed the love right into you!" And he was so right - she never let go first...I loved that about her (-: Doug, the kids and I all flew out there (Salida, CO) to be with our family for the weekend. During the trip, after a 3 hour delay in the Denver airport, grumpy tired kiddo's, we were able to really reflect on how much life is not about US, but remembering how precious our relationships are with the people that we love!

"For I know the plans I have for you", says the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future". - Jeremiah 29:11

Last August we visited Michele, Aunt Jan and Uncle Brad for a few days. So many wonderful memories were made during that visit that we will all cherish - I thank God for that time we had together!

This photo is of Michele, Ben and I