Mixed Bag

Reading the many comments and emails has brought Becky and I renewed strength.

Today we attended the local neighborhood church that we have attended on infrequent occassion's. Today's sermon had a message that struck our heart directly on the events that are effecting us. The sermon discussed the Counsel we seek in our daily life. It talked of the importance of seeking professional counsel (Doctors), supportive counsel (friends & family), experienced counsel (Stephen's Mom), and spiritual counsel (Pastor Eddie Adams). After church we sat down with Pastor Eddie and informed him of the situation that has been put before us. We asked him if he would be our spiritual counsel no matter what the outcome is for us. Eddie made both Becky and I feel a stronger bond in our faith with the words of wisdom that he offered. His parting words to us will forever makes us laugh as he said enjoy the remaining time period that you have for you will never get this opportunity again with JJ, "so take him to Six Flags and do things with him". I don't foresee us going to Six Flags but I know that we will try to do some more memorable things than staying at home.

My playing hockey has led to an avenue when so many of our friends and family members can escape and have a great time. Our most recent game, even though we lost 3-2 proved this point as for hours after the game we all shared so much time and joy away from our daily lives. I have vowed to continue to play as long as it brings us these getaway moments.

It has been tough as Becky has already informed me of what she would expect for a funeral for JJ, while at the same time working on setting up JJ's room. I admire her for how she is handling everything. Since Becky works in a pediatric hospital she knows all too well what medically is ahead of us. I know she does not share all of this with me, but I have tried to relax her fears. My Mom once told me one of the hardest things she ever faced in raising me and my brother was separating between being a nurse and being a Mom. I keep reminding Becky that right now she needs to be the Mom and let the nurse step aside.

Knowing that we have all 4 of our pieces of Counsel in place has allowed Becky and I to feel more comfortable in our roles that we must occupy. We may never understand in this lifetime why God has brought this upon us, however it is the way we handle this that may help someone else.