Good morning... Our nine year old dog went to heaven recently, and what I learned from our choice to release Tate's spirit from her cancer-filled body helped me this week. A friend called, distraught. Their ten year old dog had inoperable tumors growing in his liver. He would happily walk their five mile route, then he would suddenly [...]
Good morning... Month after month, day by day, our written word community prayed diligently for Elizabeth, a creative mom of three, an incredible wife, and a kind friend to so many. One year ago today, Elizabeth's cancer journey invited her into her heavenly home. Revisiting her beautiful obituary helps us to remember Elizabeth's vibrant life and her bottomless [...]
Good morning... "I thought of you and Audrey’s family when I read this and just wanted to share," an old friend wrote. Received in the midst of a challenging week, God's timing was perfect. ******* Dear Loved One by Sean of the South, June 18th This is weird. I realize this. But I wanted to write to you, [...]
Good morning... "I was just thinking,” yesterday I texted our Fab Five friend group, a group that has supported the cancer journey of the DeShetler family for the last fifteen years. “Jesus was on earth for 33 years, and, Jennifer, I wonder if our Father missed his son’s presence in heaven, like you are missing Audrey on earth.” [...]
Good morning... As we stood in the hallway of the funeral home yesterday, waiting to join the family for a private viewing of Audrey in her open casket, my friend showed me the new screen saver on her phone. I snapped the precious photo above. A fun memory from an earlier day. Pink. Smiling. Relaxing. Together. What a [...]
Good morning... This week, I have communicated with so many of you about Audrey and the DeShelter family, through text, email, zoom, and face to face. Your messages of love have been so precious. I find it an honor to collect our written words in a single post. May you enjoy reading about the strong web of love [...]
Good morning... The full moon peeks through our window pane, piercing through the trees, partnering with the dark of night. I catch a glimpse and am drawn outside. Wet grass. Bare feet. A perfect pairing on my parents' 65th wedding anniversary. I have returned to Atlanta, Georgia, with special memories lingering from my nine day visit with my [...]
Good morning... I woke yesterday in Ohio on my mom's 87th birthday. Her part-time helper snapped a few pictures of us before we shared her birthday breakfast in their villa and opened her birthday cards and gifts. After the simple celebration, I opened my computer and up popped a [...]
Good morning... Around 3:00 pm yesterday, from Jennifer DeShetler our small group of friends received a text. "Audrey just passed." Then privately she wrote me. "Who is the pastor on duty?" "I will ask," I replied. "Will get back to you." "Please asap." I connected her to Dr. Bill, our head pastor at Northside Church. Soon after, I [...]
Good morning... Last night, on the grounds of my parents' senior living community in Ohio, I went on a walk at dusk, around 7:30 pm. At 7:56 pm, I received this update from the DeShetler family. I gave my full focus to [...]
