As I finally get a chance to think straight after a whirl wind of events and emotions, I am struggling. I'm struggling to see what good can come of Jayden's pain. To have seen him in the condition he was in, was more than we could take. All we could do was pray. As a group of about 8 people stood in the er room at Childrens Hospital surrounding Jayden's little lifeless body, we began to pray......all we could pray was "please give the Dr's wisdom, we need help for Jayden now!" Within about an hour....another dr. walked in the room and began to piece it all together. He was like an angel sent from heaven. He almost immediately, altho for a while it seemed like an eternity had passed, began the surgery to relieve the fluid from around Jayden's brain that had been building for the past 2 weeks from this trampoline fall. I can't possibly say how relieved we are and grateful that God spared this little boys life.
Although I'm grateful, I struggle at understanding God's mercy. I struggle that it's not fair! Life isn't fair, I realize that. When will it be enough for this family. So as I struggle to understand and grasp at God's goodness and mercy, I dwell on the things that I can understand and can grasp at. So I pray that I will focus on what God is showing me today. That is Psalm 91:1 "that those who find shelter in the most high will find rest in the shadow of the almighty." That's about all I can do and ask.
Wednesday, June 30, 2010
Sunday, June 20, 2010
My Dad
It's Fathers Day today. Although, I realize it's a made up holiday as my husband would say, so don't take it so seriously. I still find it a day to celebrate. So I pause to think about my Dad. This is my first Fathers day without him. So this year there was no need to shop for a tie or a funny or sentimental card or some latest gadget that he might enjoy. Even though I missed doing that this year, I realized that I have much to celebrate about my Dad. He was quite a Dad and I miss him a lot. So I celebrate my Dad today, even though he's not here. I know where he is. I'm glad for the many wonderful years he lived and the big part of our lives he filled. I am blessed to have had a Dad who had such an enormous influence in my life and in so many around him. What a wonderful gift. So today I received the gift. And that is in the memory of a wonderful Dad, who walked the walk and talked the talk. Thanks Dad. You were quite a man. I can only pray that my boys will grow into wonderful men that resemble you. I think they already are.
Tuesday, June 15, 2010
It seems that we're in a season of change in our lives. But I also know that change is inevitable. One thing in life you can count on and that's change. Sometimes the change seems wrong. But it's nonetheless change. As I prepare to become an official empty nester. (Altho, Chad is still at home so it's maybe not official,) but we are in the crossroads of becoming empty nesters. I thought that maybe I would be so bored and I'd be wondering what to do with myself some days. So far that has not happened. I think I'm busier than I've ever been. I wonder at times when the day will come when I'm bored! I hope that never happens. Jayden and Brooklyn are hanging out with us for the next few days. I forget what it's like to have little kids all day and all night. How do young parents survive the sleepless nights? I don't remember, but I really don't know how old parents survive the sleepless nights either!!! It's really been great. Well, minus the lack of sleep. Maybe they'll keep us young and energetic. Well, maybe not energetic. Well, maybe not young either. They just have a wonderful way of putting a smile on our face. They continue to light up a room and our lives.
Psalm 18:28 ~ Lord you have brought light to my life; my God, you light up my darkness.
Psalm 27:1 ~ The Lord is my light and my salvation - so why should I be afraid?
Psalm 119:105 ~ Your word is a lamp for my feet and a light for my path.
Psalm 18:28 ~ Lord you have brought light to my life; my God, you light up my darkness.
Psalm 27:1 ~ The Lord is my light and my salvation - so why should I be afraid?
Psalm 119:105 ~ Your word is a lamp for my feet and a light for my path.
Wednesday, June 9, 2010
Rummage, rummage, rummage! We were knee deep in rummage! The money that was made for research this weekend from peoples stuff (junk, leftovers, garbage) was nothing short of amazing. Can you believe that $6200.00 was made from peoples stuff? It was a God thing for sure! People came in droves. It was crazy! A ton of work....no doubt. But it was worth it. It was definitely a sacrifice for Justin and Stefanie, to have their home completely invaded by tons of stuff! The great thing is it's all going to research for Sanfilippo. So we pray!!!! Asking God to do great things for these babies! We know He can!
Sometimes our faith gets shaken, I know mine has. I have been shaken, broken and ripped apart. I'm sure we all have felt that at times. But God continues to remind me that He's at work, even when He seems silent.
Sometimes our faith gets shaken, I know mine has. I have been shaken, broken and ripped apart. I'm sure we all have felt that at times. But God continues to remind me that He's at work, even when He seems silent.
Monday, May 24, 2010
Tyler's Graduation
It was Senior Sunday yesterday. So I had prepared to share some thoughts about Tyler. I'm posting what I shared. I almost made it through without tears. But I somehow managed to get it together and read this in front of our church. Each parent of a senior had this same opportunity. I think there were 7 seniors.
I have in a way been preparing for this day for 18 years. I knew that the day would come when Tyler would turn 18 and be leaving the nest. Honestly, I have been dreading it and I haven’t wanted to let go. But I do have plenty to say about Tyler. So here goes. Tyler Lee Boyce was born November 25th, 1991. The Baby of the family, a Thanksgiving baby. Tyler was born a beautiful blonde, adorable, sweet, easy baby. Being the youngest of 4, he seemed to grow up fast. He did his best to keep up with his siblings and did a pretty good job of it. He was a delight to our family. His siblings often took over in the parenting department it seems, and maybe that’s why you turned out so well. Many times I found myself saying, don’t grow up Ty, I love this stage your in. At a young age he wanted to play sports and we’ve been watching him ever since. We watched him play, t ball, baseball, soccer, basketball and now volleyball. We watched countless games but we were always so proud to sit on the sidelines watching and cheering.
Tyler became a natural athlete, and he excelled on the volleyball court. He seemed to learn quickly how not to get riled. He learned to absorb the difficult things that would come his way very naturally. He showed that often on the basketball and volleyball courts. That’s a very special gift. He also has the gift of friendship. He makes friends easily. Often our house would swarm with kids!! On a regular basis we would have our cupboards and refrigerator raided, our family room rearranged, our stock of pop cans depleted, sweaty shoes, dirty socks and sports equipment left in the doorway to trip over, back packs filled with books that were often unread, cords and endless cords that would go from one end of the house to the other, connecting televisions, video games, etc.
I don’t think that a week would go by that Tyler didn’t forget something at home and would be texting me to bring to school what he’d forgotten. I made countless trips to Zion Benton High School.
But I wouldn’t change any of this for one minute. I will treasure these years in my heart for as long as I live. I heard this quote recently, “that when you were born, God gave you a boat ~ that’s your life, ~ designed to be an adventure for all your days on the earth. God also created a dock, and that’s your family, that would be the place of encouragement, safety and security to give you the courage to sail”. So Ty as we watch your boat sail, it’s with much pride and apprehension that we let you go. But know that your dock is your home, family and where you belong and we’re here to cheer you on. You have certainly made us very proud.
Tyler has a wonderful and warm sense of humor, and easy spirit. I also saw early on that Tyler has an open heart. His heart is big and he has an amazing ability to reach out to others especially when they’re hurting. He demonstrated that just recently.
It seems though that we blinked one too many times and now Tyler you’re grown and a wonderful young man, with hopes and dreams of your own. You came to a saving knowledge of Jesus Christ as a little boy. Stand firm on that foundation that was built in your life from an early age. We pray and know that you will continue to seek Christ. I know there were many times that I doubted my own wisdom in raising you, but I’m reminded of the promises of God and when I didn’t feel I was enough, I know He stood in the gap. And He will continue to do that in your life. A quote I read just recently is this ~ “Life is not about any particular achievement or experience. The most important task of your life is not what you do, but who you become”. ~
A verse that I want to share with you is this. Isaiah 30:21 says ~ whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you saying, “This is the way, walk in it.” We love you Ty! And we will never stop cheering!
I have in a way been preparing for this day for 18 years. I knew that the day would come when Tyler would turn 18 and be leaving the nest. Honestly, I have been dreading it and I haven’t wanted to let go. But I do have plenty to say about Tyler. So here goes. Tyler Lee Boyce was born November 25th, 1991. The Baby of the family, a Thanksgiving baby. Tyler was born a beautiful blonde, adorable, sweet, easy baby. Being the youngest of 4, he seemed to grow up fast. He did his best to keep up with his siblings and did a pretty good job of it. He was a delight to our family. His siblings often took over in the parenting department it seems, and maybe that’s why you turned out so well. Many times I found myself saying, don’t grow up Ty, I love this stage your in. At a young age he wanted to play sports and we’ve been watching him ever since. We watched him play, t ball, baseball, soccer, basketball and now volleyball. We watched countless games but we were always so proud to sit on the sidelines watching and cheering.
Tyler became a natural athlete, and he excelled on the volleyball court. He seemed to learn quickly how not to get riled. He learned to absorb the difficult things that would come his way very naturally. He showed that often on the basketball and volleyball courts. That’s a very special gift. He also has the gift of friendship. He makes friends easily. Often our house would swarm with kids!! On a regular basis we would have our cupboards and refrigerator raided, our family room rearranged, our stock of pop cans depleted, sweaty shoes, dirty socks and sports equipment left in the doorway to trip over, back packs filled with books that were often unread, cords and endless cords that would go from one end of the house to the other, connecting televisions, video games, etc.
I don’t think that a week would go by that Tyler didn’t forget something at home and would be texting me to bring to school what he’d forgotten. I made countless trips to Zion Benton High School.
But I wouldn’t change any of this for one minute. I will treasure these years in my heart for as long as I live. I heard this quote recently, “that when you were born, God gave you a boat ~ that’s your life, ~ designed to be an adventure for all your days on the earth. God also created a dock, and that’s your family, that would be the place of encouragement, safety and security to give you the courage to sail”. So Ty as we watch your boat sail, it’s with much pride and apprehension that we let you go. But know that your dock is your home, family and where you belong and we’re here to cheer you on. You have certainly made us very proud.
Tyler has a wonderful and warm sense of humor, and easy spirit. I also saw early on that Tyler has an open heart. His heart is big and he has an amazing ability to reach out to others especially when they’re hurting. He demonstrated that just recently.
It seems though that we blinked one too many times and now Tyler you’re grown and a wonderful young man, with hopes and dreams of your own. You came to a saving knowledge of Jesus Christ as a little boy. Stand firm on that foundation that was built in your life from an early age. We pray and know that you will continue to seek Christ. I know there were many times that I doubted my own wisdom in raising you, but I’m reminded of the promises of God and when I didn’t feel I was enough, I know He stood in the gap. And He will continue to do that in your life. A quote I read just recently is this ~ “Life is not about any particular achievement or experience. The most important task of your life is not what you do, but who you become”. ~
A verse that I want to share with you is this. Isaiah 30:21 says ~ whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you saying, “This is the way, walk in it.” We love you Ty! And we will never stop cheering!
Monday, May 17, 2010
The Color Purple
What an amazing color purple has become for me. I didn't realize it would ever mean so much. Everyone who sported a little purple this past weekend, thank you! What an encouragement! It showed that you cared! Purple hair, wow! Who would have ever thought that I would be sporting purple hair. The guy checking out at Jewel made a comment about my purple hair streaks. I proceeded to tell him about my grandbabies and MPS awareness. He said I see people in line all the time with crazy hair colors and he said they are just trying to look hip and cool. But he said for you it works and it's hip and cool, whether you were trying or not. OK.... so I left with a big smile on my face! He made me smile. Whether he meant to or not!
Over $1100 dollars came in from purple hair streaks! Who would ever have guessed! Something so crazy.... but fun! Thank you Jesus.......for purple hair streaks!.......You are good!!!
Over $1100 dollars came in from purple hair streaks! Who would ever have guessed! Something so crazy.... but fun! Thank you Jesus.......for purple hair streaks!.......You are good!!!
Wednesday, May 12, 2010
MPS Awareness day....
Here is the scoop. MPS Awareness day is May 15 (Saturday). And, because it falls on a weekend, I am asking we all observe it on Friday at school, work, or whatever your day looks like on Friday in hopes to bring more attention to Sanfilippo. We are encouraging you, and your friends, to
wear purple on Friday
(and Saturday too if you want). We are taking it a step further and having
a PURPLE STREAKING party on Friday
....no, we are not painting ourselves purple and streaking.....although that would bring a whole lot of attention to Sanfilippo! We will be dying our hair with 2 purple streaks to represent Jayden and Brooklyn. Jodelle-our paddleboardin friend thought of the idea and is doing it in Missouri, too. It will be done by two professional hair stylists. The streaks can be as bright and noticeable or hidden and blended as you want. Any hair color welcome!
13215 W. Wadsworth Rd.
Wadsworth, IL
Friday, May 14, 2010
6-10 PM
$5 per streak
all proceeds and any donations will go to www.buildwiththeboyces.com
More info:
Carol 847-951-7920 or Heidi 847-721-5541
Under 18 must have parent consent
I also want to include some educational information so when you are telling people why you are wearing purple-you can explain it....Here is a general "script"... hope this helps.
Today is MPS Awareness day. MPS is a genetic disorder that effects about 1 in 25,000 children. Very basically, cells can't recycle a particular "sugar" like our bodies can and sugar builds up in every cell in a child's body causing the body to slowly stop functioning. Children are born normal and over time, they slowly loose any of the skills they gained. Most children don't make it past their teenage years because currently, there is no treatment or cure--mostly due to lack of funding for research. There are different types of MPS and I am wearing purple today in support of two kids I know with Sanfilippo, which is type 3 (MPSIIIA). But the family, and I, are hopeful that there will be treatment options or a cure in the future....we also believe that God's in control and that Jayden and Brooklyn's life is special-whatever the future brings. If you want more information about it or want to get involved, go to www.buildwiththeboyces.com.
If you want more detailed info, you can also visit www.mpssociety.com.
Here is the scoop. MPS Awareness day is May 15 (Saturday). And, because it falls on a weekend, I am asking we all observe it on Friday at school, work, or whatever your day looks like on Friday in hopes to bring more attention to Sanfilippo. We are encouraging you, and your friends, to
wear purple on Friday
(and Saturday too if you want). We are taking it a step further and having
a PURPLE STREAKING party on Friday
....no, we are not painting ourselves purple and streaking.....although that would bring a whole lot of attention to Sanfilippo! We will be dying our hair with 2 purple streaks to represent Jayden and Brooklyn. Jodelle-our paddleboardin friend thought of the idea and is doing it in Missouri, too. It will be done by two professional hair stylists. The streaks can be as bright and noticeable or hidden and blended as you want. Any hair color welcome!
13215 W. Wadsworth Rd.
Wadsworth, IL
Friday, May 14, 2010
6-10 PM
$5 per streak
all proceeds and any donations will go to www.buildwiththeboyces.com
More info:
Carol 847-951-7920 or Heidi 847-721-5541
Under 18 must have parent consent
I also want to include some educational information so when you are telling people why you are wearing purple-you can explain it....Here is a general "script"... hope this helps.
Today is MPS Awareness day. MPS is a genetic disorder that effects about 1 in 25,000 children. Very basically, cells can't recycle a particular "sugar" like our bodies can and sugar builds up in every cell in a child's body causing the body to slowly stop functioning. Children are born normal and over time, they slowly loose any of the skills they gained. Most children don't make it past their teenage years because currently, there is no treatment or cure--mostly due to lack of funding for research. There are different types of MPS and I am wearing purple today in support of two kids I know with Sanfilippo, which is type 3 (MPSIIIA). But the family, and I, are hopeful that there will be treatment options or a cure in the future....we also believe that God's in control and that Jayden and Brooklyn's life is special-whatever the future brings. If you want more information about it or want to get involved, go to www.buildwiththeboyces.com.
If you want more detailed info, you can also visit www.mpssociety.com.
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