Touched by a legacy

It is hard to say goodbye, and maybe harder when you don't actually get to say goodbye.  To add to the emotions, joy abounds as we rejoice at an ultimate homecoming.  Major Len, Papa Len, you finally got to see your Jesus, to meet your maker.

Why is it that tears come when you know that God's will has been accomplished in a life; when you know that the legacy that follows will continue to touch the souls who knew Len.  Not tears for a death, but for an absence of life.  Selfish tears as we come to grips with a missing part of our today, yet joyous tears as we rejoice in the hope of tomorrow.

Over the past couple of days, I have been forced to readjust my focus.  Being naturally far sighted, it takes corrective lenses to see in the distance.  When I take my glasses off, all I can see is what is directly in front of me.  This seems to be a metaphor of my vision in life, and how I only focus on the task immediately facing me.  It takes corrective action to adjust my vision to the long-term focus and my ultimate goal.  Len, your passing has forced some corrective lenses on my eyes, and has brought Heaven into focus.  It's not about whether we have tomorrow here, but rather if our tomorrow will be with our Lord.

Len, you've touched our lives.  Nat and Anna (especially Anna) looked forward to Papa Len coming over on Friday nights.  Chelsea loved to hear Papa Len speak into her life and encourage her towards her goal of going on a missions trip.  Depak and I loved the constant and honest man that was Len Sperling: the mentor, the student, the encourager, the cheerleader.  Major Len, we were only touched by a small part of the man that you were, but we are thankful to our Lord for the work that he has done, and will continue to do, through you.

We'll see you on the other side, Papa Len.

(Chelsea was sad when we didn't have a pic of her and Papa Len)

The Slippers!

Well, my mom loves to create with her needles and hooks, and she did not disappoint when my girls asked her for slippers when she was here.  Just weeks after she left, the girls received a parcel in the mail.  SLIPPERS!!!  They love their new comfy slippers, and they're pretty cute all "matchy matchy" (goodness knows my girls love to match).

A visit from Grandma

In February my mom came out for a visit for two weeks.  It was a fantastic two weeks, especially for the girls.  Being so young, this was Anna's first visit with Grandma that she can actually remember.  Grandma spoiled us all with wonderful baking, lots of help (thank-you mom for helping me get my office all done!), but most of all, with lots of attention.  Still recovering from knee surgery, mom should have taken it easy, but she didn't let pain stop her from spending time with her granddaughters.

The saddest part of the trip was going home.  The night before mom left, Anna knew that she wouldn't see Grandma the next day.  She would not let her go at bedtime.  My mom rocked her and snuggled with her for two hours after bedtime, and Anna just didn't want to say bye.  Made it especially hard for Grandma to leave the next morning.

The best part of the trip, the memories the girls (and I) have of our time together.  Anna LOVES to talk to Grandma on the phone now, hogging it from the rest of us.  She really made a connection with her Grandma, too sweet.

Coming up next... the slippers from grandma!

Some dancing queens

These little beauties got to dance together in a fun dance class.  They had a good time, most of the time.  Now they are ready to take on some serious dance! :)

Tea for two

Chelsea got this beautiful tea set as a little girl, and I've saved it in a special place.  I pulled it out and introduced the little girls to it, and they love to have a tea party.  We are extra careful with this lovely porcelain set, as it already has chips in some of the little bears, but it is fun.

Happy Anniversary

Today I got to celebrate our wedding anniversary with my wonderful husband.  It was a low key anniversary, dinner at the Keg and hanging out together at the mall.  Just spending time together, and it was lovely.  At dinner we asked how this year was, and we were thankful to report that it was good.  It was busy, and stressful, and so much more, but we as a couple are good, and getting better every year.  Marriage is a committment, and I'm glad I'm committed to this guy!

Oh, and you know that we've been married a while when we buy eachother the same card.  So funny!

Another year draws to a close...

There have been many memories over 2011, and here is a small glimps of our year.  I am blessed to have the family and friends that I do. 

Happy New Year everyone!