tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14516422213883337792024-03-05T02:22:35.896-06:00Austin's LegacyIn memory of my beloved child, Austin, who passed away at the early age of 14. He lived more in those 14 short years than most and was an inspiration to us all.joyfulchallengehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07233211059318873443noreply@blogger.comBlogger172125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1451642221388333779.post-9258779669387453632012-08-31T19:28:00.001-05:002012-08-31T19:28:19.701-05:00Unexpected BlessingsPart of me wanted to shut down this weekend. Close myself off and ignore the events taking place. To be alone in my sadness.
I'm so grateful I didn't.
I've learned through this grief journey that some things are meant to be shared. Certainly there is a time to be alone. Tears need to have a place to fall in comfort. Solitude in grief, for me, has brought me closer to God. It is in those joyfulchallengehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07233211059318873443noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1451642221388333779.post-937592328751515852012-08-31T19:24:00.001-05:002012-08-31T19:30:09.558-05:00Special Signs & ScholarshipFrom my other blog - joyfulchallenge.com
It seems very fitting that we selected the winners for the scholarship fund started in our son's memory on the cusp of Volunteer Appreciation Week. The Austin's Legacy Scholarship's main criteria is volunteerism and is rooted in the scripture,
1 Timothy 4:12.
Austin will always be known for his giving spirit and helping hands. He loved to volunteer joyfulchallengehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07233211059318873443noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1451642221388333779.post-34908548635943501772011-11-28T13:55:00.000-06:002011-11-28T13:55:07.524-06:00Reverse Shopping SpreeFrom Joyful Challenge:
Our shopping this weekend didn't include fighting crowds and hunting for deals, but instead involved hiding them. We didn't stand in line, scour the ads, and struggle with strangers but rather snuck, searched, and whispered through the store. The kids chose to do "acts of kindness" by attaching money to gifts and tucking them secretly back on the shelves. While we didn'tjoyfulchallengehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07233211059318873443noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1451642221388333779.post-7610018608404531472011-11-27T21:28:00.000-06:002011-11-27T21:28:07.806-06:00Family DayToday was bittersweet. We had a very large family gathering; and of course, anytime we're all together like that there is an obvious absence. Austin loved being with family, whether it was one or two or a huge crowd. In fact, our first "Family Game Day" was held our last year with him. Maybe that's what makes days like together so hard, and so special, all joyfulchallengehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07233211059318873443noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1451642221388333779.post-57866006372631247212011-11-10T13:07:00.000-06:002011-11-10T13:07:38.031-06:00This We Do In Memory of YouSince losing Austin, we've started the tradition of "Random Acts of Kindness" on his angel-versary, November 29th. Last year, I asked others to join in his memory. So many messages of support and sharing their acts came through via email and on his Facebook group, Remembering Austin. It was a wonderful way to remember such a beautiful soul.
Austin's legacy will always be his warm joyfulchallengehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07233211059318873443noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1451642221388333779.post-82130457530084764602011-08-09T10:09:00.000-05:002011-08-09T10:09:57.386-05:00Class of 2012Today is hard for me sweet boy...
because I think about what should have been.
Today would have been your first day as a Senior.
What excitement there would be, nervous anticipation, opportunities...
I can only imagine how tall you'd be, standing in front of our tree to take your picture.
So many dreams, hopes and plans cut short.
We miss you so.joyfulchallengehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07233211059318873443noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1451642221388333779.post-18011974894705277842011-07-05T20:41:00.000-05:002011-07-05T20:41:10.432-05:00Shaving in Heaven?The mailbox is an unexpected source of pain after losing a child. At first, it contains cards of prayers and sympathy; but then, it contains mail - for your child. You expect it at first but figure after time, mailing lists will be updated and it will cease. What hurts is when you open the mailbox and are unprepared for something addressed to the one you love who is no joyfulchallengehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07233211059318873443noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1451642221388333779.post-29143558441937616862011-02-11T16:56:00.000-06:002011-02-11T16:56:09.423-06:00To Honor Youfrom a Compassionate Friends newsletter....
To honor you, I get up every day and take a breath.And start another day without you in it.To honor you, I laugh and live with those who knew your smile.And the way your eyes twinkled with mischief and secret knowledge.To honor you, I take the time to appreciate everyone I love,I know now there is no guarantee of days or hours spent in their joyfulchallengehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07233211059318873443noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1451642221388333779.post-1022419256173136002011-01-28T21:05:00.000-06:002011-01-28T21:05:19.621-06:00Dancing in Heaven...It's Homecoming night and online are dozens of posts of girls in pretty dresses and young men wearing ties. I can't help but wonder how handsome you would've looked tonight. Would you have had a smiling girl on your arm? You'd be driving by now and this might have been your first big date.
As much as it breaks my heart, I close my eyes and can't help but imagine this night.&joyfulchallengehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07233211059318873443noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1451642221388333779.post-72399170368834834592010-12-07T16:32:00.000-06:002010-12-07T16:32:58.686-06:00Merry Christmas, SweetheartOne of the simple, every day things that I miss is bringing home surprises for Austin. I enjoyed spending money on him because it didn't matter if it cost one dollar or fifty, he was always appreciative. Even if it was a pack of gum or a jug of Sunny D, he'd grab me in a big hug and with that sweet smile of his, he'd thank me. Now, he needs for nothing and the only thing I can joyfulchallengehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07233211059318873443noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1451642221388333779.post-23776444078268604582010-12-05T16:44:00.000-06:002010-12-05T16:44:44.954-06:00A Touching TributeLast night, Tim, Noah and I bundled up in multiple layers to attend our Downtown Christmas Celebration and Night Parade. It's an annual tradition for our family to go the Christmas parade and we've been going for as long as I can remember. Noah was especially excited this year, as he would be riding in the BDFD rescue boat and throwing out candy. It was a blustery cold evening, joyfulchallengehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07233211059318873443noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1451642221388333779.post-29711358343335039472010-11-28T23:38:00.001-06:002010-12-04T15:12:42.113-06:002 years gone but never forgotten
We miss you every moment, Austin.
graphics for momsjoyfulchallengehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07233211059318873443noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1451642221388333779.post-63170128359185369652010-11-24T18:37:00.003-06:002010-11-26T21:08:49.352-06:00Thanksgiving memories with AustinWhen I sit back and remember past Thanksgivings with Austin the constant that comes to mind is his smiling face. Whether he is a toddler sneaking treats from the table or a teen eager to see family, his smile was always present.
Austin was never happier when family was together and when you added food into the mix, it was the perfect day for him. Thanksgiving held all of his joyfulchallengehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07233211059318873443noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1451642221388333779.post-65129565180145603592010-10-31T12:09:00.002-05:002010-10-31T12:12:54.498-05:00Not just a T-shirtFrom my blog "Finding Joy in Every Day"......
Our t-shirts arrived this week for the next fundraiser to support the Austin's Legacy Scholarship Fund. I had mixed emotions when they arrived. Working on this fund is a reminder of what we've lost but also a way for us to keep Austin's memory alive.
As I opened the cardboard boxes and pulled out the bright green shirts, it was a bit of a goose joyfulchallengehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07233211059318873443noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1451642221388333779.post-48198346731210663172010-08-27T14:28:00.009-05:002012-03-23T10:48:42.611-05:00"I'm Here"I am still so awestruck at what happened that I don't know if I can put my feelings into words! Anyone who knows me well at all, knows how special butterflies have become to me this past year, especially yellow ones.
A little over a year ago, I noticed how yellow butterflies seemed to follow me around. One day, on the way home from work, I was talking to Austin as I always do, and my truck was joyfulchallengehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07233211059318873443noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1451642221388333779.post-43458953584125042722010-07-24T14:15:00.006-05:002010-07-24T14:39:14.092-05:00My Mom Rocks!I was cleaning out old emails the other day and found one from Austin when he was around 10, the same age as Noah now. Those little surprise finds, like notes from Heaven, are so comforting to the soul. They lift you up when you least expect it and sometimes when you need it most.His email was short but sweet and I'll treasure it always:"hay mom i love you and hope we can do something togather joyfulchallengehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07233211059318873443noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1451642221388333779.post-11152237165220420232010-07-19T18:04:00.001-05:002010-07-19T18:04:45.431-05:001…2…  With both our children, Tim and I have used the “1…2…3” rule.  This means that if we reach 3, because the boys were doing something they shouldn’t, they would be disciplined.  Through the years, we rarely got to 3. As I’ve written before, Austin was an exceptionally good child.  He was always mature for his age and never really got in trouble.  As a baby, his nicknamejoyfulchallengehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07233211059318873443noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1451642221388333779.post-51506951467047711522010-07-14T19:11:00.011-05:002010-07-17T23:34:32.714-05:00Momma didn't raise no quitters...Noah is away this week at 4H camp and I can't help but think back to Austin's first and only camp trip. He was the same age as Noah is now and had been fairly active in 4H all school year. When flyers came out for camp, Austin was excited and eager to go.In those early years, Austin had been excited and eager about other adventures too, only to change his mind somewhere midstream. Like the joyfulchallengehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07233211059318873443noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1451642221388333779.post-16657970843226981282010-07-10T21:35:00.005-05:002010-07-10T21:49:46.382-05:00blue skies...smiling at meLast night the family gathered for a backyard BBQ, just like we used to on Austin's birthday weekend. It would've been his 16th birthday and even though I worried it would be too hard; I knew it was something he would've wanted us to do.I don't know if it was the many prayers said for us by family and friends, Austin looking down and blessing the night, or a mixture of both; but it was amazing. joyfulchallengehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07233211059318873443noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1451642221388333779.post-78734451577946453992010-07-08T08:33:00.007-05:002010-07-08T18:32:10.608-05:00BitterSweet 16There used to be a television show that followed the planning for amazing and outrageous Sweet 16 parties. Tim and I certainly had many ideas to make Austin's 16th one that he'd never forget. It would've been filled with food, family, friends and fun. While this isn't the way I'd dreamed of celebrating this milestone, there isn't anything we could've planned that would top Heaven.It hurts not joyfulchallengehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07233211059318873443noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1451642221388333779.post-65492773556615158802010-07-06T11:07:00.011-05:002010-07-06T20:33:13.349-05:00Sometimes I Wonder...Time doesn't heal the wounds of losing a child. The pain never goes away; you just learn to function and hide it better as the days go on.As Austin's 16th birthday approaches, I'm flooded with memories of him and of dreams that will never be. So many milestones and moments we'll never get to share with him, now that he's gone.The song, "Who you'd be today" seems to be running through my head bothjoyfulchallengehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07233211059318873443noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1451642221388333779.post-34789194378759153212010-06-28T23:37:00.006-05:002010-06-28T23:47:18.411-05:00Mamaw June's with AustinOne of the comforts in June passing was knowing who was meeting her at Heaven's gates. I know Austin was among the first to welcome her in. In fact, there were several moments in the past weeks at the hospital that I would feel his spirit, or smell his cologne, and know he was with her.Her funeral today solidified my feelings...June's funeral service was read from 2 Timothy, Chapter 4, on her joyfulchallengehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07233211059318873443noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1451642221388333779.post-60682026557839578062010-06-24T09:15:00.017-05:002010-06-24T11:59:20.559-05:00Driving in HeavenOne of the biggest milestones I looked forward to with Austin was seeing him get his license. As his 16th birthday approaches, my heart can't help but be heavy with the sadness of knowing this can't be.Austin was all boy from the very beginning and loved anything with wheels. As a toddler, I listened to him drive his little trucks around, all through the house, inside and out. He even had a rug joyfulchallengehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07233211059318873443noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1451642221388333779.post-48494264383397373922010-06-20T09:47:00.011-05:002010-06-20T18:14:01.666-05:00Father's Day PrayersHolidays are not the same when you've lost a child. There is an absence, an emptiness in your heart. There are certain days which are harder, obvious is your child's birthday and their angel date. However, the two holidays which celebrate being a parent, open the floodgates of memories too. So, on this Father's Day, I hold Tim extra close in my prayers.There are certain men who I think are just joyfulchallengehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07233211059318873443noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1451642221388333779.post-83359538457064673622010-06-07T16:21:00.009-05:002010-06-14T10:58:27.883-05:00Peace from AboveThe night before Austin's visitation, I prayed for peace. Our emotions were so raw prior to that and I didn't know if or how we would get through the services.A simple phone call would set off a roller coaster of emotions, so much so that we gave our phones to family members to just take messages. We didn't want to seem rude but it was just too hard to relive it over and over again with each new joyfulchallengehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07233211059318873443noreply@blogger.com0