Tuesday, August 14, 2007

Home again, Home again...jiggity,jig.

Well, everyone, I'm back! Hard to believe that last Tuesday, I was driving to Arkansas!! So much has happened over the last week that my brain is having trouble catching up...I've been in a bit of a fog lately...after reading this, you'll understand why!

Last Tuesday morning, we passed through Valdosta and stopped to see Melissa, Kayden and Granny Jewel...I took that opportunity to have one last conversation with Janey (meaning, Melissa's tummy)...I had a strong feeling she was going to go in to labor while I was in AR. Tuesday evening we stopped in Birmingham to stay with the Moore Family (Chad's cousins). Thanks again Keith and Erin - it was so good to visit with you guys - Shep and Rauly loved seeing Harrison and Elizabeth Anne!! We arrived in Arkansas Wednesday evening and it was Thursday morning that I received the call from Terri saying that Melissa was going to be having Janey that day. I have never in my life wished more strongly that I could be in two places at once. I am so thankful I had the opportunity to see my brother, and all the rest of my family,...still, my heart hurt knowing that I wouldn't be able to be in Valdosta with the rest of the family and friends. Terri (Melissa's sis), Patience and Nikki (Melissa's friends) made it easier on me by calling me every hour or two to give me updates on how Janey, John and Melis were doing. I wound up staying till Saturday so all of my family would have the opportunity to visit with Shepherd and Rauly - Jacob and I got to see the movie Transformers, drank some Starbucks coffee together and visited while we drove back and forth to Cabot and Conway to see family. Of course I valued my time with my parents, but I NEVER get to see Jacob - so it was really a treat to have some one-on-one time! I'm proud of him - he's got a great job that is paying for his school and he will graduate in 1 week with a degree in business management! Saturday afternoon, I made the long trek back to GA. As you can imagine, Sunday and Monday were pretty much a blur - getting to sit with Melissa and see Janey's sweet pictures,...hugging, crying...even laughing a few times....when John and Terri are in the room...there's guaranteed to be some laughter! :) Monday was Janey's funeral and all I will say is that I will never forget that day - it was a sweet ceremony. Please keep the Hicks family in your prayers.

Now that we're home, I've been unpacking and cleaning...trying to gear up for the crazy fall season! I've included some pics of our whirlwind trip to AR. Hope everyone is doing good - I've been reading ya'lls blogs...just haven't had time to comment.

10 comments:

Michael and Hannah said...

So glad you're home! It's so funny that I miss people when they're out of town and I don't even live anywhere near them! Actually, you're about as close as it gets for me! I love that slideshow format... too cute! You guys are all so technological! I have no idea how to do a slideshow or post a video. I'm lucky I grasped the concept of uploading photos after my friend showed me how! We're praying for the Hicks family.

Adawk said...

It was nice to meet you on Monday, you are so right about John and ter. Are you from conway, my cousin married a girl from there, they both went to Harding.

Adawk said...

I always forget you can not reply to the comments in your inbox....anyway. My cousin is Brian Schwieger and he married Laura Goodman (I think was her maiden name)

Lindsey Eason said...

Wow - what a small world! Chad and I both know Brian and Laura - I forgot that they lived in Conway! Unfortunately we haven't kept up with them, although we have heard through the grape vine that they had a baby (that was forever ago so I'm sure that baby is now a toddler!).

Mommy of two said...

Hey! I am sorry we didn't get to see each other while you were here either. You'll just have to make another trip here soon! :o) I am glad you got to be with Melissa. I am sure she was glad to have you there. Your pictures are so cute! Rauly looks so precious with her haircut!

Page said...

Glad you are back safely from your trip and that you were able to be with Melissa as well!

kristy said...

I think you definitely win the "whirlwind trip" award! Glad you made it home safely. Love the pics--the one of the boys in the tub is super cute. Their faces are priceless! I'm also glad you were able to spend time with Melissa, John and their family. They have been in our prayers, and will continue to be so in the weeks to come!

Lane said...

Hey girl! Thanks! I don't have a clue what I'm doing on there. It's so confusing! I don't know how to change my page layout or get my friends link on the side of my page. Or how to get a picture on my about me part. If you have any suggestions that'd be awesome! That is so sad about your friend. I recognize her from Harding. Tell her that they are in our prayers.

LaurieR said...

Hey! It was good to see you earlier this week, even considering the circumstance. Your blog is an inspiration....I'm just getting started and it is NOT as easy as some of you make it look :) Hope ya'll have a good weekend!

Anonymous said...

I'm so glad you got home safe! We'll get together next time you're in town. Sound good? Rauly is getting so big! She's starting to look like a little girl now. :) They are both precious, beautiful babies! You and Chad did well(of course, with a little bit of God's help too.) :) Love you, Shauri