Instant

We received the autopsy on Makenzie the other day. (Wow, does that feel strange to say).  What we had heard from the officers on the scene and other medical professionals was confirmed by the report; that Makenzie died instantly.  As the euphemism goes, “She never knew what hit her.”
When the impact happened, we believe that [...]

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My Bi-Polar Hope

It’s not my medical condition.  It’s not my emotional state of being.  It is how I, as a human Christian, have to deal with the loss of Makenzie.  On the one hemisphere of my brain, I feel deep sorrow because I can’t give her a hug; I can’t hear her laugh; I can’t watch her [...]

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“The Word I Was Looking For”

“The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” Psalm 34:18
That’s the word I’ve been looking for; brokenhearted.  I’ve been looking for it for a while.  When asked how I’m doing, now I know; brokenhearted.  It’s the perfect word to label the feelings that sometimes wash over me.  Without [...]

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What’s in your closet?

Last week, we packed up Makenzie’s bedroom.  Not me.  I couldn’t.  My gracious mother came over and helped Kellie.  They didn’t throw anything away (how could they) but they did box it all up for some future time of sorting.
But let me take you back to a day before the packing.  Kellie, Nathan, Maddie, and [...]

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Sneak Attacks

On Friday, Kellie and I had coffee with Nancy and Katie (see picture) – two of Makenzie’s close friends.  I asked how they were handling things after the accident that claimed Makenzie’s earthly life.  Katie said something to the effect of, “I’m OK except for those sneak attacks; those times when I come across a [...]

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The Heavenly Ballet

Friends,
We have received so many wonderful sayings, songs and poetry that Makenzie’s life inspired.  Below is a poem that was written by Mary Neely called “The Heavenly Ballet.”
She took the stage with grace and poise
Her audience awaited.
The music played, her body swayed
For this she was created.

As she moved across the stage
Her soul and body, one.
Her [...]

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The New Normal (part 2)

Part of the new normal has been to realize that it is natural for the old normal to show up.  The other day, I went to set the table for dinner and pulled 5 plates out of the cabinet.  I had to put one back. 
Another part of the new normal is to notice when the [...]

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The New Normal (part 1)

I’ve spoken several times about this reality called the ‘New Normal’.  I don’t exactly remember who said it but that phrase is not original.  It was most definitely coined by someone who has already traveled this road on which we find ourselves.
Before June 3rd of this year, there was a life routine that defined our family life.  There [...]

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How many text messages!?! (Part 2)

In a few weeks, many families will be sending their first-born off to college.   Many tears will be spilled.  Many sighs will be heaved as they return home to a home-life that is different — changed from this point on.  It’s not good, it’s not bad, it’s just different. 
In a small way, I guess, these families have [...]

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How many text messages!?! (Part 1)

Yesterday, we received our phone bill on-line from the month of May.  As is my habit, I looked at Makenzie’s bill summary.   9713 text messages!  That breaks down to 313 texts per day, 15 texts per hour.  (Also remember that she was not texting – supposedly – during school hours of 7:30 – 2:30).  Straight up… [...]

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