50

 Honest ... Today, I turn 50! Yes I am 50.  I don't want to celebrate. It's not that I don't want to turn 50, It's just I never wanted to celebrate a number that my husband was never able to reach here on earth. I never thought that I would celebrate a year as early as 50 without him. 

When April 25th, 2025 came and he wasn't here to celebrate his 50th birthday, we still celebrated him! So, why would I want to celebrate my day without him.  He would have been excited to celebrate today so I will celebrate! This is the time I would've caught up to him.   One unique thing about our Birthday's  is that our 1/2 Birthday's are each others Birthday's.  He was April 25th and me Oct 25th, of the same year! 

Today,  is a  reminder on how blessed our little family is.  An extended family that has stood by Lydia and I for almost 9 months and reminded us we are not in this alone,  I have a work family that has shown me so much care, and I am so thankful for a daughter and her boyfriend, Eli who time after time have been here for me when the tears just flow and the two of them continuely tell me, " It's ok and you are doing well."  "Keep going!"  I am so blessed that today so many of my family will take time to celebrate with me! I am so thankful even though it feels bittersweet!

I will continue to keep looking at ways to be grateful for each oppertunity that comes into my path to whom I can celebrate too.  Thinking of the ways I can somehow be there for those who have constantly been around me, who maybe need encouragement the way I once too needed it!

I am continuely reminded of one thing,  We have a Heavenly Father that will never leave our side.  He has and will continue to place people to be by our side.  When we are walking in a storm he will bring us through each storm and make us grow during those times. I  am thankful for celebration's here on Earth and in Heaven!  I can't wait for the best Celebration some day! Something Kent has already Celebrated!  

So Let's Celebrate!

 

Love, Leah and Lydia and Heavenly Hugs from Kent! 

Pouring into Lydia!

 As I sit in Kent's Chair right now,  I reflect on just how much Lydia and I miss all that Kent helped both of us with.  

The last time I wrote to update you on the blog, Lydia was just getting her feet "wet" in her last year in under grad at Hope. She was just entering into her new internship and was mentoring RA's at Hope.

Since she has started her fall school year, it has been a JOY watching her, and hearing the many blessings of each person she pours into, but also hearing the stories of those who pour into her as well. Kent was one of those people who alway poured into Lydia and recently she is feeling his absence.  Lydia is getting ready to apply for Grad school. Kent would have helped her moving forward without missig a beat and I am not as confident that I can fill those shoes. Currently she is working on all the first steps of the applying. We will update you when we have more details in the progress as it comes avalible.

I too, have been feeling very underconfident in many things without Kent!  As I have started my school year, Kent would have helped me navigate all my trainings for school and now I nervously attempt some of it on my own. I am very thankful for staff at JCS who have helped me through some as well.  There are  also many times where when I want to make a recipe and I need to open a can and I'm by myself, "one handed" and I think, "Oh no! I can't work the can opener!" I instantly break into tears! Then as we enter into the months of winter I know I will struggle to navigate driving and I lose my confidence during the winter months.  

Many of you knew Kent to be very quiet,  yet he did so much for not only the two of us but so many.  I find myself daily saying, "Kent did that so well, now how are we going to do it on our own"  Kent was a "Kent" of all trades.  Where there was a need he was there and poured into everyone! 

This past weekend Lydia and I had a chance to go away for the weekend.  While on that short stay we encountered a few hiccups and both of us said,"Well, that wouldn't of happened if Dad/Kent were here to help us do it." Lydia and I had a great time visiting Mackinaw Island together.  We did a few first things, too! Lydia drove us all the way there and home and did amazing. We headed to the carriage ride tours right away when we hit the island and then got off at the Grand Hotel.  We sat on the porch, did the self tour of the spots vistors can go, we visited a restraunt we had never been to and sat outside sweating in October. 

 Missing Kent every new experince isn't easy, but I pray that as it is a new normal that we learn as we go and can remember what Kent would have done. I pray as a family we remember the past with Him, create new memories remembering him. To live and love people, pouring into them as he poured into Lydia, and doing everything with a servants heart! 

Thank You to all of you for Pouring not only into Lydia, but to me as well! 

As I wrap this blog post up I say a huge THANK YOU if you have some how helped our little family survive and navigate the big shoes Kent has left us! We appreciate you!  

 On another note... I may be reaching out if your nearby to open a can! 

Love, Leah and Lydia