11 years ago today

Today is October 1st, a sad and joyful day. I wasn't sure if I wanted to post about it..yet here I am with tears running down my cheeks.

11 years ago today, my step dad Stafford passed away suddenly. it was unexpected and my family was literally in shock. It was a very hard time for us. This is my sisters dad, and she is a daddy's girl, this was very hard on her! I remember being numb on this day. 

(my sister when she was little with her dad)

11 years ago today, my sister gave birth to her son, my nephew Zander. Oh what a joy this little guy has been in our lives.  He is a great kid!

( this is Zander a few years ago)

The reason I decided to share this story was simply to show that God does work in our lives. It was time for my step dad to go home to his Heavenly father, and He knew this would bring pain and sorrow to all, especially my sister. 

He replaced her sorrow with joy with the birth of her son Zander. 

It took me many years to realize this and not be bitter. God has a plan for everyone's life..if we would just yield to the Holy Spirit and listen to Him, oh what joy we will have.  Life has its trials and sorrows, as we had on that early morning, but we also had JOY later on that same day.

I don't always understand the whys behind the things that happen in this life...

but I have learned to NOT lean on my own understanding but to lean on Him. 

Stafford you are missed very much in everyone's life here on earth, but one day we will see you again.

HAPPY 11th BIRTHDAY to my wonderful nephew Zander!! What joy you have brought to all of us!