Joy after Sorrow

Three years ago today, my beautiful sister-in-law passed away from a short 5 month battle with cancer. She and my brother had been married for 10 years. Her boys were 3 and 7 at the time. 

She was so loved. By everyone. She was one of my best friends. We spoke every day. She was hilarious. One of the funniest people I have ever known. She was constantly playing pranks and making me laugh like no one else.

(like stealing my camera when I wasn't looking and taking an incredibly unflattering picture of herself just for me to find it later when she wasn't around)

I miss her terribly. Every day. Her death was one of the hardest things I have ever gone through. My life was not the same after October 15, 2007.

But, I see her still in her little boys (who aren't so little anymore) and I know she would be so proud of them. They have these gigantic hearts and beautiful smiles. I adore them.

Through the birth of Sam and this whole adoption process, my heart has been broken to think that she will never know them. Or hold them. Or spoil them like she did the others. I know she would be so supportive of our journey and would have traveled it with us.  

Today is sad. But, God is good. 

He has blessed these sweet boys with a new mom and myself with a new sister.

Cindy and Chris got married a little over a year ago. She is a wonderful wife and mom. She adores those boys and has helped nurture their sweet little hearts to love the Lord.
And she couldn't be more excited and supportive of our adoption!
How blessed we are to have her in our lives!

She has been planning a book sale to help raise funds for our adoption expenses!
So, PLEASE If you are going to be in the Frisco area on October 30th, go out to Old Orchard Park and buy a book or two.....or 10!! And help spread the word!!!

God is good. He brings new promises with each new day.
And He brings joy after sorrow. 

When we finally get to bring this new little one home, I know she will have an incredible aunt here to love on her, and a precious saint in Heaven rejoicing!!