Strength in Faith

So, this weekend we attended the memorial for our dear friend Joyce. I have to admit I was a bit apprehensive about attending this and having my girls come as well, but in my heart I knew it was the right thing to do. We arrived about 2 minutes late, thank goodness they hadn't begun yet. We were going to sit in the back and as we were arranging some chairs Buck, Joyces' son motioned for us to come over in his direction and he proceeded to sit us at the family table where he, his two sisters (Robin and Lori) and his father (Larry) were seated. What an honor it was to be called to sit with them as we just met this family 4 years ago when we moved in our home in Wimer. I can remember the first Christmas here when we wanted to give them a gift but decided to bring them some cookies instead as we weren't sure if they celebrated Christmas or not; you just never know and we wanted to be respectful if they didn't. It's crazy now to think about that because the faith in this family is incredible and the strength they have obviously is because of that faith! The service was beautiful, sad, happy, enlightening, uplifting and just a bundle of emotions. I think it was probably the most emotional ceremony Rame had ever been a part of. It brought back so many emotions beginning with the loss of my dad, my brother, grandfather, aunt, Tina and of course the years we watched Jim fight for his life!! We remembered Joyce and actually got to know her so much more through the service and realized just how much the family means to us and how much we mean to them! It's a bit crazy as we casually say our hellos through our fences always there to help one another with their animals and sometimes going several weeks without even a hello, but the strong friendships/bonds and feelings we have for one another are there without any words being said, they are just known in our hearts. They have touched our family in a way that I can't describe and I know they have had so many tough times over these past years we have known them, but the love and family bond they have always come through . I know this family will do just fine but just have that small hole in their heart, that empty chair at their table and longing to see that smile each day that only Joyce can fill and give. They will have their time again together shortly as our time here is really so short and our eternity in heaven is really when our life begins!!!

We love you Joyce you are an inspiration to us all and you live forever in your children!!!