Thursday, November 26, 2009

Thanksgiving Day

What a day. Happy/Sad? What should I feel. I told my sister-in-law Kay that I wish it (Thanksgiving) would go away. Then I remember my precious children and how life must continue as normal as possible. I just cannot think about Christmas. Traditions that were John's alone. Picking the tree, cutting the bottom off, putting it in the stand....and the lights....that was his job. I don't know if I can do that. I don't know what the kids are thinking....we wil definitely have to talk about this I know.

I hope and pray that tomorrow I may try to go to the house tomorrow. Thanks to Ami Dillard she has helped me to deal with his belongings.....what to do, when, etc....I need all the direction I can get you know.

I didn't realize how helpful this blog would help me. I really do feel like I have released feelings and thoughts to someone and feel better. John used to always tell me that I would relax once I talked everything out with him. Another lesson learned from my beloved husband.

I hope you all have a wonderful Thanksgiving. Be thankful for your family.

I am thankful for my children, my family, John's family, my church family, my dear, dear friends, my school friends.....I can go on and on. God has been so good to bless me with all of you.

I love you.

Saundra

16 comments:

Anonymous said...

I am thinking of you Saundra, along with your precious children! Wish I could be there to give you a big hug and tell you that everything is going to be ok but that is much easier to say than live! I am thankful that you have were placed in my room this year! God definitely had His hand in that and I am truly blessed to have got to know you this year! Love you much!

Summer Wetwiska said...

Just know Saundra, that I am always here! I have my phone set to get updates so I can know how you are doing and how to pray for you! I will be here anytime you need me! Love you!

Anonymous said...

Saundra,
The Whitaker family loves you. We love your kids. Our prayer for you is that you have peace during this time. There is no need to even concern yourself with the next day....just keep putting your feet on the floor....and take care of yourself. I am providing you this quote that gave me comfort & assurance during "the great sadness"....it is by Alan Redpath:

"There is nothing - no circumstance, no trouble, no testing - that can ever touch me until, first of all, it has gone past God and past Christ, right through to me. If it has come that far, it has come with a great purpose, which I may not understand at the moment; but as I refuse to become panicky, as I lift my eyes up to Him and accept it as coming from the throne of God for some great purpose of blessing to my own heart, no sorrow will ever disturb me, no trial will ever disarm me, no circumstance will cause me to fret, for I shall rest in the joy of what my Lord is. That is the rest of victory."

All will be well.....

John Whitaker

Dwight said...

Hey Saundra just want you to know that we are praying for you and your family today. What an increadble service on Monday. John truly touched so many lives. I was trully amazed at the amount of people that showed up to show there support. Carissa and I are going to be up there tommorow. We are flying out to Colorado for a conforance. We will try and stop by if we get the chance.
Dwight

Anonymous said...

Hey Saundra.... Please know that Ally, Gary and I pray for you all day long. You and your family are constantly in our hearts and minds. Remember to take things at your pace and not what others are telling you to do. You and your kids will know when to do things. I know today is hard but please know that all of us are so thankful and honored that we can call you friends. We are thankful for the life lessons John taught not only Ally but Gary and myself. We are thankful for Hannah's special friendship. :-) And I am thankful that you are writing and letting us know your feelings so we can continue to pray for specific things. Trust me... this is a GREAT way to start healing and working things out. We love you all so much and know that we are always here. Thank you for your beautiful friendships. Wendy

Anonymous said...

Saundra,
Hey, I'm here if you want to talk!
Love you,
Trinda

Debbie Bynum said...

I'm thinking about you constantly. Every action I'm taking to celebrate Thanksgiving with my husband and son brings the thought of you and Matthew, Hannah, Isaac and Rachel. I close my eyes, lift my aching prayer for your ache to the One who can watch over your heart every hour of every day. Your ability to reach out on this blog inspires me. I pray the Holy Spirit engulfs your grief today and wipes it from your heart and mind so that you can truly be embraced by the love of your family and your Lord. You are so loved Saundra. Standing in the Gap for you . . . Debbie Bynum

Anonymous said...

Saundra,

It was sooo nice to see you yesterday. You really are an inspiration. We are praying for you and the kids. Thoughts of your family have permeated every area of our lives lately. We hope you feels God wrapping his arms around you and your family in love.

Psalm 34:18 The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.

We love you.

Freeman Family

Cindy said...

Saundra you're in my thoughts and prayers constantly. Can't even imagine what you're feeling. One minute, one step, one day at a time.

Deanna said...

He has gone before you and provided for your needs. I pray that we can be an example of Jesus for you. We have prayed continuously for you. Don't hesitate to call on us.

Love and blessings,
Danny and Deanna

tammy said...

Saundra. I know the days ahead will be hard for you but know that John would want you to carry on. When Matts grandmother passed away and for our 1st Thanksgiving and christmas we lit a candle before we had our dinner represting her life and the light (God's) light that shown in her life to each and everyone of us. Carry on Johns traditions but also make new ones for you and the kids. The boys can help with the lights. Dont stress over the traditions. Try to enjoy that you can carry them on. THe kids need that. I know I've been there. We stopped when dad passed away and I wish that we had continued them. Your in my prayers.Take just little steps each day. Thats all. You dont have to hurry. Time will heal all wounds. You know... I love you so much and if there is anything i can do for you, please let me know. Let the kids help you and you help them. keep writting keep talking .. its the best way to handle everything. Im praying for you saun. From the time i wake up to the time im in bed. YOU are IN my Prayers. love ya.

Anonymous said...

Saundra,

The Lovell's are here when you need us. We are praying for you. You are in our thoughts and prayers. God is in control and He loves you all. Let me know if you need to talk. Earl and Bren

Donetta said...

I've been praying for you today - specifically for peace and comfort for you and the kids. I will continue to pray and be here for anything you need. I want to come by and see you tomorrow - send me a message through facebook if you can and let me know if that's okay. :) I love you!

Kristie said...

Saundra, I know our two situations are nothing alike, but when Kendrie (my youngest) was going through her cancer treatment, I found great comfort writing in a blog and sharing with others. I called it my "virtual therapy" and it went on for years. I'm glad to read that you are finding comfort the same way, and encourage you to keep it up, even on days you might not feel like it. And rest assured that plenty of people are reading, and are glad to hear from you. Not as many take the time to leave comments, but I promise tons are reading. I hope you can feel the love and prayers and support that all of us are sending your direction.

Jim Smith said...

Saundra,
Just want you to know you continue to be in our thoughts & prayers. I know it's going to be hard to go home. But I also know that John's strength will be with you as you go back to the home you two made together. Everything is changed now, but his legacy will help you create a new life for you and the kids.
Grace & Peace,
Jim, Lori & Jenna

Anonymous said...

Saundra, your words and thoughts have comforted me. Hearing from you helps me to know you how you are and how I can best pray for you and be there when/if you need me. Mason and Grace wonder and ask about you everyday. They love you so! As do I! I am thankful for Amy D. What a blessing she will be. As everyone else, my prayers are constant! So much has been said about John's legacy..for my kids, you have a legacy as well. My kids have been so influenced by your TOTAL love for them. God is carrying you right now, you don't have to do anything just cuddle up with him and listen to his words and be in his presence. That will give you the wisdom you seek. Find your story in HIS story! With love, phylis