Feelin' February

Everyone knows that February is the shortest month of the year. For me, February is definitely a month of memories. We were married in February and both of our boys were born in February. It has held some joyous occasions, however it has also held so many tears throughout the years.

A day I will never forget is February 24th. On that date, years ago, I lost a beloved friend. I will never forget hearing the news and running out into the snow, falling face down and weeping. I had to be picked up off the ground, for fear of frostbite. For a few years after that, I couldn't meet a February 24th without tears. In fact, a few years ago, I decided to sponsor a child from Worldvision whose birthday was on that day. Silas is from Kenya, and now I celebrate him on that date. It's usually a day for prayer... praying for Silas, as well as my friend's family who lost their son years ago. Tomorrow, I will also add prayers for Jared and these APD tests.

Last February, when Ray was in Iraq, our beautiful dog, Dulce, died. We definitely didn't see it coming and it almost seems bizarre that it happened in February. The reason I find it odd is because the best dog who ever roamed this earth, Zuca, died in February 2008. I've never had a friend and confidant quite like Zuca. I can't imagine ever knowing another dog as perfect as he. Like the old quote goes, "Dogs are not our whole life, but they make our lives whole." If there had been snow, the fear of frostbite would have been severe. I could have fallen on the ground and not gotten up for some time. Maybe God knew that, because my baby was born 36 hours after Zuca was laid to rest.

Our family was established in 2003 and every birth and death has occurred between these 28 days. February is a very busy month for our family, but melancholy moments do sneak in. This is one of those moments.

He comforts us in all our troubles so that we can comfort others. When they are troubled, we will be able to give them the same comfort God has given us. 2 Corinthians 1:4 (NLT)