Star

I first saw her when she was 9 or 10.We had been in foster care a few years and I decided that girls were like ten times harder than boys.Her brother was there that day as well..She was always happy,and in an instant she found her way into our hearts.For a few years she got to see normal and then this very nice couple wanted to adopt her. They had two boys and she would be their only girl.Seemed like a perfect situation. When people adopt it usually works if they aren't trying to meet a need of theirs but they are doing it for the child.It was Sunday before she would start the 8th grade.The voice on the other end said that she couldn't take it another day and would we take her back.For the next 3 1/2 years there would be basketball games,trips to Florida ,and summer camp.She would learn to drive and work at Super Saver.She would leave us on Jolene's birthday and return to her adoptive parents.5 months later they would kick her out and she would be on her own.A few months after that she would meet the man she would marry on this day 8 years later. We were there at Jacks River.It was a celebration of the love between 2 people.It was special to see the little girl finally find what she had been looking for for so long-a family of her own.

E.R

Julian and Cooper spent the night with me Sunday.We had a great time just hanging out.We were already making plans to play put put  the next time they came.On Monday I get a call there has been an accident and Julian had been injured, also Damien was having chest pains.So Jessica drops the other kids off with Jolene and off to the E.R. we go.It is rare to have two members of one's family in the E.R. At the same time. It also serves as a reminder just how fragile life can be.
Julian had a stress fracture and a cut that took 9 stitches.Damien didn't have a heart attack but the doctors don't know what happened.
Life is good and then out of the blue something like this happens. Of course it would be nice to pretend we could watch and hold them so close that nothing bad would ever occur - but that is not real life.When hard times find us we face them together , pray hard , maybe shed a

few tears , and love each other through it.
Julian cried some but was very brave through the whole ordeal .Jessica was going back and forth between patients.It was a special time for me .In the hard places I want to be there while I can.We are fortunate to live close by,but it is a special thing to love someone so much that when they hurt you do as well.