Losses

In our family, most of our losses are measured in the win/loss column; however, this year has redefined loss for me.

In March, we lost Kevin's mom.  Such a shock that loss was and there are still times that her loss is difficult for us.  Today, I was looking through some recipes and I found one she had hand-written.  It is weird how just seeing someone's handwriting can make you sad.

In the spring, my Iowa family also lost a very dear family friend of ours.  Again, it happened very unexpectedly and I think about his wife, children, and grandchildren often wondering how they are adjusting to that loss.  I know the loss was especially hard for my parents and younger sister as well.

We have a loss everytime we sit down at the kitchen table.  We're getting better at only putting 3 placemats out!  Although the house seems so empty at times, we are always just a phone call away and less than 1.5 hours away if we want to get in and drive to see Ky. 

Ky seems so happy (most days) at A&M, so really another loss has been Ky's feelings of having few friends at school  and thinking school is a total waste (granted, she still thinks that about polysci!).  For being such a big campus, Ky has lots of friends in CStat and has adjusted well.  Yes, I think she misses home every once in a while, but that's okay too!

This week we had a terrible loss at my school.  A kindergarten student died of a brain aneurism while he was at home last weekend.  It was such a shock to us.  I felt horrible that I had not even met this student yet.  Our A-Team went to the viewing yesterday to find out that they had a private viewing the day before.  I knew I had to be strong for this family, but it was going to be the first time I ever would've seen a child's casket.  Was the miscommunication of the viewing a way that God was protecting me? 

2 students who we've worked extensively with will be leaving our campus.  One student has transferred to another campus.  The student was making such gains, I hope there are no set-backs with this move.  The other student is one that after the first week I really wanted to adopt, but after telling the stories my family said no!  The student will be going to an alternative campus for 45 days.  I pray the student gets the help that's needed. 

I've had enough losses for quite awhile!