Friday, January 4, 2008

It is a New Year - 2008

It has been 4 weeks since we lost Andy and Katelyn and 5 weeks since Amanda. While we had a blessed Christmas and New Year's holiday, we are still working through our loss. This is where it gets tough. We have been blessed to have Amber's parents and mine stay with us, but they are back home. We just started our time alone. It has been a roller-coaster and will probably not stop until we reach a new normalcy in life. We are to the point where we ask ourselves, "Where do we go from here?" It is a good time to start again with the New Year, but where?

This question can be applied in many different ways. First off, we need to get back to being involved in life and people's lives. I have it easy - I go to work, forecast the weather, and can interact with people. Amber on the other hand is left to figure out what to do. We've figured out that it would be good for her to substitute teach, but when to start is another question. We want to do bible studies, but again, when to get involved and which study. We want to exercise but need to check out the new local YMCA and 24HR Fitness Centers. Hopefully these activities will keep us busy that we are not thinking about our loss as much, but also allow us to face it daily and not have to cry all the time.

We still have time, but "Where do we go from here?" also applies to our dream to have a family. We do not know if we need to start the process for adoption. Do we try getting pregnant on our own without fertility? Do we try fertility treatments again but how much do we do? We need lots of prayer and God's wisdom on this situation.

Lastly, we still need to say our good-byes to Amanda, Andy and Katelyn. We have our ideas on what kind of service to have, but still some logistics to work through. We have had a couple of ideas, but need to find out what will work best for Amber and I.

We just ask that if any more people still read this that they would pray we can figure out where to go from here, and what God's plan if for us as we push forward. I hate that we have to start over, but we do. We can only do so through trusting God. -Scott

7 comments:

Anonymous said...

ootbaDear Scott and Amber,
I just finished reading your posts and want to share my condolances with you. I will be praying for your hurting hearts and asking Jesus for His grace and mercy on a daily basis. My friend lost her daughter almost two years ago and she told me that going to a grief share group helped her tremendously. I have so much more I would love to share with you but the best I can say for now is "Jesus knows and cares for you".
God bless you, Love, Millie (Holly Springs Baptist Church)

Aunt Cari said...

Dear Scott & Amber,
I want you to know that I am still reading your comments and I am still praying for you. I look forward to reading your updates. I get occassional updates from Paula, but it's nice to hear it in your own words.
Again, we all know God has a plan for you -- it's just our selfish, impatient flesh that makes it so hard to wait and wonder. I know whatever you two decide to do (with Christ's help)concerning your future family will be the best!
If you have a chance to get away - you know you are always welcome (back) to Broken Arrow!

Love you both!

Aunt Cari

Anna said...

Psalm 30:5
Weeping may remain for a night, but rejoicing comes in the morning.

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

Psalm 55:22
Cast your cares on the LORD and he will sustain you;he will never let the righteous fall.

Psalm 71:20-21
Though you have made me see troubles, many and bitter, you will restore my life again; from the depths of the earth you will again bring me up. You will increase my honor and comfort me once again.

Deuteronomy 31:8
8 The LORD himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged."

Kelli McElroy said...

Amber and Scott,

This is a verse that has been very helpful to me in the past. I think it will enocourage you greatly. We will continue praying for you as you make so many decisions. We love you. Amber if you need anything, do not hesitate to call.

"The Lord make his face shine on you, and be gracious to you; the Lord turn his face toward you and give you peace."
Numbers 6:25-26

Kelli McElroy

Amy Sheehan said...

Amber and Scott,
We have been away over the holidays and just returned. I have had you on my mind so very much. Rest assured you are not forgotten; not by us and certainly not by God. You are not alone. He will give you the faith to continue to move forward even when you don't think you can. Little pockets of time...a day, an hour, even a moment at a time...each one passed through moves you one step closer to the day when hope becomes tangible again. Take them in whatever small increments you need to. I took mine in less than 1 hour increments and applauded myself for making it through yet another hour. After awhile, I realized I'd gone a full hour and then a few hours and after some time, even a day without feeling consumed. But I had to start with little small bites of time and concentrate on getting through those. You will too. I am confident.

I wish we could walk this for you. Although we cannot, we will walk it with you. You remain in our prayers.

With much love,

Amy

Anonymous said...

Scott and Amber,

We continue to pray for you. Our hearts continue to grieve with you, but watching how you have clung to each other and to Father is nothing short of a blessing. God is using those precious lives that you knew for such a short time to mold you into a blessing to so many people. In that, you are calling attention to God’s glory. It is humbling to know such godly people as you. All I can say is, “thank you,” for walking with the Lord and by doing so, encouraging us to do the same.

We love you and are proud of both of you.

Stuart and Amy

Matt said...

Scott, Shannon and I are so sorry for your loss. We are praying for you and hope for the Lord's comfort for you.