This Is...

(Update on Dillon: Dillon had surgery today and came through it fine. The nice thing for "Auntie" Anne was that I got to actually hold the precious little baby boy:-) I was very excited to hold him, to see him move when I tickled his feet, to watch as his left eye cracked open while he was asleep. I only got to hold him for about half an hour, but what a sweet treasure that was! Vacation Bible School started tonight, but I missed it (even though I was overseeing registration). The blessing is that sometimes it's wiser to delegate and follow God's leading, which I did today. And I had no worries about registration being taken care of... my church has so many sweet, godly people who want to serve the Lord. So thanks Sarah A. for jumping in at the *last* moment:D.)

In just over a month, my brother and sister-in-law, teenage niece, rough-and-tumble-10-year-old nephew, and adorable, autistic 4-year-old nephew say their farewells as they follow God leading them to a new state 12 hours away.

*Sigh*.

It's no fun to say good-bye to loved ones, especially a family such as this one...

...This is my oldest brother, and often my spiritual challenger. I've walked away from many conversations with him, pondering on some truth from the Bible.

...This is my first sister-in-law, and mentor in the Lord. I've learned so many godly principles from her, as well as ways to prepare for a future home and husband someday. I've learned that mommies always need to keep two relationships a priority before children: first the Lord, and then hubby. I've learned that a clean house is not always necessary, if it means placing a house over hubby or children. I've learned to have a good time and accept, with humor and grace, the unexpected situations that will arise. I've learned to tell those around me I Love You.

...This is my one and only niece, so far :o). This is the 14-year-old who showed me it's always fun to have a tickle fight and laugh until the tears come. This is the girl who became, in a way, the little sister I never had.

...This is my rough-and-tumble-ready-for-any-sport nephew. I've learned to take time to sit and listen to kids... all they want is to know that someone cares. I've learned that quality time might just be spending 2 hours watching his favorite movie or go swimming in the pool. I've also learned to keep a quick eye on the hose that's filling up the pool;)

...This is my sweet, adorable, could-pass-for-my-son autistic nephew. I've learned that love is expressed in different ways, and perhaps "we go sleepies" translates "I want to spend time with you because I love you." I've learned a lot about autism in the past two years, and wouldn't trade this little guy for anything in the world. I've learned that God has created all children and they are special to Him. I've learned that the little chubby hands that grasp around my neck displays a confidence in me to take care of him. I've learned the joys of stopping to enjoy life's tiny things, like grass or a ball.

...This is my family.

The transition will be hard come the middle of August when 5 special people in my life take to a new road, a new adventure, a new direction. So for now, I think I'll enjoy the month that remains, cherishing each moment to say "I love you"...