When people ask how we are doing, there is still no answer for that. Hopefully, the blog posts give a good indication of how we can be all over the place and in the same exact place on any given day. This makes no sense to us, but God is providing grace, love, support, comfort and continually meeting our tangible needs. For that, we are grateful. Most people tell us to "expect a drop off in support as people will go on about their lives." But I cannot tell you how blessed I am to say that in our case, this isn't true. The support has been unending.
In addition to our family and our close friends, here is a snapshot of what we have in place to help us along this uncharted and undesirable path.
Extracurricular Activities: (weekly) We are currently transitioning for the summer, but I have enrolled the kids in several creative and athletic outlets to get out their "big energy" and honestly give them something to look forward to. Christian, Elijah, Avielle and Joy are enjoying and excelling in karate. Benjamin is in gymnastics. We take Amira to open gymnastics, and she will be doing soccer in the fall. Kendall starts art class next week and will try volleyball camp this summer. Christian is still acting, and all of the kids will be participating in Vacation Bible School either as volunteers or participants. Avielle and Elijah are set for Kid's worship camp where they will learn to sing, write and run the tech for worship service. Boys are also trying their hand at basketball this summer at the Y. Since all the kids love the water, swim lessons will be a high priority again this summer.
Counseling: (Weekly)We currently have two different counseling setups. One is a Christian Counseling Group we've been seeing since the week of the Memorial Service. I try to get in biweekly myself, and depending on the children and their needs, I will cycle them through on the other appointments. The oldest four usually rotate in, depending on either their choice or observed behaviors/grief patterns during the week. They have been very understanding and accommodating and we are grateful that it's close to our home. In addition, the younger kids see a counselor who specializes in play/art therapy for younger children. I got to interview her via phone a few months back and was instantly impressed with her knowledge and her warmth. Avielle saw her for the first-time last week and told me that her time was helpful. As a backup, I also have a telehealth counseling service should the need arise.
Kid's Grief Group: (Bi-monthly) At the end of May was the last grief group for the kids until August. It was bittersweet as everyone seemed sad to say goodbye, the staff and counselors have been a godsend. It was a short stint for us, so I think that even my kiddos were struggling as another one of their activities was coming to an end. Grief doesn't seem to take a moment off, so trying to navigate this through these months will be interesting. I'm thankful that they have another family event scheduled for July. It will be great to see everyone again. Since we homeschool year-round, the "summer off" rhythm that many others seem to follow isn't familiar to us. I'll be back to update on what we find to fill this space, soon.
Church Community: I'm proud to say that we have four churches whose communities are united in serving and undergirding our family during this time. This is what we call "the Body of Christ, being the Body of Christ", and I'm so honored and grateful for the covering. Some members provide biblical teaching and fellowship for our children. Others provide a safe space for when I am up to attending worship service. They also provide grief education and support for us and our support system. Some brothers and sisters rotate weekly deliveries of family meals and helps with handyman work and cleaning. Another beautiful group of people check in with us on a daily basis, come by for quick hugs and drop small "thinking of you" gifts. A few brothers and sisters open their homes as a haven for some solo time for my children saying, "whatever you need, whenever they need a moment-bring them here." We also have at least five pastor-counselor-friends who check in on us several times a week providing counseling, prayer, and a listening ear.
Prayer Warriors: These are the friends of friends...of friends. The immediate family, non-immediate family. The coworkers of Aunties, the bible study group\members, the mother -in-laws of church members, Patrick's former colleagues, old classmates, online friends, former professors, ministers, pastors, children, music students, cashiers, delivery drivers, etc. For all of the texts, calls, emails, letters, cards, etc. I can't even...I could never thank you all for continuing to petition the Father on our behalf.
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