reflection on Sean

Since many of y'all were joined in prayer for the repose of our friend Sean, I thought I would update you on the events the last 2 days.

Last night I attended the rosary. It was a beautiful liturgy, with readings, medals for the family, and stories. Some family,
Sean's flight instructor, and wives of buddies of Sean's in Iraq spoke. One of the most touching was a letter read by the wife of Sean's roommate in Iraq. He spoke about how Sean was so friendly and cheerful, carved pumpkins and put up Christmas
lights. And also how he grew his plants, and was even trying to grow some grass, even though the wind, birds, etc. were
against him. Lisa Morgan joined me at the rosary, and we also saw Nathan and Emily Swoboda, as well as many ags from his
outfit who we recognized.

The funeral mass was beautiful today. Bishop Aymond was the celebrant, with at least 5 other priests assisting. Gov. Perry
and Rep. McCaul were also in attendance. Bishop Aymond spoke of Sean's sacrifice, how when seeds are planted they are dead and then rise and bear fruit. And that is what he did! The wife of Sean's roommate also read an email her husband had sent her that morning. She said that the grass that Sean had planted had started to grow. It was 1 1/2 inches high. Even though he never thought it would grow, it has.

There were many Aggies (lots of Corps guys and gals) and members of our military. And the Church was full - and quite a
mix. People of all ages, races, and religions filled St. Elizabeth's.

When leaving the church there were members of the Corps lining the walkway to the parking lot. They stood at attention,
honoring our friend.

I did not go to the gravesite, but did watch the procession. It was lead by at least 35 members of the Patriot Guard
(www.patriotguard.org) who led on their motorcycles carrying Texas and US flags. Following that was over 100 cars in the
procession, and over 20 police officers both leading and guiding the group. Fortunately there were no protesters! It was easy to see how many lives Sean had touched and how much he will be missed.

I left a card with our spiritual bouquet for his family at the church, as well as a copy of what has been posted on the myfamily
site. In addition, some of you send stories about Sean to me, and I printed those off too.

I will miss my friend. And even though he is gone, he is still challenging me to be a better person. Thank you Sean!

too much stuff

Seems like the last couple weeks have whirled by. Here are the highlights:

1. Ice hit Texas! We had 3 days off work the week of MLK. We had fun just hanging at the house, but the boys did get a bit stir crazy... photos to come.

2. A good friend from college, CPT Sean Lyerly '98, was killed on Jan. 20 when the Blackhawk helicopter he was flying crashed in Iraq. He was 31, and left behind a wife and 3 year old son. I've been trying to think what I could write that would reflect the man that he was. Still working on that.

3. Lastly, my big event for work was this weekend - the Texas Rally for Life. The weather was perfect (clear, mid 60's), had great volunteers, and even had a few protesters. I feel at peace that it is over, now time to work on our next event.

I'm going to Sean's rosary tonight, and Bishop Aymond is presiding over the funeral tomorrow. I'm going to need to find some tissues.

recovering...

Well, these last few days have been great to help me in recovering. I thought I was good after 2 days, but God gave me 3 more! Due to the recent Ice Storm 2007, I haven't gone to work all week. It has been nice, catching up on some reading, writing, tivo, etc. We did get a little stir crazy tonight (and low on food), so we ventured out for some pepperoni rolls - and beer! yum!

I'll probably go in tomorrow. Looks like the roads will be better after 10. Still having a bit of pain here and there (quite intermittent), so I'll try not to overextend myself. It has been interesting how I have these last few days I have overextended myself - taking too long of a bath, walking around Sam's tonight, working with the laundry, playing pool). God quickly puts me back where he wants me - resting on the couch!

Ry made a cute movie of the snow and all. Maybe he can post it up here soon!

update...

Well, just and update on the latest progress. First, thank you for all your prayers (I know y'all read this blog). This has really been a difficult time, and I know your prayers have lifted us up and comforted us during this time.

We saw our doctor today, and my HCG levels (which were only increasing slowly), are now decreasing. The baby is just not growing as she should. I also have had no pregnancy symptoms, as I did have earlier in this pregnancy. We can either wait and have the miscarriage normally, or have a d & c. We have opted for the d & c, and that will be done this Friday at 12:30. If you could pray for us then, and for our continued health and fertility.

thank you again. may we be blessed to share some better news in the coming months!!

the new year...

Well, it has been awhile since my last post. So much has happened (Thankgiving, Christmas, our trip to the Grand Canyon, the baby).

Yes, the baby. Seems like our Advent gift was to find out that we were pregnant. When we got in for our first ultrasound 2 weeks ago, we were soo happy! We were 7 weeks, but the sac was empty. Over Christmas we waited for test results. Yea! They are going up! But not fast enough.

Yesterday we went in for our 2nd ultrasound. The baby is still growing, just not fast enough (currently sized at 6 weeks), and th sac is still empty.

Now we are waiting to see. If a miracle can start this baby to grow, or have a d&c to remove it. Not really how we wanted to start the year.

Yet, I can get pregnant! And hopefully it won't take 1 1/2 years between them.

Now, I plan to keep this updated, even if no one reads it. It helps me.

Many, many people have been praying for us and I am very grateful. May we be blessed with continued fertility this year!