It's Flannel Monday

It's been a full year of Flannel Mondays. 

Oct 21, 2023 is the last day Mike and I saw Josiah. Last year it was a Saturday, and we'd gathered to celebrate Larissa, Carrie and Charles' birthday - and to be together. 

Wednesday will be one year since the unthinkable happened and Josiah was murdered while at work. We've learned much in this year. We've been shaken. We've had some heartbreaking secondary losses; but we're still standing! We are seeking to turn our attention outward. Obviously, the natural inclination is to turn inward and there's a lot of that too. In the midst of the grief over evil cruelty we want to focus on extending kindness, gratitude and grace. Motivated by Josiah's memory, and the love of God which shined through his life, we plan to commit random acts of kindness in his memory throughout the week. 

As Michael and I talked over how we wanted to journey through this week, we looked for ways for us to be together, space for those who want to be alone, and ways for the grands to be a part of the week - but not overwhelmed by our emotions. My eyes have been leaking off and, on all day,...receiving this photo from Arielle made me smile.  The boys were excited to pass out their gifts at therapy today...and at the park too. Yes, this is a good focus for us. 

📷by Arielle

I think we'll show photos throughout the week of random kindness given in honor of Josiah's memory. These are the sorts of things we usually keep secret and off the blog...but since this is in remembrance of Josiah - it seems o.k. 

The grief hit hard this morning and will probably hang around more like a tidal wave than a surfer's wave this week.  We appreciate your prayers for Josiah's girls (Carrie, Livie, Josi), Michael and me, his 9 siblings (10 really because Larissa is certainly a beloved sister), all the nephews, nieces, co-workers/friends who will be missing Josiah this week. 

The girls had work and college. Michael slept in late. GG has been reading. I spent some time on clerical tasks for Jared's campaign, and then added photos to the gift cards. I'm not quite sure how we're giving these out. Every time I think I have a plan Michael says to be random.

I counted out 20 packets for Michael to deliver tomorrow. I have a zillion more photos to attach to bags of candy and I need to get out and about and drop them off here and there too. ... but where? 

BreZaak wasn't able to attend Saturday due to Trudy being ill. She and the kids are putting together packets at their house. Bre ran out and covered the Urgent Care parking lot. I love it. That's a spot we can hit every day I would imagine if you are in that parking lot a touch of kindness would brighten your day. 

📷by BreAnne

I can see next year maybe the card should include a link to a post about who Josiah was - as telling the story over and over is not the easiest thing to do....

When Michael woke up, he immediately asked if I wanted a fire. We tossed it around a bit but decided today is a good day for our first fire of the year! Michael edited a paper for Stacia and worked on cross word puzzles and such today. I would imagine he's a bit sore as he fell down our stairs last night. We discovered our banister, which we were told would never break, can in fact pull away from the wall. 

GRACE NOTES: 

1. These grandchildren are such a blessing. 

2. The opportunity to honor Josiah. 

3. So many who have stayed so close to us throughout the year; though thousands of miles away...texts, zoom calls, emails, surprise gifts... God truly has built, and will continue to build, a community for us in which to love and be loved.