Jonathon’s Birthday

July 6 is always a very special day for me. It was the day Jonathon was born. He was our fourth baby, and we were so excited when the doctor announced “It’s a boy”! We had two girls, and now two boys. Life couldn’t have been better. Russ just received a promotion at work, we had four healthy kids, life was grand. Jonathon hardly had a chance to cry. From the moment he was born, he was loved. Everyone wanted to hold him, so he barely spent time in his little crib. He slept, ate, and was what I would call a perfect baby. We didn’t have air conditioning in our little house, so every day the kids would get their chores done, we would pack a lunch, and off to the lake we would go. It was such a simple life. When Jonathon was 18 days old he was killed tragically in a car accident. I was driving, along with my 16 year old cousin. The other driver was also only 16 years old. Such a loss of so many young lives. That day changed my life. I remember wanting to know “WHY”? God made us to want to know why things happen, how things work. But some things are not to be known. We don’t know the answer to every question. I do know that I was blessed with a very special son, and he was dearly loved for 18 days. My body was broken, but the pain I experienced was nothing compared to my broken heart. I thought I would never truly be happy again. I was wrong. When I was weak, the Lord was strong. He was my covering, my protector, my comfort. He alone can heal the broken heart, and He healed mine. It has been 23 years now, and I still feel the loss of my son, and wonder what his character would be, what he would look like. But I have peace knowing that although this was a great tragedy, so many good things have come into my life. I have a husband who loves me, six healthy children, three in-laws, four grand-children, all who light up my life! Raising golden retrievers has been a big part of our family, and who we are. I don’t think there is a better breed in the world. Okay, I am bias, but they are the smartest, people pleasing animal God has made, and I am blessed to be a part of bringing them into this world, and bringing joy and laughter into homes. It is a good life.