The Ramp

Well… they were supposed to be here bright and early. We called them because we were expecting them around 7am. We just got ahold of them and they are coming from my hometown area. Now wait for it… We have been waiting since we moved in here- end of July and if it came today that would be about two months.

Their truck broke down and they have been waiting for a tow truck for two hours. They decided to put it off until tomorrow. ONE. MORE. DAY. We aren’t holding our breath. It just doesn’t seem to be happening.

The pictures below are pre- VA ramp. It will be going on the right side of the house.
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The following pictures are the beautiful wooden ramp the community came together and put in for us. We will keep both ramps because Tim will need to have two exits. They put this up in a day. We have had it at least two weeks, maybe more. We are so thankful that we didn’t have to wait until now to have a ramp. The supplies and time and effort was donated by a local contractor and his company- Dave Harger with Harger Utility Contractors, Inc.

This is the only problem we have seen that will still be an issue. It is a small curb but his chair will not go over it. He has to go around the garage and through the grass when he is on his chair.

We Are A Family That Stands Together

I am working on a decorating project. Some of you, pinsters (pinterest folk), may have seen it but it really touched my heart. It has clocks that are stopped at certain times. Pictures of the moments- wedding picture, baby picture, etc. and a quote “A moment in time changed forever”
So meaningful! In those moments- I am thankful that a friend wrote down the time we were pronounced husband and wife- 5:22pm and of course we know Grove’s birth time- my “forever” was changed.

Not only do those exact moments reflect all that is beautiful in my life but so do the songs I put with those moments.

Tim and my first dance was to “Stand By Me”- Ben E. King

When the night has come
and the land is dark
And the moon is the only
light we’ll see
No, I won’t be afraid
Oh, I won’t be afraid
Just as long as you
Stand, Stand by me
….
If the sky, that we look upon
Should tumble and fall
And the mountain should crumble to the sea
I won’t cry, I won’t cry
No, I won’t shed a tear
Just as long as you stand, stand by me

And the song I LOVE to sing to Grove- “I’ll Stand By You”- The Pretenders
*It is awesome to look at this from God to you, as well.

Oh, why you look so sad?
Tears are in your eyes
Come on and come to me now
Don’t be ashamed to cry
Let me see you through
’cause I’ve seen the dark side too
When the night falls on you
You don’t know what to do
Nothing you confess
Could make me love you less

I’ll stand by you
I’ll stand by you
Won’t let nobody hurt you
I’ll stand by you

So if you’re mad, get mad
Don’t hold it all inside
Come on and talk to me now
Hey, what you got to hide?
I get angry too
Well I’m a lot like you
When you’re standing at the crossroads
And don’t know which path to choose
Let me come along
’cause even if you’re wrong

Take me into your darkest hour
and I’ll never desert you
I’ll stand by you

And when…
When the night falls on you, baby
You’re feeling all alone
You won’t be on your own

And this is the recent song that when I am in my darkest and deepest pit of sadness I sing at the top of my lungs to worship MY God who can do the impossible!
“Oceans {Where Feet May Fail)”- Hillsong United

You call me out upon the waters
The great unknown where feet may fail
And there I find You in the mystery
In oceans deep
My faith will stand

I will call upon Your name
And keep my eyes above the waves
When oceans rise my soul will rest in your embrace
For I am Yours and You are mine

Your grace abounds in deepest waters
Your sovereign hand
Will be my guide
Where feet may fail and fear surrounds me
You’ve never failed and you won’t start now

Spirit lead me where my trust is without borders
Let me walk upon the waters
Wherever You would call me
Take me deeper than my feet could ever wander
And my faith will be made stronger
In the presence of my Savior

Just some songs that are my constant reminders of all that is STILL and WILL remain good and pure and a bit of joy! I love when lyrics just say what you need to hear… or say.

Have I said, “Thank you”?

I have never been great at sending out “Thank you” cards. For our wedding, I got to a point, after, that I just gave up trying to complete them. I DO think I got them all out before Grove was born, though! I was so excited I may have even high-fived myself. However, there are several instances and events that I have had a few people get upset over not hearing back from us. I even lost an aunt over it. No joke. I don’t mean she died from anger, she just kind of wrote us off.  In my eyes, that is ridiculous. This may be shallow of me to say from the receiving side of it, but if you are counting on a “thank you” or recognition, are you really GIVING for the right reason? I try and tell people in cards or with gifts that a “thank you” card is not necessary. It was meant to be a gift and not something to add to your “to-do” list. I know there are people out there who are on top of these types of things and can get the thank-you cards out like it is no big deal. I guess it shouldn’t be, sorry. But I admire you, who ever you are (I actually know a few) and that is such a great skill and gift that you were given, to be that organized. I am just blessed with gifts in other things and if you are upset about that, take it up with my creator.

I am aware that in our parents’ generation, a “thank you” was expected and is obviously something that is held rather high on their lists of importance. Don’t get me wrong. I say the words “thank you” as much as I can. It is just the CARDS that prove to be a stumbling block for me. I try to send a quick note of thanks to someone- text, message, email… MY VOICE! but sometimes that is not enough.

I know that most of you realize the life we are struggling with and how, no offense, the “thank you” cards are not on our list of big concerns at the moment. It breaks my heart to not personally write each of you, that did not remain anonymous, to thank you, sincerely, from all three of us.  It honestly weighs heavy on my heart. Because no matter what you did for us, prayed, made food, donated, fundraised, watched Grove, helped with errands, … etc. we are SO grateful. I honestly would have had several breakdowns, most likely ending up in the hospital, if it wasn’t for those of you reaching out to us. I still intend on writing some thank you notes, just I am not sure when that will actually happen.

Our one friend, I asked her if she’d be willing to help me write some. She said “honestly, in your situation… I don’t think it is really expected by people. They know you are juggling a lot.” However, there is no way to be sure of that.

I did write this “Thank you” note that was handed out at some fundraisers to everyone involved. Since we still mean each word, I’d like to post it on here.

Dear Cherished Family and Friends,
We write to you with such grateful hearts. Thank you for coming alongside of us during this very hard time. From words of encouragement, hope, peace and prayer, you have continued to keep us focused on what matters and ready for what is yet to come. Your generosity of time, resources, finances, wisdom and friendship has truly given us the boost we need when everything seems to be a bit too much. We have faced some difficulties the past few years and even though this is a TERRIBLE situation to be in, we see it as a way that God is providing for our every need.
[Then there was about three paragraphs explaining all that was happening with Tim, from the first signs to his current struggles.]
Many friends, family and even strangers have reached out to us in every way possible and we do not feel alone. We know that this time in our lives would prove to be an impossible feat if we did not have the faith and trust in God, which we rely on for everything. He is the joy that we still cling to. Your support in this time does NOT, in ANY way, go unappreciated. Please understand that we would love to personal thank you all and hope that we find the time.
We want to sincerely thank you, again, for your kindness and generous heart. We pray that your concern and care will be returned to you when you need it most.
-The Dobos Family (Tim, Robyn, and Grove)
and the Dobos and Simmons families.

——————–
Feedback and comments are welcomed because I really want to hear opinions on this topic. THANKS <— hehe

How are YOU doing?

I have been asked this a lot. I don’t want it to seem that I am keeping my emotions inside so this is HONESTLY how I am doing.

If you are new in our lives, or don’t even know us at all, you may not know that I have a history of severe depression. During my pregnancy, I ended up in the “mental health” wing of a hospital because of the fact I couldn’t take one of my anti-depressants, so our baby wouldn’t be affected from the drug. It was a VERY hard time in our lives and I feel that our complicated living situation aided in me ending up in the hospital for nine days, but that is no longer the life we are facing. Some would argue that our current fight is much more intense, but to me, it doesn’t feel that way. I guess I was really struggling two years ago… sheesh! Yes. Tim has a terminal illness for which there is no escape. He is slowly declining in his ability to do… well pretty much everything. I don’t know if it is my ignorance or my faith- could be a fine line that I am oblivious to, but I am not as depressed as I imagine that I could be. I am not saying this to get a pat on my back or “KUDOS!” because I know that I will have (and have had) days of spiriling despair- good word choice, huh?, where I can’t comprehend how and why this is happening. I don’t feel like I am becoming more depressed, which is surprising to me. Maybe I am unconsciously masking my pain and heart ache. I have moments when I see someone having a father/son moment and I break down. There were even times I saw Grove watching a father/son moment and it was too much for me. But my argument, in my “strong” times is Tim is not dying anytime soon. I don’t look at him and think, “it could be any day now”. I know I have this day, right now, this moment, to soak in every bit of Tim time I can get. I can cherish the time I have and not spending my moments fearing away the times that I won’t have. To sit and think about that helps me realize the importance of Tim’s life in mine. This is something I need reminded of a lot. That sounds rather shallow of me. But I get very easily overwhelmed and I snap with anxiety attacks. Poor Tim tries to spend time with me when I am trying to get something done and I can’t handle both areas that demand my time. I get snippy. Lately, while Grove has been visiting Tim’s parents, there were a few projects- mainly cleaning/ decluttering and organizing, where I had a few anxiety attacks or mental break downs during. I couldn’t explain why I was so anxious. So… maybe this is me becoming more “depressed”. I don’t know.

A friend was here the other day. Tim was at school and Grove was at Grandma’s. He sincerely wanted to know how I was doing. I am doing better than I expected and that is because I have Tim by my side. I am in shock and awe at how well he is handling it. I am not the one dying and I have more emotional break downs than he does. I pointed out the fact of Tim’s attitude toward all of this and how admirable it is. (I like how me complimenting my husband feels like I am boasting about myself- He is a part of who I am!) 😀 If Tim didn’t continue with his education, than he would be sitting around the house “dying” and it would be depressing for everyone involved. The fact that he wants to keep living and won’t give up is, honestly, what is moving us forward each day. Tim leaves the house more than I do. There are some days that I don’t go outside and Tim is outside just about every day for classes and meeting professors. We were meeting with someone today and he explained that, even though he is hoping to further his education into his masters and doctorate, it isn’t for a career, necessarily. It is basically a hobby to keep him busy. Yeah, he could, most likely get a great job and do most of the work from a computer, which doesn’t seem impossible in the future of his decline with ALS. But he is really enjoying the journey to those degrees. It keeps his mind busy and his emotional health in check.

My husband is someone I admire more than I could ever express in words. I know it has to be hard for him to not be “the breadwinner” or to be the “head of the household” in the way that he wants to be or what is expected of any man these days, but he really is the leader of our family and holds each of those titles in my eyes. He sets the spiritual example and keeps us looking and moving in the right direction. I am sorry for you, if you are reading this and you do not know Tim on a personal level. He is truly an amazing person and will never let this disease take away who he is. His heart is big enough to see in and through his actions. I knew Tim was going to be “the one” because he was the first guy to treat me how God intended us to truly love one another. He pursued me and made me feel worth it and loved more than anyone else through his eyes. I know he is conscious of coming off as a creeper or being out of line, but I can see he tries to help everyone see how much value they have and how they should be treated. I am so blessed that God led him to ME, of all people.

As expected, I do have my days where this is all too much. But having a history of depression, I believe that I know when to ask for help. I know when it is about to spill over. I can always benefit from your prayers for discernment and encouragement. I joined the YMCA this past week, so hopefully the exercise I intend to work into my weekly schedule will help me in the areas of my life that I feel are lacking. Thank you for your concerns, prayers, thoughts and encouragement. We are hanging on and living day by day.

An uncomfortable topic.- This was stressful to write.

I apologize if this comes off in a weird way. I wanted to write about how I feel with all of the help we have been getting, without sounding ungrateful but that turned out to be a fine line. Bear with me and know I wrote this with good intentions.

Because of some people in our lives who are going through similar tragedies, I have had time to take notice of the AMAZING amount of support and care we are receiving from everyone. Friends, strangers, family, the VA, friends of friends, LHU, and the community have all been so wonderful to us. I don’t want to say that I can’t imagine how this would be without the support we have received because I see it first hand. Sarah, our “help”, I kind of feel weird calling her that- she has become such a close friend to me, but I am not sure how else to refer to her, is going through a very similar situation as we are but the support her family receives is so minimal. I have talked about her situation before but incase you are unaware, her husband, also named Tim, has terminal brain cancer. Seeing her situation makes me sick to think about and I realize just how strong of a person, mom and wife she is. For example, she recently got a call from the insurance company saying that Tim was at his limit for the chemo treatment and also for his chemo pills. It is $150 a pill and he takes 13 a day. It is the only thing that is keeping him alive. She has to choose between groceries for the three kids she is raising or her husband’s treatment and life. They have recently had to find $2500 to set up the heat in their house, since the days are getting colder.  I am not going to mention anyone’s names but there are some people in her life that have more than what is needed to help her but are not stepping up. Instead she is turning to strangers and asking for help. Sarah and I talk about how heartless some people can be. When it comes to us, we seem to be receiving help from every inch of our connections. We keep getting calls to ask for permission to do fundraisers for us.  We are truly blessed but it still leaves me feeling sorry for others.

Something Tim and I seem to talk about a lot is how people have helped us and how we react to it.  I am not sure if Tim will read this or not but I can only imagine his reaction to what I am about to say. I am astonished from the amount of funds people have raised for us and how they keep coming in. After we moved back to PA from Texas in August 2012, we REALLY struggled financially. Since Tim has been diagnosed, we have not had to worry about money. I keep reminding myself that God will continue to provide for us and he has the most unique ways to do just that… like Tim getting this horrible illness. Tim always reminds me, “People want to help. They don’t know how else to help but to give us money to handle everything”. I understand that. However, I feel bad accepting money, when I feel that we don’t need it. AND me saying that comes off in a weird way- ugh! As we get more calls for fundraisers, some people want to have specifics for what to fundraise for. I honestly don’t know what to tell you. Tim always breaks out the “you’re an anthropologist. You have studied cultures and know that it is rude to turn down a gift.” Yeah.. Yeah..  I guess I am spoiled when I complain when people want to give us money.  All everyone wants is a cure and unless you are a doctor/scientist you can’t do much to aid in the research.  I know that after all of this dies down, the money will stop coming in, but we are preparing for that time.  Because of Tim being a veteran, the VA has been good to us in ALMOST every area that is needed.  You won’t hear me smack talking the VA. If Tim wasn’t a veteran we would not be financially okay in the future.

There is truly no way to comfort someone going through a terminal illness or their family. No offense to anyone, honestly. And the money helps but no matter the amount we receive, Tim is still dying. Now, calm down there, NEGATIVE NANCY!  I stay up some nights and think of what a cure would actually look like. I don’t know too much about ALS but I know what I see. Tim’s hands are pretty much acting as if they were nubs. His feet aren’t necessarily dead weight but he can’t do much with them. He needs help lifting his legs. I can see that if a cure is found, I don’t see a healthy turn around to these limbs that seem “dead”. You can’t really repair something that is dead. Then again, I am not studying medicine or the body and how it works. There are always miracles. And I find comfort in knowing that God not only created the smallest parts of this world but he understands things about the body that we can not even come close to comprehending.

We have been getting advice on different treatments to try. Some are really out there and unfortunately or fortunately, depending how you look at it, some of the people that are closest to us believe in them entirely. We are willing to try anything and everything, but a lot of it seems like a stretch. We have received a  lot of “water” treatments and just got a call this morning for some $300 water (there is something in it, obviously) that has helped people with ALS. The woman offering it to us has a sister who “had” ALS. I don’t even know what to make of that statement. From what I understood, her sister is still around. But “Tim’s is progressing much faster than hers was”- her words. We’ll see and we’ll let you know.

I don’t even know how to “wrap” this post up. We continue to accept any help that is offered. If you have seen any of our contributions or new purchases, know that the money coming in from fundraisers is not being used for those types of things. We are very careful in how we utilize money we have been receiving. The VA has been providing finances for us and because of that we are able to give back to others. Your donations and contributions have been going to our necessities and bills. As many people would follow that statement with… even though that is none of your business, I want to be as honest as I can be. I don’t care if it is too much information, but I also don’t care about your comments on it. OHHHH SNAP!

Grove is visiting his grandparents

I miss our Grovie.  He is visiting Tim’s parent’s and 4 of the 5 siblings in Meadville until Sunday night/ Monday morning. It is so strange, no matter how many times he goes away to visit some people, when he is not here. I feel a sense of freedom and yet a great sense of emptiness. Tim and I were watching our favorite TV show Thursday night and I just looked at him and said “I couldn’t imagine our life without Grove. He has seriously made everything 20 times better by just coming into our world.” He does have his tantrums, and every time we go through one, I worry that I am spoiling him… but I wouldn’t trade A MOMENT with him for anything in the world.

However, this Grove-free time allows Sarah and I to complete some cleaning/organizing projects that prove more than difficult with our little joy running around demanding our attention. We are grateful, to say the least. I also know he is being spoiled and getting plenty of attention with family who doesn’t get as much time with him as they’d like. So it is a matter of letting go of worry and how much I miss him to focus and “make progress” (Tim always says this), well as much of it as I can in the small window of time that I have.  Which, luckily for you, includes an updated blog. 🙂

We are still waiting on the VA to install the ramp for Tim. As far as I believe, they are unaware that we have had a ramp put in by the community. So that means that they are under the impression that Tim still has to climb stairs to get in and out of the house, which should cause them to rush the construction. Yet… here we are without a ramp. I received a call yesterday that the contractor was trying to contact us to come and install it today, Saturday, but we got ahold of him and the earliest he can come is Monday… so that is penciled in. Lets all say a prayer that it actually happens.

Tim and I have talked about going out on a date before Grove gets home but so far we have been busy just soaking up the time to get things done. Maybe tonight… maybe. I had a bit of a anxiety attack last night as all three of us, Tim, Sarah and I were going through our papers and organizing our filing system which was jumbled in the move. Tim called my mom to tell on me, the little punk. But really, he was trying to calm me down and he knew talking to my mom would help.

I spent time this morning realizing how I need to adjust my daily activities. This is so trivial but today I made (as in threw in the toaster) waffles for Tim and I. I should have waited to heat mine up because by the time I had Tim’s buttered, cut and syrup-ed mine needed re-heated. I can tell Tim feels bad for needing me to do it all for him but I don’t mind. I just need to plan ahead better, I guess.

Now I am rambling. I have a bit deeper of a post to write so I will go ahead and post this one.

That “Deep Breath” Kind of Relief

FINALLY, we are seeing some of the balls rolling! The fruits of everyone’s labor and squeaking of wheels has really started some flames behind some of the hold ups. Praise God! We are so grateful for everyone that has been working on our behalf, at all hours of the day. Tomorrow, we are driving out to Montoursville to pick up our 2013 Dodge Caravan- Black. — Yes, we were planning on getting the Hyundai Sante Fe, but we were talked out of it, due to the fact that Tim would only be able to benefit from it for a few more months to a year or two, then we will have a big struggle or have to do a trade when he becomes chair bound. With the van, as much as I resisted, it will be much more helpful as it will be adapted for Tim to drive right up into the car and anchor his chair to the car.  However, after we get our van, we will have to send it away for about three weeks to get it adapted to transport the power chair. Then after that, it is ours! But I do get to drive it around until we need to send it away. :]

Tim is doing well with school. He ended up dropping his physics CLASS (not the major) because he was having a hard time keeping up, since he cannot type all that well. He did JUST get the tobii eye-gaze computer, maybe we can get a video up of him using it because it is AWESOME! So, he should be able to handle the work load better from here on out.  The eye gaze will be a big help in communicating and will make the hard road of decline a little more bearable.

We received the news that we have met the criteria for HFOT (Homes for our troops), which is basically a habitat for humanity for veterans. They are an organization that will build a handi-capable home for us, if our application is approved, mortgage free! However, we will be signing a contract where we agree to live there for 10 years and if we move before that time is up we need to pay the remainder of the house payment.

Grove has been doing well. He turns 1 1/2 in TWO days!! We stopped breastfeeding, so we are experiencing a bit more tantrums and he is easily upset, but we are getting through it. We also are going through the grueling task of getting him to go to sleep on his own, without being held. I know I shouldn’t have spoiled him by holding him all the time but it was time that I cherished with him. He has been doing rather well. It is becoming more routine and I believe he is getting used to it. He has had several visitors recently. Tim’s mom came to visit. His twin brother, Stephen, has been here, on average, about every other week for a couple days. He spent some time at my parents’ in Johnstown and my dad is here currently. Before all of that, Tim’s two sisters made it out, my sister has made it out and so has my mother. So far there very few of our family who has yet to see our new place.

We have met all of our neighbors. Sylvia, who is across the alley from us made us some coasters to welcome us and she made more than two “because there are always more than just you two over here”. Our upstairs neighbors, which we would appreciate prayer to have a better relationship with- they haven’t been the most welcoming, told Sarah that he didn’t know what was going on down here since there were always people coming in and out. So, I can only imagine what our visitor traffic looks like to others, but we feel the love and support and we are so thankful that God is reaching our hearts through family, friends and community.

We have a ramp! Unfortunately, it is not the VA ramp that has been “coming” ever since we moved here at the end of July. But some friends of friends have pulled some strings and had one put in. It is wooden and does the job. Grove loves it more than any of us.

Sarah and I are getting closer and closer to having everything in the right place and getting through our cleaning “projects”. I am finally being a bit more successful in my new years resolution to get rid of a lot of things and downsize our “things”. We are close to being more organized with all the paperwork and forms for Tim.

I offer you my solemn vow…

Three years ago today, at Edinboro Conference Grounds, the church camp where we met at a young age, we vowed to husband and wife, constant friends, faithful partners, and each other’s love in the presence of God, our family and friends. To be faithful partners in sickness and in health, in good times and in bad, and in joy as well as in sorrow. We promised to love each other unconditionally, to support each other in our goals, to honor and respect each other, to laugh together and cry together and to cherish each for as long as we both shall live.
Some things that were said at our wedding:

Isaiah 43:1-7 “Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name, you are mine.” Our primary identity is son and daughter of a LIVING God. “When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you; when you walk through the fire you shall not be burned and the flames shall not consume you”. God promises to protect us through whatever we go through. There will be flames- that is a promise. There will be flames, there will be fires. There will be raging waters and there will be rivers. We will not be protected by them unless we go through them. but you are going THROUGH them….to the other side. God has promised to bring you through them, he promises protection.

“You are precious in his eyes and honored and he loves you and his love for you is being poured out.”  I respect you and honor you because you are his. You belong to our Almighty Daddy. As it was said at our wedding, I am responsible for being the main mirror of God’s love for you, as you are for me.  This will take us above an beyond any kind of human love we can muster up for each other. it requires a constant reliance on the Holy Spirit. All of his promises, the love that he is pouring out, and calling us out as his children for one singular purpose… is for his glory. He does all of this to glorify himself. He will make sure his glory is seen in our marriage.

Isaiah 61: 1-6 [I got goosebumps when hearing this passage on our wedding video.]  On our wedding day, it was raining in the north and raining in the south, but not there. Jim said God told him, as he was preparing for the wedding,  “Do not mess with them. The anointing the calling and destiny that he has for you, it is gigantic. He is going to fight your battles for you. He is going to go before you and make your paths straight. he is going to prepare away. If anyone comes agains you he will strike”

As we embark on our fourth year of marriage:
We had a wonderful anniversary. Thanks to KayMay and Sarah for entertaining our precious, sweet boy, Grovie. We were able to drink some of our favorite wine and have the best food in Lock Haven as well as hang out at our favorite stomping ground of  Avenue 209. I fall more in love with you every day and I wouldn’t trade any moment I have ever had with you for anything.

Reflecting back on our wedding and the three years of marriage we have had the joy of experiencing, I can’t help but get goosebumps and feel the overwhelming love of God as I look back at what was said at our wedding. Thank you, Jim, for allowing God to speak through you. We had little understanding of how the words would still impact us years after the event and how it would continue to drive and guide us through the ups and downs of our marriage. “We will face tribulation”. No kidding. “BUT God is helping you THROUGH it”.

Soon after Tim’s diagnosis, someone told me, “You need to remember that God loves Tim more than you ever could and if you don’t want to see him suffer, God doesn’t want to see it ten times over what you can even fathom.” This doesn’t mean that Tim will not have ALS. Sure, that would be great and a miracle that I wouldn’t go a day without praising God for, but this isn’t a hiccup in God’s plan. There is a reason and we will prevail through this trial. God WILL be glorified, despite how any of this turns out.
I never imagined one of us having a terminal illness and we would have to face everything we have faced so far, I don’t think anyone believes it will happen to them. But through it all, you are the one I want to stand beside. Thank you for your support, love and care. I take great pride in taking care of you and helping you do everything, no matter how hard it is for you to accept help and how overwhelmed I may get, I take joy in knowing that I am the one that you want to help in the hard times.  If the sky that we look upon should tumble and fall or the mountains should crumble to the sea. No, I won’t be afraid. Oh, I won’t be afraid just as long as you stand by me.

When all of a sudden,
I am unaware of these afflictions eclipsed by glory,
And I Realize just how beautiful You are,
And how great Your affections are for me. Oh How he Loves us!

You are my waking dream, you’re all that’s real to me
You are the magic in the world I see
You are the prayer I sing, you brought me to my knees
You are the faith that made me believe

Dreams on fire, higher and higher
Passions burning right on the path

One spark, forever yours, give me all your heart
Dreams on fire, higher and higher

You are my ocean waves, you are my thought each day
You are the laughter from childhood games
You are the spark of dawn, you are where I belong
You are the ache I feel in every song

And all God’s children sing out Glory Glory Alleluia He REIGNS!

Our Third Anniversary 9/10/14
-Grove was watched by KayMay and Sarah. We went to “The Village” in Lock Haven to eat an yummy italian dinner and drank our favorite wine. Then ventured over to Avenue 209 to hear some rattlesnake gospel and spend some time with friends.

This was last year’s anniversary- 9/10/13 2 year!