Goodbye, 2014: A Year In Review

Audrey Rae, Braxton, and Charlotte-

Kids, 2014 has been an adventure.

I won’t lie to you, it’s been difficult at times. I feel like this year has been one that I will always remember for the struggles we had to overcome, but also for the blessings rained on us. Let me describe to you some of the things that happened in 2014.

Just 12 days into the year, we announced the surprise we had learned about at the end of 2013.

It was stressful, but exciting, which would pretty much define our year.

We had some crazy weather, and I was astounded to see a weather phenomena for the first time in my life.

You travelled out of country for the first time in your life. A church we support in Mexico bought a house that is directly next to their building so they could turn the house into a children’s ministry room. Instead of giving the family money and expecting them to find their own home, the church gave them money, and then we built them a new home. It was a wonderful experience of love and hard work, one that I will never forget.

Our town faced tragedy. Reynolds High School, less than a block from our home, would be added to the growing list of schools that experience students taking the lives of other students on campus. One thought resounded with me that day, and I hope you take the lesson to heart.

A month after the shooting, I said goodbye to my cousin and life-long friend Mike after his long battle with ALS. I still want to write you a letter about him, especially with him being your Nino, Braxton, but I still struggle when I think about him…

And, a month after saying goodbye to one life, we said hello to another. Charlotte, I don’t know if I’ve ever been so scared in my life, but I do know that I have never seen a clearer miracle of God.

And now we sit here on a sunny-yet-freezing morning. Two of you are quietly eating breakfast while your mother plays with Lottie and I write this and think about the finishing touches for winter camp. It’s been a difficult year, but you know what? We got through it together. We endured grief and were overwhelmed with joy. We celebrated, we struggled, we travelled, and we did it all as a family. I hope and pray that 2015 is less stressful than 2014, but no matter what, we’ll face it together.

When you guys read this, know that we can always face things together as a family. You may be struggling with any number of things, but know that you don’t have to face it alone. We’re here for you. We love you. We’re a family.

Love you guys.

1 Corinthians 1:4

Dad