Mr. and Mrs. Joseph McCainA friend wrote me the other day that she hoped that "mixed in with the bitter is some sweet to keep me going". I am not sure that we could have 'kept going' this past year with all of the intensity and sadness, if there were not some sweet moments as well. We have shared so much of our pain with all of you that today we want you to share in our joy.
On Saturday, April 4th we had an intimate gathering of close family at our home, as our son, Joey, and Kalyn Miller were married. Joey and Kalyn became engaged on Kalyn's birthday in January. They decided not to have a very long engagement, so that Gene might be able to be part of their special day. And so, in just a few short weeks the plans were made and we had a wedding! It was a beautiful, sweet ceremony. I had always dreamed of my own daughter in a beautiful wedding gown coming down our stairway on the arm of her father to her awaiting groom, but I never imagined that instead it would be my soon to be new daughter-in-law walking the isle with her father. It was very special and a day we will always remember.
Mr. and Mrs McCain and Mr. and Mrs. McCain
And if that were not enough to celebrate, our daughter Katy became engaged on Easter Day to Scott Leonard. And so in the midst of the drama of ALS, we are planning another wedding! Katy and Scott will be married at our home on June 13th. Gene will, Lord willing, have the honor of rolling his precious daughter down the aisle on her wedding day.
Scott and Katy On May 4th we will celebrate Gene's 60th birthday. Gene has now lost the ability to eat food or drink liquids and he is receiving all of his nutrition through a feeding tube. He is also having a difficult time speaking. This week we are finally receiving his DynoVox--a computer device that will speak for him.
Our days are difficult. When we started this blog, I had pictured being able to write you every week and tell you how we were staying strong on this difficult journey. I have been humbled. It is hard; far harder than I could ever have imagined. We are grateful for some joyous times in our lives. We are so grateful for the loving support of our family and friends. We are grateful for all of you and that you still want to read our blog. I have written so many blogs in my head, but I am so busy that most of them never make it to the keyboard. Suffering can be so painful and it can cloud our thoughts. I hope to share some of those thoughts with you soon. Until next time...
There is a time for everything,
and a season for every activity under heaven;
a time to be born and a time to die,
a time to plant and a time to uproot,
a time to kill and a time to heal,
a time to tear down and a time to build,
a time to weep and a time to laugh,
a time to mourn and a time to dance,
a time to scatter stones and a time to gather them,
a time to embrace and a time to refrain,
a time to search and a time to give up,
a time to keep and a time to throw away,
a time to tear and a time to mend,
a time to be silent and a time to speak,
a time to love and a time to hate,
a time for war and a time for peace.
Ecclesiastes 3:1-8
Weeping while laughing,
Michele and Gene
Mr. and Mrs. Joseph McCain
Mr. and Mrs McCain and Mr. and Mrs. McCain
3 comments:
Michelle, Gene and family,
Congrats to you all as you celebrate the beginning of 2 new families. I know in all the sickness and sadness, celebrating with your children brings joy to your hearts. Our thoughts and prayers are with you everyday.
Love, Robin (McCain) McAlpine
Thank you Jesus, for the happiness I feel in seeing Joey and Katy give their folks a moments rest. Thank you Jesus, that you provide for me an example to follow should I one day/year be called to suffer as much. Thank you Jesus, that you suffered and died for all of us. Thank you Jesus, for the courage and abiding Faith that you give Gene & Michelle. Thank you for your loving kindness and mercy now. Love Bill and Pam Lehtonen
Thank you for sharing with us what is happening in your lives, be it joy or sadness, reminding us of what is most important in this life. When I go for my walks and push the walk button at the street lights, I see the name McCain and pray for you.
Love you, Jill
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