The Golden Rule Day

It's hard to believe that October is already upon us. Which leads to Evan's 5th Birthday, my birthday two weeks later, followed by Thanksgiving...and about 4 days later, what would have been Ethan's 8th Birthday. I was going to wait to write about this, but felt that the more time people had to prepare, the better participation we could get. In honor of Ethan's Birthday, we are declaring November 29th The Golden Rule Day.

THE GOLDEN RULE:

So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets. Matthew 7:12

As many of you already know, Ethan tried so hard to live by the Golden Rule. He would usually go out of his way to treat others the way he wanted to be treated. Of course, he was human just like you and I, and antagonized his little bother, and didn't always share. :o) But that's human nature, and no one is perfect. However, Josh and I had never seen someone so passionate about living out The Golden Rule.

We ask that you find in some way, big or small, to go out of your way to treat someone the way you would want to be treated--on November 29th of each year. Perhaps you will buy a meal for someone who is less fortunate, volunteer at a soup kitchen, go visit the widowed in your neighborhood, make cookies or a meal for a neighbor who is ill or bereaved. The list of possibilities is endless! If we can all show extra love on Ethan's Birthday, then the world will be a much sweeter place, and this will honor Ethan's memory, and also honor the Lord.

To read more about Ethan, please visit: www.mem.com On the left hand side enter in Ethan for "first name" and "Wallace" for last name (without italics, of course).

Taking a Break

I had hoped to write more often once we got settled into our home here in WA, but that just hasn't been the case. I have been busy, but also just haven't wanted to write. When I did get the urge to write, lack of internet while in TLF on base, or our laptop breaking, have prevented me from writing.

We are all doing okay. It's been rough since we moved. Often I think of all of my friends. Thank you for understanding when I do not call, return a call, or pick up the phone. On many occasions (especially lately), I do not want to talk. But please don't give up. One day I will find the new me, and find happiness and complete joy. Right now just isn't that time. Recently I joined a GriefShare group at my new church here in WA. In that group I've learned that the grief journey, especially in the loss of a child, takes years, not months, to fully grieve and recover. We as a family have a lot of healing and resting in Him before we can find our complete "new normal." Birthdays and Holidays are upon us starting in two weeks. Please be in prayer for us, because this will be a difficult season indeed. I thank you so much for continuing to pray for us.

The cute picture at the top was taken about a year ago by my dear friend Andrea Gray. Often times, we would swap watching each others kiddos so we could have a date night with our husbands. Note the brownie smudge on Evan's cheek, the brotherly hug they shared, and their love for one another. :o) PRICELESS