uncle j

in cctober, we were sobered by the news that ben's youngest uncle had been admitted to the hospital with a cancer diagnosis.  not even three weeks later, we made the sad trip to texas for the funeral.  he was barely 50 years old and left behind three lovely teenage girls.  the last time we saw them was before c was born, but uncle j, aunt k and the girls had a warm place in our hearts.  we wish we'd been able to get together with all the kids on a happier occasion.  go see your family!!

on the plane

aunt s, sister of uncle j

cousin s

nicholsons

as with my friend Aisha two years ago, the juxtaposition of grief and celebration was striking.  'but we do not want you to be uninformed, brothers, about those who are asleep, that you may not grieve as others do who have no hope.  for since we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so, through Jesus, God will bring with him those who have fallen asleep.'   seeing this hope in those who have suffered such loss is incredible, impossible in fact, without the cross.  death has been swallowed up in victory!

ben speaking at the memorial

cousins

cousin s had some little fans

cousin k and aunt s

domino run

yay!

on our way home

*1 thessalonians 4:13-14