18 Months

Tomorrow, September 24, marks 18 months since Dave passed away. We still think about him often and rejoice in the knowledge that death is not the end. I was able to compile a for each one of the children. A story just for them that contains pictures of them and their dad. I'm so excited to see their reactions when I give them to them. I think it's a wonderful way to provide an outlet when they're missing their dad. A way to remember and never forget what he meant in their lives.

As many of you know, I was thrown into dating just 7 months after Dave passed away. I was praying that I would be ready when the time was right. I knew that I was supposed to date Ryan, but things fell apart.

I danced in and out of the dating scene. (Ok, so I spent most of my time being a wallflower- just like in highschool.) I dipped into a few online dating sites, etc. I went on a few dates, but felt that I was wasting my time online. I'd gotten in touch with a couple of people and felt that if they truly wanted to, they could keep in contact with me via facebook and telephone.

Well, both did. I ended up making two very good friends, and one took the time to come out to Utah and take me out. Kevin Mudrow. He was very kind. We went to dinner with Katie and Randy (my brother and sister-in-law), went to a show at Tuacahn and hiked to Emerald Pools in Zion. I found it very comfortable to be around him. He was easy to talk to and a lot of fun.

He expressed his interest in coming back again, so I invited him to hike the narrows with me and my family in September. I'd come to a point in my life where I felt that I was starting to really get things under control: the house, the kids, etc. I was working in the yard and enjoying the progress. I'd had experiences where I'd felt that I was put into peoples lives to provide them some guidance and counsel. It was very refreshing to meet Kevin and realize that he didn't need counsel or advice.

He visited in August, and we just spent last weekend hiking the narrows with my family. It was so much fun! As I watched Kevin interact with my mom, dad, brother, sister, mother-in-law and kids, I grew to admire him even more. He's a very patient individual who posesses a lot of great qualities.
As I reflect on Dave's passing and the consequent struggles in our lives, I realize that our Father in Heaven does love us and is mindful of our every need and desire.

As a refreshing change, Kevin recognizes and respects Dave's position in our family. He has no desire whatsoever to take Dave's place. He knows that Dave will always be a part of our lives. Rather, Kevin desires to do all that he can to raise up a righteous family and to do/become all that the Lord wants for him to be. He recognizes that love doesn't have to be conditional and the more you give, the more you have.

Kevin has been and continues to be a tremendous blessing to me in my life. Most especially over the past month. I am grateful that he encourages me and in turn, makes me want to be a better individual.

As I sat, looking at Kevin's smiling face and Dave's smiling face in the photo next to him, I recognized that Kevin would be a great compliment to who we already are as a family and a positive encouragement to our continued progress. I'm falling in love with him already . . .

Comments

Katie said…
Wow I think there are some things you neglected to tell me! Love ya
September 23, 2010 at 9:28 PM
KM said…
I'm so happy for you Georgia. You deserve the best!
September 24, 2010 at 1:43 PM
Punky said…
So happy to hear your finding more love and peace in your life!
September 26, 2010 at 8:35 AM
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