Easter 2014

I don't know how many people actually still read this, but thought I would keep posting since it is somewhat therapeutic to me as well.

We knew that Easter was going to be difficult this year, so we changed up the routine to see if that would help ease the emotions.  Kelsey, Jennifer, and I went camping at Tim's Ford State Park and had some friends join us in the adjoining site.  We got there Thursday afternoon and left Saturday morning.  Christy, Phillip, and their kids came down Friday morning and we spent the afternoon playing games and had a Scavenger Hunt.  Glen and Peggy also came over Friday and had lunch and dinner with us all.  Jennifer and I stayed at the campsite Friday night, but the rest of the family went to Peggy and Glen's so that they could get ready Saturday morning for our family Easter lunch in Liberty, TN.  That was the first time in a very long time that we have camped without at least one of the girls.  Although we enjoyed being out in nature and sharing time with family and friends, there were still moments of heartache and pain realizing that Courtney was not there to share in the fun.

We normally have a family Easter lunch at Glen and Peggy's the Saturday before Easter, but this year we had it at Jennifer's cousin's house in Liberty instead.  They did a tremendous job preparing the meal and there was plenty of things to do outside for all the kids and young adults.  The weather was amazing all weekend and it was good to enjoy time with family.  However, once again there were still moments of heartache and pain without Courtney there.

We went back to Peggy and Glen's house to spend the night and go to church on Sunday.  Courtney had enjoyed going to the Sunrise service with Glen and Peggy at their church the last few years and then we would meet them there for breakfast and go to the early church service.  Kelsey has sung during that service for many years, but just wasn't sure she was ready to do that this year.  She went back with Phillip on Saturday afternoon to Jackson and sang with a praise team on Sunday morning.  Jennifer and I did not make it for the breakfast and I had a hard time walking into the church and especially into the room where we usually ate breakfast.  During the service, I had a very hard time concentrating on the message because all I could think about was not having Courtney with us.  I know she is in a much better place and realize how awesome it was that she was celebrating Easter with our risen Savior, but I still miss her here.

The next couple of weeks are going to be difficult as well as we travel to my parents' house for the first time, have our family get together at the community center at the cemetery, and then Mother's Day, which would have been Courtney's 17th birthday.

Please continue to keep us in your prayers and I will update as I am able.  :-)