A Journey To One Thing
Hello Friends!
Since we’ve talked last, our family has grown by one! Ellis Faith Taylor was born November 5 to our daughter Brooke and her husband, JB! She weighed in at 8 pounds and 13 ounces. Of course she’s beautiful!! Older sister Emma Grace is very proud too! We are just over the moon in love with her already and waiting expectantly to hold her close in a couple of weeks!
See pictures below!!
Joe and I wake up every morning reminding ourselves we’re in Oregon. Of course it becomes very real when we look out our window and see Mt. Hood on a clear morning. Then we drive the short 5 or 6 minute drive to our daughter and son’s house to wake up our 2 grandkids for school. These new routines are so much fun. Brack teaches PE at the kids’ school so he goes over a little early. So Papa and I take turns walking them to and from school, literally around the corner. We have gotten to know some of the amazing teachers at their school. They even make house calls for the kids’ conferences and stop by often to say “hi” to Jordan and the family. They usually plan some type of weekly “rally around Jordan” get together, at her house or a local restaurant. Our hearts are full of love and gratitude for this community of loving people who have invaded our kids lives with such kindness. Parker’s kindergarten teacher has planned a Carols and Cocoa night for Jordan so next time I will have pics to share of that!
Jordan had her last Avastin infusion yesterday and handled it like a pro. She started her second round of 5 day chemo last night, taking pills at bedtime. This is the strongest dose yet, and I’m very thankful to say she did not experience any nausea during the night.
Her speech is pretty slurred, but we are learning to understand her better. It gets rather funny sometimes; another lesson I lean into, that listening is an art.
Reality hit hard this week as we signed papers for Advanced Directives, (quality and end of life choices), and heard Jordan talk about writing letters to her children. Emotions can change on a whim; one minute we’re laughing and playing with the kids and the next we’re tucking our daughter in and saying goodnight, and she’s crying because she can’t imagine not being here for her children. I could barely whisper “Jesus.” Joe and I cried the whole way home that night.
But what if I couldn’t whisper “Jesus?” Who else’s Name means anything in these times? I mean, really.
I may not live up to Abraham who “never wavered in his faith as he gave glory to God,” as much as I want to. But I do know the One who never wavers in His love for me and those I love. I have questioned a lot lately.
I realize I don’t really know anything.
And in being still, and being content in the not knowing, He comes.
And that is Life to me. He is Life to me.
And breath comes just in time.
Thank you again for being here with us. In our hearts. We are humbled to realize so many of you have walked or are walking similar roads. I hope I will have more compassion as I trust the God of all comfort to be that in me.
With love and grateful hearts,
Kim and Joe
Ellis Faith Taylor born November 5, 2017
Jordan, Brack, Benton and Parker on our weekend
at the Oregon coast.
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