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One of Jadyn’s very favorite things to do was write to a little boy she sponsored in Africa. She loved that little guy…

Recently, I had the wonderful opportunity to go to Africa and meet the little girl I sponsor through Jadyn’s Foundation. It was my heart’s desire to carry on what she started and loved. It was such a blessing to be with these children.

Today Jadyn turns 25! Of course we still miss her terribly. I find that helping others in her name is a balm for my broken heart. Jesus said, “Taking the child in His arms, he said to them, any who welcomes a little child on my behalf welcomes me.” Mark 9:36:37

I personally got to see what an enormous difference $40/month does for a child there. It is the difference between education or not, well fed or hungry, shoes vs. no shoes. This amazing ministry is in Glen Ellyn, Illinois. https://livinghope.reachapp.co/sponsorships?status=unsponsored,partially. If you feel led join us in sponsoring a child in Jadyn’s name.

Happy Heavenly Birthday Jadyn, who was once an orphan herself, and now resides in heavenly places with Jesus the good shepherd.

Love you JJ, Mom

The list keeping growing longer each week of new friends who have children joining Jadyn in heaven with Jesus. For all of you who have joined our club, this song is for you…

I’m sitting in a Starbucks sipping my “fall” drink and i find myself looking out at the chilly grey day reflecting on the past 2 years. It seems like forever ago and just yesterday that Jadyn ran ahead to Heaven🙏. I miss that crazy girl of mine as much as ever, but God has been faithful as He slowly pieces together my shattered heart💔. i don’t expect that it will look anything like my old unshattered heart, but the cracks (and there are many), are where He allows the light to shine both inward and outward. I have spent sooo much time looking for that light in the darkness…because it has been a long, dark journey. The video below was played at JJ’s memorial service. Listen to the song……Jesus STILL and always will make the darkness “Tremble”……..” He is light and in Him there is no darkness AT ALL”  1 John 1:5

“God has called Jadyn out of the darkness into His marvelous light”……I Peter 2:9

Watch and listen………

Today is Jadyn’s 20th birthday being celebrated in Heaven💜.   Here on earth she is forever18.    These pictures were all taken 2 years ago on our last trip to California with our family. We find ourselves here again getting tanner settled for grad school.  They both always wanted to be out here!!!  Jadyn is with us in spirit🙏.  

As I gaze at the ocean, flowers, hummingbirds and blue sky i know that she lives in a place that makes this pale in comparison(Paradise)

🥰Happy Heavenly birthday sweet girl😘😘😘

“You make known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand.” Psalm 16:11

Last summer Jadyn and I noticed that ALL the bathrooms at Lurie Children’s Hospital were now “gender neutral”.   She got the giggles and made a sarcastic comment while peeing in a cup😂(typical jj)

Certainly, this was a fun memory in the midst of this hard & sad summer…

1. Mother’s Day
2. Graduation
3. Father’s Day
4. 4th of July
5. Troy’s Birthday
6. Jadyns 19th Birthday
7. Kristin’s Birthday
8. Fall Back to School

These are incredibly painful occasions this summer, among others.  This is why I have to remind myself over and over again of God’s truths even when I don’t feel like it!!! (or always believe it) Yes, He is loving…

2. He is powerful
3. He is near
4. He is unchanging
5. He is faithful
6. He is good
7. He is wise
8. He is eternal
9. We are loved

“And I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from His love.  Death can’t, and life can’t.  The angels can’t, and the demons can’t.  Our fears for today, our worries about tomorrow, and even the powers of hell can’t keep God’s love away.  Whether we are high above the sky or in the deepest ocean, nothing in all creation will ever be able to separate us from the love of God that is revealed in Christ Jesus our Lord.”  Romans 8:38,39

 

Last week was truly bittersweet for us.   Last Tuesday was Jadyn’s “bench dedication ceremony” at Wheaton Academy.   It felt like her own personal “graduation ceremony” as her senior class graduated 5 days later.   It was an incredibly difficult day for us, but a blessing to hear several of her friends share about her.

God in His wisdom and mercy allowed us to go to a grieving parent retreat (Respite Retreat) in Nashville that same weekend of graduation.   We were blessed beyond measure being with these fellow sufferers.   It was an amazing thing to meet and spend the weekend with couples all over the country who had very similar pain, and are seeking the Lord for their ultimate comfort, healing and strength.   I was also able to envision Jadyn with all their precious children together rejoicing in Paradise.  Again what a blessing!!!

A quote from Nancy Guthrie (who led our retreat) that has stuck with me………..”Experiencing God’s blessing is not merely getting good things FROM God.  The essence of blessing is getting more OF God.”

Our group of grieving parents sang together on Sunday morning (the day of Jadyn’s “would be” high school graduation) the following song lyrics…..

“Blessed be Your name when the sun’s shining down on me, when the world’s all “as it should be,”  blessed be Your name.  Blessed be Your name, on the road marked with suffering,  though there’s pain in the offering, blessed be Your name.”

Love to all, Troy and Kristin

“Though he brings grief, he also shows compassion because of the greatness of his unfailing love.” Lam. 3:32