Families are Forever

This is a picture of Michael's family that was taken in November of 2009.  We knew Michael would be deploying to Afghanistan in December so the whole family made sure to get togther one last time before he left.  It is a little haunting to look at this picture and know what was to happen in just a few short months, something that would change the life of everyone in this picture.

It's funny how this family portrait even came about.  We decided at the last minute, kind of typical for most of the people in this picture, to have everyone grab a green or brown shirt and hurry down to the trees by the Rio Grande and snap a family picture.  It was a spur of the moment thing and in retrospect, it may have been an idea from a higher source.  We enjoy being together and tended to take it for granted. With knowing how close we came to losing Michael, we're reminded again just how precious family and togerthness can be.  We're grateful to have him back and knowing what other families lost makes it even more precious.  If you've been following this blog, you know some of what we've experienced.  We urge you to tell your families and friends how much you love and appreciate them while you can.  Life can turn upside down in the blink of an eye. We know that God's hand has been involved in Michael's life, as He is with all of us, and we are so very grateful for that knowledge.  We have confidence that Michael will see again, if not in this life, in the life hereafter.  That faith and hope makes our struggles easier and fuels our commitment to each other, to our extended family, to friends, and to God.