Almost 2 years

Dear Blake,

It has almost been 2 years since you were killed. You just turned 40. You weren't sick. You were hit by a car on your way home from work. We haven't been the same. Dad has been real sick. The last thing you said to me was to take care of Dad. He was put in the hospital while we were in Branson or I never would have gone. You didn't get to meet my Mady. You would sure love her. She is a dandy. We were watching old baby videos of MK and you were on there. I had forgotten. It was such a pleasant surprise hearing your voice. We sure could use your help with Dad, but you aren't here.

My MK is so muck like you. She is a thrill seeker. She loves to laugh and has a good time no matter where she is. She is strong willed. She asks why? a lot. She makes friends easily. You were that way. Everyone thought you were their best friend. People always came up to you and started talking. It was funny in a way. She loves to fish and be outside any chance she gets. She loves riding rides at amusement parks. She doesn't take no for an answer. Sometimes you just need them to comply. Wonder if Mady will do that? She has a dimple like yours. Makes me smile.

Today is your birthday. It is also our brother Jim's birthday. He doesn't like to celebrate it without you anymore. This is such a hard week. I was talking to Mom the other day about death. We as a society act like it is the worst thing ever. Like someone going to prison. Death is a part of life. We will all die. We were in a moment because of worrying about Dad and not willing to let him go. Going "home" to be with Jesus is a wonderful thing. I will think next Monday about your HEAVENLY BIRTHDAY. Heaven is a place for prepared people. Blake so many people think they are going for just being good. That is so scary. People don't realize that if that's all it takes then Jesus wouldn't have needed to come and die for us. We have to be ready this side of the grave. Jesus calls us to believe in HIM, repent of our sins (turn away from sins), confess that He is the son of God and be baptized. HE wants to be the LORD OF OUR LIVES. Today, I am reminded of the lyrics, "I'm in a hurry to get things done. I rush and rush until life's no fun. All I've got to do is just live and die, I'm in a hurry and don't know why." For being such a technologically advanced country, we don't really talk to people anymore. We know what they are doing instead of how they are doing. We over schedule our kids and then wonder where the time in our day has gone. We need to get back to basics and love people.

I miss you!

Love,

Your Baby Sister