“When you go through a trial, the sovereignty of God is the pillow upon which you lay your head.” — Charles Spurgeon
You see, after I uploaded my last video, I realized that the holidays were fast approaching. This made me stop and reflect on how I would handle them without Tina.
As many of you know, Tina and I were married for over 24 years. She was my best friend and we did everything together, including making memories over the holidays.
Matter of fact, some of my fondest memories of Tina were created over the holidays. Not because of any particular holiday but because of the sheer joy she brought to each and every one. She was full of fun and always brought the party!
But since the Lord lovingly called her home earlier than any of us expected, it’s been six months of many firsts since my last update and I needed time to process the journey.
By default, I’m very analytical. For those that know me well, that’s no surprise. I’m melancholy, think things through and don’t wear my emotions on my sleeve.
However, I’m cognizant of how grief works. One minute you’re fine, the next you’re slammed by a tsunami of emotions. This juxtaposition can be hard to deal with, no matter if you have testosterone running through your veins like me or not.
So that’s my reason. I chose not to publicly record or write any updates until time had ran its course.
But now that it has, I’d like to echo Tina’s words of encouragement she so eloquently penned in her September 15, 2016 update.
God is real.
God is able.
God is good.
No matter what life throws at us.
God is real.
God is able.
God is good.
I have several updates I’d like to share with you but will leave those for another day.
Until then, please know that I love you, my kids love you and we’re forever grateful for the many prayers that you’ve prayed for us.
The Lord is our vision. He’s our hope. We pray He’s yours too.
— Patrick, Madeline & Creed
Be My Vision by Planetshakers
Thankful for the update, Patrick. I think of you and Maddie and Creed often, think of Tina often too. Continuing to pray for you guys! Love you all! And love the beard!
Thanks, Kellye. We appreciate you and Charlie!
Love you all! I miss Tina everyday ❤️
You and me both! It was great to see you and your family over Spring Break. Tell lil’ Sibby we send all our love her way!
I pray God gives you peace during this time of change. We think about Creed so very often and miss seeing him at school. Take care and safe travels!
Thank you, Laurie. I do appreciate it.
Sent those words of Tina’s to someone today! What a blessing! Thank you for posting. Continuing to pray for you and your family.
Thank you, Sandi. Your thoughts and prayers don’t go unnoticed.
Tina would be thrilled to know that her words brought encouragement to just one soul who needed it. I’m glad they did, too. 🙂
I needed to be reminded of this: God is real, God is able, God is goo. Thank you, Patrick. Love you!!
Love you, niece!
Your description of grief is so true. You and your family are continually in our thoughts and prayers, and as you move towards a new season of healing and restoration! Sending our love to you all!
Thank you, Trina. You and your family are appreciated!
P.S. Tell Jon I said ‘thank you’ for his recommendation of Onyx’s Colombia La Palma Cristian Monroy. It was some of the very best coffee I’ve ever had. Too bad Onyx sold out! 🙁