Cowboy Strong

tragedy

a lamentable, dreadful, or fatal event or affair; calamity; disaster

I haven't been able to find words that felt adequate to describe the situation I saw Saturday morning. I'm not going to try, but here is what I would like to say.

The things I saw that morning, by far, were the absolute most horifying things I have ever witnessed, first hand in my life. In every sense of the word, tragic. What I saw and heard will haunt me for a long time, but as all the events continually play over and over in my mind, I can see a faint light of hope for all of us.

People.

People ran to help. Most, without a second thought. Not only paramedics, firemen, law enforcement, etc. but fellow parade watchers. Average people who may have had nothing more to offer than a calm voice, a warm hand, strength, courage or a brief moment of relief. And in the aftermath this list of people continues to grow.

As more and more stories of that day come out, the more faith I have in my fellow man. Including our instate rivals, OU. The University of Oklahoma family has shown so much love and suport to OSU, from their choir singing our Alma Mater at their concert to the band flying our flag at their game and so on. It gives me chills thinking about it, but how could we expect anything less from Oklahomans?

We are not strangers to tragedy, we always rise up stronger than before and this time will be no different. But it takes people helping other people to get each and every one through something like this. Thank you to every single person who jumped in to help, who has donated financially to the victims and their families who has prayed for everyone involved (including the suspect and her family), who has offered a hug or emotional support. 

You are all heros.

Now I want to leave you with this. ..

"I'm praying for you" should not just be an expression, it is an act. 

If you tell someone you'll pray for them, then do it. There truly is power in prayer.

‪#‎StillwaterStrong‬ ‪#‎PrayersForPokes‬ ‪#‎CowboyStrong‬

(Facebook post, October 26, 2015)

January 2015

For as long as I can remember John 16:33 has been my favorite verse, in fact, it was written on my mirror for many years so I would see it first thing every morning. 

"I have told you these things so that in me you may have peace, in this world you will have trouble, but take heart, I have overcome the world!" (You will have trouble, but don't worry, I got this). 

Today another verse was given to me, John 14:18, just a few short chapters before the verse that has guided me everyday. 

"I will not leave you as orphans, I will come to you."

Through our fertility struggles john and i talked a lot about adoption, even though the Lord has blessed us with our amazing son, I believe that he is possibly still preparing us to adopt one day....is it possible that 'my verse' has taken on new meaning?

(In this world you will have trouble, but don't worry I won't leave you as orphans).

Isn't it neat how God speaks to us?

(Facebook post, January 23, 2015)

2013 Recap

I give in; here's my 2013 recap. The year started out full of hope as we finally got a referral to OU Reproductive Clinic, they couldn't see us until April so after celebrating John's birthday with a trip to Vegas, a national gun competition and an Arbonne convention we had our first appointment with the fertility doctor.

The first round of treatment expectedly failed but when preparing for the second round we were faced with a situation we had found ourselves in 2 years prior....surgery to remove another teratoma from my ovary. Against their "immediate" recommendations I refused to have the surgery until after being able to celebrate Charlie and Ashley's wedding.

The surgery went better than expected but still left me saddened by my struggle to be a mother. Lots of prayers were angrily being said during that time.

On August 9th my grandma and grandpa passed away in opposite ends of their home within a few short hours of each other. Such a sad time and a beautiful love story all at the same time.

So with such an emotional roller coaster and lots of debates over who would give me my fertility shots something exciting happened. On Friday September 13th - almost exactly one month after grandma and papa went to heaven - I took a positive pregnancy test. What a glorious moment. John may not admit it but we definitely both shed a tear.

I look forward to 2014 and the birth of our precious child. Thank you Jesus for all of the ups and downs and for all of the family and friends who reminded me of your love and grace even when I forgot.

(Facebook post, December 31, 2013)