Update : 33009

Tuesday, March 17... Tough day. As you know, this was a dreaded day as we faced Luke's birthday for the first time. It was hard. We went to his grave with my parents and were joined there by Todd, Angie and their girls. I don't even know how to describe it to you. So many emotions. So awful. So wrong. So painful. STILL SO HARD TO BELIEVE. I think we were there for about an hour... maybe a little more than that... not really sure. We placed flowers on Luke's grave. We wiped away the dust and dirt that had been blown onto his marker. We sat in silence. We talked and caught up on life. Abby, Ellie, Kate and Summer ran around and laughed and played. We enjoyed the beautiful sunshine and warmth of the nearly-spring day. We remembered Luke and shared some stories. We circled around his grave, hand in hand, while Todd prayed. And then we left. 

I guess it's what you do in situations like this. What else is there to do?  

As difficult as that day was, the entire week really, we know many people were praying... we sensed those prayers, we were strengthened and encouraged by them, and we were able to get thru those days in large part because of them. Thanks to all of you who were part of that outpouring on our behalf. God was faithful to listen and kind to act. We are grateful.

Saturday, March 21... I was in the living room with Summer and my parents when I heard Nicol calling out to me from the top of the stairs, "Greg, can you come up here?" By the time I started up the stairs she had already disappeared. I found her standing in the middle of the bathroom with a wonderfully familiar look on her face. I looked over at the vanity and saw something else that has become a familiar sight over the past few years... a home pregnancy test. 

So let me just cut to the chase... Nicol is expecting! We confirmed the HPT with a visit to the doctor the following Monday. I hadn't planned to share the news here this soon, but I decided to do it anyway because the way I see it, there's no reason to wait. Yes, these early weeks are critical. Yes, things can go wrong. Yes, maybe it's best to wait a while. But THAT is exactly why I am sharing this with you... so that you can celebrate with us and, especially, so that you can pray. 

We would be - as always - so thankful for your prayers. This news has a bit of a bittersweetness to it. Bitter because it tears at ours wounds as we miss Luke so much and continue grieve his loss. Sweet because... the precious gift of new life... what more can I say?