3.25.2021
There is nothing I would love more than to celebrate this special day with him. The kids and I would make him all his favorite foods. We would spoil him with gifts and handmade cards. We would tell him how much we love him. We would wrap our arms around him and never let him go.
photo taken on Galin's 35th birthday
2.12.2021
A while back, a dear friend asked what brings me the most joy in life right now.
Today my answer is a friend picking up the little kids to take them sledding, an unexpected date with Kayla, and getting to witness some of Jack’s first steps.
What has been bringing you joy lately?
1.24.2021
I am still here, taking it one day at a time :)
The holidays felt so heavy without Galin. We decided it would be easier if we spent Christmas away from home, so we rented an Airbnb.
I got to spend Christmas Day with all my kids and JACK. We played games, made personal pizzas, and had a cookie decorating contest. God gave us a beautiful day together.
Jaxson wrote his first letter to me. He gave it to me a few days before Christmas because he was too anxious to wait.
Dear Mom, I love you huge. I love you to the moon and back so much. xoxo God loves you outrageously. I know you are sad. I’m sad sometimes. We are happy sometimes. Jaxson
6.9.2020
I had no idea how much I needed him, but God knew. He brings me so much joy.
4.27.2020
They have stood beside us, prayed for us, cared for us, and loved us even while they are grieving and hurting themselves. It brings tears to my eyes just thinking about it. When we went to Florida for Christmas they sent a box full of envelopes and told us to open one each day. Each envelope contained a note and gift card or tickets to do something special.
Every morning the kids hurried to get their chores done so they could see what fun activity awaited. We got to go to a Science museum, ice cream shop, eat at our favorite places, watch Frozen 2 at the theater, buy beach toys, pick out new pjs for a ‘make pancakes in your pjs day,’ and more!
It was the most thoughtful gift! It brought joy to our days and made it a trip we will never forget.
12.25.2019
I woke up Christmas morning thinking about our last Christmas with Galin and it made my heart ache for what used to be. The rest of the day, I tried my best to keep my mind on the present instead of the past. We decided to forgo our old traditions and start a few new ones.
Brittany and her new husband, Clint, were able to join us in Florida for Christmas. We sure missed Matt and Jerusha. They stayed close to home because their baby is coming soon!
Brittany and I made a Starbucks run to pick up everyone’s favorite coffee drink. We had a gingerbread house decorating contest, made our own personal pizzas, played games, and spent the evening at the beach. We ended the day with our favorite ice cream and a Christmas movie. I sure am thankful for my kids! What a gift from God they are.
11.19.2019
A few weeks ago I went on a little weekend trip with my two oldest daughters, Brittany and Kayla, so we could spend some quality time together before Brittany’s wedding day. It was such a special time and truly felt like a gift from God. Spending time with them is one of my favorite things on this earth.
xox
Charla
9.6.2019
shared at Galin’s funeral.
Dear Daddy,
No matter what trial or terrible tragedy you faced, you never once had a negative view about any of it and never uttered a word of complaint to anyone. In fact, in the midst of the most devastating events life could throw your way, you somehow still maintained a positive view about everything. You only saw the best in every situation and every person — even when they didn’t see the good in themselves. You had the most positive outlook possible in life — it simply was not natural.
You were a man of integrity to the core; nothing — absolutely nothing — could shake that. You were the most consistent, dependable, steadfast, & unwavering man. You were my steady rock through all of life’s crazy turns & changes. You were the greatest peacemaker. You were my go-to for wisdom & advice for all of my crazy questions & ideas. You really were not interested in any personal interests or hobbies — everyone else’s were your own. No matter what I was passionate about, you were just as invested & interested as I was. You were my encourager through all of the difficult & trying times.
Your dying wish was for as many people as possible to experience the overwhelming love & joy that you experienced. You showed exceptional strength & constantly demonstrated selfless love to everyone around you and it was only possible because of Jesus. You would love it more than anything else for others to know the all-surpassing joy, strength, & love that you came to know so intimately.
Life was cut short way too soon for you but you ran the race set before you with incredible vigor, determination, endurance, and passion. I know that the moment you met your Maker, He said to you, “Well done, good and faithful servant”. You trod the path so well for me to follow and I intend to run tirelessly in your footsteps to meet you soon.
I love you more than words could ever express.
Your son,
Matt
A memory that will always stand out to me about my Dad was when I had just gotten my license and he let me drive his truck around. One day I accidentally scraped a big dent into the side of the truck when backing out and called him crying. He laughed a little and told me something along the lines of, “Britt, it’s okay. I’m not mad or upset. I have no emotional attachment to vehicles or possessions. I could care less about that as long as nobody is hurt and you’re okay.” He taught me from a young age to hold things loosely and hold people tightly and I will always be thankful for that. - Brittany
Dear Daddy,
I LOVE YOU SO MUCH!! My brain is going a million miles per hour thinking of this new life, things I wish I would have done, and things happening in the future. One of my first thoughts was that you will not be able to walk Brittany, Lily, and I down the aisle at our weddings.
You have helped me through so many hard times. Your advice and wisdom blew me away sometimes. I will miss all your analogies and corny jokes. I want to give you so many more hugs. I want to hear your voice so badly. I want to pick up my phone and talk to you. My heart yearns for a little while longer with you. I wanted so badly for you to get better. I begged God to heal you, but His answer was no, and that is ok. God is still good. I have you and Momma to thank for teaching me that. You have shown me what it means to be a Christian. Your unwavering faith and optimism was astounding. You were the best dad ever. Every single memory of you is positive. How many people can say that? Thank you for showing me what a father and husband should look like. Thank you for loving God and our family so much.
I love you beyond the moon and back.
Kayla
I loved going to father/ daughter dances with you. I especially loved our dances together.
I love you so much.
Lily
I got to ride trucks with him. I got to ride tractors with him. I got to be with him for his birthday. We got to sing happy birthday to him and have family time. Daddy loved me so much. - Jaxson
xox
Charla