2016 Shook Things Up…Right Off the Top!
There is something about going to the zoo, that brings out the kid in me!
Not to mention, seeing the grandchildren eyes light up when they see the furry friends around.
We NEVER get tired of going to the zoo, matter of fact…Aunt Ash & Uncle Luke bought Little Man, a Zoo Pass for Christmas for 2016! He is SO excited!
Our beautiful daughter Ashley and granddaughter Ahnalise! Precious…Precious!
But, good times don’t always last…
2016…unfortunately came in with an ugly roar!
With hardly more than a few days into the tender New Year, you blink and end up where you’d never quite imagine being.
Everything changed in a heartbeat…
We received bad news for my immediate family that concerns our future. I then in turn, got very ill, now going on two weeks.
If this wasn’t bad enough, a dear friend of mine, was just diagnosed with stage 4 cancer.
She is not able to do chemo, and already is in hospice care.
The family is not allowing visitors and my heart breaks!!
How can something like this happen so fast?
Most likely, I won’t be able to say goodbye to someone who meant the world to me.
Very tough my friends!
Something came to my remembrance today…
I recalled the story of Gideon in the Bible, He was to become a judge in Israel, and was filled with fear!
But I love God’s answer: “I will be with you!”
God is with us, and God is for us…that is all we need to know.
Blessings,
Laurie
Pride in Photos 
Very sorry you have had such a difficult beginning. Get well soon – looking at that beautiful smile of your daughter must help 🙂
Mixed feelings reading this. Sending positive waves your way.
Definitely a mixed emotion read. Feel better!
So glad you shared your distressing news, Laurie, for it is clear that you have friends the world over how love you and are sending thoughts and strength your way. I’m so very sorry about your friend.
Thinking of you!
A very disconcerting start to the year. But, it also means smoother waters lie ahead. Stay strong.
Oh dear , so sorry to hear about your friend.. hope things are going better for you overall now… ,
I am so sorry too dear Laurie, my prayers with you and with your friend. Get well soon dear, God be with you, Love, nia
I know what it is like to have a bad year! I’m hoping that 2015 was mine and this year or any other will not be a repeat!
I’m so sorry to hear all this as well as the news of your friend. Let’s hope that it was just January that was bad and the rest of the year wil be good!
You are in my prayers.
Laurie, I am so sorry for the way your new year began.
I do hope that things turn around for you soon, and I sure hope that by the time you are reading this, that you too are on the road to recovery.
P.S. Cannot believe how much Little Man has grown!
Oh, Laurie, I am so sorry to hear about your struggles. But you are so right to trust in the Lord. My thoughts and prayers go out to you and yours at this time.
We love going to the zoo with the grandkids it is such a great place. I am also sorry to hear about your good friend that has cancer. Maybe her family will change their minds and let some of her friends visit. If not maybe you can call her. I hope you feel better soon.
You are in my prayers…..sending healing chi energy.
You take such beautiful portraits! I love the giraffe’s! they are saying Feed me, Feed me! Awesomeness! Hugz Lisa and Bear
I’m so sorry for the rough beginning. All of that needs prayer. I hope, by some stroke of mercy, that you are able to say goodbye to your friend. That’s heartbreaking.
Good super
last year our year started off with my Dad being diagnosed with stage III bladder cancer… some years are just not what we want…. but every day is a gift… love your bnw picture! beautiful! may you find some peace.
Laurie, I’m so sorry your friend has incurable cancer. Hugs. And I’m sorry for the illness and other bad news you’ve suffered. I admire your trust in remembering the Lord is with you and will not leave you. Keep holding His hand, dear one. He cares for you. As always, your pictures are spectacular.
Blessings of healing & peace ~ Wendy
Hugs and prayers for you, Laurie.
So sad to read this, Laurie. It starts with those wonderful smiles and ends in tears. I so hope you are well on the way to recovery, and your troubles, whatever they may be, can be managed between you. God bless!
Love the one you chose for the thumbnail, and also the one with the eating giraffes – they look very hungry!
Lovely photos of your beautiful girls and grandchildren. Best wishes for 2016 to shake itself off and treat you a little better. Hope you are feeling better. And, as you said, somethings just have to be left in God’s hands.
Your daughter is beautiful and granddaughters eyes too! I am so sorry to hear of all you news. I hope you are well and my prayers go out to your family…
Oh, it breaks my heart to read this for you. Being ill yourself for two weeks is enough, and the so sad the news of your friend. Sad they won’t allow visitors, but they must have their reasons. I like your perspective on remembering who is with us at all times and will see you through the heartbreak of your friend. Prayers that life gets better and no more sad news for your 2016. The photographs are beautiful as always and those babies….just gorgeous little ones. 🙂 To better days. ❤
Lovely photos of your beautiful family, Laurie. I’m so sorry that you’re unwell, and I can just imagine how heart-sore you are about your dear friend and especially not being able to say your goodbyes to her. Sending you hugs. Feel better soon my friend. xx
Not sure where to start, so I’ll start with the easy stuff. It’s nice to see you back and these photos are lovely. I’m sorry that you haven’t been well and that there are some concerns health-wise in your family. I’m also to sorry to hear about your friend, sorry to hear that you may not get to say good bye in a way that you would like too.
So very sorry to hear about your illness Laurie. I hope you will be back well and again soon –those grandkids need you! I can imagine how much the news of your friend is weighing on you. That is a shock and so painful not to be able to see her. Keep strong my dear. You will get through.
Get well soon.
What a tough start to the year, Laurie. I am sure we are all with you in hoping you regain your health quickly.
Beautiful family!
I hope you will feel better soon. So sorry to hear about your friend and other trials. But as you say, God will be with you through difficult times, always has and always will be. Take care Laurie.
Fortunately, you have those gorgeous children and grandchildren to nurture and nourish you.
I will keep you, your friend and your family in my prayers. May God be with you during this difficult time. Take care Laurie
Hang in there, friend!
So glad there was a fun zoo trip to bring smiles to everyone!!
Get well soon Laurieso that you can spend time with your precious family. I am sorry to hear about your friend. I hope she is not in too much pain.
Oh, I am so sorry to hear that 2016 has started badly for you and your family and your friend. May the memories of the good times help you steer through the dark days. You have so much love that surrounds you, my friend! Peace and love to you!
Keep your faith strong and pray Laurie.
Indeed, God is with you, my friend!