Our story of goodbyes , hellos, and how you see God in the everyday

So... This is the story of Sadie.

It Is a long one. So take a seat.

It started this past summer when we met a dog named Sadie. Benjamin was instantly attached. We have never seen him bond with a dog like this. She was a yellow lab mix. The only other dog he has ever liked   Was also a yellow lab. 

So most of the summer I was looking for a dog. I knew it had to be just the right one. It could not jump Or bark much.  It had to be a low-key dog just like my low-key son.  The other two have wanted a dog forever.   Samuel has been the longest hold out. So we looked and looked and really found nothing. 

Then one day I got a call from one of my babysitters.  She had found a tiny kitten near the dumpster at work.  

The shelters Would not take her. I figured this was our answer.  A fun new pet. Not much expense. And something playful. So that's how we got Cindarella. A one and a half pound bundle of pure sweetness.

She reminded me and Brian of Bailey When she was a kitten.  Spunky, sweet, loving.  

After about a month she developed a limp.  We thought she had just hurt her leg By one of the kids. X-rays showed it was not broken. And after two days of rest and medicine she was better.  Then two weeks later the limp came again.  Back to the vet for more medicine and more rest. That's when it went downhill very quickly. Within two days she was throwing up. And by Saturday she was gone.  I was at training and I had no chance to say goodbye one of the saddest things ever when it comes to Pets.  I really feel sorry for Brian. He had to do it all on his own with three kids

So here's where Sadie comes in. Everyone in training sees me crying. Now lots of folks were crying. The content was incredibly emotional. But when I shared with a friend what it happened to Ella. She said you won't believe this and maybe you're not ready for this. But my friend has two yellow labs and is looking for a home for one of them.  She adopted two pups but with her schedule and a small apartment and an autistic child it was too much.  She wondered if I was interested. 

I burst into tears. I called Brian. We made arrangements to meet Sadie the next day. Her name was actually Precious. When we first met her everyone fell in love with her quickly.  Bub was the last to stand off. But Sadie was watching.  

We told her we would take a day to think about it. Everyone headed to the van except Bub.  He was "itching" a bug bite. Sadie was still watching him. she inched across the grass on her belly. And laid her head on his crocs.  He looked up at me and said Sadie.  I said yes she does look like Sadie. Do you want her to live with us?  He quickly said yes !

On the way home we knew we were getting a puppy.  But what would we name her?  I said let's call her Ella not Cinderella just Ella.  No one really like that idea. I suggested Bella.  No one else had a suggestion so I asked Bub.  His answer was Sadie.  I had a feeling that the other Sadie's mom wouldn't mind.  She and Bub bonded tubing on the lake.

 So that's how we got Sadie. Cannot believe my kids were up and ready to take her on a walk at 8:15. And I know that won't last. But I do think in some ways she ties our family Together. She is something we will all love. IAnd a way to remember our baby Ella.

You see if we hadn't had baby Ella, we wouldn't have waited for Sadie Sadie was worth the wait. And although we still cry about Ella.  I'm fairly certain God put her there ... Because he knew we needed Sadie..  And one day We plan to find another baby Ella. I don't know if Pets go to heaven. I know that God loves them he created them. And I do know that he gives us them to enjoy and love. A gift he gives us because he loves us and delights in giving us good gifts.

James 1:17

Every good and perfect gift is from above

coming down from the father of lights.

A day we will remember

Today was a day to remember! It has been a good week!  Watching my kids grow up before my eyes. It has been harder than I thought.  Letting them go without me there hurts more than I thought. Having to give up control is not easy.  

Watching Gracie learn to walk into school with her big brothers, carrying her backpack on one shoulder because that is what the big kids do.  Seeing bubs light up to see his teacher and then share the funny things she says and does ... She is awesome by the way...  Funny, silly, but in control... Just what my boy needs. I love to hear him actually share stories at home of what she does at school.  

Seeing Samuel actually seem to like school for once.  He made it to Accelerated math which keeps him busy and not bored.  He also shares many more stories from his year.  I think he is easing last year from his memory ...and he is back to his old self of sharing about his days.  I missed that from him last year.  

So this has been a good day and week to remember. 

 But yesterday on 9-11 I recalled some other memories from years ago. I was pregnant with Bubs and teaching.  We heard bits and pieces of terrorist attacks but tried to hide it from the kids... Cowering in the teachers lounge our mouths open and our hearts broken that God would allow such senseless tragedy.  Holding on to this baby in my womb I remember questioning why God would allow all this.  Why would I bring this child into this world of anger and senseless sins.  

Although I was confused I clung to the fact God had it under control.  It wasn't like he didn't know this would happen... It was not something that happened out of his plan.

So then a few months later I had  

bub and you know that story... Once again confused with why this happened  to me... it was not in my plan. But as months and years past I learn again that He has  a plan for my life and bubs and that he has known about it from the beginning of time.  Nothing happened that He was not prepared for.  And in fact many blessings come from it...

So it brings me to what I said first this week watching my kids grow up proves that God brings blessings even when things seem tragic.  he has a plan and has it all in control. He gives us so many good gifts.  He protects us from so much.  And even as i have to let go just a little... watching my three kids walk together side by side into school and knowing they are there together looking out for each other there is a reminder that  there are blessings that come into our life every day. Even with the scars from the tragedy in our life God is so gracious to bring us good things.

Lets thank Him today.