Good Evening; Today is Sunday July 1st.
I trust that you have had a good week? I have! I will tell you a bit more about that below.
I may have a few too many pictures this week, but trust me I did cut it down.
I arrived home on Monday from my Midwest trip, early afternoon. As you will see, I just finished a busy week, all good. To set this up, I need to tell you about where Janelle and I went to college, where we met. Taylor University. I am sure there are similar stories, but the Taylor community in my opinion is very unique. We can go months, even years without seeing each other, we get together and it is like we have never been apart. These are what would be classified as Friends for Life. Several of these people traveled many miles to attend our services honoring My Janelle. Taylor installment #1, Tuesday, my college roommate Cal was in town from Chicago. He stayed at the house, great dinner and then an early morning golf game before I dropped him off at the airport. A grand total of about 18 hours, we had a great time.
Wednesday, I hung out with the Smithson clan (neighbors on the left). These people are family. We have shared many special times together over the years. They are the main family “taking care of Ken” in the local neighborhood. Daughter Chloe was in a play (she is an aspiring actress) downtown. So Maria, Molly, Nora and I headed there, nice dinner, watched Chloe perform. A very fun evening.
Thursday, I went by Ian’s work place (Bricktops), actually twice. Late afternoon, just to have a refreshment / visit a bit with my son as he worked. The evening did not have anything special going on so I ended up going back and having dinner. In true Janelle mode, the picture on the left is my dinner. The picture on the right is Ian and Amber. Another interesting item, Amber through her small group at church had been praying for Janelle and her family by name for several months, but had never made the connection that her co-worker Ian was part of the situation. She came to the Celebration service with her friends to honor My Janelle and realized her work buddy’s Mom was the person. Sweet young lady and I enjoyed very much hearing the story.
Taylor installment #2. Friday I headed out for Kiawah Island, SC for a relaxing weekend with additional classmates from the late 70s. My Hosts for the weekend were Tim & Jan Hill. Joining me were Bill & Diane Banks. Many hours of just special times, laughing, eating, hanging out by the pool, also a round of golf. Saturday was Tim's birthday so I was able to participate in all of that fun. Similar to my story above with Cal, we get together, it is like 30 years have not past. I am sure you are reading this so I hope today was a nice relaxing day. I am thinking pool, refreshments and naps probably took place? I can’t tell you how much I appreciate the invite & the fellowship. Words really can’t express my gratitude. On the left, the Hill’s Kiawah residence, on the right; Diane & Bill Banks, Tim & Jan Hill.
Now for the SPECIAL pictures I want to share with you this week. July 29th & 30th, 2011. Life was good; we were getting ready to have Kenneth Freeman officially join our family. The many months of planning by my two girls was coming to the finale! On the left, my girls & me (check out those identical smiles) at the rehearsal dinner. On the right, my girls having Mom / Daughter time on Wedding day as they were getting ready to get dressed. Very precious time for the Hayes family, I will treasure these memories always.
I feel like I have made a huge stride in the healing department over the last two weeks. Certainly I have been very busy and staying busy is a good thing for me. That said, the 2,000 miles I logged to the Midwest really just gave me a lot of alone time which allowed me to spend many hours thinking and contemplating my life going forward without My Janelle. The result, work this past week was actually pretty good. Friends, I have such great friends who circle me and are close by when I need them. Many relaxing moments this week, actually laughing and not constantly thinking about what has taken place. I am not sure that I am saying all of this quite right, but again for me I just feel like I have taken a big step forward and it feels really good.
I hope you all have a great week. Thank you for checking in with me; for the comments, emails and cards/letters. They are also a big reason why my healing seems to be accelerating a bit. I will plan to be back next week. Sister Kris is coming in tomorrow to hang out with me for a few days. That will certainly provide some interesting content for next week….:)
Ken
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Strength and Peace to You ….. Psalms 29:11
Tears for you Ken,as you share your journey! I can't think of a deaper love you both have and the loss you must be feeling! I thought i had that with my husband after being with him for 21 years,but he blindsided me with a younger woman who got pregnant and is now his wife! We were happy he just did not know how to deal with getting older! You and Janelle still give me faith that true love does exist! I look forward to your blogs as I did Janelle's! Always warms my heart and a few tears too! She was always so sweet and fun to be around in school! Taken too soon! I think of you and the kids and pray that the pain will turn into precious memories! Hugs to you all! Thanks for the posts! Susie Overhuel Wendorf
Posted by: [email protected] | 07/01/2012 at 08:42 PM
Aloha Ken! So good to hear from you again. So pleased that your trip was not just a long one, but one of healing as well. We all find our own path, looks like you are doing well on yours. . . Those pictures are amazing and I'm sure so full of treasured memories.
Mahalo nui (thanks much) for sharing your journey and know you and your family continue in my prayers. Looking forward to your posts as well. . .
Goodly Creations
Posted by: Goodly Creations (Volcano) | 07/01/2012 at 08:50 PM
good to hear that life holds more wonders for you, especially the wonder of grace and good friends. Loved the photos.
Posted by: Margaret Deans | 07/01/2012 at 09:08 PM
Journey on....little brother...God is by your side...love, Janis
Posted by: Janis tobias | 07/01/2012 at 09:08 PM
It's good to hear that you are doing better. I look forward to next weeks post. God bless.
Posted by: Linda | 07/01/2012 at 09:36 PM
So glad to hear of your happy good week! Love the pictures from last summer. Such a blessing for you and your daughter to have those memories of Janelle from the happy wedding planning days.
Posted by: Laura | 07/01/2012 at 10:12 PM
It's so good to see that your healing process is continuing, and especially good to hear that you are able to recognize it for what it is. I always enjoy seeing the pictures you choose to share with us. They are a nice way to both end, and start the week. Blessings!
Posted by: Armando Cortez | 07/01/2012 at 10:49 PM
I am so happy you have been blessed with so many wonderful people in your life. Wonderful to know your are feeling a bit better as you move forward. The power of prayer! Thank your for sharing more beautiful pictures Ken. I love the one of Janelle smiling at Brit! Priceless! I have been blessed to have that moment with my three daughters. I hope Ian and Britt are doing well also. Thanks for sharing Ken . Take care.
Posted by: Marybeth L. | 07/01/2012 at 11:28 PM
You're truly blessed to have such great family and friends! You're attitude makes me happy, thanks for sharing your healing with us.
Posted by: Karin | 07/02/2012 at 12:04 AM
Thanks for the update, Ken. Your post was
really upbeat. So glad that you have so many
friends and family members who care about you
and are helping you to heal. Love and laughter
are wonderful medicines. You, Britt and Ian
continue in my prayers. Brighter and happier
days are ahead for you all. You are on the
right path!
Posted by: Sherry in MI | 07/02/2012 at 03:24 AM
Great post and wonderful photos, especially of Janelle and Britt and you. I'm glad you have so many wonderful people to help you through this. Have fun with your sis.
Posted by: SueB | 07/02/2012 at 06:57 AM
NEVER too many pictures! Thank you for continuing to share your journey with all of us. Please tell Kris 'hello' for me. XXXOOO to you both!
Posted by: Kelley Smith | 07/02/2012 at 07:24 AM
God's hand is upon you, His healing working through the love of others for you and Janelle, His grace and comfort there with you through each and every moment. It is beautiful to see Him through your words. You are indeed carrying on Janelle's work, which is His work, in this world. Bless you.
Posted by: Susan Raihala | 07/02/2012 at 07:38 AM
God is good.
Glad you are surrounded by so much of His love.
Your story of love, loss and healing is powerful.
There is no such thing as too many photos.
Cool story about Ian's co-worker! :0)
Posted by: Lori Thomas | 07/02/2012 at 09:06 AM
So glad you had a good week and that you are healing. Love the pictures you included...Janelle and Britt do have identical gorgeous smiles! Continuing to pray for you and your family and sending you (((BIG HUGS)))
Posted by: Connie F. | 07/02/2012 at 10:49 AM
Ken I love the photos, there are never ENOUGH of them!! I am so grateful your finding some peace and just know how much I appreciate you and your keeping up the blog. Bless you!!
Posted by: janet brattin | 07/03/2012 at 01:39 AM
I have been on holiday so have only just caught up with your blog. I am so pleased that you have had a good week & pray for many more for you & your family. I hope what I am going to write next won't sound too negative, but bereavement can be a bit like a game of snakes & ladders - one minute you are doing fine & the next a snake takes you several places back. Just remember if that should happen it is a normal part of the process & don't be downcast. So sorry if that is unhelpful.
God bless.
Posted by: Gill | 07/03/2012 at 08:07 PM
I am reading this late but also in tears at your upbeat post. I know Janelle is smiling, proud that you are laughing again and enjoying life with your friends and family. I love the Amber story and thankful to be a part of it! You are one special neighbor! :-)
Posted by: Holly Crawford | 07/04/2012 at 10:46 PM
What a SMALL world with Ian's friend Amber! wow! That gave me goosebumps :)
I love the pics you posted. Your Janelle shares that smile in EVERY photo! She was simply ...Happy. Thinking of you..and Janelle.
Love and prayer, Jen
Posted by: Jen Griffith | 07/09/2012 at 12:03 AM