Baptism and Tornado

Feb. 3rd was a very special day. We had Isaac's Baptism in the morning during Mass at my hometown church in Atkins. Several family members and friends were present, as well as our church family. Afterwards my Aunt and Uncle hosted a special celebration brunch at their house. Then in the afternoon, church and family hosted a wonderful shower for Isaac and me. This was the first time many friends and relatives had gotten to see him. He was a little late for his own shower. His Papa had to bring him as he had fallen asleep after his big morning. :-) The picture is taken after Mass. Isaac and I are surrounded by our priest, grandparents, and godparents. It was definitely a very special day to remember.

Feb. 5th was another day to remember, but for a very different reason. My parent's house along with many of their neighbors' was badly damaged or destroyed by the tornadoes in Arkansas (Atkins). My parents are ok. They were in a neighbor's storm cellar. Tragically, the family that lost their life, was my parent's next door neighbors. It's sad beyond words and really just very hard to make any kind of sense of. My parents are moving into a rent house this weekend. They plan/hope to rebuild. I am of course most greatful that they are ok. And it's really amazing the tremendous amount of support and help they have gotten from family, friends, co-workers, community, and complete strangers. I know it's a bit overwhelming for them at times......in witnessing all the kindness. Even little Isaac was a help during the week after. Since i am still on adoption leave, (i go back to work full time on the 20th) we were able to be there quite a bit. And you could just tell when they got to see and hold him.......it helped!! So....that was a good thing.