Generations

It's amazing how small our family felt (going down by 50%) while Shayne was away on business. I praise God that Shayne has safely arrived home from Holland! (Their luggage didn't make their connection in France, but hey - Shayne's home and Shayla and I are thrilled!) I let her stay up late on Thursday night to wait for daddy to come home. We were sitting, enjoying lemonade and cookies with a fellow teacher from school, when Sue signalled that Shayne pulled in - about an hour early. We knew Shayla would squeal with delight and we couldn't wait to see that great surprise reaction - and we got it! What a hoot! Shayla really loves her daddy!

I had the pleasure of spending yesterday with the tremendous teachers and students at "New Generation Preschool". This is the former Betty Jane Preschool which sadly closed last year. This is the same awesome preschool I selected for the girls after I went "preschool shopping". (You may remember my slogan, "Only the best for Christi Thomas." That didn't just apply to hospitals!) One of my four OSU classes for this quarter ended last week (whew); however, three more remain until early December. One of my literacy classes requires me to work with other teachers. I am beyond grateful that "New Generation" has agreed to let me learn - from and with them! As soon as I walked in, I saw the butterfly hanging from the ceiling which Christi had made for them soon after she was diagnosed. I thought it was beautiful. While observing Ann, a fabulous teacher of 4 year olds, I started reflecting about how much Chrisit LOVED this wonderful preschool. She learned so much and had a great time there. Thanks to them taking lots of pictures and sharing them so lovingly with the parents, I too have great memories. Over the years Christi often asked when she could go back to visit and those very talented and compassionate ladies always welcomed her with open arms. So at one point yesterday I had to get up and go wipe my tears, but other than that I did fine and I'm looking forward to going back to spend Monday with them as well.

Last night Shayla had a glorious time at the Arnold's home with their beautiful girls. I couldn't help but think how much fun Christi always had there too, but........ Our thanks to Anne & Matt for watching Shayla so that we could attend a cancer benefit fundraiser in town. (That wasn't easy either, but we got through it!)

I think this weekend will be a tough one emotionally for Shayne. It's the weekend of the NYC Marathon. Last spring Shayne had been accepted to run and he had been in training since that time. We had hotel reservations and were planning to take the entire Thomas team to NYC to cheer daddy on and to visit with good friends. When late August came, Christi's cancer took a sudden turn for the worse. He drove her for what turned out to be her final trip to Philadelphia and as a result had to stop his training to be at her bedside until the very end. Hopefully, next year he'll be back to run his 2nd NYC Marathon.

This weekend we will begin transferring all of our family videos (11 tapes worth) over to DVDs. I've been very concerned about losing our memories of Christi and this will allow us to make copies and store them in different homes. I find with Christi gone, I cling to her memories and I want to ensure that those will never be taken from my mind. My next project includes figuring out how to get my cell phone pictures off of my cell phone and properly saved! Shayne's is to continue with his home improvement projects. (Note helpful little Shayla in action, hee hee!)

We've been so touched to read the loving comments on this blog from sweet people who have actually viewed Christi's funeral clip. Thank you for loving us!

The pictures today are from ones that were "found" via negatives and put on to 14 CD roms for me. They show the generations! They are of Christi with her Great Grandparents. All of them are now together in Heaven and we are anxious to join them just as soon as God is willing to get us there! Rest in peace, dear family members!

Christi with her Great Grandpa Falter (Easter, Spring 1998) Grandpa died when Christi was five and we were living in the Ronald House in NYC back in 2003. I still regret not flying home for his funeral, but at the time I couldn't see how Shayne could manage both girls on his own. Grandma has always told me how terribly cold and awful it was and that I made the right decision, but I still feel bad.
Christi with her Great Grandpa Gear (winter 1998) Any wonder where she got her love of music??!! Grandpa Gear used to play in a band; he never had lessons and played by ear. He was amazed that Christi could read music.
Christi with her Great Grandma Thomas (1997)