Pleased to meet Ya

Now it's time to say Hello to me and all my kin
I would like to thank you folks for kindly droppin' in
You're all invited back again to this locality
To have a heapin' helpin' of our hospitality!
Hillbilly, that is, sit a spell, take your shoes off
Y'all come back now, ya hear?

--adapted from "The Beverly Hillbillies" by Paul Henning

Sunday, July 18, 2010

Four too long

July 19th, 2006 (four years ago), my husband (whom I didn't know at the time) woke up and started his day as normal. I am sure that if he had known how the day was going to unfold, he would have tried every way possible to make it never even exist.

Fast forward to April 2007. This is the first photo quilt I ever made:


It is a quilt of Jerry's(my now husband) kids. On July 19th, 2006, Jerry's then wife waited for him to leave for work, then chose to take their kids and go to another state. Unfortunately, this is America, where moms can do that. I will not get into details, as this is the world wide web where all eyes are watching. But, I will tell you this...a lot of false charges were made against Jerry so that SHE (the ex) could have time to flee the state. Jerry was cleared of all charges and used up every dollar he had to try to get his children back. He literally sold everything. His books, tools, vehicle...all gone. All to no avail. He has not had any contact with his children in four years. NONE.

Fast forward to today. July 18, 2010.
Jerry and I are married and have our cute little baby, Stephen. But, days like today are tough. Every new thing that Stephen learns is a reminder to Jerry of things that he is missing in his other kids' life. My son Seth is the same age as Jerry's son "S". (I won't state his full name, but it too begins with 's'). So, when Jerry looks at Seth, he hurts for "S".
"S" turns 13 this week. Jerry wants so bad to be a dad to his now teenage son, and it tears him up inside. But one thing is for certain. Although it is hard, Jerry keeps this verse in mind on a daily basis. It is written on the top of his quilt:

Without faith in Christ, Jerry would have no hope. As it is, at least he knows that God has those precious children in His hands. And although the kids are now four years older, their lovely smiles are frozen in time to him:

Today, please, hug your children a little tighter, and say a prayer for my husband. It's going to be a tough week. I would love to see him with his children again.

In close, do you remember the story of Dawg, our beloved Dog?  You can read about it HERE.

My good friend, Pat is a wonderful artist. She did a watercolor painting of Dawg. See the progress HERE.

The painting is now all framed an hanging proudly on the wall:

The photo is a bit fuzzy but the finished painting has a nice chocolate brown matte and is a barn wood frame--which really fits Dawg's personality. It looks nice doesn't it?

8 comments:

  1. Tonya,
    I am so sorry! I can't imagine the pain your husband has and the emptiness he feels without his children in your lives. {{{Jerry}}}
    Kim

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  2. So sad...many prayers go out....I love the watercolor of your dog....so cute...:) smiles to you and your family

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  3. I am sorry for your husband's loss, which impacts not only him, but others too. I pray that everyone affected may find some peace. xx

    and the framed Dawg looks gorgeous. You'll have to send me some photos so I can share it on my blog xx

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  4. praying for you and your family this week. Especially Jerry and those innocent kids of his. God be near them and Jerry.

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  5. Oh Tonya,
    Please let Jerry know that we are praying for him, his absent children and you AND thanking God that you are the type of woman you are. I know God gives us exactly what we need when we need it and I can see that He made you the way you are for Jerry.

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  7. I can remember the anxiety that I experienced while separated from my children for just two weeks at a time. I can’t imagine the anxiety that Jerry must deal with. I do know where his faith and trust is and I will pray that God will continue to provide comfort to him is some way. I also know there is an empty spot that can only be filled with a relationship with our children. I will pray that God will do a miracle in restoring that relationship.

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  8. Thank you to everyone for your thoughts and prayers. It is, for sure, a difficult week. I simply cannot imagine how anyone can go through anything in this life without total surrender to the sovereignty of God in ALL things. He is the only thing that sustains me until I can hold my babies again, either here on earth, or in heaven.

    If you get a minute go to www.myspace.com/jgowensjr and listen to a song I wrote for my kids last year.

    Soli Deo Gloria!
    Jerry

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