Loss has a way of ushering in what can feel like the end. I felt like my heart could not accept any more pain and I literally felt an ache anytime I wanted to care deeply about anyone or anything. Over 2 1/2 years later, that pain is slightly less.

Even more powerful than the actual loss is the FEAR of loss. Your heart and mind become conditioned to the overall climate of who's next or what else can go wrong. Trust becomes broken between family who is distant, fair weather friends, and most importantly, a futile faith. We pray but it doesn't seem to help so I ask how a "loving God" would let something so tragic, so painful, happen to me?

Over the years, I've searched for answers to those hard questions, and I can only share with you my experiences...... with authenticity and honesty. While our community back home struggles to grasp the loss of many young lives in recent years, I share the same sentiments the Apostle Paul wrote when he said:

"I thank God every time I remember you. In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy because of your partnership in the good news from the first day until now, and being confident of this, that he who began a good work, will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus. It is right for me to feel this way about all of you, since I have you in my heart......"

Distance may separate us but I remain connected and I have ideas I will be sharing in the coming days to bring hope and a future to those who need it. I know I need it. My kids need it. Reminding my kids they had a future was a key ingredient in our recovery from loss, but I had to really believe it..... and embrace it.

This community is a core for life. Let the expansion begin!