Thanks for sharing

Hey there folks. Can't believe we're into September already. Last time I mentioned how the sunflower stalks were starting to bloom, this week they've picked up speed and before you know it we'll be surrounded by a backdrop of yellow. I've also noticed a change in the air. It's been a little cooler, smells sweeter and the sun is starting to cast a more fall-like shading. I've always taken time to (as the saying goes) smell the flowers. Yesterday I bent over to smell one of our purple passion flowers and almost snorted up a big black and yellow bee. Besides probably feeling like I'd been punched in the face, I could've had a Bumble Booger on my hands!

In the previous article we had just finished our three-week family honeymoon in Florida. Awesome time for all of us. This time, we took two days to drive back to San Antonio instead of just one, much more relaxed and easier on us. Once back home, we still had a couple of days to regroup before real life started again. Sitting around the dinner table laughing and reminiscing about our trip, we were in awe of everything God had done for us. It had been six months since we were married and things literally couldn't have been any better. Eloise had her husband, the boys had two fully functioning parents, and as for me, I had the family I had always wanted but never had. By making the choice to accept and follow Christ, we received a free, powerful and undeserved gift that allowed all of this to happen. Can't understand why anyone would refuse a gift like that, but to each his (or her) own, I guess.

It's been 13 weeks now since Eloise, my wife, very best friend and life partner passed away. Still trying to wrap my head around the fact that we'll have to continue on without her, some days I'm not sure how we'll do that, except to rely on God to get us through it. Again, I want to thank the Inquirer for allowing me to share our story with you. Revelation 12:11 states that; They triumphed over him by the blood of the lamb and by the word of their testimony. It is my sincerest hope that through our journey , you'll be able to relate some of our experiences to your own, enjoying some laughs while being encouraged yourself, and seeing how instrumental God has been, every step of the way.

Writing these articles has been a huge blessing for me. While definitely being therapeutic, to say it's been emotionally draining would be a gross understatement. Going through the memories and not being able to share them with Eloise has been tough. The day after writing one I'm pretty well spent. That being said, there's no shortage of fun and stupid stories to share, but bear with me as I don't consider myself a writer by any means. I've never been much of a reader (the Bible and two other books since high school) and hardly ever write anything. So how do you look up a word in the dictionary if you don't know how it's spelled? Just sayin’. I just looked up whether to use bear or bare and found out to use “bare with me” would've been an invitation to undress. I highly recommend reading the paper fully dressed as unexpected neighbors showing up could be cause for concern. Just sayin’.

I explained previously that I'll be developing a type of God based self-help project for YouTube involving music and speaking videos. While preparing for that, I’m still trying to recover from not only the loss of Eloise but the loss of life as I knew it. As our weather season is changing, so is the season of my life. A paradigm shift for sure. Without Eloise here and the boys grown and having their own lives, it's time for me to turn the page and boldly walk into the unknown. Kinda scary.

Just ran across the lyrics to a song I recorded for Eloise (and God) years ago. It opens with the sound of waves and a Spanish guitar, then builds from there. She seemed to love it, probably had something to do with it being a love song written for her. Three verses with a chorus between each;

(v1) Like the waves crashing on the shore, the thought of you leaves me wanting more.

Seems like you’re always on my mind, know what we've got will stand the test of time.

Wake each day with you in my head, gets me through until I go to bed.

Surely know that this things for real, got to tell ya just how I feel.

(chorus) I love you too much, yeah, just way too much.

The sun rises and sets by your touch, just got to tell ya, that I love you too much.

(v2) Each day with you feels like the first day of spring, sweet smelling air as the birds begin to sing.

Feel the coolness of the falling rain, longing to be in your arms again.

Through the cold of night you keep me warm, help me weather life's roughest storms.

Though the seasons may come and go, one thing never changes, this I know, that...(chorus)

(v3) Like the sound of rustling leaves, as they're touched by a summer’s breeze.

A voice so soft that it calms the seas, nowhere else that I'd rather be.

Hand in hand as the years go by, in case there's doubt, let me clarify.

Lived life loving with no regrets, if I could do it over, I'd do it again, cause...(chorus)

I sincerely want to thank everyone who has commented on how much they've enjoyed the articles, couldn't have come at a better time. I really needed the encouragement. If y’all see me wandering aimlessly out there, don't be afraid to say hi , hand me a melted popsicle or whatever, and again, thanks for sharing!

Until next time, be safe and happy, love you guys.

Eric