Wednesday, July 6, 2011

Thank you


Originally when I started this blog, it was to update close family and friends on Rob's condition after I found out about his injuries. Then I thought it would be a wonderful tool for Rob to one day read and follow his progress from the initial injury and on to the road to recovery. Unfortunately, when I knew that was not going to happen, I continued to update the blog so that one day, our girls would be able to read about what a fighter their daddy was and all the thousands of people who prayed for him and, then later, for us as we began our new life without him. For the past 2 1/2 years, I have found comfort, strength, encouragement and even friends through my rollercoaster journey of life. When days were rough, I would come back to this blog and read comments and find comfort in their words. I cannot adequately thank you for your past and continued support. As I read past posts that I had written, I have a hard time even remembering those days. I know, without a doubt, there were times I was not just surviving day to day, but literally minute to minute. There is not a doubt in my mind that it was all the love, support, thoughts and prayers from family, friends, and perfect strangers that held me together. From the bottom of my heart, THANK YOU. As we fast forward 2 1/2 years, the girls and I have had our fair share of ups and downs, laughter and tears. At times, this mountain we call life, seemed almost impossible to climb. But, through the continued love and support and our faith in God, we slowly made our way up. Through this journey, my faith in God has become even stronger. A bible verse that would always come to me is Philippians 4:13-"I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me." What I've come to realize through this whole process is the path I thought I was meant to go down was not the path God had planned for me. Although I miss Rob dearly and crave him being with us, I know that God needed him more than we did here on Earth and that He has a whole new and different life in store for the girls and me. Over the past few months, I have seen God's hands working in our lives, turning sadness into happiness, emptiness into fullness. God has placed a wonderful man in our lives. He has brought back the love and happiness I never thought I'd have again. He loves the girls as if they were his own and they adore him. I am blessed to have found amazing love twice in my life. One of them is our guardian angel who is looking over us, guiding and protecting us and the other is a man who walking beside us, holding our hands, in this new and different journey of life. So, with a new chapter of our lives beginning, I am going to end this blog and focus on our new life. Rob is forever in our hearts and mind and I know, without a doubt, smiling down upon us. I will always see Rob in our girls and we will laugh, and at times, cry, at all the memories we share of him. The girls will know just how loved he was by family, friends, and strangers from reading this blog and all the comments left for him. Again, thank you for your endless love and support. We love you.

23 comments:

Heather said...

Again, thank you so much for your thoughtfulness in including all of us on your life journey! Walking with you in this blog the last 2 1/2 years has been so full of emotion and I cannot begin to tell you how amazed I am at your strength! I am sorry to hear you are closing up shop but completely understand. Prayers will continue for you, your girls and Rob. It is so exciting to hear about the new man in your lives. He sounds absolutely wonderful and I am sure Rob is smiling down on all of you. God's blessings on you and your family now and forever. Thanks for sharing your story with so much! Best wishes!

Heather in Helena, MT

MOTHAX said...

I agree with Heather. I came for the hope, and leave it now with hope as well. May God (and Rob) watch over you and the girls.

Anonymous said...

Dena -

You don't know me. I posted on your blog a few times after Rob was injured. My son was stationed at Ft. Riley a while back, that is how I came to know about your family.
I have prayed that this day would come for you. I am so happy that you found someone to fill your life with happiness again. You and your girls deserve it so much. I will never forget about Rob, and I will keep you and your girls in my prayers.

Carol Dzurenko
Acworth, GA

1776 said...

Thank you for sharing your story w/us and letting us be part of the family.
Wishing you all good things in this next chapter of life for you and the girls.

1776 said...

Thank you so much for sharing your story w/us, and for letting us be part of the family. Wishing you all good things in this next chapter of life for you and the girls.

MissBirdlegs in AL said...

Dena, my very best wishes to you and the girls (and the new man) on this new road. Your strength and faith through this trying time has been so inspirational, and I thank you for your testimony. Thank you, too, for continuing to keep us "in the loop" - you've done an exceptional job with this blog and it's so appreciated. Again, wishing you all the best and much love in your future.

Katy

Jarita said...

Congratulations to you and the girls on your new adventure. You three deserve to be happy after all you've been through and those girls need a good man in their lives to protect them and teach them, not that anyone could ever replace their daddy. He can do the things for them that Rob can no longer do. Thank you for your courage and for sharing. I'm so sorry to see your blog end, but so happy that you're making a new start. Congratulations and may God continue to hold you and bless you. Jarita

Anonymous said...

Dena,

Thank you for sharing so much with so many. God bless you and your girls as you move forward.

J.F.

The Morrow Family said...

Dena, over the past two and a half years I have followed and read your blog and right after Rob was injured I posted a note to you a few times. My son was one of the soldiers serving under Rob's command so his death was very personal for me and my family. I marveled at your faith and grace under such circumstances and drew a great deal of strength from you.

I am so very happy for you and your girls and know that this new happiness is making Rob very happy. Be happy and joyful and know that you brought much strength to many people and know that we all rejoice with you in your new life. I personally will miss your blog and watching your girls grow but I understand new beginnings. God's blessings on you always!

Marcia Morrow

Leslie said...

Thank You for sharing your journey with us. Sending my best wishes for love, laughter and a wonderful future for you and your family . I will remember and honor Rob and his sacrifice, and the sacrifice your family makes every day. {{{Hugs}}} from a Colorado Soldiers' Angel.

Anonymous said...

Dena, We probably won't meet here on this earth, but I so long to hug your neck in Heaven on That Day! Thank you for allowing us a glimpse into your experiences, your pain and your joys over the past 2 1/2 years. You have been a source of inspiration to me and countless others. Whenever I think of the sacrifices made on my behalf by our men and women in uniform, I think of Rob and you and your girls. I salute you!! I feel certain that the young man who has caught your attention is exceptional. I will continue to pray for you. May the Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make His face shine on you, and be gracious to you; the Lord lift up His countenance on you, and give you peace.
Shalom, sister!

k and c's mom said...

I have so enjoyed reading your blog. I will miss it, but I am THRILLED about your news. Blessings on you all.

brat said...

{{{Dena and girls}}} Yes, you CAN "do all things through God..."

I am so happy for all of you, and yes, I KNOW Rob will continue to watch over you and the girls, smiling at your happiness..

Thank YOU for allowing us to tag along on your journey.

I wish you all continued love, laughter and many blessings...

Anonymous said...

We wish you and your family the very best!

Elaine in Atlanta, GA said...

Dear Dena ~

To say that your blog has been so meaningful to me personally is because we are members of the Patriot Guard Riders of Georgia and have been honored to be able to "stand for those who stood for us" in support of their families during a time that no one who hasn't been in 'your shoes' could ever imagine. Thank you for allowing us to be part of all the events in your lives for the past 2-1/2 years. Speaking for myself, I will always be thinking about you and the girls.

I was so happy to hear of this wonderful man in your life. You all deserve happiness....and the saying "in G-d's time not ours" once again applies here. He knew what you all needed.......

I send you love from the deepest part of my heart.

Elaine in Atlanta, GA.

Percheronrider said...

Thanks, Dena for sharing your life with us. You will be missed! Best wishes as you start a new chapter! Prayers always!

C.S. Miller in Virginia

~Isabel said...

Dena, I am so very happy for you and your girls! Thank you so much for sharing your lives with us. I, too, hate that you are closing up shop, but it's time for a new chapter in yoour lives. Rob, i'm sure is so very proud of you...

Much love and God Bless,

Isabel

Eve said...

Dear Dena and Girls,

Thank you for being such an inspiration. Your spunk and dedication to life is amazing.
I have been wishing and waiting for the time to come for you all to be ready to share your lives again. I'm sure Rob would be so glad.
Again, thank you for sharing these last few years of ups and downs. I wish you all the best and will miss your blog. Fondly, Eve

TrishBene said...

God bless you and the girls - you SO deserve this new beginning, and we'll all still be praying for you and your happiness - Take care, and thank you for always sharing with us out here - though strangers in life, never strangers in our hearts!! With much Love, Trish

George said...

I echo the comments from your other readers. Your willingness to share the sorrow and hurt, the joys and happiness of your lives has been an uplifting experience.

Another blogger lost her fiance in Iraq but has also found a new love. I am so happy for you and the girls. That Rob will remain in your lives is a wonderful tribute to him ... and to you.

Best wishes ... and I will miss your updates.

Regards.

Lisa J. said...

Oh Dena, Rob must surely be grateful to this man who is opening his heart to the daughters you and Rob love so much. I am happy to hear you have found someone to help raise your daughters. It has been eye-opening to read your blog and thus find a greater appreciation for the amazing sacrifices your family and other military families have made, and continue to make, for our country and its citizens. Thank you for sharing these experiences with us, and best of all life has to offer to you and your loved ones.

nacotaco said...

Many blessings to you Dena and girls....

Long-time RN said...

I'll echo all the above comments. Thank you so much for sharing all you've shared with us, teaching us of love, stength, renewel, and live moving forward. Our very best to you and the girls. Many blessings on your new path. God bless you and all those in your life.