A whole year of sharing a journey I never would have chosen... but one God has faithfully walked with me every step of the way.
I'm sharing this photo again today because I didn't know it would become the last one Ricky and I would ever take together. It was taken just a few days before God called him Home.
At the time, it was simply another fun day at an Astros game with our family. Today, it's one of my most treasured memories.
(And judging by Spencer's face... you can probably guess the Astros didn't win that day! 🤣🧡)
It's funny how an ordinary moment can become one of the most treasured memories you'll ever have.
I'm also sharing two very special photos. One from the day we said "I do," and one from the last time I held Ricky's hand. Between those two moments is thirty years of God's faithfulness, a lifetime of precious memories, and a love that never stopped growing. While I can no longer hold his hand, he'll forever hold my heart.
One year ago today, I shared the heartbreaking news that my wonderful husband unexpectedly went to Heaven.
Unexpectedly... because we had no idea.
But God did.
Over this past year, I've become more convinced than ever that Ricky was always ready—no matter the time or the place. He lived his faith quietly, loved his family deeply, and trusted the Lord wholeheartedly. While none of us were prepared to say goodbye, I truly believe Ricky was prepared to meet Jesus. That truth has given me a peace only God can provide.
This year has taught me that grief has no timetable, and it looks different for everyone. One moment you're smiling at an old photo... and the next, tears quietly find their way down your face.
That's simply what love looks like when someone you cherish is no longer beside you.
I've also learned that healing doesn't mean forgetting, moving forward doesn't mean moving on, and that joy and sorrow really can exist together.
But if there's one thing I know with absolute certainty after 365 days, it's this... God's faithfulness has never wavered. He has carried me through every tear, every question, every lonely day, every holiday, every milestone, and every ordinary day in between.
One worship song has become the soundtrack of this past year: "I Will Sing of Your Goodness" by Praise Soundwaves. These words have become my testimony:
🎶"There were seasons I did not understand... days I had to walk by faith... moments when grace was the only reason I made it through... Your mercy in every moment... I will sing of your goodness. When I look back on the journey, through the valleys and the fire, I can see Your hand has held me... You have never left my side." 🎶
That has been my story over these past 365 days.
Not because this journey has been easy...
But because God has been faithful every single day.
If you're walking through a difficult season, I pray this beautiful song blesses your heart as much as it has blessed mine.
If you've read this far, thank you! 🫶🏻 Thank you to everyone who has prayed for our family, shared a memory of Ricky, checked on us, sent a message, or simply loved us well this past year. Your kindness has carried our family more than you'll ever know.
Forever loved. Forever missed. Forever thankful for the years we shared.
