Tuesday, November 24, 2009

Happy Thanksgiving...

Sara's family came to San Antonio to visit Chloe and me a few weekends ago. Though the initial emotions of them being back in our house were a little tough, we had a great weekend. As they pulled into the driveway, the GPS announced "Arriving at Aunt Sara and Uncle Brady's." This was not helpful to the emotions. On the way to San Antonio, Callie (Angie's youngest daughter) said, "Are we going to see Aunt Sara?" Everyone thought that she understood that Sara was in Heaven. Angie told her, "Callie, Aunt Sara lives in Heaven now." Callie responded, "Yeah, but she has been there long enough...it's time for her to come back." Tears flowed...

On Saturday, our squadron organized some "Holiday Jet Pictures" and Chloe enjoyed her first time in the cockpit.


After the jet pictures, we visited the San Antonio Zoo.

"Is everybody happy?!?"

On Sunday, we attended the grand opening of the Carl's Jr. in NW San Antonio. The Sara Sullivan Foundation was presented with a $500 donation from the "Making It Happen" Campaign. Thank you to Carl's Jr. and to everyone who came out to show your support.


The Alamo Breast Cancer Foundation (ABCF) was the other recipient on Sunday, and I met some great people from their organization. I am now an honorary member of the ABCF and looking forward to getting involved and supporting their cause.

Chloe Grace was there, showing support for Team SaraSTRONG and her Momma.


Chloe started smiling this past week and she is getting cuter and cuter. I'm so thankful to have her in my life!

As the holiday season approaches, I know that there are going to be tough days ahead. When I signed up for our squadron holiday party and put '1' attendee, that was like a punch to the gut.

I am going to Houston for Thanksgiving to spend the holidays with my dad and brothers. As Thanksgiving approaches, I have found myself thinking of all that I have to be thankful for. Though there is lots of sadness in life right now, the "I am THANKFUL FOR..." list is very long and I am choosing to be joyful.

We wish you a Happy Thanksgiving and I encourage you to take some time to reflect on all that you have to be thankful for. God Bless.

49 comments:

Our Happy Married Life... said...

chloe is absolutely adorable. thinking of you all during the holiday season, especially. you are doing a great job!

Hokie Grandma said...

Thank you for being so gracious and allowing us to follow you and Chloe on this unexpected journey. May He continue to give you peace and comfort during the upcoming holidays.

Tara. said...

You are pretty amazing. Chloe is such a blessed girl to have you as her Father.
I pray that you enjoy your holiday with family and travel safely!

I'm Erin. said...

You continue to inspire your readers. I pray that you will have a blessed holiday season in spite of your heartache.

Misty Rice said...

She is so beautiful. Love first smiles.

God Bless.

KK said...

Happy Thanksgiving. She is so adorable! Praying you are comforted through the holiday season.

Lisa said...

oh my gosh, Brady, your daughter Chloe is oh so beautiful! My heart melted looking at her smiling picture. I know that her mama is so proud of her and shining down on both of you. You are a pillar of strength and I am so proud of your positive outlook. Remembering things that you are thankful for; I can only imagine how difficult that must be some days. With the holidays approaching I hope that you have some wonderful snuggle time with that beautiful little angel Chloe. Thank you for sharing the pictures and keep us connected!
Happy Thanksgiving and I look forward to seeing more pics!
Be well....
Lisa :)

Ashley said...

Your daughter is so beautiful. Stay strong, and know that you have SO many people around you praying for you!!!! Happy Thanksgiving!!! ;)

Tabatha said...

Brady my heart aches for you and Chloe having to be without Sara but I know she is looking after the both of you.
Chloe is getting so big and just adorable love the first smile photo.
Have safe travels for Thanksgiving. Keep that Thankful list up. I am thankful for so many things in my life.
God Bless you and Chloe

Sara Mac said...

What a doll-baby! Looking forward to more pictures of that smile. Still praying for y'all.

The Farmers Nest said...

Chloe is absolutely beautiful! I am not just saying that, I really mean it. I am so thankful for your family and life story and how you make the Kingdom known through your life and through this blog. I will pray for you Thursday that the Lord would be near and for you to feel his presence.

King Family said...

thank you Brady that meant alot. We are truly blessed. Thanks for the blessing. we check your blog often.

Jennifer said...

Just reading "1" attendee just punched me in the gut. I'm praying for you, Chloe, and all your extended family during the holidays. Love, J

Kel said...

WOW.. she is cuter everytime ya post new pics! I know this will be a hard holiday season but glad you choose to focus on the blessings you have. She would want you to! Have a safe trip! hugs

Donna said...

Thank you for reminding me to be thankful no matter what. Chloe brings such a smile to my face.

trooppetrie said...

chloe is beautiful. thank you for being so open and honest. praying for you and your family through the holidays

Michelle said...

Her smiles are so precious!!! That is the best thing when they start to smile at you. Enjoy Brady-she is cute as heck!

Kelli said...

My heart aches for your and Chloe's loss but rejoices in the promises of God to hold you in his care!! Prayers for the continued blessing of being able to SEE the joy in this life!!!

Tamara said...

My sister shared this blog with me and I think it is wonderful.
I can see the peace of God in your words. God bless you and little Chloe at this Thanksgiving and Christmas season. I pray that God gives you his strength everyday.
I love all the pictures they are so wonderful and Chloe is beautiful.

Jamie said...

I hope you and Chloe have a very Happy Thanksgiving. Chloe is so beautiful and like you said considering all that has happened in your life, you do have a lot to be thankful for. May God continue to watch over you and guide you day to day. My prayers will be with you during this holliday season. I know Sarah is watching over you both.

Melissa's Thoughts said...

Chloe is growing up so fast. Her facial features are changing and she is getting cuter by the day. I pray that God would give you peace during Thanksgiving, Christmas and always. He will see you through. By the way, love the holiday pics..my son would love it.

Unknown said...

Happy Thankgiving Brady! Chloe is a doll! What a beauty she is! Sarah would be so proud of all that you are doing. You are truly her constant support. Now supporting others in the mission of finding a cure.

I'm so glad you had time with her family and now can spend time with yours this holiday season. I am praying for you right this very minute.

The Lugo's said...

Thinking and praying for you and Chloe during this holiday season. Chloe is absolutely beautiful Brady! Thanks for sharing inspiring words with us all. You are doing an amazing job, I'm sure Sarah is very proud of you and Chloe both.

God Bless

Still in my prayers...
Krystina

Brooke said...

You are an amazingly strong man. Tears flowed as I read this journal entry. Chloe is so lucky to have you as her dad. You are lucky to have her as well. Praying for you this holiday season. Love, Brooke

Stephanie said...

Chloe is getting so big and she's just precious. I know you are so thankful for all the joy she brings to your life.

Happy Thanksgiving Brady!

Love,
Steph

Shonda said...

Happy Thanksgiving Brady and Chloe! Brady...keep your head up! You are doing a GREAT job and even though these next few weeks will be hard always know Sara is smiling from above and couldn't be more proud! And THANK YOU Brady for again making me realize what I am thankful for!

Always,
Shonda =)

Bekah said...

I love that smiling picture! Adorable! Your posts are always a blessing - and this one even more so as I'm reminded of all the blessings I don't even recognize.

mommy2luke2008 said...

I just wanted to say that I have read your blog from start to finish and now am a follower....your words have made a difference in my life. I am going through a rough patch and your story has helped me see what true blessings I have in my life. I needed that help...to see what really matters in life and that you can choose to happy and joyful. Thank you for this and thank you for sharing your story. Chloe is soooo precious!!

FSD said...

I wish you and your family didn't have to endure the pain and loss you're experiencing. I know God is faithful and He's carrying you all through this time, but it doesn't change the fact that this all is so awful! I really admire you, Brady, and especially the God in you.

The pictures are all so sweet. The pic of Chloe supporting Sara in her SaraStrong onesie touched me, and I absolutely love Chloe's sweet smile. I rejoice with you that the Lord blessed you and Sara with your beautiful daughter. I know her presence in your life makes a difference in a huge way!

Oh, I also love the jet photo of Chloe and you. As the wife of an aviator, the pic made me smile.

Happy Thanksgiving!!!

Our Life Together said...

You are an amazing man! I hope that you enjoy showing off Miss Chloe during the holidays. Your family will definitely be in our prayers. Stay strong!

Anonymous said...

She is beautiful! And her cousins are very pretty, too!

rl said...

You don't know me but a friend asked for prayer for your family months ago. I have been praying ever since. I can't imagine how difficult this time is. Know that there are people (who you know and don't know) that are lifting you before the Father. May you be blessed beyond measure!
Rachel Lane

Anonymous said...

I love that last picture of Chloe, what a doll! I pray that you will have a Happy Thanksgiving, you and Chloe are such an inspiration.

Unknown said...

Happy Thanksgiving! I am glad that through your sadness you can be thankful for things.

Melissa said...

Chloe is just adorable! I will be praying for you over the next couple of weeks. I hope you both have a great Thanksgiving tomorrow with your family.

Brad Lane said...

Praying for you still. Chloe is beautiful. Proud of the way you are loving and raising her. Very Thankful for you both.
Lamentations 3-
22 Because of the LORD's great love we are not consumed,
for his compassions never fail.

23 They are new every morning;
great is your faithfulness.

24 I say to myself, "The LORD is my portion;
therefore I will wait for him."

25 The LORD is good to those whose hope is in him,
to the one who seeks him;

26 it is good to wait quietly
for the salvation of the LORD.


Phillipians 4:19And my God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus.

Amber said...

Brad, I continue to pray for you and Miss Chloe. She is getting so big! Happy thanksgiving.

Colleen said...

Chloe is a beautiful, beautiful little girl! And you are a brave, wonderful man. We are thinking of your family.
--The Kolsti Family

The Andersons said...

Brady,
I found your blog a few months back and am amazed at your faith despite the great pain you are feeling. You are a true inspiration to all and Chloe is so blessed to have you as a father!
May God continue to embrace you and Chloe,

LeroyLime said...

wow Brady, Chloe's getting so big!! May you both have a blessed Thanksgiving with your families love surrounding you.

AJ said...

God bless you, Brady. Chloe is adorable and you continue to inspire with your faith and trust and that you keep going- you could easily retreat and not attend the parties, not venture out or share, but you do and that alone is indicative of your strength and determination, your faith that God will provide all you need. You remain in my prayers. I know how difficult the holidays can be, not to mention all those firsts, all those little moments when you turn to share and.... :-(
I am so sorry for your loss and wish you worlds of happiness in the years to come. Thank you so much for sharing with us. God Bless You and little Chloe!!

Unknown said...

LOVE IT ALL! Looks like you are staying busy. We miss you guys. Tell Chloe hello from Micah (and the rest of us too). Love The Cross gang

Meg said...

i do not know you, i believe i found your blog through kelly's korner. WHAT AN INSPIRATION YOU AND YOUR WIFE ARE!! i know Jesus is using sara and her legacy to do mighty things for His Kingdom!! how blessed you are to have little chloe to walk through this life with!! she is absolutely beautiful. know that i will pray for your family and for God to be glorified through you!!

missing africa said...

oh Brady, i dont know where to start... i was told about you and your precious family by a fellow blog reader of yours... so i sat down and read it from start to present... the tears flowed and im still choked up even days after reading. i have shared Sara's story. i have been changed, my priorities changed, and i now cherish the little moments with my family all the more. i want to leave a legacy and saddened that i have wasted so many years being focused on regret. this thanksgiving was much different, because of Sara's legacy, your legacy, and miss cutie pie Chloe! praying for you tonight especially

lisa said...

i'm loving that sweet smile. she is beautiful. praying for you guys. as always.

Shelley said...

I am so glad you are continuing to blog. You have a network of prayer warriors out here in cyberspace! I hope your Thanksgiving was good with your family. I am glad you are able to focus on what to be thankful for, many others would not be able to. Your faith is strong and your strength, amazing.

I hope your holiday season brings joy and peace, to your (and Sara's) entire family.

grace,
Shelley

Stephaney said...

Our family still continues to pray daily for you and Chloe.

Mr. Thomas A. Anderson said...

She's beautiful! You are amazing.

Signed,
Scott Bell

Peppermint Patty said...

You are right, happiness is sometimes a choice.

God bless you and Baby Chloe.