Sumo Baby
Happy HalloweenAs most of you know, Sara and I thoroughly enjoyed our time in Japan. One of the reasons that we loved it there was because of the local families that we met. One such family is the Okuyamas. When Sara's mom was visiting us last September, Sara took her to a neighboring town of Misawa, called Towada City. In Towada City, they stopped at a small Cafe for some lunch. Sara was learning Japanese and attempted to speak to the shop owner in Japanese. Though Sara's Japanese skills were limited, and the owner's English skills were limited, Sara and Kaoru (cafe owner) had a great conversation. While in Japan, we learned that a smile transcends all language barriers (Sara was fluent). From this initial meeting developed an incredible friendship with the Okuyama Family.
KimonoGift from Momma Sato (Kaoru's mother)
Okuyama/Sato Dinner
Sara and Kaoru
Nori-san
ShouWhen Sara and I left Japan, we encouraged some of our Air Force friends to keep up with the Okuyamas. They have done so and invited Nori, Kaoru, and Shou to Misawa Air Base on Halloween night to go trick-or-treating. When Kaoru asked Shou what he wanted to be for Halloween, he told her, "my best American friend, Brad Sullivan." I never anticipated someone dressing up like me for Halloween, but Shou did a great job (look closely at his name tag)...and I am honored.
"Mini-me"Kaoru has a computer program that translates this blog into Japanese so she has been able to keep up with us since we left Japan. Okuyamas and Satos...WE MISS YOU!!!
On Sunday, Team SaraSTRONG had another showing at the Austin Komen Race for the Cure. Once again, the press took interest in Sara's story and interviewed us after the race (Chloe is getting famous).
On Sunday, Team SaraSTRONG had another showing at the Austin Komen Race for the Cure. Once again, the press took interest in Sara's story and interviewed us after the race (Chloe is getting famous).
I started back to work this week. I'm happy to be returning, but I have thoroughly enjoyed taking care of my daughter. She will be in great hands as I transition back to work. A friend of our family, Tracy, has offered to take care of Chloe. It's apparent that she loves Chloe as if she was her own child. For this, I will be forever grateful!
Thanks for checking up on us. Hope you like the pictures and videos. God Bless!
42 comments:
Shou is a rockstar - what a great little kid! Praying for your strength as you resume working.
Chloe is precious! She is getting big. I think her daddy is keeping her well fed. :) Praying for you as you transition into a new routine and being back at work and thankful for you that God has provided a loving caregiver for Chloe while you are away.
Chloe is growing so much! Thanks for the updated pictures. And your mini-me is awesome! I remember my brother doing the same thing with my dad's uniform when we were at the Academy. So cute!
Friends are a wonderful thing - they are often the difference between making it or not making it. Thanks for the update and the pictures. Hope your transition goes smoothly.
Anne
Oh, that second-to-last picture of Chloe in pink sleeping on a blue tee-shirted shoulder!! What a beautiful face! She is lovely.
--Colleen and Kyle Kolsti
GREAT photos! Chloe is growing! Your Japanese "mini me" is adorable. You obviously made a huge impact on that young man; that's awesome! Sara looks beautiful in her kimono. I can't wait to watch the videos when I get to my computer (checking your blog on my mobile device).
I'll be praying for you as you transition back to work. What a blessing to have a trusted friend to care for Chloe while you work!
God bless!
Chloe IS so sweet!! It is awesome that wherever you go, God can bless you with great friends! Sara's life lives on through you, Chloe and the many who loved her! Prayers as you return to work!
awesome turn out for the race for the cure.
Chloe is getting so big! Love her pink onesie
Getting back into a routine I am sure is a challenge. But you are strong and will do fine.
Glad you found a good caregiver for Chloe.
God Bless and I look forward to seeing more pics of Chloe growing up.
So glad you found someone to take precious care of Chloe. She is so sweet!
And I love "mini me"!
Following your blog from Oregon.... A friend of mine from church mentioned it on Facebook a few months back. I am blessed and encouraged by your heart to press on with Jesus!! You will be in our prayers. The Lord my His face to shine upon you and give you peace. His love endures forever.
Best of luck to you as you venture back to work. Take it easy on yourself and take time off when you need it. Chloe is beautiful.
Chloe is precious, and what a wonderful support team you all have. I admire your strength. She is a blessing....a beautiful one at that! I have been praying for your family as I will continue to do! ~Lindsay
Brady...I continue to look for new postings on your blog almost daily. You and Chloe are such an inspiration to me. I will pray for you as you return to work.Mikie Groscurth
I'm going to cafe IF tomorrow with Sharon. I will make sure to have her check out the blog. I bet she will love it! Miss you!
Awww thank you for sharing the pics.. ur minime is just PRECIOUS lol... let us know how the back to work goes.. I know I went back when my daugher was 6 mos and I cried for the first month... I worked in the NICU w/babies so I felt guilty not bein with my baby. Continued prayers from Houston and hugs to both of ya
What a testamony to have this little guy look up to you. I will be praying for you as you go back to work.
Chloe is such a beauty
Amazing. Precious baby girl. So glad she will be great hands so you don't have to worry about her. God is good.
Chloe is so beautiful and you are doing a magnificient job! Keep it up and good luck with returning to work...so happy you have a great support network. God bless.
chloe is getting so big...that is too funny that shou wanted to be you for halloween..you must have made a great impression on him
she's growing so big! Thanks for the update! Next year you can dress her up! I hope you have a smooth transition back to work life and don't miss Chole too much :)
Great pictures! I can't believe how fast Chloe is growing!
How special that you & Sara were able to make such sweet friends in Japan. I think it's so flattering that Shao wanted to be YOU for Halloween. So cool!
Praying as you go back to work!
I've been reading your blog and praying for you and your family. Your little girl is sooo cute and it's so nice you have a great support system of family and friends. I saw the video of the team at the Breast Cancer walks and that is amazing!
Praying for you in TX!
Thanks for sharing the link to the Fox news interview. I looked for you during the race just to introduce myself and offer my condolences. I heard the announcer say "Team SaraStrong" but I was ahead in the crowd and didn't get a chance to find you later.
Best wishes to you and Chloe!
Thank You for sharing!! You are doing a great job with Chloe, looks like she love to eat!! Love all the pictures and the stories. Your "mini me" is great looks like you made a big impression on him.
Chloe is beautiful!!
I love the Halloween costume. I think he pulled it off even better than you! ;-)
Chloe is beautiful! I can't wait for her to start smiling. I'm willing to bet she's going to have Sara's amazing smile!
Chloe's getting so big!!
Congrats on another run, hope your transition back to work goes smoothly...
Cannot wait to see you and that little Angel this weekend! I am SO proud of you! I have so much faith in you. You ARE the reflection of Sara's soul. See you soon!
Lauren
Chloe IS getting big...that's great that she is doing so well. I'm glad the media has found ya'll again because I know ya'lls story has touch many more because of it. I am SO glad a family friend is taking care of Chloe for you...I'm sure because of that it's easier to leave her when you go to work. I hope all is well and love the updates! God Bless!
That you and Sara have people around the globe who clearly love you speaks volumes about what you created when you became "one". I am so inspired by your character and love the glimpses into the heart of Sara.
I am praying for a smooth transition back into your working routine.
Chloe is thriving in your care and seems like such a content baby.
You are an amazing man of God.
BTW is Shou a little too old for Chloe 'cause he's a cutie!
Love and blessings to you and Chloe
Following your blog in Highland Village, Texas. I pray for you and little Chloe!! Thank you for sharing your families story with the world!! It is very clear that the Lord and Savior is guiding you through your daily walk. Your story was posted at my sons daycare Primrose and I went home and found it-added it to my favorites and I check it regularly. Please keep posting!
simply strong, simply beautiful. you are doing a fantastic job Brady. In case you are ever in doubt, you are doing a great job! Keep on going....keep the faith strong!
Be well....
Lisa
from Canada:)
The innocence of children shares the truth, doesn't it?
To have a child want to be you, for halloween, much like how my boys choose spiderman or superman, totally exemplifies what a super-man you must be.
I have never met you and probably never will, but I just want you to know how I have been touched by your blog. Thank you for sharing your life and faith with us. I pray for you and your sweet little girl often; and think how lucky she is to have parents who love her so much, and a Father above who loves her eternally.......
You have inspired me to start a prayer journal; I have thought about it over the last few years but haven't made a point to put them all in one place together. What you shared from Sara's journal gave a kick in the pants to organize this part of my life; what a wonderful gift to leave behind to your spouse and children....
May God continue to show himself to you as you earnestly seek him. God bless you guys.
We always love the updates Brady!
The pictures of Chloe are beautiful. You can see Sara's beauty in her as well. A great combo of you and Sara!
There is tons of awesomeness in this post...my favorite being Shou as "brad sullivan" for Halloween. My other favorite? "I wouldn't have missed it for the world, wouldn't have missed loving you girl. You made my whole life worthwhile with a smile. I wouldn't trade one memory cuz you mean too much to me. even though i lost you girl, I wouldn't have missed it for the World!"-Ronnie Milsap. I appreciate the subtle expressions of your heart during this time as you are so allowing the Lord to shine through during the hard times. Chloe is such a treasure.
What a great post. I'm so thankful for you that you have a good friend to care for Chloe. That will make your transition so much better! I wish you the best in starting back to work!
I loved it when you said that Sara was fluent in Smiling. That is just so sweet. and I agree.
Chloe is amazing. What a beautiful little girl. So lovely.
Love the Halloween costume! That is too sweet! I can't imagine anyone wanting to dress up as me! Of course, Chloe is adorable too. You guys hang in there. The first week back to work is tough, so I can't imagine how difficult it might be for you.
First of all, let me say that I am very sorry for your loss. I found your blog through another widow's blog. My name is Stephanie, and I'm 32 years old. I lost my husband to cancer almost three years ago. My son was just 6 months old when my husband passed away. So, I have experienced a path similar to yours.
After Keith died, I struggled with how God could be glorified through Keith's death. I felt called to share my journey through grief. Our blog transformed from a place where I informed friends and family on Keith's condition to a place where I shared my heart.
I know you don't have a lot of spare time on your hands these days, but I just wanted to touch base with you. The thing that has helped me the most is being able to talk to others who have experienced a similar loss. Fortunately (for others) and unfortunately (for us) there aren't a whole lot of us out there.
I'm praying that Chloe will bring you as much joy as my little one did even in the darkest of days.
Stephanie
www.mccordfamilytx.blogspot.com
(If you do get around to checking out my blog, Keith died Dec. 1, 2006. I've been writing for quite a while, so there's lots of entries.)
I think of you every time I am on Randolph.
Know that there are many of us out there praying and rooting for you and Chloe even though you don't hear us or see us.
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