The Vink Clan: August 2007

She started school this morning,
And she seemed so very small,
As I waited there beside her
In the kindergarten hall.

And as she took her place beside
The others in the class,
I realized how all too soon
Those first few years can pass.

Remembering, I saw her as
She first learned how to walk,
The words that we alone made out
When she began to talk.

This little girl so much absorbed
In learning how to write!
It seems as tho' she must have grown
To girl-hood overnight.

My eyes were blurred but hastily
I brushed the tears away,
Lest some word or sign of mine
I mar her first big day.

Oh, how I longed to stay with her
And keep her by the hand,
To lead her through the places
That I couldn't understand.

And something closely kin to fear
Was mingled with my pride,
I knew she would no longer be
A baby at my side.

But as she must have her chance to live,
To work her problems out,
The privilege to grow and learn
What life is all about.

And I must share my little girl
with friends and work and play;
She's not a baby anymore--
She started school today.

author unknown

Dean's parents hands during the anniversary party. In love after 40 years--amazing!!

***WARNING****This may be deep--and long--sorry!!
There are more days then not, that I just live for the day and not for the ultimate goal. I get up in the morning, take care of the kids and the house, relax at night and go to bed, to wake up and do it the next day. All the while, taking everything for granted, finding myself almost certain that I will do this all again the next day. Never once stopping---weeks/months can go by---to think that it could all be taken from me in a second.
This past week changed all that. August 15, we learned that a childhood friend of Dean's, who also happens to be our sister-in-laws brother, Chris Johnson, was killed in Iraq. Chris was deployed just one month ago. He was in the special forces and flew Chinook helicopters in Iraq. Learn more here We don't know the whole story at this time, but the helicopter went down with 5 solders on board. All 5 lost their lives in a matter of seconds. Chris left behind a wife and 3 kids. He was 31. Dean remembers growing up just around the block from Chris, and has lots of stories to tell, as they were inseparable for a number of years.
At the same time we learned of Chris' death, we also were making plans to fly to California to visit Dean's parents and celebrate their 40th anniversary with them. A joyous occasion--a gift from God--to be married (happily) for 40 years. A party...a funeral. The party was this past Friday. Fifty of their closest friends and relatives--ones we haven't seen in years and some we have never even met, gathered to celebrate with Dean's parents. The funeral was Saturday in Rehobath, NM. Dean and his dad had the privilege of flying there to participate and to be there for his brother and sister-in-law and her family. The happy...the sad.
With both of these events, regardless of the extreme opposites, I had the same thoughts going through my head. A very simple fact--GOD IS IN CONTROL. Like I said earlier, I go about my day, never thinking twice that God is in control of it. I more times than not, think and act, as if I am the one in control. Until events such as these happen. He created it--He is the one who will take my earthy life from me. I don't know the time or day or year. God does. Like Chris, I may go young--too young in my opinion. Or I may go old--many years after my friends and family. Chris didn't call his wife minutes before he was to take off and assure her he was fine, he didn't start the helicopter and strap himself into the pilots seat and take off, knowing these were going to be his lasts. God knew.
My in-laws have been married for 40 years. In looking at pictures, this weekend, of them over the years, I was in awe of the legacy that has preceded them. Their grandparents were Christians, their parents were Christians, they are Christians, and they have instilled these beliefs into their children. We, as their children, are Christians. What an awesome legacy/heritage to pass on from generation to generation. The best and most important in my opinion. God has been good to their family--before they were created--and hopefully for many years after God takes them home. Looking at their relationship, God is in control. They have put God in control of every aspect of their lives. They thank and praise God for the happy times, they grieve and cry with God during the sad times. We don't know why God lets some be married for only a few years in Chris' case, or why he allows others to spend 40+ years together in my in-laws case. But what I have to remember, is that I need to have God in control of my life at ALL times--starting now. I need to be a Christian example for my kids and husband, so that that legacy lives on. I need to instill in my kids the fact that God is in control--that regardless of what God has in store for my life on earth, I will trust Him, b/c He controls it. I will trust Him in the sad times--I will trust him in the "party" times. Because ultimately, as Christians, we are all going to reach the goal--some before me, and some after me. I just need to be ready when God decides.