Sibling withdrawal

Today it has been a week since Mama went to Heaven. I go back and forth. Smiling because I know how happy and whole she is...sad because I can't pick up the phone and call her. I fear I will let her down with the responsibilities she left for me. She has been preparing me for this time, but she still thought she had time to tell me more. I remember in the hospital the second time she was adamant that I listen to all kinds of things I didn't want to hear. Please continue to pray for me - that I "will do her proud." I know that I really won't let it sink in for days - maybe weeks.

And I think she would have been very happy at all the time we were able to spend together. I say it again - it is a sad thing that we are all so busy that it takes BIG things to get us together. WE have to do better because I am going through sibling withdrawal. Crecia and Jamie that includes you too...you have always been like sister to us. I will be glad to come to the "piedmont" to visit. :)

Ronnie - A huge thank you for the love and care in making the DVD. It was awesome and will be something we treasure forever.

One of my friends from work was at the funeral. She said at the grave, "Wow, your mother was a special person." I think the service was a wonderful celebration.

Billy - I will never know how you did it. Mama would have been very proud. You were always her baby boy. :) Your words were a wonderful tribute.

Love to everyone -

My Blog

I'm trying to get back into the habit of posting on my blog too. I've put a feed of my blog, which is here on the right hand column of the family blog. If you have your own blog and are interested in having it linked here, let me know. No new real news from the Gurkin household though, other than Sharon went to the Wake Co. Sch. Job Fair on Saturday and had a few good interviews.

Introducing Muffin

Hi - Some of you have had the pleasure of meeting Muffin, but I wanted to formally introduce her to everyone.

She is precious.

Love - Beth

Another birthday...

Thank you to everyone for the birthday cards and calls. Billy and I have decided to have the fun part of birthdays...cards, gifts, hugs...but not do the addition so we are remaining the same age indefinitely. :)

I had a wondeful birthday. Steve was supposed to be out of town, but his appointment was canceled. When I got home from work, he was there with flowers, a card, and a cake. He also took me out to dinner. BUT his being home was the best present of all.

Muffin continues to be a special gift from God. It is amazing how smart she is and how special she makes me feel. Mandy was home this weekend for Heather's wedding so Muffin and Fendi played alot. Muffin was very tired after her sister/niece left. Yes, we have a loop in our family tree. See if Muffin and Fendi have the same dog mommy, but Mandy is Fendi's person mommy and I am Muffin's person mommy and I am Mandy's mommy...what does that make Fendi and Muffin...see the confusion?

Our new sanctuary is almost finished. We are getting so excited and would love to have everyone visit our new church soon.

So now it is someone else's turn to post...

Love - Beth

Great Easter

We moved Mandy into her new house in Wilmington. We really like her roommate. Thanks to Josh for coming and helping. I just don't like to carry heavy things. Muffin had her first hotel stay. The Choice Hotels is a pet-friendly hotel. She was great and enjoyed seeing Fendi.

Mama goes tomorrow - March 26 for her report on the bone marrow biopsy. She should start her chemo very soon...maybe even this week.

Easter was great. It is one of my favorite holidays. And Steve was home for 4 straight days!

Love - Beth

UVA, Here We Come!

So my advisor has decided to move to UVA. Our group will be moving sometime early to mid 2009. I have a lot of questions to be answered between now and then. I'll post again when I have more info.

An update from the Joyces

Mrs. Joyce had her one month checkup today following her shunt placement and is now able to drive again. She continues to see improvements, and the doctor considers her surgery a success!

Speaking of surgery, please pray for Sam tomorrow. He will have outpatient surgery on his nose to try to stop his recurrent nosebleeds. He arrives at the surgery center at 9:15 AM. Hopefully this will be a more permanent fix. He also will be getting a referral to Duke or Chapel Hill to see a hematologist in the near future. He will have a blood study done to see if he has the clotting factor disorder that Billy and I have.

Chuck and Kelli went to Grace Community to help feed the homeless tonight. Our church sponsors the meal every third Wednesday. Tonight they feed approximately 160 people in Greensboro. It's a very humbling experience to see so many homeless people in our city and to realize how appreciative they are for a hot meal.

I hope we can all get together soon. Any chance we can meet in Wake Co. sometime?

I'm adding a picture I love...

Love, Caroline