Wrapping Up the Past Few Weeks...

I'd love to update everyone on my running or other things that are going on but it's hard to move on from such a profound few weeks...

Jon's memorial service was beautiful.

Megan put together the perfect slide-show of pictures from Jon's life. It was sad and happy to see pictures of the Bates kids growing up together (especially childhood pictures of Colin-- so cute!).  Scot Pollok, their pastor, said some really encouraging things about heaven and about Jon's life. Colin sang two songs with a band at the end and it was my proudest moment as his wife so far-- he did so good, it was absolutely beautiful. Colin's family had so much support and even some members of Grace here in CS came as well. 

I'm sad that I won't continue to get to know my brother-in-law Jon. What a beautiful soul and kind person. I'm thankful for moments that I had with him-- and will forever hold onto the birthday card he sent me last year welcoming me into the family and calling me "sis."

After the past few weeks I feel proud to be a Bates. I really admire and love Colin's parents and I hope to make lots of memories with my wonderful brother-in-law Adam. I think that I probably have the most amazing sister-in-law in the world and am excited that Megan is quickly becoming one of my best friends. I love being married and getting to enjoy two incredible families! Anyway, there is sadness but much thanksgiving for family, memories, and for heaven-- where we will all meet again someday. 

For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers,  neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Romans 8:38-39