Friends--
The day after tomorrow will mark one year since the day my life turned upside down. I've referred to it a few times as 'the one-year anniversary'. But then it occurred to me that 'anniversary' generally refers to the celebration of something. On one hand, May 17th doesn't automatically make me think, 'Hey! Let's celebrate!' Quite the contrary!! But on the other hand, May 17th, 2011 was the beginning of Chad's journey into perfect peace.....the ultimate of the 'bitter-sweets'! As Chad's mother who loves him so and misses him tragically, how could I possibly celebrate? But, as Chad's mother who loves God so, how could I NOT celebrate.....knowing beyond doubt that Chad is living free of sadness and pain......where every day is a perfect day.
A couple of months ago, Annie-Laurie called to ask what we would do during these few days. We decided that we'd think about taking a trip after school was out on Friday, the last day of the school year, and my last day of work before summer vacation. Just a few days after our conversation, I received a phone call from Mr. Fred Williams, the Headmaster at The Rectory School, the school in Connecticut that Chad attended during his 8th grade year. He told me that the school was planning to remember Chad by dedicating the gardens outside of Hamilton Dormitory (the dorm where Chad lived while he was there) as a remembrance to him! I am both astounded and touched beyond words by such a gesture! To make a long story short, the dedication ceremony will be held this weekend during the school's Alumni Weekend. So....Annie-Laurie and I will leave on Thursday morning to take our trip to Pomfret, Connecticut to attend the dedication ceremony of the Chad Tipton Memorial Garden! And we WILL be celebrating!
Incidentally, the date was a complete coincidence.....at least here on earth it was! :)
Much love to all--
Julie
