tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-92220470160440499662024-02-19T00:50:43.924-08:00A Widow's Walk...."This poor man cried, and the LORD heard him, and saved him out of all his troubles." Ps 34:6WTBrokehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03713849942915871180noreply@blogger.comBlogger66125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9222047016044049966.post-76292667919596137342017-11-08T06:14:00.000-08:002017-11-08T06:14:14.654-08:00Single parenting has got to be my toughest job! Trying to be both mother and father at times. Trying not to be the "No" parent every time and choosing my battles. It's tough. 3 teenagers, 1 adult...ratio isn't good for me. I think my biggest battle is the kitchen clean-up! It's like really there are 4 people...four plates or 4 bowls. It's not that hard and shouldn't take anyone 2 hrs!! I even post each child's night in the kitchen so they know what night and can plan ahead due to various schedules. It's just plain ridiculous the excuses to not do it or why it didn't get done. I know there are those that say...well, you just make them. Yep, I know. It will get done eventually, but boy does it bring on the battles. You would think though that by now these 3 medium humans would figure that it doesn't matter the excuse, the stalling, the whining, the clever ways to go around...AREN'T WORKING! YOU STILL HAVE TO CLEAN THE KITCHEN! I love my children, but there are those tough days that your just thankful that God gives you mercy too. Thanking God today for those medium humans who make me who I am and for the lessons God is teaching me as i raise them.WTBrokehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03713849942915871180noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9222047016044049966.post-15697096171534218662017-08-21T19:30:00.000-07:002017-08-21T19:30:34.559-07:00Life is hard sometimes....Life is hard sometimes. I'm here again because I needed a place where I can journal the walk of my life. It's tough to walk this journey at times. I miss him today. Really miss him. I sat with the kids at the dinner table tonight. Always tough to do, but listen as they laugh and talk and I miss that he's not here. You would think that after 8 yrs I wouldn't have these times, but here I am...sad. I think I hear him laugh at times and wish the kids knew what that sounded like. It's really tough at times to be "left behind". I try to keep my sights on Christ, but in all honesty that's so difficult. It's such a battle to keep fighting to stay above water, but you do what you have to do...you survive again.WTBrokehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03713849942915871180noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9222047016044049966.post-77452126208468427672017-08-03T22:18:00.002-07:002017-08-04T08:13:19.732-07:00It's been a very long time since I've posted...well 7 yrs actually. My has time changed our lives. Kids are now teenagers,we live in a different state but life jyst kept going whether I liked it or not. I've taken on on a motto my dad always said..."You do what you have to Do". There were some difficult years. Times I wish I could forget, but know they were necessary to heal as I walked through grief, but still didn't like it at all. I wasn't prepared for how the grief changed me in many ways. Of course it made me stronger and definitely more independent and stubborn. I liked those characteristics, but it also made me withdraw even more and I find myself easily disconnecting from the outside and sadly from people so as not to let the pain overtake me again. The one thing I can never disconnect myself from though is my kids. They are my gift, my joy...they make my heart so joyful. I've been blessed for sure. I still miss Warren everyday. As the kids grow I can't tell you how many times I've wanted so badly to just tell him how proud he would be of the kids or just tell him something funny they did. I think the loneliness surprised me. It was a stronger than I anticipated. I could be in a room full of people, but felt completely alone. Thoughts were difficult to control as the reality of never seeing him again began to sink in. I at times lived in a dream world just trying to survive the empty hole that I felt. I felt I was in a dream watching my life go by, but not having the emotionally stamina to deal with the many emotions and thoughts that were consuming me. I knew I needed counseling...someone to talk with that didn't know me or anything about me. She was a Godsend! She listened, was honest and a wonderful friend. It was much needed time for me as it was important to communicate in a healthy environment the feelings, thoughts and emotions I was dealing with. I do miss Warren...so much. We had an amazing connection that's hard to match with anyone else. But I know God has a plan...its not easy to see, but as much as I want to scream at him in frustration I also want to run to His arms for comdfort and safety. For He is the only one that can fill that sadness. I don't always feel he's with me, but his promise that He's there is something I have to hold too. Making that choice, daily, hourly and sometimes minute by minute. WTBrokehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03713849942915871180noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9222047016044049966.post-71493979010444818672010-10-10T20:26:00.000-07:002010-10-10T20:44:40.602-07:0010/10/1010/10/10...it's been 2 years since Warren has been gone. We miss him just as much now as we did 2 yrs ago, but we made it another year. I thank you for praying for us during the last 2 years and thank so many out there that have been a source of help and comfort. Days like this put me in a fog and I feel so much of the emotion I felt 2 yrs ago. My family have been such a help as mom and Jana came to be with me this weekend and we were able to keep busy, but he is always on our minds. We love and miss you Warren.WTBrokehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03713849942915871180noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9222047016044049966.post-71488955748648465412010-08-29T12:17:00.000-07:002010-08-29T20:40:52.786-07:00Catching UpMy goodness how time flies. I'm sorry to those who have checked my blog and I haven't posted for months. I have had some computer issues and it was hard to post on the blog. Anyway, I'm up and running and ready to blog again. We have had a very busy summer and I can't believe we are already back in school. Oh how I miss the summer months. The stringent schedule of school is very difficult for me. The school year ended with my little man graduating from Kindergarten and that was very emotional. Then we started the summer off with 2 weddings. It was a crazy beginning. For the 4th we went to visit Warren's family and had a very nice day, then a couple weeks later we left for Minnesota for a week. We went to the Children's Museum, the zoo and Mall of America and celebrated a birthday at the American Girl Cafe. The week turned into a two week trip as we ended up going to my sister's because her basement flooded and they were in Palau. So mother and I and the kids went to Wisconsin to help with the house and then welcomed them home from Palau. We came home for 2 weeks and then back to Wisconsin for a Rodabaugh reunion. It was a wonderful time to visit with my dad's family. We had not all been to together in many years. There were 41 of us. We were all there but one cousin(and he was missed very much). It was really hot, but we still had a great day visiting and catching up. We came home and started school two days later. AHHHHHH!! Where did the summer go? The children are growing as you will see from the pics. We had some interesting issues come the summer, but were able to work on them and some we still are. I had a big birthday this summer and it seemed to really affect my little boy. I dreaded this birthday, not because of aging, but because I am getting close to the age of my husband and will soon pass him. It is difficult to think he will never grow old as I will. He will always be 41. One night I heard heavy crying and went to talk to my son who said "mommy, you turned 40, then you'll be 50 then 60 and then you'll be dead". What do you say to that? I reasurred him with lots of love and the fact that I am here now and we pray that God will give me a long and healthy life. What a burden for a little boy to have. I hate that he has those thoughts. God has been good to us as always and we are so grateful for his love for us even when we can't see the way. <div><embed src="http://widget-99.slide.com/widgets/slideticker.swf" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" quality="high" scale="noscale" salign="l" wmode="transparent" flashvars="cy=bb&il=1&channel=2522015791365823641&site=widget-99.slide.com" style="width:400px;height:320px" name="flashticker" align="middle"></embed><div style="width:400px;text-align:left;"><a href="http://www.slide.com/pivot?cy=bb&at=un&id=2522015791365823641&map=1" target="_blank"><img src="http://widget-99.slide.com/p1/2522015791365823641/bb_t024_v000_s0un_f00/images/xslide1.gif" border="0" ismap="ismap" /></a> <a href="http://www.slide.com/pivot?cy=bb&at=un&id=2522015791365823641&map=2" target="_blank"><img src="http://widget-99.slide.com/p2/2522015791365823641/bb_t024_v000_s0un_f00/images/xslide2.gif" border="0" ismap="ismap" /></a> <a href="http://www.slide.com/pivot?cy=bb&at=un&id=2522015791365823641&map=F" target="_blank"><img src="http://widget-99.slide.com/p4/2522015791365823641/bb_t024_v000_s0un_f00/images/xslide42.gif" border="0" ismap="ismap" /></a></div></div>WTBrokehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03713849942915871180noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9222047016044049966.post-35346743047808759952010-04-17T19:39:00.000-07:002010-04-17T20:40:22.050-07:00Sometimes life is too fast and othertimes too slow...We are in the middle of April, the dreaded month of the year for me. I pour myself into all kinds of projects during April to busy myself crazy. It does help me some. I have been working on planting around the outside of the house. This was always Warren's area, but I was determined to make green grow!!! I do not have a green thumb, it's really more black. But I have found that I can grow ivy and hostas. Well at least that's a start. I must look really sad out there because my neighbors have been offering various things like plants, gardening tools, mulch and so forth. I guess I probably looked a little crazy putting the mulch in our little red wagon because my wheelbarrel was broken so I was offered the use of a wheelbarrel. I was fairly proud of myself as I have transplanted several plants and planted new plants. I also dug out a small garden bed along the back of the house and cut down some small dead trees along the back of the yard. I hope all my plants survive! I also have been taking a personal training class, I'm not sure what I was thinking there, but at least I feel stronger (at least that's what I tell myself when I'm on the heating pad and taking ibuprofen). We celebrated Warren's birthday last weekend by getting our balloons, writing our notes on them and taking them to the cemetery to let them go, then we always go to Texas Roadhouse (Warren's favorite restaurant). The kids actually love doing it, it's a time to remember daddy in a fun way and it not be so sad at least for them. They also love TX Roadhouse and love steak and ribs. We also started the little man in T-ball again. He has much more confidence this year and has discovered sliding. He slides for every base and every ball. Needless to say he is filthy. We have so enjoyed the beautiful weather God has given us this spring and I love that the two youngest go out to "adventuring". They pack their little backpacks and walk through the yard looking for sticks, birds and various nature things. It's really cute. My oldest on the other hand is my garden helper (I think she has her daddy's green thumb). I was given the opportunity to go hear Lisa Welchel speak. What a wonderful blessing! It was a wonderful night of encouragement. God always sends me what I need at the right time. I don't understand the ways of God and why He has allowed me to be in this position in life, but He continues to show me He is with me and watching over us, even when I can't feel Him. It's just that sometimes it would really by nice if God has skin on...Happy Birthday to my Warren, I love you!!WTBrokehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03713849942915871180noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9222047016044049966.post-38146804305211855062010-02-14T19:00:00.000-08:002010-02-14T19:29:48.447-08:00Valentine's Day....<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXGZMXB_5KslVcbAm_unZpVj6O-cyMK5cpC84zzaOV6vNILD-MDMaoLC2lVKj-29DS01Yc69pcHPYqsxH2iWG82PG8VpO-uy9mrISmBm8b4beVEPBzYP-5fqQCoQ8bfzODYFWngmo00ZY/s1600-h/Family+Photos+058.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXGZMXB_5KslVcbAm_unZpVj6O-cyMK5cpC84zzaOV6vNILD-MDMaoLC2lVKj-29DS01Yc69pcHPYqsxH2iWG82PG8VpO-uy9mrISmBm8b4beVEPBzYP-5fqQCoQ8bfzODYFWngmo00ZY/s400/Family+Photos+058.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5438307052804686178" /></a><br />I just returned from a weekend with my sister Jana. We had a wonderful time as she always makes me laugh and for a brief time forget what this weekend represented - special time with my husband. As I have said before Warren made Valentine's Day a very special time and so I try to just get through the day, but the children don't understand and so for them the festivities go on.... Jana had them make cards for me and they expressed their wonderful love for Mommy. What a treasure! I was blessed as I read the cards. Chloe always finds a unique way of saying something special like when she said "I don't need you skinny, mommy, I love you just the way you are." Those are always the special words from my precious girl. Today was no different and she wrote: "I like to have a mom just like you". I love her precious ways and innocent love. Spencer colored me a beautiful picture of the sky with 3 figures in the clouds: God, Daddy and Jesus, oh, with a caterpillar and spider at the bottom. Maddie, over and over, expressed her love for me with words and hearts. This is the precious love of Valentine's Day. In my sadness for what I am missing, God said, "but, look what you have" These are now the treasured cards I keep hidden to my heart. I hope you had a wonderful day, and treasured the precious valentine's you have whether adult and/or children. Happy Valentine's Day Warren, I love and miss you!WTBrokehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03713849942915871180noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9222047016044049966.post-79381655528842788592009-12-13T17:46:00.000-08:002009-12-13T18:43:02.350-08:00Wow! A whole year has passed and then some. For the most part Warren seems only gone a few weeks or maybe months. I am finding that the 2nd year in many ways is more difficult than the first. I think the first year is so much shock and trying to cope through each "first" or just life in general. Now as the 2nd year begins, reality sets in. The reality that he's not on a long trip, but that this is for the rest of my earthly life. It's a sobering thought to face everyday. I went by the cemetery today to place a Christmas star at his grave. I like to go there although I had 2 of the kids with me and couldn't stay long. It's nice to go, but as I've said before I hate to leave, especially when it's cold and rainy. I know he's not there, but it's hard to disconnect from our human minds sometimes. I miss him so very much. The kids are doing well. We have had a few "I miss my daddy" moments, but we have cried and hugged and gone on. I cleaned out a drawer next to our bed and found priceless treasures. Warren had such a desire to be a good father and the drawer had many books about family and fatherhood. I also found another card I had given him. He saved almost every card I gave him. There were many sermon outlines he had started on pieces of paper, some finished and some not. He had a card he had bought for Maddie's 2nd Christmas and had written in it. He never finished it, but had said many wonderful things to her and so mom thought it would be helpful to her if I gave it to her now. She loved it and cried, but she keeps it under her pillow and I find her reading it all the time. What a treasure she has and special words just to her from her daddy. I also found a poem he had written about the kids. It was a tough hour and a half, but so thankful to the Lord for the treasures he has given me. <br />I tell the kids when I take them to school and we pray how important it is to thank God for the many blessings he has bestowed on my family. Although we do not understand why God has allowed this difficulty in our lives, He has taken such wonderful care of us. We are blessed in so many ways. It doesn't mean I don't struggle with all of this, but I can count other blessings. <br />Christmas is approaching, quickly, I might add, and I love this time of year. I still find myself picking out gifts for him, when I see something, but then reality again hits me. I miss how he planned my Christmas presents. He was so specific about what he would buy. I even miss the Christmas china he bought me every year. I miss the dark chocolate with raspberry filling candy he would put in my stocking. He would buy some kind of jewelry and put it in the very bottom of the stocking. There was always a certain way he did Christmas. He rarely bought what I asked for because he said I was too practical and He wanted to buy me something nice. I must say he spoiled me every year. <br />We had our Christmas cantata at church last week and Maddie had her debut of acting. She was my daughter. I couldn't have been prouder!! I believe God opened a window of Heaven and allowed Warren to see her perform. My heart was so full as she said her lines. Then tonight we had the children's program. It was so fun. You just never know what they will do. Maddie and Chloe each had speaking parts and did a great job. Maddie played 2 piano specials as well, but bless her heart, she has been terribly sick with a cold. She is just miserable. Spencer was a shepherd, but got a little bored in the barn and began hitting "Joseph" over the head with his staff (Joseph was plastic, thank goodness). It is so dangerous when that boy gets bored! He had a few parts with the smaller children before the play and everytime he had a special part and before they left he would walk up to microphone and say "thank you very much". Hmmmm, sounds like someone else I knew. Anyway, I have rattled on long enough. I hope you all have a wonderful MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!!WTBrokehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03713849942915871180noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9222047016044049966.post-86751932713092059442009-09-27T20:19:00.000-07:002009-09-27T20:50:55.620-07:00As fall approaches.......I feel compelled to write tonight as so many things are going through my mind. The one year anniversary is quickly approaching. I haven't said anything to the kids, as I didn't think they would be aware of the time. I am amazed by my children though. I don't even know if they realize what is coming, but they know the season. Part of the problem, I believe, is that fall was Warren's favorite time of year. How he loved all the fun and warmth of the autumn season. It is something we all look so forward too and yet something is missing and they know it. They are having trouble sleeping and have begun to ask questions and make comments about "fall is daddy's favorite season, isn't it", or "daddy and I had fun when the leaves fell". Tonight, I found my little man with all his blankets on the floor after I put him to bed. I said "buddy, what are you doing?" He replied "when I miss my daddy, I like to sleep like this". Many times I do not understand what is going on in those little heads, but I just snuggled him. Football has also started and tonight I walked downstairs to get something to drink and the TV was on the Colts game. It was a difficult, almost breathtaking moment as I caught myself looking in the chair (hoping to see him). I keep the games on as though I have too. It's so strange, the things we hold on too......WTBrokehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03713849942915871180noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9222047016044049966.post-89769108456946473762009-08-28T19:26:00.000-07:002009-08-28T19:52:13.122-07:00<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSL3gLWFik8C83ZaKvwQ2mC62fb0X3mVicUwgVecrh-9J7lPKSDzCxmDdCAQoFQWJahq2_10gybRUnjWQNDuUHYAUja5h4BNbOwYAOczjn5GYpIrMdYqd3ueNhW1Lmt3euZvz6h3fLl6k/s1600-h/1st+day+of+school+%26+new+vehicles+023.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSL3gLWFik8C83ZaKvwQ2mC62fb0X3mVicUwgVecrh-9J7lPKSDzCxmDdCAQoFQWJahq2_10gybRUnjWQNDuUHYAUja5h4BNbOwYAOczjn5GYpIrMdYqd3ueNhW1Lmt3euZvz6h3fLl6k/s400/1st+day+of+school+%26+new+vehicles+023.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5375213074156200482" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLdeopU7CwMYKiq_rmT_Eq7lD6P1x7u2NoHekxSwVMmrt1Rhw-gAL2alb1bRVMkvZVX30nrWcT_k6JOYb0OVcN8ZXXY0GfpCI1kxuHWvtsttUYeqnJJzcCjxRSyPf5aeqaSPRpjn6VDJ8/s1600-h/1st+day+of+school+%26+new+vehicles+021.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLdeopU7CwMYKiq_rmT_Eq7lD6P1x7u2NoHekxSwVMmrt1Rhw-gAL2alb1bRVMkvZVX30nrWcT_k6JOYb0OVcN8ZXXY0GfpCI1kxuHWvtsttUYeqnJJzcCjxRSyPf5aeqaSPRpjn6VDJ8/s400/1st+day+of+school+%26+new+vehicles+021.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5375212554399789650" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0hcALNpfll2PsUFdtEHlKRieJe1auSTfVOhKknZo6VRz_BqjKujSHD0l7gPJL373e8eEatHBkzV3Q4jFeRcpcb0RtvUSh9OzUTHHSJJpSJjeWpeDho_7S6vPJ2JLZ95i31ddc-jZyg94/s1600-h/1st+day+of+school+%26+new+vehicles+022.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0hcALNpfll2PsUFdtEHlKRieJe1auSTfVOhKknZo6VRz_BqjKujSHD0l7gPJL373e8eEatHBkzV3Q4jFeRcpcb0RtvUSh9OzUTHHSJJpSJjeWpeDho_7S6vPJ2JLZ95i31ddc-jZyg94/s400/1st+day+of+school+%26+new+vehicles+022.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5375212133853802418" /></a><br />I once again am blessed with wonderful friends. My friend Kelly came to the house the other day and with her brought 3 blankets. One for each of my kids. Here are pictures of each blanket. Thank you Kelly, the kids sleep with them every night. They are a wonderful comfort!WTBrokehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03713849942915871180noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9222047016044049966.post-72599618355833238232009-08-24T19:11:00.000-07:002009-08-24T19:38:12.917-07:00School Begins!!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmh0Qrxk0WnvZto4-fRNbNbb5sc3gMTSfgE5vzT8W3R-47StjKDuEf1lcVqSBWgrZ2KOr_721RlrzUvozb_dlFH1Hn-GPjbBM4Jz18_z1yb2QX82JNqEvYK1AweMNu7IgQcLJF1wzEWsY/s1600-h/1st+day+of+school+%26+new+vehicles+008.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmh0Qrxk0WnvZto4-fRNbNbb5sc3gMTSfgE5vzT8W3R-47StjKDuEf1lcVqSBWgrZ2KOr_721RlrzUvozb_dlFH1Hn-GPjbBM4Jz18_z1yb2QX82JNqEvYK1AweMNu7IgQcLJF1wzEWsY/s400/1st+day+of+school+%26+new+vehicles+008.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5373724512478132562" /></a>
<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikE0Wou8yQbGLXzJOHPMdS43K0fRU4Aie_u3VIwTolTcmwcekCgrkXW9K9He40hZ439YybZrwrMYTLXry0RnvOsyKd8-CKJBYcJCZxQUNeoeejGSrXZBbTtIoylEOX2ZcNN8eyPTBJPWc/s1600-h/1st+day+of+school+%26+new+vehicles+007.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikE0Wou8yQbGLXzJOHPMdS43K0fRU4Aie_u3VIwTolTcmwcekCgrkXW9K9He40hZ439YybZrwrMYTLXry0RnvOsyKd8-CKJBYcJCZxQUNeoeejGSrXZBbTtIoylEOX2ZcNN8eyPTBJPWc/s400/1st+day+of+school+%26+new+vehicles+007.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5373724093043566418" /></a>
<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSED5p4_eLBaahNaEvahWEBYCx90XlbgzlD9M1sI_KG8AZcVAnNbhGMihpot_EEBMeHZub0_pakH9dcDLhlmm-dcF9luiC0Enlj7vePbhnacK4SX_AoDZpAx1KTMjyWGGBxRD9ijJ0zXQ/s1600-h/1st+day+of+school+%26+new+vehicles+006.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSED5p4_eLBaahNaEvahWEBYCx90XlbgzlD9M1sI_KG8AZcVAnNbhGMihpot_EEBMeHZub0_pakH9dcDLhlmm-dcF9luiC0Enlj7vePbhnacK4SX_AoDZpAx1KTMjyWGGBxRD9ijJ0zXQ/s400/1st+day+of+school+%26+new+vehicles+006.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5373723674852898610" /></a>
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<br />We have started the school season!! It is a bittersweet time. I enjoy having some down time, but I do miss the kids. They are all in school this year and a new school as well. They are all doing pretty well, although there has been many changes, and if anyone knows my children, changes do not come easy!! :) I struggle with the morning schedule, but we will get used to it! We have been incredibly busy and full of homework and piano. When school is out we are crazy until bedtime. Please keep my little man in your prayers, he is struggling with a few things. It has been hard for him to understand any of this. He is becoming more and more like his daddy with each new day. The girls are adjusting fairly well although we have had a few setbacks in last few weeks. We cherish your prayers and thoughts. WTBrokehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03713849942915871180noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9222047016044049966.post-14996455925737029562009-07-13T20:22:00.000-07:002009-07-13T21:28:06.939-07:00Blessings!With the many changes in our lives, one of my hardest during the last several months is the difficulty in getting to sleep at night. As I have said before night time is a time I struggle dealing with. But, the last few nights, I start out with questioning the Lord on His decision and He has reminded me of the list of family members and friends that He has so wonderfully given me during this time. I have been amazed at what God has blessed me with. Life as I knew it has totally changed and I don't always go with it easily, but God has given His grace through many forms. It doesn't mean I understand why or that it's any easier to accept necessarily, but He does give me the strength to cope. It never fails that when I am having one of those many days He sends people to me. It may a phone call, a card, a Facebook note, a visit, an e-mail, etc. For those of you family and friends that read this, please know how thankful I am for your consistent encouragement. I may not respond outwardly, but know that my heart it so grateful for your love and support. I know that there are many times that I made it through the day because you responded to that little voice from God letting you know I needed a boost. I just wanted you all to know I am very appreciative of your "care" for me.<br />The summer has gone by too quickly. It won't be long before school starts back up. We have been so busy, I painted a small bathroom and gave my oldest her own room. I painted her room and put up border. It was a crazy week, but I felt like I had accomplished so much. We celebrated a birthday for my 7yr old on the first. We went to a tea place with some friends and had a little tea party. What a wonderful thing for little girls. They had boa's and hats for the little girls to wear and they had fun. I did have to draw the line when the owner was showing my little "warrior" boy how to wear a boa. Everyone had their own teapot with tea and tea cups. I kept thinking how Warren would have loved to see the girls being little ladies. They had sugar to put in their tea cups, but that became such a fun activity that the sugar was just "sludge" in the bottom of the cups. :) But oh, what fun we had! We had a wonderful 4th with Warren's family. It was good to see all the family and watch the cousins play together. We didn't have fireworks that night because we had so much rain, but Sunday night our city did a wonderful display. I had not intended to go because I was tired and just plain didn't want to mess with it. When the kids found out there were fireworks (thanks to the neighbor kids) they of course wanted to go. I immediately said "no" we aren't going. The kids and I all got ready for bed, but the guilt started setting in :) I kept hearing the little voice that said "why not?". So we jumped in the car PJ's and all and went to see the fireworks. It was great and the kids loved it (and so did I). It was one of those moments that all of the sadness left and we just had smiles. It was such a "christmas" moment when all is forgotten. Again, God is good, He gives us what we need when we need it. I am so thankful for those moments and that God has given me my babies to share these wonderful times together.WTBrokehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03713849942915871180noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9222047016044049966.post-25446145325602334472009-06-11T20:50:00.000-07:002009-06-11T22:10:04.735-07:00Summer is here!!!I am so glad summer is here! I was so ready to be away from the school schedule!! It seems like whenever we had a school break we were out of town. I am looking forward to taking a break and doing some never-ending organization. In the next couple of weeks we will also be doing some painting and rearranging of the kids rooms. We have been very busy since coming home from FL. It seemed like every weekend there was something happening. May brought some more days of firsts. Dear friends took the children and I out to eat for Mother's day. It was a good day and I enjoyed the eating and fellowship! It really helped to keep my mind from feeling down. I also had many friends and family txt or call to wish me a good day!! Thank you to all! <br />The next day we had was our oldest 9th birthday!!! We went to Chuck E Cheese, it was a great time! WOW, I can't believe she's 9, on the other hand I struggle with the fact that she is only 9 and her daddy isn't here to see it. The end of May brought Memorial Day weekend and we went to Chicago for a Kane County Cougar game. It was a lot of fun. We had almost 25 of us at the game. It was fun to see some family I hadn't seen in years!! It was fun to see the cousin's kids playing. We came home and mom came with me to do a garage sale. It was quite the event. While setting up, mom crushed her hand in between two plastic containers. It wasn't broken or fractured but was severely bruised and swollen. She is doing much better now. Thank the Lord! After the garage sale, we headed up to MN. It is always good to go home! It was good to see so many people and just hang out. We spend one day at the MN zoo!! I love the zoo!! It was wonderful to watch the kids with the animals. The girls hadn't been since they were 3 & 1 and my little man has never been. The bears were probably the best exhibit. I could have stayed to watch them all night! They seemed so carefree and loved to entertain the people. It just doesn't matter what you do we always wish Warren was with us!! I wanted to call him and tell him what the kids were saying or doing. I need to share so much with him. I believe that God shows him many things we are doing, like our oldest piano playing, but it's just the fact that it never mattered what I told him about the kids he loved it whether it was big or little and there is so much to say. The kids are growing so much and life is going on...................Anyway, I miss him so much. It has been 8 months. It is hard to believe we made it 8 months. God keeps holding us as we walk this path. Father's day is approaching. You never realize how all the advertisements and commercials are so hard for people. I can't watch any commercials on father's day. I am thankful for the wonderful father my husband was in his short time of being one. He was so proud to be a father and if you knew him you understood that he was very proud of his children and so very thankful for the opportunity to be a "dad". "Happy Father's Day Warren!! I love you!WTBrokehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03713849942915871180noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9222047016044049966.post-90293624484781182772009-05-05T18:52:00.000-07:002009-05-05T19:23:59.731-07:00April's Over!April has been a very difficult month. It was Warren's birthday and our anniversary. I have dreaded it knowing it would be a very emotional time. We once again went to the cemetery with our balloons and let them go and sang Happy Birthday! The kids really like to go and so do I although leaving is very difficult for me. Our anniversary was a week later. Let's just say it was a bad day all around. I think that has been the hardest day I have had since Warren died. Thankfully my aunt took the kids for several hours in the afternoon so I could have some alone time. I don't know if that day will ever be better. What was once such a wonderful day has become one of the most dreaded days of my life. It made me miss Warren so very much! I am glad to get into May as school will be out this month and we need the rest. I am glad at the many blessings God has given us! I was just telling the kids that although we don't understand why God has taken Warren it has been incredible to see how he has fulfilled his promises of caring for us time and time again. God is good!!!<br /><br />On another note I have a prayer request. Long time family friends of ours are asking for special prayer. Bob was diagnosed with acute leukemia about a year ago. He has been very ill and in and out of the hospital for pretty much the entire time. Saturday his daughter is graduating from nursing school and it is his desire to attend this graduation. Please pray that Bob will be able to go, that God would give him this desire. Thank you!WTBrokehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03713849942915871180noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9222047016044049966.post-71623599678899963102009-04-09T15:53:00.000-07:002009-04-09T17:43:16.942-07:00Florida!!!!!Last week we took our trip to Florida. We were supposed to go the week after Warren passed away, so I had told the kids we would go in the Spring if we could. So my mom and I packed up the kids and away we went. Although we had several difficult moments of "missing daddy" we had a wonderful time. We stayed at our family trailor (it was my grandmothers) and so we spent several mornings cleaning and working on the outside. We went swimming in the afternoon and took Sunday night and spent the night at Disney and went to Disney World on Monday. We had a great time!! It was really nice to just get away and let go a little. The tough times came when we were having a good time and wished Daddy could be with us. I love to spend time with the kids like that, it is so good to see them just having a great time and laughing. We had a rainy day so we went to the Children's Museum for a few hours and it was really cold on Tuesday(so no swimming)so we went to the Jungle Gardens. It is just too short and we wished we could have stayed longer, but we are so thankful God gave us the means to take this wonderful trip. It's all about making memories for them and giving them some fun times. By the way the pic with the stuff in the hair, We had a little gum problem on the plane and i had to cut her hair with nail clippers. Oh, the things we do for our kids!! :)<div><embed src="http://widget-5e.slide.com/widgets/slideticker.swf" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" quality="high" scale="noscale" salign="l" wmode="transparent" flashvars="cy=bb&il=1&channel=2954361355579775326&site=widget-5e.slide.com" style="width:400px;height:320px" name="flashticker" align="middle"></embed><div style="width:400px;text-align:left;"><a href="http://www.slide.com/pivot?cy=bb&at=un&id=2954361355579775326&map=1" target="_blank"><img src="http://widget-5e.slide.com/p1/2954361355579775326/bb_t028_v000_s0un_f00/images/xslide1.gif" border="0" ismap="ismap" /></a> <a href="http://www.slide.com/pivot?cy=bb&at=un&id=2954361355579775326&map=2" target="_blank"><img src="http://widget-5e.slide.com/p2/2954361355579775326/bb_t028_v000_s0un_f00/images/xslide2.gif" border="0" ismap="ismap" /></a> <a href="http://www.slide.com/pivot?cy=bb&at=un&id=2954361355579775326&map=F" target="_blank"><img src="http://widget-5e.slide.com/p4/2954361355579775326/bb_t028_v000_s0un_f00/images/xslide42.gif" border="0" ismap="ismap" /></a></div></div>WTBrokehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03713849942915871180noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9222047016044049966.post-5587888918116714062009-03-15T12:05:00.000-07:002009-03-15T12:53:10.148-07:00Spring has finally come!I am so thankful that spring has finally sprung here in Indiana. I am sorry to those who are still in the cold (that's why I live here). The kids and I have been watching as our spring flowers are coming up in the backyard and the buds on the trees. I enjoy the winter months in December and January, but am ready for better weather come February and definitely March. I guess I have become "weak" since living here for a while :). We have had a rough few weeks as strep throat has attacked us. I hope we don't have anymore of that!! We have been doing pretty good otherwise. It is still very hard for me to really concentrate on something. My mind always wanders back to times with Warren. It's wonderful to have so many memories, but also bittersweet. On Valentine's Day I took the kids to buy a balloon for each of us and then we wrote notes on them and went to the cemetery to spend a moment "with Daddy". Then we wished him a "Happy Valentine's" and let the balloon's go. That is kind of a tradition with balloons in our family. When Maddie was a little girl she received a helium balloon at a party. That night Warren had to get up in the middle of the night and when he came around the corner the balloon moved in front of him and he thought it was an intruder and punched it :). If you knew Warren you would understand that that was the end of the helium balloons in our home. So after a while to alleviate the downpour of tears we started letting them go in the air to my grandmother who had passed away. Now we continue that with notes on the balloons. It is very good for all of us. The kids are able to express their love and sometimes emotion. I can't believe it has been 5 months! I miss Warren so very much! I still only take one day at a time. The thought of the rest of my life here on earth without Warren is absolutely overwhelming!! But, God has been good!! I have been reading small portions of several books and articles people have given me. They have been very helpful and encouraging, but I can only read small portions at a time. So much is still so very fresh and the constant reality that Warren will never be returning to us on earth is very sobering for all of us to take in. I wanted to share with you a wonderful memory my 6 year old shares with me often about her daddy. She tells me all the time when she is sitting down reading her Bible and she says "Mommy, I'm reading my Bible. Daddy always read his Bible and when he died he was in Romans. I always saw him reading and I want to be that way too." I could never ask for anything so wonderful as to know that my children remember their daddy sitting in his chair reading his Bible. I hope they say the same of their mother someday. I hope that the parents reading this take note of how our children watch what we do and someday when you leave this earth what will they remember? I am so thankful that the memories are not only of the fun and loving daddy, but that he loved God's Word. What a wonderful treasure we have!!WTBrokehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03713849942915871180noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9222047016044049966.post-34595810969827257042009-02-10T18:22:00.000-08:002009-02-10T18:48:58.530-08:004 MonthsWow, it's been 4 months. Time has gone by so fast. We have had a very busy month. My mom stayed with us for quite sometime (she was waiting on my dad to come and get her, and he had some work issues), anyway it certainly didn't bother me:)!! It was like having a laundry, cleaning and cooking fairy (which I have always dreamed of) not to mention she helped a great deal with the kids. We cleaned a lot and organized some things. One of the biggest things we did was put all of Warren's Emmitt Kelley's into a curio cabinet. Emmitt was Warren's greatest collection and he was so proud of it!! I was very excited, but there was a sense of sadness as we stood back and looked at the display. It is beautiful and he would have really loved it, it was such a dream he had. We had some van problems this month and had to put a considerable amount into the van. It was amazing how that day the Lord gave us over half the amount. God takes care of us in so many different ways. I sometimes wonder why God chose us to go through this and what are his plans for us in the future. I know that there is a plan and a purpose for all this, but it doesn't make it any easier and right now I just wish Warren was still with me!!! Please keep us in prayer this week as the 10th of each month is always difficult and it's also valentine's (Warren loved giving all of us surprises for Valentine's). The kids have also struggled with the week and the girls are clinging to the gifts he gave them last year. I hope you take the time this Valentine's to cherish the spouse God has given you. Take the day and spend it with each other to show your appreciation for the one God has given you. Trust me it's a wonderful treasure!!! Happy Valentine's Day to you!WTBrokehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03713849942915871180noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9222047016044049966.post-76902916770005734232009-01-10T19:10:00.000-08:002009-01-10T20:11:23.695-08:00Welcome to a new year!!!Well we are back home. Christmas was once again a wonderful time. We kept pretty busy so it kept us very occupied and less time to think. We did have many "Warren moments" (as I call them), times that made us laugh and times that made us cry. Christmas night and New Years Eve night were probably the most difficult moments, but my family was so gracious to just let me have my quiet moments to myself. One of the highlights of our trip is going to Nickelodeon Universe at the Mall of America. It was a difficult day for the children and I as that was one of Warren's favorite things. He loved to video the kids and ride with them and watch them laugh and have fun. Anyway, Christmas is a wonderful season and is a time to reflect on what God has done for us. We are so blessed!! Amid the trials that God allows in our life, there is so much blessing. I think for me the joy of Heaven has so much increased. What a day that will be!! Warren wrote this little poem in him journal: <br />"There are days of darkness and gloom, that does not always lead to despair and doom. As I open my eyes and see where I stand, I find myself in the hollow of His mighty hand. Dare I think to fail amidst this light trial? It would only be the work of Belial. Oh victory is sure when God is in control. But we must not fail to give our hearts to him as whole. Only then can we truly understand our trial and afflictions; they come as He planned. And so we some day pass or He His Son will send to deliver us to our heavenly home. And never again will we toil or roam."<br />-Warren Brokering <br />I hope everyone had a wonderful blessed Christmas season!! Please keep us in your prayers, each day is just another day to adjust without Warren. Thank you for all the notes of encouragement!! It not only is a blessing to me, but is helpful to the children as I try to read them some of the notes.<br />Happy New Year!!WTBrokehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03713849942915871180noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9222047016044049966.post-24402218055567739492008-12-20T17:17:00.000-08:002008-12-20T17:46:18.676-08:00Merry Christmas!!!I left today for Minnesota for Christmas. I was doing very well until mid Wisconsin and I ran into a great deal of snow. We had to stay in a hotel tonight because we could no longer drive. I was getting tired and knew 6 or so more hours in a snow storm with three children and going 35 mph would not be something I could mentally handle. :) We are watching The Wizard of Oz (which is Chloe's favorite movie) and we all have our electronics (it's really sad). <br />It is so nice to go home and be with family during this time. Christmas has been a wonderful time for me through the years, but obviously this year it has a bittersweetness to the season. I do pretty good as long as I don't think much about it. :) At this point I just want to get through Christmas day watching the kids open their gifts and enjoying being spoiled. Even though I had taken on many things when Warren became sick, there was still many things he did that I have now. He always did the video camera and I took photos because I did scrapbooking. I now have both and that is very tricky. He also took care of getting the car ready for trips and checked all those things during the trip. This is quite an adventure while traveling with three children. Anyway were going to finish The Wizard of Oz and then off to bed to begin the traveling again. Thank you to many who have prayed for us during this trip, I really appreciate your prayers please continue to keep us in your prayer were not there quite yet!!! :) Have a wonderful blessed <br />MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!!!WTBrokehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03713849942915871180noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9222047016044049966.post-16889207992987703662008-12-01T19:37:00.000-08:002008-12-01T20:07:59.263-08:00Another week......Well, Thanksgiving is over. I really had a wonderful weekend with David P. and his family. I was so thankful they came to spend the weekend with us. The time flew by which right now is a good thing. We had a good time talking about and remembering Warren and just having a good time of fellowship. I am so thankful that they gave up a holiday with their family to spend it with us during this most difficult time. We spent Thanksgiving day with Warren's family and had a very good time. It was a strange day to be there and not be with Warren. We went to the cemetery on Saturday. The stone had been placed in the ground. I like to go there, but it is very hard to leave. Sunday was a very difficult day, I assume because everything slowed down and thoughts creep in that sometimes cannot be stopped. Oh how I miss him so much. Today is December 1 and we have snow!!! I know for some of you that isn't a big deal, but in southern Indiana it is nice to have snow for the Christmas holidays. On the way to school we thanked the Lord for the beautiful snow that he gave us that gave us a wonderful smile and cheerfulness. Just a note to thank Dave and Carla for giving their vacation to me. It was so helpful to have them here during this time and the kids had such a great time. Thank you so much!!!WTBrokehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03713849942915871180noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9222047016044049966.post-82726939075218200642008-11-26T18:41:00.000-08:002008-11-26T19:19:22.819-08:00Happy Thanksgiving!!!HAPPY THANKSGIVING to everyone!! I am writing this on the eve of my first major holiday without Warren. I am waiting for Dave and Carla and the girls to arrive. I have looked forward to their coming. I can't believe they want to spend Thanksgiving with me, it is so comforting. We are all going to spend Thanksgiving with Warren's family as we always do. This is a bittersweet time as we will be missing a very important part of our family. We put up the Christmas decorations last weekend, that was harder than I thought it would be. It really put us down emotionally for most of the weekend. It not only affected me, but it affected the kids. We shed alot of tears and were very quiet. I did have a young friend call and invite me to do something special with her (thanks Kaitlyn). It was good to get away for a few hours and have fun. We are doing better though for now. Thank you to many that have been praying for us so strongly, it got us through a very tough weekend.<br />On another note, Warren's mother has sent me a poem that a friend of hers wrote. Warren's mom asked me if I would post it on the blog, she said it was a help to her and she hoped it would be a help to others. <br />Dear God<br />They went to sleep<br />and awoke to you<br />in a place with skies of blue<br />Free of all the pain they knew<br /><br />They look around <br />and there they are <br />surrounded by loved ones<br />angels singing from afar <br />and they know<br /><br />Here comes Jesus, the king of kings<br />arms opened wide<br />While the angels sing<br />they run to him to receive an embrace <br />and gaze into his face<br /><br />The love they feel, it runs so deep<br />They know this love, it is for keeps<br />They love this man<br />and nothing can compare<br />to them being there.<br /><br />Dear God<br />I know their families understand<br />that they can be with them again<br />if Jesus is in their hearts<br />Dear God <br />Then heaven will be just a start<br />to be with our dear God<br />In Jesus name, Amen<br /> - Sue Graham -WTBrokehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03713849942915871180noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9222047016044049966.post-33608863157719910422008-11-18T18:37:00.001-08:002008-11-18T20:44:15.124-08:00Happy Birthday Spencer!!!<span style="font-size:+0;">Spencer will be 5 on Wednesday!!</span> Wow, time goes so fast. We celebrated his birthday on Saturday at Bogey's (a fun pizza place). We had a good time!! It was really nice to have fun with the kids. Auntie Dana, Aunt Maxine and Cousin Lindsay and Aubrey came with us. We had a Spiderman party!! Spencer loves superhero's and Hot Wheels, I guess you can't get any better than that!! He has been so excited to turn 5!!<br />Everyone has left. My mother has been here since the week Warren died. She left Friday to go home and get ready for Christmas. She has cared for my children and I for weeks. What a wonderful blessing to have her. I don't know what I would have done without her. She just picked up where I just couldn't many times. Thank you Mom for all you did!!!!<br />Tonight is the first night we have been alone. As I said before, night time is not my favorite time of the day by any means. Night time is quiet. It does give me a chance to talk to the Lord though, in ways that I can't in front of people. I talk to Him about my anger, dissapointment, lack of understanding, lonliness for my husband, but also my faith that He does know all that has taken place and has a perfect plan. I have also realized "time". "Time" is everything. They say time heals things. I sometimes wish time would just move along quickly. I never had enough time in the day, and now I have more than I want. Having gone through these last several weeks, I cannot imagine what people do who do not know the Lord. It is hard enough having the Lord, but to experience this kind of pain and not have anyone to go to that knows what is going on and has the control is beyond my comprehension. I have rattled on long enough, but want to thank you so much for your continued prayers, cards, and phone calls. I am able to get through each day because of people's prayers for me and my family. God is Good!!<br />HAPPY BIRTHDAY MY LITTLE PRINCE!!<br /><br /><br /><div><embed src="http://widget-11.slide.com/widgets/slideticker.swf" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" quality="high" scale="noscale" salign="l" wmode="transparent" flashvars="cy=bb&il=1&channel=2954361355573268241&site=widget-11.slide.com" style="width:400px;height:320px" name="flashticker" align="middle"></embed><div style="width:400px;text-align:left;"><a href="http://www.slide.com/pivot?cy=bb&at=un&id=2954361355573268241&map=1" target="_blank"><img src="http://widget-11.slide.com/p1/2954361355573268241/bb_t024_v000_s0un_f00/images/xslide1.gif" border="0" ismap="ismap" /></a> <a href="http://www.slide.com/pivot?cy=bb&at=un&id=2954361355573268241&map=2" target="_blank"><img src="http://widget-11.slide.com/p2/2954361355573268241/bb_t024_v000_s0un_f00/images/xslide2.gif" border="0" ismap="ismap" /></a> <a href="http://www.slide.com/pivot?cy=bb&at=un&id=2954361355573268241&map=F" target="_blank"><img src="http://widget-11.slide.com/p4/2954361355573268241/bb_t024_v000_s0un_f00/images/xslide42.gif" border="0" ismap="ismap" /></a></div></div>WTBrokehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03713849942915871180noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9222047016044049966.post-22167538523762394282008-10-25T21:57:00.000-07:002008-10-25T22:11:09.464-07:00Getting back to........I wanted to write a quick note to thank you all for the wonderful posts of encouragement my family and I have received. Writing the posts is difficult for me as I was not the writer of this family. I have so appreciated the outpouring of love for my family. Words cannot express the gratitude of so many people. God has given me several wonderful prayer warriors. I have had very good days for the most part, but the night time is exceptionally difficult. I know that God is giving me the grace and taking me through this journey with Him holding me all the way. The children are doing well. I am so thankful for my mother and sister Dana who have taken my children all week and showered them with love and affection. They have answered many questions about Warren's death and Heaven. The teaching they have received from God's Word has been priceless. Please continue to pray for my family and I as we have a journey ahead of us. But I know God is Good and we will continue to give Him honor in this. I truly covet your prayers during this time. Life will never be the same. Pray for us as we begin our "new normal" next week. Oh, if you have a good story of Warren, please post it or e-mail me. We are compiling these for the children. Thank you<br />wtbroke@juno.comWTBrokehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03713849942915871180noreply@blogger.com18tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9222047016044049966.post-49819353672813600162008-10-10T21:17:00.000-07:002008-10-10T21:30:30.781-07:00Warren loved to fish<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0ftgGPB7rA9u6X9wsbxnSsItwpiAzP1G3Ya3zF4kh-ii17FM-vKtGhDlkme2f21p0_4BHWKRP9vzVUsR1sufnXeSqHi8K44gKiOzqj7lZGX3Gz0fP7u0DvyiZIAW-bQwi4yTS4D68TDY/s1600-h/clip_image001.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5255748754229134786" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0ftgGPB7rA9u6X9wsbxnSsItwpiAzP1G3Ya3zF4kh-ii17FM-vKtGhDlkme2f21p0_4BHWKRP9vzVUsR1sufnXeSqHi8K44gKiOzqj7lZGX3Gz0fP7u0DvyiZIAW-bQwi4yTS4D68TDY/s400/clip_image001.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-EVx5eCWoFPSHxb1nI4nfGYnDPtouXKFFFq8TCeOSB_Z8BFRk_CaIQtwiewimbzdWVHj3nmHsI1wXr1qx4A4TuadDUTgkxpiFykwwljh_WAj92ktAnOmE_tjQBv2h6jbboL1fqsRyIq4/s1600-h/warren1.bmp"></a><br /><br /><div></div></div>WTBrokehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03713849942915871180noreply@blogger.com20tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9222047016044049966.post-22750392288119988972008-10-10T20:02:00.000-07:002008-10-10T20:05:13.187-07:00Warren Brokering ObituaryFriends and Family, this is the obituary, which will be in the Terre Haute and Shelbyville, IN newpapers.<br /><br />---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------<br /><br />Warren Brokering, 41, of Terre Haute, Indiana left this earth to meet his heavenly Father on Thursday, October 10th, 2008 at 2:55 pm ET.<br /><br />He was born, Warren Keith Brokering, on April 13th, 1967 to Nancy Lynn Stout Richards of Shelbyville, Indiana. He spent his formidable years in St. Paul, Indiana attending Hendricks Elementary, Waldron Junior High and Waldron High School where he excelled in wrestling and reached the state finals.<br /><br />In 1986, God gripped Warrens’ heart and he accepted Jesus Christ as his personal Lord and Savior. Following God’s calling, he enrolled at Maranatha Baptist Bible College in Watertown, WI.<br /><br />Beginning in 1986, Warren worked his way through college as he studied Youth Ministries. After many long years of sweat, toil and tears, Warren graduated in 1994.<br /><br />Warren entered the ministry as a Youth Pastor in a small church in Virginia and began influencing many lives for the cause of Christ.<br /><br />Later in his ministry, God called him to Bible Baptist Church in Terre Haute, Indiana. He faithfully served as a Youth Pastor for 10 years. It was during this time that he contracted lung and liver cancer. As he received chemo treatments and battled cancer he continued to minister to his youth group influencing hundreds of young people to serve Christ.<br /><br />God then opened a door for Warren to work with other cancer patients at Providence Medical Center in Terre Haute, Indiana. He worked there as Chaplain for 2 years encouraging others in the Lord and leading many to Christ.<br /><br />Warren was preceded in death by his father, Max Brokering, and leaves behind his wife of 13 years, Tana (Rodabaugh) Brokering and three small children; Madelyn (8), Chloe (6) and Spencer (4).<br /><br />Also surviving Warren is his mother, Nancy Lynn Stout Richards of Shelbyville, IN; grandmother, Izzetta Brokering of Shelbyville; brothers, Scott Brokering of St Paul, IN. and Darin Brokering of Shelbyville; sister, Melissa (Rosenfeld) DeStain of Shelbyville; aunts, Sharon Broughton of Shelbyville and Janie Newhouse of Indianapolis and multiple nieces and nephews; and lastly, his extended family, in-laws, David and Ann Rodabaugh of Coon Rapids, MN.<br /><br />In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in memory of Warren Brokering through 5th/3rd Bank at 2511 Poplar Avenue Terre Haute, IN. Phone number: 812-462-0376. Please request your gift to be placed in the Brokering account ending in 001.WTBrokehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03713849942915871180noreply@blogger.com23