This time a year ago...

This time a year ago, I was miserable. It wasn't due to pregnancy, although that wasn't a picnic either. It was because this time a year ago we mourned the loss of a wonderful member of our O'Reilly clan. Tim O'Reilly. Gideon's great uncle. Noah's uncle that was great. Gramma Sandy's beloved husband. He was a wonderful man and I am so blessed to have known him for the brief time I did. Tomorrow marks the one year anniversary of when Tim went to be with the Lord. We celebrated in Plevna (the center of the universe) with our family, close friends and the ABATE instructors Tim was so close with. What a group! From bikers dressed in leathers to Mennonite women in homespun dresses and caps, a hodge podge group of people all gathered together in honor of one wonderful man. It was quite a sight! As we gathered at the cemetary to create a circle and pray, I fully embraced how precious life is. Our nephews giggling in the background, and getting a repremand from their father. The buzz of a plan in the distance. A lawn mower. Gideon cooing at Noah's feet. It was a perfect day. The sun was shining, our prayers were lifted to heaven, everyone was gathered. It was just beautiful. I think Tim would have been humbled to know he'd touched so many lives. What was wonderful about this wonderful man was that he didn't know he was all that great. We all did though. He was just an honest guy who loved his wife and family. Cared for his friends and neighbors and would always lend a helping hand. In living his life, he touched so many people. What a blessing he was to everyone around him.

I can remember so clearly last March, the weekend before we found out we were expecting Gideon, we went to Plevna and Noah and Tim worked all day (and night! An O'Reilly man never stops working till the work is done!) on soap molds for my creative outlet. They discussed, planned, tried, errored and finally came up with a wonderful mold. I was so touched that weekend that Tim took the time to help Noah with my silly endevor. I knew my husband loved me that much, but to know that Tim did really made me feel special. I think he had that effect on a lot of people. I will never forget that weekend. I keep it filed in my memory bank for future reflection. I have taken it out several times already. Today I added a few more Tim stories to my memory bank.

We also spent the day with Tim's lovely wife Sandy. Gideon's honorary Gramma. She enjoyed spending the day with a blonde haired, blue eyed young man while receiving many hugs and well wishes. Gideon loves his Gramma! I think she's rather fond of him too. Babies are amazing creatures. They have a wonderful ability to heal. I like to think he helped in that a little bit. I am so thankful Sandy is in Gideon's life. She is an amazing person. She is everything her husband was, and has carried on his legacy so beautifully. I know that God and his infinite wisdom knew she'd rise from the ashes even without her Tim. She hurts, but she serves her Father and gives him the glory. I am so thankful Gideon will have her in his life as he grows. I know she keeps the best Tim stories, and will dole them out any time he wants one. Like a fairy tail, he'll be the knight in shining armor in all her stories. And I know with her help, we will grow a wonderful little boy into a fine O'Reilly man.

As I sit here quietly in my bedroom while Noah feeds Gideon his last bottle of the night, I feel so very blessed to have been a part of today and celebrate such a wonderful soul. I know heaven is that much better (and funnier!) with Tim there to liven up the place. And I look so forward to one day seeing him again with our Heavenly Father. Until then, I know Sandy, and our entire family, will continue to just live life, love each other, help our neighbors and friends and do what's right. Just like Tim.