good-bye to a dear colleague

In December 2000, Bear, Jona, and I drove to Matt Key's house in an icestorm. Matt had invited the family to spend the night while he and I worked till morning editing my first book, Until The Whole World Knows. Matt has designed every website and resource since then all the way up to the launch of our new website earlier this year.

This past Saturday, Matt suffered severe brain trauma while boating with his beloved family. I received a call from Christie on Sunday while I was waiting to catch my plane home from New York. Several phone calls later I spoke with Matt's daughter, Brook, in the NICU waiting room. She said, "Dad needs a miracle." As soon as I landed in Springfield I went straight to the hospital and the family gave me the opportunity to say good-bye to Matt. Now, he is in Jesus' arms.

Over the years, countless friends have commented on the art of the resources, the continuity in the graphic design, and how the "look" accurately reflects my heart and style. That was all Matt. He had the ability to hear the spirit of this picky artist and capture those impressions in design.

Beyond being the most gifted graphic designer I have ever seen, Matt was a devoted husband for thirty years to Robin, and an incredible father to his five children. In the last few years he became a grandpa and his eyes always sparkled when he talked about his tribe.

I've been crying for days now. I'm sure others who interacted with Matt in ministry felt the same. He always believed in me and offered his excellent gifts with a pure desire to serve Jesus.

We spoke a few weeks ago and the last thing he said to me was, "I just love being a part of what you do. I'm happy to help anytime you need me."

Well, Matt, you've been an integral part of every resource I have ever created. Your giftings are irreplaceable but they are not what I will miss the most. I will miss your faith and integrity and servant spirit. I will miss your example of excellence without arrogance.

And I will be praying for your incredible family.

Enjoy basking in the presence of your Original Artist.

"I saw the heavens"

"Mommy," 11 year old Jonathan said tonight as we were getting ready for bed, "I remember when I was in my lady's womb."

"Wow," I responded. "What was it like?"

"I saw the heavens," Jona said, "And I think I saw the face of God."

Special needs children see much that we miss. I was listening intently.

"Do you remember what God's face looked like?" I asked.

"Sort of like the guy in that Jesus movie. Well, kinda," he said.

"Do you know what God was feeling? What emotions he had?" I asked.

"His emotions looked like, well, his expression was like yours, right now! What are you feeling Mommy?"

What am I feeling? I thought for a second and responded, "Joy, wonder, contentment."

"That's what that face means? Yep, that must have been it," Jonathan said as he turned over to gaze at the stars.

Joy. Wonder. Contentment.

Yes. That must have been it.

resurfacing

Long story short--a virus ate through my computer like Cookie Monster going through a bag of Oreos last week WHILE I was trying to finish my book. The system was wiped out but thankfully the back-up service came through and the book and my docs are intact.

All that to say though that I'm sorry to have dropped off the blogging world. This is how long it took me to realize that yes, I can figure out how to access my account even without the internet bookmark and saved password. Amazing where and when my brain freezes...

Bear is in North Dakota for a few days. He flew up yesterday to surprise his dad at his 80th birthday party. They were thrilled to have their only boy home. So last night I slept with little feet in my back, and face, and side, and arm.

I love staring at the kids when they are sleeping. I can study their features without them being silly or self-conscious. My guess is that God gazes at us when we're sleeping too.

Ah, I hear a baby waking up, so I will sign off for now. Louie's clear "Ma-a-a-a-m-e-e-e" is about to summon me: it has to be one of the most beautiful words in the world.

you're my favorite deputy

Baby Louie is now 20 months. He language is lagging significantly according to the specialists but non-verbally he's right on track. Louie climbs everything possible, loves books, is magnetized to cars, and appears to be socially more of an extrovert than an introvert. Two days ago I was in the next room when I heard Louie's interaction with Jonathan's Woody doll (think Toy Story). Louie was talking/playing with Woody before surrendering to a nap:

(string pulled)
Woody: "Howdy partner! My name's Woody!"
Louie: "Hiiii-eeeee."
Woody: "You're my favorite deputy!"
Louie: "Oh-tay."
Woody: "There's a snake in my boot!"
Louie: "Bye-bye!"