Truthportraits

on being a baby brother

noreply@blogger.com (alicia britt chole) — Tue, 14 Oct 2008 03:40:00 +0000

While we were putting tile down in the prayer room/nursery, Louie moved in with precious Keona. Our two extroverts LOVE sharing a room together. Their relationship has really blossomed.

Keona regularly asks to go play with Louie when he wakes up (or never falls asleep) from his nap. Her gift of "direction" and imagination go into high gear with such a willing follower.

Yesterday mom came over and could barely contain her laughter when she walked in on the two of them. Keona had dressed 22 month old all-boy (as in trucks and anything that makes noise) Louie in her velvet PINK and PURPLE flowered dance leotard and pink sparkly shoes.

Yes, we took a picture.

Yes, both Louie and Keona were beaming.

(And yes, Keona has been praying for a baby sister.)

Northland Cathedral and the Minister's Renewal

noreply@blogger.com (alicia britt chole) — Fri, 10 Oct 2008 00:10:00 +0000

"the corn is as high as an elephant's eye-e-e-e..." I hear my husband's strong voice outside as he takes a walk with our kids and remember Jonathan's first original sentence: "Daddy is amazing." True then. True still.

Amy and I arrived home from the Kansas-Missouri speaking trip around midnight Tuesday. A dear man (thank-you John) from Northland Cathedral drove to El Dorado to pick up our repaired car and brought it back to Kansas City. Today I learned that the van they used to pick us up when the car broke down on Saturday actual blew it's head gasket on the rescue mission. Even then, they were just so thankful that it lasted long enough to bring us safely to their church.

Our time at Northland Cathedral was wonderful. Theirs is a multi-generational church--strong, healthy, looking forward. They received us with such warmth. On Sunday evening I had the joy of spending a few hours at IHOP with old and new friends--refreshing. Then on Monday and Tuesday I shared four sessions on Anonymous with the ministers of Northern Missouri. They are led by a true servant-leader and it was a delight to spend a day with them.

I came home to hugs and kisses and cuddles--holy ground. I took my shoes off at the door.

NY, Kansas, and leaving a car in El Dorado

noreply@blogger.com (alicia britt chole) — Sun, 05 Oct 2008 04:46:00 +0000

Last weekend was spent with the powerful women of New York--they know how to pray! I so enjoyed my time with Linda and the women of her state. Thank you all for receiving Alia and me so whole-heartedly.

Thursday through today was spent with another wonderful group of women in the heartland of Kansas. Their director, Misty, is bursting with love for and commitment to the lost!

Then....around 30 miles outside of Wichita on our way to Kansas City, our car broke down. Unfortunate. AAA towed us back to El Dorado. The INCREDIBLE church we will be with tomorrow drove 2.5 HOURS to pick us up (because there were literally no rental cars to be found in the entire city) and bring us to the church for a 10:30pm sound check. So here we are here, car-less but not friend-less. Amy and I have been laughing all the way. There's just no replacement for partners in ministry. How smart of Jesus to send his disciples out two by two.

good-bye to a dear colleague

noreply@blogger.com (alicia britt chole) — Tue, 30 Sep 2008 19:23:00 +0000

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"

noreply@blogger.com (alicia britt chole) — Thu, 18 Sep 2008 02:49:00 +0000

"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

noreply@blogger.com (alicia britt chole) — Wed, 17 Sep 2008 19:40:00 +0000

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

noreply@blogger.com (alicia britt chole) — Sun, 07 Sep 2008 15:58:00 +0000

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!"

adorable

noreply@blogger.com (alicia britt chole) — Sun, 31 Aug 2008 21:30:00 +0000

The game of choice in the Chole home currently is Uno. Jonathan and Keona play it each morning during breakfast. We all play during lunch and then again right before bedtime.

Miss Keona manufactures +4's and +2's. Actually that was literally true at first until we explained what "stacking the deck" meant and how, though clever, the skill was not a virtue. "Oh!," she said, "I didn't know. I just LIKE those cards!"

But even fair and square the child has a surplus of these cards in her hand. We do have warning however. As she picks up each dealt card, she makes a sound. Whoever is sitting next to her starts hoping for a reverse card whenever they hear Keona gasp loudly and chuckle.

Bear and I could barely keep it together last night. The hand went something like this:

Jona: red 8
Keona: red skip mommy
Daddy: yellow skip Jona
Keona: yellow +2
Mommy: (takes 2)
Daddy: yellow 7
Jona: yellow 3
Keona: wild +4
Mommy: (takes 4, emits a Charlie Brown "Ugh!", turns to Keona and says with a smile, "You are a toot!")
Keona: (laughing says, "No, I am ADORABLE!!!"

And indeed, she is.

this too

noreply@blogger.com (alicia britt chole) — Fri, 29 Aug 2008 20:42:00 +0000

Mornings are fabulous in our home. Keona normally comes in first, carrying her pillow, and wedges herself between Bear and I. She snuggles up to me and asks for her back to be scratched. Then Jonathan emerges with sleepy eyes from his room, says "morning," goes to the bathroom, and crawls into bed as well though he prefers his head to be scratched.

The next ten to thirty minutes are filled with quiet cuddles and questions about life. When wiggly Louie joins the tribe we all become fences around the queen bed's perimeter to keep him from bouncing off.

Before entering parenthood, Bear and I would always get up and offer the first part of our day to God through worship, walks, quiet times. Today I gazed into the eyes of my loving kids, touched their soft faces, and smiled as I looked at the clock.

My Bible, journal, piano...would still be waiting for me later in the day. But I knew that Father God was smiling over these morning moments as well. I could almost hear Him whisper as I hugged and loved on His kids, "Ah, this too is holy."

things to remember

noreply@blogger.com (alicia britt chole) — Sat, 23 Aug 2008 16:32:00 +0000

Note to self:

Never hold the adorable, fluffy puppy that needs a home at the supermarket when you are on a writing deadline.

While cuddling the half Great Pyrnees/half lab at Applemart, I called Barry for strength to make the reasonable choice considering how many animals we already have and this season of life....He said, "Be sure to pick up puppy chow."

We now have four dogs.

A white fur ball is at my feet.

I think he has fleas.

Jonathan, though thrilled, announced with authority, "I think we have enough dogs now."

I think I'm banned from going to the grocery store by myself for the rest of the year.

in heaven

noreply@blogger.com (alicia britt chole) — Wed, 20 Aug 2008 02:47:00 +0000

"Mommy, why didn't Jesus heal Mr. Joe?" 5 year-old Keona asked.

"That's a very good question baby, one that we probably won't have an answer to until we can ask Jesus in heaven." I answered. "But here's another question, who loves Joe more, us or God?"

"God," she said softly.

"So can we trust God with his choices for Joe?"

"Yes, we can!"

"Since Mr. Joe is in heaven though, he is healed now. In heaven, there's no cancer, no sickness, no--"

"No ticks," she added confidently

Smiling I said, "Yes, and no ticks."

And somewhere near Jesus' side, Joe said, "Praise the Lord."

life

noreply@blogger.com (alicia britt chole) — Mon, 18 Aug 2008 02:18:00 +0000

I sat in church today next to my handsome man and held his warm hand. Several rows up sat my dear friend Jayne. Her husband Joe died--what a harsh word, I keep wanting to replace it with "passed" or "went to be with Jesus"--less than a week ago from pneumonia he contracted during chemo. He was Bear's age.

Life is fragile. Spirit is not. During worship the band played "I can only imagine" and I pictured Joe, playing a guitar in heaven, worshiping Jesus. And here we are on earth...anticipating that day. Theologically, I know that Joe is experiencing real, true Life as God intended. Practically, I look into the eyes of my friend and wonder how she will be doing next week, next month, next year. She's a strong woman, capable, committed. And she's human.

Bear said that when his first wife died in a car accident, the hardest parts were eating alone and sleeping alone. Tonight I stare at him as he sits besides me. I try to memorize his silhouette.

Our times are in Father's hands.

off the map

noreply@blogger.com (alicia britt chole) — Sat, 16 Aug 2008 01:42:00 +0000

A good friend contracted pneumonia while undergoing chemo over a week ago. He passed away Tuesday morning. Joe Zickafoose touched lives around the world. He will be deeply missed. Please be in prayer for his incredible wife, Jayne, and two teenage sons. I will probably be off the map for another week.

my first prayer retreat with Keona

noreply@blogger.com (alicia britt chole) — Sat, 02 Aug 2008 23:42:00 +0000

Keona and I have "mommy and me" mentoring times at home, but it has been on my heart all year for her and I to go on a prayer retreat together.

This year we decided to go be a part of the Children's Equipping Center in Kansas City. We arrived around noon yesterday and will leave tomorrow morning. How can I describe the beauty of the time we have shared together? Perhaps from Keona's own words.

"Mommy, God has my name written on His hand!" (spoken after her first children's small group)

"I love it!!! But mommy, you should have put an 'in' after the cross symbol so it would read 'Jesus is in Keona Grace Chole.'" (About the gift I prepared for her, a Bible with her name engraved next to a cross).

"But mommy, can't I dance for just 1 more song???" (Keona said this after ONE HOUR of twirling, leaping, jumping, and dancing with the other children at the back of the prayer room during worship.)

"And now I can do other people's nails!" (After I gave her my second gift this afternoon--her first manicure set complete with mommy painting her nails for the first time. I chose a clear polish with purple and pink sparkles.)

"Yes, God did tell me something."
"Oh, what my love?" I asked.
"He said, 'I'm your best Friend.'" (While we were filling out the evaluation form questionnaire which asked if we heard anything from God during our visit.)

Joy--overflowing...for this mommy with pink sparkly toe nails.

spiderman princess

noreply@blogger.com (alicia britt chole) — Thu, 31 Jul 2008 15:29:00 +0000

I know I just blogged about my fabulous daughter, but I must paint a picture for you of what I am seeing through my office window.

Keona is walking with her daddy outside--they normally walk together in the mornings. Today, Keona is dressed in her big brother's red and blue spiderman costume complete with bulging muscles. On her feet she has pink rain boots and on her head she has a silver princess crown.

My dear spiderman princess is also smiling ear to ear as she holds her daddy's hand and looks up at him with wonder.

These moments are beyond beautiful. Often in these moments I breathe a prayer of blessing over Keona's birthmom. She chose to give Keona life. And she chose to give Keona the opportunity to have an incredible daddy who treasures her, protects her, and treats her like the princess she truly is.

As I watch Keona grow from day to day I know beyond a shadow of a doubt: that choice will change the world.

the back of my heel

noreply@blogger.com (alicia britt chole) — Wed, 30 Jul 2008 19:57:00 +0000

"Mommy," Keona said, "the back of my heel is sleepy but the rest of me isn't. So let's be quiet so I can rest for a while."

I responded with, "Okay baby," and immediately began counting silently to myself: "one-one-thousand, two-one-thou--"

"Mom, do you think we'll be able to visit Jupiter some day?"

I guess her heel had rested :-).

a frog in his pocket

noreply@blogger.com (alicia britt chole) — Mon, 28 Jul 2008 20:37:00 +0000

It was an unusually quiet and peaceful drive into town this morning. Jona was sitting so calmly but I was curious about the Calvin-esque smile on his face. He walked with equal calm into his speech therapy session and emerged 45 minutes later with a full-grin and dancing eyes.

I didn't even make it through, "What's up buddy?" before he opened a tupperware in his hands and a frog made it's debut in the waiting room much to the horror of Keona and her little friend. The next few minutes were filled with Jonathan's fabulous laughter, shrieks from the girls and waiting parents, the clinician's concerned, furrowed brow, and my failed attempt to stifle my own cackling. There in that waiting room, Jonathan enjoyed a few minutes of normal, mischievous, 11-year-old boy silliness. He wasn't a boy with Aspergers. He was just a boy.

So some people don't like frogs...they'll recover. But the dear young clinician, evidently Jonathan had waited until they were seated together in the speech therapy room before he pulled the frog out of his pocket and it hopped on her. She caught it and deposited it in the tupperware. I assured her, between dabbing my laughter-induced teary eyes, that he would have a consequence.

"But mommy, it was fun!" "Yes, my love. It was fun and funny. But not everything that's funny is appropriate. Did you think it was obedience or disobedience to stuff that poor frog in your pocket and unleash him on the speech therapist?"

"Disobedience. [Then in a whisper with a far-off look and smile.] But, it sure was fun."

The frog is free. Jonathan won't be on his computer today. And Bear and I have had to go on the porch or leave to a different room several times to keep laughing.

Thank God for frogs and little boys.

a new writing season♠

noreply@blogger.com (alicia britt chole) — Mon, 28 Jul 2008 01:25:00 +0000

There's something about beginning a new book that's both exciting and overwhelming. I'm not sure what other writers do, but I start by spending time attending to the environment I'll be writing in. For the first time, I'll be writing a book in the office my handsome hubby built for me. Let me know if you'd like to see some pictures!

Until then, picture teal walls, dramatic ceiling angles, brown trim, wood floors, an iron and wood carved desk, a big stuffed chair besides a hanging red Persian rug, and a view that faces the sunset. I am blessed!

Today I dusted and mopped, cleared off my desk, set up my (teal) laptop stand and remote keyboard, and am going to spend another hour or so re-familiarizing myself with what I already wrote for the initial proposal.

The book is due September 1st.

Pray.

Consider fasting.

This book will be based on "Reflections of a young atheist: 5 things I really like about God." The publisher's title will be, "Finding an unseen God: reflections of a former atheist."

I'll check in every now and then to tell you how it's going.

Bethany, a future vision, and overflowing cups

noreply@blogger.com (alicia britt chole) — Wed, 23 Jul 2008 05:21:00 +0000

Late Sunday night, my mom, Keona, Amy and myself returned from a wonderful time in Louisiana at Bethany World Prayer Center. This great missions church was holding their first women's conference and I had the joy of participating as a speaker. These women were a joy! Thank you Pastor Melanie, Ellen, Kevin, Angie, Jenny, Billy, Spencer, Beth, Nicole and all the many new friends who made the conference such a delight! Keona participated in the children's program and asked if we could move there!

Then on the way home...my computer died (for the third time in as many weeks), the rental van blew it's transmission as mom was driving it back to turn it in, the folks at the rental place okayed mom's suggestion to leave the keys in the van and lock it...but then charged us for Mr. Pop-A-Lock (when they didn't have an extra key) AND an extra day rental since they didn't inspect it until after it was towed to the shop. Yes, I had a polite but firm discussion with the manager :-). Yes, the extra charges are being removed...

Coming home I'm happily drowning in hugs and kisses from the boys. We're unpacking and storing all the new Anonymous: Jesus' Hidden Years and Yours DVDs, bible studies, and journals (they're in!!!). I'm gearing up to write like the wind in August. And Jonathan has added a new ending to his usual nighttime prayer.

For years, Jonathan has ended his day with, "And Jesus, please forgive me of my sins and let my dreams be about things I do like, not about things that I don't like. Amen." But for the past two nights he has been tagging on, "And please, please, give me a future vision."

"That's a beautiful prayer buddy. What does it mean to you?"

"I want Jesus to give me a vision of the future, to show me what he wants me to do in life. How big is that cup mom?"

Sidebar. Long ago I used an illustration of a cup under a dripping faucet to demonstrate that prayers are always heard ("caught") by God and we never know when one more prayer will cause the cup to overflow and contribute to an answer...so we should follow Jesus' encouragement and never stop asking or praying.

"Well, buddy, I really don't know how big that cup is but I do know that God hears each prayer. Do you know how long I prayed for you? Seven years. For seven years I asked Jesus to send me a son."

"Wow. Seven years. That's a BIG cup! Thanks mom. Thanks for persevering."

I stroke his hair as he falls asleep. Listening to his steady breathing I pray for his "future vision" knowing that every drop, every prayer, makes a difference.

dancing with daddy

noreply@blogger.com (alicia britt chole) — Mon, 14 Jul 2008 03:27:00 +0000

Ah, a precious mommy-daughter mini-date at a store. I'm looking for a brown shirt. Keona is looking for a new dress. She was in la-la land! At one point she actually wrapped her arms around a row of garments and said with a sigh of contentment, " I LOVE clothes."

Cha-ching.

In the dressing room I'm sharing with her how I separate clothes into three piles: "no", "maybe", and "wow". She tries each potential on, twirls in the mirror, sorts them into piles, and then settles on a pink summer dress.

As SOON as we get home, Keona rushes upstairs and within a few minutes I hear clunk-clunk-clunk of her play shoes. "Sweetheart, " I ask, "what are you doing?" With wide eyes and love in her voice she said, "I'm all dressed up in my new dress so daddy and I can dance together."

What a feeling. I grab the video-camera as Bear bows and Keona curtsies. Jonathan picks a song on the keyboard and Keona and her daddy dance around the room. Can I freeze-frame this moment? They often dance but there was something especially sweet about this window. She was just a baby yesterday. Now she's dancing with daddy.

on ticks and teeth-marks

noreply@blogger.com (alicia britt chole) — Mon, 07 Jul 2008 02:50:00 +0000

What a week! It's been filled with laughter and tears. Here are a few moments from life in the Chole home this week:

Keona's second tick: We live in the country and ticks come with the scenery. This one however embedded itself in the back of her neck. We made an appointment immediately and right after her ballet and tap class (it would warm your heart to see our baby girl worship through dance--she was born to dance!), we went to see the doctor. After THREE different tweezers, the doctor emerged with the tiny tick and all was well. As we were driving to fulfill Keona's antibiotic prescription she sniffled from the back of the van, "I did NOT have a blast at the doctor's office today." Indeed. Mommy did NOT have a blast either. I thought I was going to faint and I was so grateful that Auntie Wawa (Stefanie) was with us for the ordeal!
Uncle Erik came for three days and Auntie Wawa for a week: Two dear friends came into town this week and we had so much fun playing late night ping-pong, farkle, and rummicube.
"Are those teeth marks?!": Louie emerged from the infant nursery at church today with a perfect set of teeth marks on his arm. They were red, clear, indented...but he seemed unmoved. The dear nursery workers were shocked--he hadn't screamed so they hadn't noticed. His arm will be fine but I'm a bit concerned for the other mystery child with perfect teeth. Louie may have started at 5 pounds but he is a CHUNK now and quite adept at leveraging his mass!
"I just don't think I can do it mom": Precious Jonathan had another difficult time in a group context this week. He does fine, well even, with 1-3 other children but there's something about many children that triggers him and makes it very difficult to remain self-controlled. Even in public school, classes like music, art, and p.e. were very difficult for Jonathan--he was in trouble almost weekly for being silly or trying to be funny. Please pray for little buddy. He is so frustrated at his own actions. We really need Father God's help.

25th anniversary

noreply@blogger.com (alicia britt chole) — Fri, 27 Jun 2008 01:24:00 +0000

Twenty-five years ago today, Jesus interrupted my atheistic existence. Twenty-five years!

How did I celebrate? By delighting in my real life. The day began with Louie, a diaper, and a baby bottle at 5 a.m followed closely by making social skills pictures for Jona and unbraiding Keona's hair.

Today we had the joy of going to Keona's summer theater class' final show (she was delightful--the big sister of the tribe, gently helping younger ones remember their lines...). Today Jonathan had an incredible time at kid's college learning Flash. Today God guided a dear man to find us a used mini-van in GREAT condition to replace our totaled SUV for within what the insurance company had given us. Today Bear and I enjoyed a quiet hour of eating great food while Granny watched the kids. Today I worked with the Wilsons on editing the anonymous DVD.

Today--fabulous today.

I'm quiet confident that without Jesus' intervention, I would not have seen today. So to live it and breathe it, to touch it and love it...this truly is amazing grace.

University Park Baptist Church

noreply@blogger.com (alicia britt chole) — Sun, 22 Jun 2008 14:16:00 +0000

Joy. Family. Warmth. Destiny...This weekend was an experience I'll always treasure.

I am so thankful that Father God gave Christie and I the opportunity to partner in ministry with Dr. Alexander and the church family at UPBC in Charlotte, NC. What a community of faith!

By God's grace, I pray that all in attendance were ministered to through the messages. Personally, I know that my life has been enriched by sharing life with you all.

Thank you Pastor, Kathyrn, Valerie, Kevin, Donna, Cheryl, T, Brad, Dale, and the many others that made our stay so refreshing and fruitful. Thank you church family for receiving the message and the messengers with such warmth. Thank you all for your love, your incredible hospitality, for your generosity, for all the laughter, for the late-night desserts...and mostly for what your example has sown into our lives.

my dear keona

noreply@blogger.com (alicia britt chole) — Mon, 16 Jun 2008 05:33:00 +0000

Yesterday, my baby girl turned 5. How did that happen? Here are few of my favorite moments over the last 24 hours:

having my hair done (around 3 times so far) at Keona's new beauty station
hearing her say, "Look mom! I just turned 5 and my legs are already taller!"
savoring her intentions to "live next door so we can always play together when [she] grows up."
during family devotions this morning, smiling in response to Keona's sincere question: "Mom, does Jesus wear a red cape?"

Maybe he does...

at the stoplight

noreply@blogger.com (alicia britt chole) — Fri, 13 Jun 2008 00:12:00 +0000

Around 10:30am this morning, a dear lady ran a red light and we collided in the intersection. I had the two oldest children with me. My kids and the woman are fine, thank God. The car is not. The ER doctor said I'd be sore for 2-4 weeks but currently I just ache and feel very stiff :-).

I didn't want to go to the hospital by ambulance because I knew that would frighten my kids. Bear and Granny drove to Springfield in record time, and as soon as they came I explained to the kids that mommy needed to go check her neck at the doctor. Jonathan began to cry.

"Mommy, are you going to die?!!"

"No Jonathan, mommy's not going to die. I'm going to be just fine."

"Mommy if you die, who is going to speak?"

"Excuse me?"

"If you die, who it going to speak? Who is going to tell the people about Jesus?!"

"Oh buddy, I'm not going to die. But you and your sister and your daddy...all of us can speak about Jesus."

"I can't yet," Jona said, "I still say 'uhm' too often."

My precious, precious children.