Dear family and friends,

Another month has passed, and we have now lived 15 months without Jud.  As I sit here and type this, Drake is across from me with red, swollen eyes after having spent some time watching videos of Judson and letting the emotions flow today.  As to be expected, we miss our boy with an unquenched thirst.  But this thirst is beginning to feel less and less foreign and becoming part of the basic fabric of our lives.

This month, month 15, is the first month since Judson died where we have actually felt somewhat like functional human beings.  It is the first month where every other emotion has not been completely smothered in grief and anguish.  The periods of intense brokenness continue, but the heavy burden of sorrow that weighs on our hearts has not been pressing down upon us with the same intensity.

We have now lived through the first year of loss, Judson’s second birthday in heaven, our second holiday season without him, and have moved into a new year – a year that is offering us many things to look forward to: Judson’ story being published, speaking engagements, a trip to the UK (hopefully if the logistics can be worked out!), a trip to New York as guests at a benefit for Universal Newborn Screening…

And there is a new development.  We have been approached by Talent 1 Media to have a short feature documentary made about Judson’s story and our testimony therein.  We are only in the very preliminary stages but will be meeting with the director in the next month to discuss logistics.  We would be so honored to have the opportunity to share his life in this manner.

The Lord is truly blessing us by giving us a glimpse at how he wants to use Judson’s life…

But the cost is HUGE!  I just want my boy, and wish none of these things existed.  Yet, grounded in the reality that he is gone, they are a great gift!!!

We are also thrilled to announce that Sarah, our dear friend and sister who served as Judson’s caregiver during his illness, is engaged!!  Her fiance Dean has also become a wonderful friend and we are honored that they have asked both Drake and I to stand with them on their special day.  Furthermore, they invited Jessie to be a flower girl and even wrote Judson a beautiful note asking him to be an honorary ring bearer.  We are SO touched! 

Sarah & Dean with the 3 flower girls for their wedding:
Amelia, Miranda, and Jessie

On a different note, things have been very challenging for Drake at work.  Vanguard has gone through some significant transitions and challenges that have really affected him and the many others connected to the university.  Some important changes have recently been made and a great leadership team is now in place but they face quite a battle to overcome some of the past difficulties.  We would covet your prayers for Drake as he not only deals with the loss of his Jud, but also faces considerable stresses at work, and even a few other things that have made it a tough season for him.  Yet, I must say, he amazes me the way he has handled it all with such grace and honor.

Our Father continues to show His faithfulness to us.  Each day may we learn to rest more comfortably in His loving arms.

Thank you for caring enough to want to know what is happening in our lives.

Much love and gratitude,
Christina (on behalf of Drake too)