2nd annual BBQ Cookoff

I know I mentioned this briefly last week in my Thankful Thursday post, but, I wanted to give this event the attention it so deserves.

Last weekend I had the pleasure of attending the 2nd annual BBQ cook-off in memory of JD Clyatt.

You see, in September of 2012, one of my best friends lost her fiance and father of her beautiful daughter in a tragic car accident at the hands of a young lady that made a reckless decision to drink and drive one Labor day weekend.

Lives were forever changed that day but, his family has made it a point to try to have at least two gatherings once a year in memory of JD. We do one every July around the time of his birthday to celebrate his life, and the many lives he touched during life. It always brings a smile to my face to see the eclectic group that we are gather together in honor of him. You see people of all different races, ages, & background celebrating one common denominator, JD.

This past event was no different. I think we actually had a bigger showing than the 1st event. We had good food, drinks, a water slide, a live band, and an awesome game of kickball to keep everyone involved.

 

The picture below had a funny story behind it. It was a blooper because the minute I saw it I told my friend that for whatever reason, the way he was leaning, his arm, and his facial expression made me feel like he was about to go all Walking Dead on us. Zombie mode. I don't know what it is, but we all agreed, and did a re-take.

The most important thing in life is family. There are days you love them, and others you do not. But, in the end, they are the people you always come home to. Sometimes it's the family you are born into, and sometimes it's the one you make for yourself. 

 ^^ These are the two beautiful children JD left behind <3

^^ 2013 top, 2014 bottom.

Thank you JD, for making us a family.

Kidney for Kristy Update

SHE GOT THE CALL!

Last Thursday, July 10th, my cousin got the call she has been waiting years for. They had a kidney for her. I can't even tell you the emotions that went through me when she called me as she was rushing to the Florida hospital. As soon as I got off the phone I dropped to me knees in tears and just sent praises up. God is so, so good.

^^ this was right before surgery! My cousin, her hubby, Mom and step-dad.

Here is how it went down, as told to me by my cousin. She was actually AT dialysis on Thursday when she got the call. She recognized Florida Hospital's number, BUT, it wasn't her caseworker. When she picked up the lady verified it was Kristy, then said "Honey, we have a kidney for you! Now, we aren't 100% sure it's a match, we need you here ASAP to do all the cross matching tests, but, we are 95% sure this is your new kidney" Kristy said she immediately started crying and kept saying "you aren't lying are you?! This isn't a joke?!" She asked if she needed to go ahead and stop dialysis and leave right then and they said yes, so, they unhooked her, and off she went. Everyone at dialysis was so happy they were in tears for her as well. She got to the hospital around 12:30pm. Cross testing was done and they said it was a match by 3:30pm and she went back for surgery around 5pm. It should have took 3 hours, but it took an extra hour due to complications. She went from surgery to recovery where she was awake within an hour, and then off to ICU. 

^^ this was taken right after surgery

So far, everything looks great. I visited with her on Friday and Sunday and her spirits are high.

She actually was released from the hospital just a few short hours ago.

The many, many prayers are very much appreciated. 

Again I say it, God is so, so good. 

Army strong!

I know it's a day late but I didn't want to let Memorial Day go by without mentioning some of my family members whom I am so proud of for serving our great country. And besides, we should be remembering these brave men and women every day, not just once a year.

I have two cousins, an uncle and a brother in law who has all served.

My uncle served in the Army from 1990-1992 and was stationed in Germany (where one of his sons may or may not have been conceived) and also deployed to Desert storm.

Unfortunately I couldn't find any pictures of my uncle during his Army days, but that's him above, wearing glasses. 

I have two cousins (they are actually brothers) that both served in the Army and were deployed numerous times, including Afghanistan. "W" served 1984 to 2001. "A" served 1982 to 2001.

 

^^ that is them together!

 ^^ W

^^ A

My brother in law has served in the Army for 12 years now. He has been stationed in Korea and has been deployed 4 times, the latest being this past July, right after his marriage to my sister. Thankfully, he was home for the holidays!

 ^^ my sister and amazing brother in law on their wedding day...

 ^^ and him getting deployed a week later.

The sacrifices these men and women, and their families make is beyond selfless and amazing. I know many people say "well, that was their choice" YES! It was indeed their choice. An amazingly selfless choice that not all are willing to take. They deserve our respect. They deserve our prayers.

All gave some, but, some gave all.

Don't forget to thank the service men and women in your life. And the ones you pass in the streets. It's nice to know they are appreciated. You never know how far a simple smile and thank you can go.