Happy Birthday....

It happens every now and then that something puts me in mind of this blog, and makes me curious about exactly what was written or posted on a given day in the year or years previous.  That happened to me yesterday.  In this case I already knew what I would find, but I wanted to walk through it again.  Many of you were there day one, on that Wednesday night in February, whenever so many friends, family and neighbors filled our back patio to pray over us and cry with us and share our fear, worry and heartbreak.  Our former neighbor and great friend, Gayla Cruikshank, realized that it was impossible for us to respond to the hundreds of emails, phone calls, and texts that we were receiving - inquiries about what we knew, what was scheduled, when we would find out more - and informed the crowd gathered at our house that she would, the next day, have a blog up and running where everyone could check in and stay informed.  It was actually later that night, February 15, 2012, that she launched Kellybridge with the following post: "We Gather Together".

A couple of days later, in fact 3 years ago today, I forwarded Gayla something to post for me (I'm technologically challenged, you see): "Some Thoughts I Wanted to Share".  Kelly and I were both overwhelmed - first with dismay, fear, and grief - but then over the next several days we were overwhelmed by prayers, well-wishes, letters, cards, and phone calls.  As you know, the blog would take on a life of its own, and within a month, the first of the Team Kelly shirts would appear - during Spring Break '12 at the Lodge in Grand Saline!  Soon after the shirts were being shipped all over the country and not long after that it became the custom for everyone to take them on vacation and send us their pics!  TK soon went global!

As I wish happy birthday to Kellybridge and Team Kelly, I'm reminded of a few other important birthdays - TammyMyNurse! just celebrated hers yesterday, and guess who forgot to reach out and wish her a good one!  For those who don't know her, it's simply impossible to explain who TammyMyNurse! is.  For just a little glimpse, check out this blog post: "Tammy My Nurse!".  One thing we know for sure: Tammy is an angel.  Lately I've noticed Ella wearing the angel charm you gave her, Tammy!  Happy birthday my friend!  I love you so much and hope and pray I can ever be as good to anyone as you were to my Kel!

Also, last year, on Valentine's Day, Blake and Carol launched their new business - Crave Popcorn!  I know it has been a hectic year for the Davises, and I know it's especially hard that Kel hasn't been there to share in the laughs and tears!  I know how much fun she would have had down there helping them make and keep the place cute - and eating up their profits, too!  If you haven't had the pleasure, go visit their shop - it's like stepping back in time - have a Dublin Soda, confections, and the best popcorn around!

Thanks to everyone who continues to support me and my family with your prayers and well-wishes!  Happy birthday Team Kelly!