Aloha!

Hello Everyone... or should I say ALOHA! Yes, this post is being "sent" to you from Kihei, Hawaii (on the island of Maui). Brendan and I received a semi-last minute deal a month or so ago and decided to jump on the opportunity to get away from it all and take some time for ourselves (individually) and together (as a couple) to rest, relax and reflect. We have each been able to do this in our own ways and I feel that it has truly been a healing vacation for us.
For me a lot of my relaxing (at least mental relaxation) has come from my runs. I have run almost every day, so far... already put about 17 new miles on my shoes, approx. 8 of which were from one run. Considering I've gone for 3 runs this total is pretty good for me since my average run is usually about 3 miles. Today I will add more miles to that total before I have to pack the shoes away for our return to the non 80-degree weather of MN. Unlike at home, my runs here have not been very emotional. More-so a time for me to just zone out and NOT think. I think it helps that I've been listening to more upbeat music on my runs as opposed to stuff that reminds me of Ty.

Yes, a bike made the trip with us

Instead, my emotions have surfaced at other times... mostly when watching the sunset. I never knew how much a sunset could impact someone until recently. They have been extremely beautiful and have, to me, looked like God's light radiating from the horizon at me... like they were a gift from God to me... just me and no one else, even though I know that's obviously not the case. Yesterday was exceptionally hard being that it was the 2 month anniversary of Ty's going home to Jesus and the sunset was the most beautiful one I've seen so far while we were here. The sun was partially behind some clouds but it was the rays escaping through the gaps in the clouds that were just awe-inspiring. Needless to say, it took everything I had not to totally and completely lose it while taking in that gift... it was like God was saying, "Jenn, I'm here... even when the sun sets and you cannot see its light I'm here. Don't worry, Ty is with me and he's safe and happy and you will see him again." At least that's what I felt like He was telling me.
I have been reading 2 great books that have really been spiritually encouraging and confirming of what I already believed. The first is "Safe in the Arms of God" by John MacArthur. In it, MacArthur sites how scripture confirms that children who die go straight to the arms of God in heaven. Although I believed that Ty was in heaven from the moment I learned of his earthly death, this book has been very comforting since it gives scriptural proof. I highly recommend it to anyone who has lost a child (their own or one that they loved). It is somewhat of a tough read as it really makes you focus and it's got some pretty deep information, but still, a great book. The 2nd book is "90 Minutes in Heaven" by Don Piper. This book tells the experience that Piper had when he went to heaven for approx. 90 minutes after being killed in a horrific automobile accident. It also chronicles his recovery and how his experience has brought many more to Christ and helped countless others through their own physical and spiritual healing following various severe injuries. This book was recommended by a former neighbor and good friend. Even though I wasn't sure if I was ready to read it I decided to take the chance and am SO glad that I did. This is SUCH an easy and quick read and, again, confirms what I already believed about where my precious Ty lives now and for the rest of eternity: Heaven is more than anything we could ever imagine here on earth. Don't get me wrong about all of this, I still deeply mourn the earthly death of my baby. I'm angry that I never got to know Ty, his likes and dislikes, his coos and cries, his scent, his touch, his warmth... but I am comforted in knowing that he never experienced the pain and suffering that this world curses all of it's inhabitants with. Ty will live forever only knowing the love, grace and indescribable mercy of His creator.

I'll leave you with a few pics that I have received from Brendan's and my parents displaying Tegan's activities and antics while we've been away.

Captain Tegan (the clothed version)

Someone got a hold of Grandma's eye liner :)

Sounds like he's been having a great time, even though he asks for us - which makes me feel good that he misses us, even though I think I miss him more. :)

At the "House of Bounce" in Rochester w/Grandma Moore

Tegan hates having dirty fingers - hahaha
Riding the "Wonder Horse" (yes, that was mine when I was his age)

Love to all!
~j