The $18 Haircut

My wife walked into the living room this evening and I about fell out of the chair. She wanted to get her hair trimmed as it has been growing wild since the last time I shaved it (sometime around New Years???). She insisted on a "cheap" haircut so she went to see my barber in Rochester. I encouraged her to go to one of the expensive lady salons but she passed. When she walked in this evening (thanks for taking her Kim!) I could not believe it. Rachel has worn her hair a few different ways throughout the past 8 years we've been together. It's naturally curly (and I mean curly) but in Abilene she had it straigtened. I loved it curly but it looked great straight as well. However, this is my favorite style so far. She looks great. I hope she will consider wearing it this short for awhile but I know she's anxious to grow it out.

Abbey and I were alone tonight for a few hours and every time it's just the two of us, I'm reminded of how close it was to being that way the rest of our lives and having to raise her without Rachel. In fact, it's still hard to be alone with Abbey because those thoughts and memories come racing back.

But the $18 haircut reminded me that things are getting back to normal and at the moment...all is well.

I'm Home!

It's so good to be home. Abbey was a little confused but today when I got home from work she sprinted into my arms. Beating Univ. of Pitt and advancing to the Elite 8 was pretty exciting however it does not even begin to compare to the feeling of having my girl jump into my arms after being gone 8 days!

It was great to see old friends: the Logues, the Thrift's, Mike Cope, the Tate's, Shawna, Brek, Jared, all my small group friends, Roberta, the Vance's, the Flethcher's, Tony Ash and so many more! In fact, some of my former players came by to see me and it meant so much!!!

Attached are some photos Rachel took while I was gone.

The Logues

I'm staying with my good friends Clint and Alana Logue this weekend in Abilene. They have been special friends of mine for the past 12 years. Clint and I are like brothers (although he is 45) and Rachel considers Alana one of her closest friends. They are the salt of the earth! Were trying to get them to visit us in Michigan but Clint doesn't believe life exists outside of Texas!

I miss Rachel and Abbey!

KP

Traveling

I am in Texas. I will be traveling for a week so feel free to drop Rachel a line. She logs on to read comments. I have been gone for 3 days and won't be home for another 5 days!!! I miss my girls!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Klint

Baby Blessing

I am leaving next Monday and will be on the road for several days. Fortunately, on Sunday, Feb. 19 I will be able to worship at Highland Church of Christ. Highland is special for many reasons. My wife and I had a great experince as Highland was our church home for three years. Small group, praise and worship, Mike, testimonies, Sunday evening tiaze' worship, fellowship communion, Wednesday night w/ Randy Harris...we miss it all!!! Highland will always be special. The scans you see above are from Abbey's baby blessing. You can see the picture of Abbey, Rachel, Mike Cope and I and the prayer Mike prayed over Abbey. This blessing and picture hang in Abbey's nursury as it is a cherished possesions. I believe something "happened" that day when Mike prayed over our family.

Rachel and I have received Abbey as a gift from God and pray daily that she will one day confess Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior.

Mike Cope's prayer over Abbey and our family:

Lord of Life, today we join with Klint and Rachel in thanking you for Abigail, whom we receive as a gracious gift. We believe that you are the creator and sustainer of life who in six days brought this world into existence; and we also believe that you are the one who created Abigail and that you've known her and loved her while she was formed in her mother's womb.

This morning we ask you to blanket this family with your love. Pour out your blessings upon this family as you use them to declare the good news that Jesus Christ is risen. Let my hand upon Abigail this morning represent the care of a larger family of faith. Let us live before her lives that reflect our conviction that Jesus Christ is the Risen and Reigning Lord.

And now bless the tiny lips of this child, O Lord, for we anxiously await the day when they will proclaim her trust in Jesus, through whom we pray, Amen.

Mike Cope
3/20/05