John 13:7

I am not sure if there is ever a right time to say goodbye to someone you love. However, I know that whatever time it is, it is God's time. As I reflect back on the past year in both my life and my family's life, I cannot help but to again be thankful. I am thankful that Clay Ellis Kingery was bought into the world on August 17, 2013. What seemed like an utter disaster at the time turned out to be more than we could have ever wished for.

Because of Clay, we all had a reason to smile and laugh on days that disease made us all want to break down and cry. Because of Clay, we were able to experience life through the innocence of a child. Because of Clay, there were days when Aunt Lisa would not have otherwise even gotten out of bed, but somehow she did just to see and play with him. Because of Clay, she had something to look forward to while having to staying at Grandma's to get constant love and care. Because of Clay, we all learned that God doesn't make mistakes.

I cannot help but to think of the verse John 13:7, "and Jesus replied, right now you do not realize what I am doing, but later you will understand." You see, though the birth of Clay was sometimes thought to have ended my life as I knew it (though it did), it also made a better life, for me and for my family. Now, that we mourn the death of Aunt Lisa. We, too, just like she did over the last year, all have something to smile about. I mean, I don't think there is a person around who wouldn't giggle at the site of a baby literally jumping on his knees as a means of transportation. (trust me, it is way funnier in person)

Through sickness and health, disease and heartache, grief and laughter, there is always, I mean always, something to smile and something to be thankful about. Clay just happens to be at the top of that list. :)