The Brave Little Soul

Found this on the Caring Bridge site for our former insurance salesman's son. He passed away February after a 3 year long battle with cancer. I still struggle to this day with why the Lord would allow an innocent soul to suffer. One day I will be at peace with that concept.
((hugs))

The Brave Little Soul By: John Alessi
Not too long ago in Heaven there was a little soul who took wonder in observing the world. He especially enjoyed the love he saw there and often expressed this joy with God. One day however the little soul was sad, for on this day he saw suffering in the world. He approached God and sadly asked, "Why do bad things happen; why is there suffering in the world?" God paused for a moment and replied, "Little soul, do not be sad, for the suffering you see, unlocks the love in people's hearts." The little soul was confused. "What do you mean," he asked. God replied, "Have you not noticed the goodness and love that is the offspring of that suffering? Look at how people come together, drop their differences and show their love and compassion for those who suffer. All their other motivations disappear and they become motivated by love alone." The little soul began to understand and listened attentively as God continued, "The suffering soul unlocks the love in people's hearts much like the sun and the rain unlock the flower within the seed. I created everyone with endless love in their heart, but unfortunately most people keep it locked up and hardly share it with anyone. They are afraid to let their love shine freely, because they are afraid of being hurt. But a suffering soul unlocks that love. I tell you this - it is the greatest miracle of all. Many souls have bravely chosen to go into the world and suffer - to unlock this love - to create this miracle for the good of all humanity."
Just then the little soul got a wonderful idea and could hardly contain himself. With his wings fluttering, bouncing up and down, the little soul excitedly replied. "I am brave; let me go! I would like to go into the world and suffer so that I can unlock the goodness and love in people's hearts! I want to create that miracle!" God smiled and said, "You are a brave soul I know, and thus I will grant your request. But even though you are very brave you will not be able to do this alone. I have known since the beginning of time that you would ask for this and so I have carefully selected many souls to care for you on your journey. Those souls will help you create your miracle; however they will also share in your suffering. Two of these souls are most special and will care for you, help you and suffer along with you, far beyond the others. They have already chosen a name for you". God and the brave soul shared a smile, and then embraced.
In parting, God said, "Do not forget little soul that I will be with you always. Although you have agreed to bear the pain, you will do so through my strength. And if the time should come when you feel that you have suffered enough, just say the word, think the thought, and you will be healed." Thus at that moment the brave little soul was born into the world, and through his suffering and God's strength, he unlocked the goodness and love in people's hearts. For so many people dropped their differences and came together to show their love. Priorities became properly aligned. People gave from their hearts. Those that were always too busy found time. Many began new spiritual journeys, some regained lost faith - many came back to God. Parents hugged their children tighter. Friends and family grew closer. Old friends got together and new friendships were made. Distant family reunited, and every family spent more time together. Everyone prayed. Peace and love reigned. Lives changed forever. It was good. The world was a better place. The miracle had happened. God was pleased.

First Day of School

Can't believe school is back in the swing. Thank goodness. And I can't believe it has been over two months since my last post. My bad. It is great to be back in the school schedule. William really likes his class and has been so excited every day to tell me about what he did that day. Jake is just Jake. Shayla has started up the curriculum and this year he starts to learn to read with her. His writing is really doing great. Hopefully this will be a great year for the Harrison boys. For some reason Monday morning on the way to work something just came over me. I started to think about Ryan, like usual, but I started doing the what if game. What if he was still here he would be starting kindergarten. What if he was still here what kind of kindergarten would he have attended. With all his disabilities we always thought the brain was not effected so despite the physical disabilities he might have been able to be in a regular kindergarten. Who knows. I also started thinking about Tanner. How might heart hurt thinking of how sweet it would have been for him to start school with his brother. Watch out. Two Tilson boys. But alas there are other plans for the boys. One day we will know. But until then we revel in what we have and love every minute of it.
Take care!
Raye

Jake walking with big brother on the first day

Fish Tales, Fish Tales, Fish Tales

I have never been so proud of my little William. Well he is not so little anymore. Last week he went to KidSong music camp at Heritage Church of Christ. The idea of the camp was to learn a musical and present it to the parents or anyone that wanted to attend. The week wasn't all about Fish Tales. In the afternoon they did crafts, had visitors and played. One of my BFF's helped put this together. Her son, another BFF's daughter and William got to do camp together. They were even in the same troop. I was so blown away by these kids. They had to be starting 2nd grade to participate. Well one certain little Gracie got snuck in to the fray. Their performances we just amazing. They learned choreography and everything. William got to do a dance during the performance. Of course Gracie was her usual crazy self and Blayne just rolled with the punches. I was really excited he came out of his comfort zone for this. The boys really like the youth program at Heritage and they do a great job of teaching the gospel to the kids in a way they can understand. I struggle with that and the boys. I know that is crazy but I really don't have the words to put something that big into a language they understand. But that probably a good indicator of why I never wanted to be a teacher. All in all it was a wonderful experience not only for William but for the whole family too.
Lots of love!
Raye

Poor Little Jakey

My poor little Jakey. We had quite the roller coaster this weekend. Last week he did have a little cold. No snot or anything like that but a little cough. William had one as well. Well Thursday night he went downhill fast. Literally within about 30 mins he went from a little cough to wheezing and not feeling good. We got home from WalMart where we went to get more Cold & Cough medicine we started the breathing treatments. By the next morning he really hadn't had good improvement so off we went to the Dr. After oral steroids and two breathing treatments off we went to Cooks via ambulance. He had a high respiration rate and heart rate so the Dr. Hampton thought it would be prudent to transport instead of us driving. She also suspected pneumonia. Jake loved going on the ambulance. He thought it was an adventure. He even kind of did a nah nah nah nah to his brother when he told William about his trip. After two more breathing treatments and a chest xray the ER doc concluded it was probably just his asthma process. She couldn't rule out walking pneumonia since she still heard some noise in his left lung so she prescribed antibiotics. The good news is he is doing so much better now. If I could just keep my crazy 4 year old from running around that would be great. But you all know how that works.
Take care,
Rachel

Off we go on our adventure

Finally crashed. Couldn't even hold his DS.

Lake Travis Adventure Pt1

What a great start to the weekend. On our way down to Lake Travis we stopped at Whitney to see Doug's parents. We had a nice lunch and it was good to see them. We hadn't seen them since Christmas. Downtown Whitney had great character. Found a great wall to take the boys picture. William posed like a little model. Cracked me up. Once we finally got through Round Rock traffic we arrived at the rent house. Rustic is the first thing that came to mind. Not exactly what I was expecting. It is clean and has all the amenities but kind of jungle. This area reminds me a lot of LA up in the hills. Nice houses squeezed onto a small lot on winding roads with smaller more rustic homes in between. But the boys like it so that is the important thing. They slept well last night but I can't say the same for Doug. He should be fine the rest of the time. Doug & i sat on one of the decks last night. We read, watched the lights on the lake and had tasty beverages. It was great. Will continue with Pt 2 tomorrow. The only thing we have planned today is a trip to the park and Iguana Grill.
Take care!
Raye

Mother's Day 2010

What a great day. Actually a great weekend. Saturday was a little stressful but fun. Got to eat at Central Market with my boys and then off to Jake's Loft. Love me some Jake's Loft. Got to see Courtney and Lil Teri and their crew at Jake's. I so wish William's soccer game hadn't got moved. We would have had a blast at CM drinking some wine. After William's game we headed on over to Mary's for a cookout with my Mom and Oma. Boy was Mom surprised when Mike opened the door. He came in from Cali to surprise her. Sunday was all mine. I got to sleep in until 8. Woot! Yes 8 is sleeping in for the Harrison's. I have no idea why my boys can't sleep in. Even if they go to bed really late their happy butts are still up by 8 at the latest. I am sure they will grow out of that at some point. Hopefully. My amazing boys got me an iPad for a gift. It was completely unexpected. I was thinking a spa day was in my future. It has been so much fun playing with it. It is like crack. Rachel please step away from the pipe. It was off to Don Taco for lunch where we completely pigged out and off to soccer, again. The season that never ends. The best part was that I got to spend time with my boys doing what I wanted, well almost. The greatest gift Doug ever gave me was those three amazing boys. I stand amazed when I look into William and Jake's face and remember Ryan. I did that. Well with some help. I have wanted since I was a little girl to be a Mommy. Not just to have a living doll but someone that was a part of me. I couldn't wait to teach them their ABC's or colors or about the stars. It is just wonderful. And that poem is so true. To be a Mom is to accept that your heart will walk around outside of your body for the rest of your life. I just pray they will always have room in theirs for me.
Much Love to all the Moms!
Raye

Crazy boys

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