Team Schuurman: 13 months old

     This past Saturday Mark and I took Marcus with us to the Hospice Center in Dobson, NC to visit my 90 year old Papa. He's been dealing with Alzheimer's for a while now, but after visiting and seeing his condition, we knew there wasn't much time left. It was back in April that the three of us made the journey to Virginia to see my dying Grandmother. She died four days later and after this visit, it only took Papa two days. He passed away yesterday, October 17th, 2011 and is no longer suffering here on Earth. He lived quite the adventurous life and it was documented in this article a few years ago:

http://www.mtairynews.com/view/full_story/3657934/article-Webb-has-lived-adventurous-life

     I am so thankful that we had the chance to go visit, but also say goodbye to both my Grandmother and Papa. Even though they were on separate sides of the family, they were my last two living grandparents. I realize death is a part of life, but it's a part I (fortunately) haven't had to deal with too much thus far in my life, so it's not the easiest thing. Ecclesiastes 3:1-2 says, "To everything there is a season, and a time to every purpose under Heaven: A time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up that which has been planted."
     On that same day, after we left Papa's, we went to see the newest member of the Hauser family: Madison Elizabeth Hauser. She was born this past Thursday and is just the most beautiful baby girl. She was teeny tiny, snuggly soft, and has the most perfect skin tone and complexion. Matt and Mary Clark are our dearest friends, so when they had Madison, it felt like FAMILY! Marcus was curious about her, but was more interested in their two dogs and a "singing taco" birthday card. It was wonderful to hold her and remember when Marcus was tiny again. He looked like a mammoth beside her, but he's still our sweet little baby.
     Speaking of Marcus, he's 13 months old today! It's unreal how much he's changed since turning one, but he's TAKING OFF in all areas. He walks everywhere now, sometimes runs, and is just the funniest little critter. He understands a LOT of what we say, mimics words and sounds, and eats most everything in sight. He has eight teeth (four on top, four on the bottom), hates his nails being clipped, and is almost in need of another hair cut. His precious blonde locks are a real babe-magnet and people get lost in his blazing blue eyes. He uses his cute little mouth to make the funniest sounds and words. He says different words, but his favorite is still, "ball," which sounds like, "BAW!"
     He's been a great traveler thus far, but he's leaving with me today to head to Mt. Airy to be with my family. Just like in every situation, he's a joy to have around, so hopefully he'll bring some light to a dark time. Mark will come join us tomorrow as we go through Papa's viewing and funeral.
     Please pray for the Webb family (my mom's side) this week and the weeks to come. Pray for the Lord's comfort, but also for peace in a time of turmoil. Thank you for your love and support. :)