MOVING FORWARD AFTER LOSS...TOGETHER

Craig: As always, Sunday morning service is a time of reflection for me. The words of the songs the worship team sings stir my emotions. I think about my past life with Jeannie and the life we created together, as well as all of our friends and loved ones. As time continues to move forward, thoughts come to mind I have failed to say out loud. Thoughts regarding those friends and loved ones left behind, only in space but not in heart or mind, to create a new life with a wonderful woman who loves me and accepts my love. Everything happened so quickly and to this day I don't totally understand it myself.

Donna: Our church’s worship service today emphasized how God never changes. He is the SAME yesterday, today, and forever. I’m so thankful for this fact. As we sang, I thanked God for the new land we are now living in (NC) and the land I am from (NY). I thanked Him for my friends and family in NY, and for the new, loving people we have met here in NC. The final song, “Oh the Glory of Your Presence”, is an old Maranatha chorus we would sing often at my first church in NY. As I sang it today, I imagined being back in that church with my mom nearly 25 years ago. God always sends me these little, personal reminders that HE never changes, even though time and circumstance do.

Craig: I know that God brought Donna and me together after we lost Jeannie and Joe, to continue forward and share our lives and love. We did not move away due to no longer loving the people in our lives, but to add to those we love, to welcome new friends into our lives, in a new place we have chosen to call home. Our approach may be "unconventional" in many ways, however, it was never done with the intent of hurting people we love. While it may have appeared to some that we were reckless and acted in haste, it was never meant to be hurtful or disrespectful. Yes, it all happened quickly ... our marriage, my moving from Illinois to NY, then our moving together from NY to NC, the loss of Donna’s father, and then her recent challenges with cancer.

Donna: I sometimes think we are on fast-forward. As things have changed drastically in our lives, we can also see things changing all around us. The world is not the same as it was when Craig and I married on 2/1/20. Things are moving at warp speed. What Craig and I did was this - we took a risk, stepped out in faith, and followed God’s plan. God gave us the strength, endurance, and wisdom to do what we did to thrust us into a new season.

Craig: While we took measures to be as respectful as possible to all, especially to the families of Jeannie and Joe, some were still displeased. I guess the truth is, no matter what you do or how you do it, someone will always be offended. These seemingly drastic measures were not out of a lack of love for others. We chose to follow God’s path to find peace and now Donna Lynn and I will spend the rest of our lives together, loving each other and honoring the lives and legacy of our lost loved ones. ❤️

Donna: I hope that our actions inspire others to live the life God has called them to. I pray that we will be an encouragement for those who sense God is leading them to step out of their comfort zones and into the fullness of what He has planned. It’s so important to stay focused on the Lord and not get sidetracked by the opinions of others.

Craig: We hope you will join us in remembering Jeannie and Joe and the lives we all once shared. We pray that all of our family, friends, and loved ones, past and present, support the union of Donna Lynn and our journey together, seeking peace and happiness.

Donna: We will never forget Jeannie and Joe. Craig and I have a lifetime of beautiful memories behind us and a lifetime of new, wonderful adventures ahead of us. Spring is just around the corner. New life! As I sit in our sunroom here in NC, watching all of the birds out at our feeders, I once again am reminded that God is the SAME yesterday, today, and forever. He continues to care for the birds, for me, for Craig, and for all of you reading this.

Ms. Lady Lake & Mr. Rock Noble: Thank you for being a part of our journey!

Ms. Lady Lake

& Mr. Rock Noble