Monday Mourning -- Spring is Coming

Yesterday marked the third anniversary since Hannah left our earthly home for her heavenly one, and we took the opportunity to take a day "off" from all of our responsibilities and obligations.  We slept in a little bit, then headed to the little community of Briggsville in Yell County, Arkansas.  My husband's family owns a farmhouse and quite a bit of land in that area.  Hannah always loved to go there and spend time with the family, and that's where she is buried.  This is also where the "While We're Waiting" Dads' Retreats are held.  Bethany's friend, Brad, accompanied us as well ... and, wow, was it a beautiful day to spend some time outside!

Our first stop was Hannah's grave ... always an especially difficult stop for me.  We spent quite a bit of time there reminiscing, crying, and laughing.  Her earthly resting place is so beautiful ... I can't imagine what her heavenly home must be like!

After our time at the grave, we hopped on a couple of four-wheelers and went for a nice ride through the woods.  We eventually made our way to the "Rock Hole", which is actually a part of the Fourche La Fave River.  We spent an absolutely wonderful afternoon there.  Here are a few pictures (they are from my phone, so the quality is not the best)...

Here is the river itself...

Bethany had to show off her tree climbing skills...

And the guys had to show off their rock skipping skills...Of course, you have to find just the right rock!

Bethany even got into the rock skipping act...She's pretty good!

We enjoyed having Brad along with us ... Bethany especially enjoyed having Brad along with us!  :)

We couldn't have been in a better spot to be reminded of God's beautiful creation!

It always seems like once February 26th is behind me, it suddenly feels like spring is on its way.  Maybe it's because the date I've been dreading for so long is once again over ... the darkness has cleared, and the sun has come out.  And this year, it really does feel that way.  As we drove home from Briggsville, I suddenly noticed all the blooming trees and flowers along the road.  I would swear they were not there on the drive there ... although they probably were ... my eyes were just not open to see them.  Regardless, I felt that God had put those trees and flowers there just for me ... a reminder that spring is coming on the earth, just as surely as eternal spring will one day come!