The Following is my attempt at reflecting my life with Lorrie. I was unable to speak at the services,so I'd like to make it up. It will be a multipart deal as I still suffer from being overcome by emotions and holding the handicap of the hunt and peck system when it comes to typing.

Who says it doesn’t pay to eat dessert first.

19 Years ago I walked into the Kitchen of the family that housed me as an exchange student. And in that Kitchen were the three kids that belonged there and this beautiful Blonde that didn’t. And her first words to me were: “Hi, we’re making Ice cream Sundaes. Would you like one too?” I had never seen a sundae quite like this; it had sprinkles, nuts, cherries chocolate and caramel syrup and heaps of whipping cream, my eyes popped out of my head .

Not being one to argue, I went along with the strange custom of consuming dessert before the main meal.

Well, I might have started with dessert but I ended up staying for a full course meal.

As you probably guessed by now the beautiful Blonde I was referring to was Lorrie, and the meal was almost half my life that I got to share with her as my wife of just about 19 years.

Yeah there has been some Broccoli and the occasional Brussel sprout mixed in but for the most part it was good food and lots of dessert.

We got married three month later (Ice cream melts ya’ know) and started our wonderful journey together, we always were a little opposite in our approach to things but ended up balancing each other out.

 I found that out in our first attempt at parenting (The Dog). With Lorrie it was; on the Leash, wear your Doggie seatbelt and “Oh you poor thing you got all wet and dirty!” Whereas with me it was: “What Leash? Dogs need wind in their noses during car rides. And smelly and dirty Dogs are happy Dogs.” So we ended up with a happy AND safe pet.

(Note: The current Canine residing with us appears to have a genetic predisposition to reject all guidance coming from Bipeds.)

When it came to cooking in the kitchen it was a watch out situation when Lorrie was on the controls. “Why not leave eggshells and flour and what have you not on the counter!” My kitchen manners are more you clean as you go, almost obsessively so.

Like I said, we balanced each other out we just changed sides here and there.

By the time the children showed up we had a pretty good system going. Lorrie was in charge of all the good manners and the education and I was saddled with the task of teaching them how to make farting sounds with their armpits and: You indeed can eat worms!

As your looking down upon us you probably noticed our 'teething' problems, but I promise I trying my best.  School has been an adjustment and as I watched and helped the Kids do homework til 8PM, the thought of how wonderful  homeschooling is has come up often.The chores get done, lunch is an actual meal and not wolfing down a sandwich so we can play basketball for ten minutes. 

Posted by deedeeuk

And for taking the time to 'talk' to all of us!! You have so much to think about and deal with at the moment, that it means ALOT that you are taking the time to write on Lorrie's blog to us all!! We are continueing to pray for you all during this time of adjustment and greiving. I'm in England and many in our church and our homeschool group are praying for your family too! Lorrie's story and her faith has touched many here. This morning we sang ' How Great is our God' in the worship time and I had tears running down my face!! That song was such a testimony of Lorrie's Great faith in our Great God!! To hear it playing on her blog while reading about what she was going through just spoke volumes!! I will forever pray for your family when I hear that song and picture Lorrie in Glory singing it at the Father's feet, with no more pain or sadness, only joy in His presence!! I also had the chance to share Lorrie's story and testimony in our church a couple of weeks ago and to challange everyone to live for the Father and share Him with those around us with the urgency that Lorrie did. Please give your dear children a hug from a lady in England they will probably never meet, but who will lift them before the Father in prayer every day of their lives!!

Posted by heavenlycreations

I want to share some of my favorite scriptures
praying they will bring comfort.

God blesses those who mourn,
for they will be comforted.

Matthew 5:4

He heals the brokenhearted,
binding up their wounds.

Psalm 147:3

When doubt fills my mind,
your comfort gave me
renewed hope and cheer.

Psalm 94:19

God is our refuge and strength,
always ready to help in times of trouble.

Psalm 46:1

Take delight in the Lord, and He
will give you your heart's desires.

Psalm 37:4

Then Jesus said, "Come to me, all of you
who are weary and carry heavy burdens,
and I will give you rest."

Matthew 11:28

Jesus said, " Here on earth you will have many
trials and sorrows. However, take heart
because I have overcome the world."

John 16:33

Give all of your worries and cares to God,
for He cares about what happens to you.

1 Peter 5:7

Jesus said, " And be sure of this:
I am with you always, even to the end of the age."

Matthew 28:20


As I sit here I am reminded by our Lord that sorrow is only but a brief moment in time... for we have Joy in knowing we will meet again with those that have gone before us.

I pray you will find continued comfort in God Word... His Promises and His Absolute Truth!!!!

Never lose that precious family time with your children... we need to "make" it happen everyday... so that the enemy will not substitute it with meaningless time.

I know your facing trials and circumstances beyond your control... but please always remember... YOUR NEVER ALONE!!!!

You need time for "You" to gain renewed energy and a clear mind for the days ahead!! I pray you will take any/or all help that is offered and take that blessing with gladness!!

I was told these important words from my sister when she was diagnosed with Breast Cancer. She taught me the true meaning of the entire family "Fighting the Fight"... never giving up and more importantly... never giving in to whatever the enemy tries to throw our way!!!! That no matter what the worldly outcome was... we had the "Heavenly Future.." waiting ahead of us!!!!!! Thank You Jesus!!!!!

Thank you for sharing your heartfelt thoughts and memories... we are all praying for your family **†**

God Bless You...

Deborah

Posted by usaoz89

Hi
How precious you are to want to write your feelings down. Keep talking it will one day ease your pain.
That is the great thing about blogs you can write what you feel and people who do not know you can pray for and encourage you :).
I am praying for the peace and comfort that only time can bring to you all.
I will visit again to see how you are.
Karen in Melbourne

Posted by GirlsofGrace

Thank you for posting your wonderful memories of Lorrie. You all have been in my thoughts and prayers so much!

I will keep praying that the transition to school continues to go as smoothly as possible.

We love you all,
Anna L.

Posted by Tracy Young

My son and I met Lorrie at the park one afternoon back in Palos Verdes. we struck up a conversation and she became an intrigal part of playgroup. Tuesdays at the park are a precious part of my sons childhood memories. He played with Lorries son and together we all welcomed Lorries daughter.

About 8 years ago we moved and then Lorrie moved and we moved again and somewhere alond the way we lost touch.

Jane called me last week to let me know and when I saw Marco's post I was so sad for his family. I was also relieved that he found the strength to carry on writing. Lorrie was a great gal and I hope you find comfort in your memories of her. I still have the photo album that she contributed to so heavily when I moved away and will always treasure her memory.

God bless you Marco and I hope that the kids find their way at school.

Posted by Yvonne

Thank you M for taking the time to update us. My heart went out to the kids last week as they started at their new school. I have been thinking of you and wondering how you are holding up. Know that you are in our prayers.

Posted by creativehsmom

Thank you for sharing these precious memories with us. Lorrie and I had only been able to converse in our blogs on several occasions, but during those times, we met a kindred in the love of our pets. As soon as I had viewed the picture of her with the children, and the dog was there smack up against her, I knew her gentle spirit immediately.

None of this makes sense right now, but one day we will understand completely. I pray the faith you and Lorrie shared and the love will be a source of comfort. We mourn with you dear one. There will be a glorious reunion. Please take some comfort in these scriptures. We are here for you.



13 And now, dear brothers and sisters, we want you to know what will happen to the believers who have died so you will not grieve like people who have no hope. 14 For since we believe that Jesus died and was raised to life again, we also believe that when Jesus returns, God will bring back with him the believers who have died.



15 We tell you this directly from the Lord: We who are still living when the Lord returns will not meet him ahead of those who have died. 16 For the Lord himself will come down from heaven with a commanding shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trumpet call of God. First, the Christians who have died will rise from their graves. 17 Then, together with them, we who are still alive and remain on the earth will be caught up in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. Then we will be with the Lord forever. 18 So encourage each other with these words.

1 Thessalonians 4:13-18 NLT



In all of His Love,

Cathy

Posted by drewsfamilytx

What a sweet (no pun intended...sorta...) story of how y'all met! :-) Thank you for taking the time to share your loving memories with us.

Praying for strength and encouragement for you and for your children.

Blessings,
Marsha

Posted by Amy

I came across your wifes blog a few months ago. I have had a very rough year so I thought. I have realized how truly blessed I am and that my year wasn't so rough after all. I've been truly blessed by you and your wifes story. I pray for you and your kids now. That god will bless you and give you all peace and comfort & strength for this new year. I pray that your children will have the favor of God as they continue this new begining at their new school and new routine. Many Blessings and Prayers for you & your family.