Strength and sibling bond

Sometimes life isn't fair. We are born into this world and never promised it will be easy. We all have our fair share of troubles. But on December 10 2011 my sisters life changed forever. She never thought that a trip to the grocery store would take Kerry and his mother's life. That night still seems so fresh in my mind. The pain and emotions that flooded our family. I could never begin to understand how she and the kids felt.  She has always been a strong woman, but this brought her down. I can remember how it felt when she saw Kerty the 1st time at the funeral home. How she could barely stand up. I remember Kara holding my hand as we went in but when she saw her daddy, losing it. As she cried I can remember holding her up. Its memories that I wish had never happened.

Our family spent so much time trying to bring her up. We all wanted to fix the pain we saw her going through. It was the darkest depression I've ever witnessed myself. She didn't wanna eat and she stayed in bed all the time. Her heart was broken. Those few months after the wreck were very tough.

As time passed so did the depression for Kristi. I saw that there was a major change with her. I can remember how she started smiling and laughing again. Because being around Brett and I, it's hard not to laugh. Never a dull moment. She seemed to be full of life. Hanging out with her friends, taking trips with the kids. Kerry had been a huge part in her life. They had been through so much as a couple. It was hard for to move forward, but she tried. He's there with her, always, but she had figured out how to live life without him. She had 3 great kids that depended on her. Battling that with health problems made that difficult, but she was facing it head on. 

One day in the following Spring I can remember her introducing me to this guy "Shane". She said they were friends and had known each other for years. I can honestly remember being not real impressed. Don't get wrong, he was nice and everything. I just didn't know him and anyone who knows me knows I am really protective of my sister. I always have been and always will be. As the months pass I saw him more and more. Then in June of 2012 they officially started dating. He was going to church with her, coming and eating Sunday hamburgers with us (which is a Gregory tradition). He and I got to become friends and then I quickly realized "Hey, I like this guy!". Hes good to my sister and the kids. Hes good to my parents,  and a hard working man. When Velvet and I built our house, he did the electrical. He actually did extra stuff for us. Never asking for anything in return. If I need him today, for any reason, he'd be there in a drop of a hat. That speaks volumes! Then in 2014 I get a phone call from him. He said he needed to ask me a question. The question being, can he marry my sister. "Well Yeah!" For him to actually take time to call her brothers and parents to ask also speaks volumes! Not many people would do that. 

Well in January 2016 he asked her, FINALLY! No offense Shane. We've all given him a hard time about it. He just wanted to wait, financially. Which I can completely understand. All the preparations were made and everything planned. June 4th was the day. An outdoor wedding with an 80% chance of rain. And it did, right as the wedding was starting. We scrambled with a back up plan but still had it outside. The rain cleared long enough to put all together. My sister walked the aisle with her son Kaden giving her away. No doubt in my mind Kerry was watching over along with our brothers Darin and Cory. A great day, and happy one as well.

The point of this blog is that in life will all endure tragedy, heartache, pain and suffering. Once you have overcome those things it makes you stronger. When your backs against the wall or you're knocked off your feet, be patient. GOD has 3 answers to your questions.  Yes, No and wait. My sister was patient and has been rewarded with Shane. I'm glad GOD never left her. We all need to be patient, for our rewards will be great! I included a photo of my sister and I on her wedding day. As you can see we are both happy! I'm happy for you Sis and love you very much! You make me proud!

Nash and his love of Christ

Those who really know our blended family knows Nasty Nash. Some people not even realize that I am not his real dad, even though he calls me daddy. I met him right after he turned one when I met Velvet. He has always been attached to me. As a little guy I can remember him wanting me to pack him every where. He pretty much was my shadow (and still is).

Nash has always had a love for GOD and Jesus. Hes always tried to make sure that he says his prayers and is a good boy. Well he tries, he has his moments. He is curious about GOD and Jesus, and is always asking questions. Sometimes I do not have the answers for him, so I have to call me dad and ask. "Hey" there's nothing wrong with that ☺. There's things that I still don't know or understand. As a Christian we should always ask questions when we do not know. Anyways, the older he has gotten,  the deeper the questions. I have had to answer the famous "Daddy, if I die will I go to Heaven? " question.  So I told him "Yes". So the next thing is "But I've never been Bapatized!" (That's how Nash says Baptized). So I told him that GOD knows his heart and he would let him go to Heaven. But when he got older and understood, he would get baptized. That started more questions. So Velvet and I summed it up by saying that he will know when he's ready. He will feel it in his heart. That GOD would speak to him. Well that was confusing too. "Daddy, I talk to GOD all the time and he never talks back." So I just told him that he will know and there will be no mistaking it.

Well this week he has been attending 2 different Vacation Bible Schools. He enjoys the activities and learning about Jesus. Hes quiet and shy around larger groups, but really loves the atmosphere. That boy loves him some Jesus! Well Tuesday night I was exhausted and was really wanting to stay home and let Velvet go pick him up but I went. I'm glad I did and let me tell you why.

The adults put on a skit of many miracles of Jesus. No words, just music and acting them out. It was a great skit. It always makes me feel good to see the miracles in person. While they were doing the skit I felt the spirit myself. I started to forget that I was tired, it wasn't important anymore. After the skit the Preacher did an alter call. He asked if anyone wanted to come and get saved while the music played. Velvet and I were sitting in the back row. Nash was sitting with his class. He turned and looked at Velvet and smiled, that's not unusual for him. The song continued to play and he turned around again. This time tears in his eyes. It was almost like he looked at us to say " Are you coming, because I'm going with or without you guys?" I felt my heart skip a beat. Velvet said she didn't remember even walking to the alter, more like floated. My dad and mom met us there. My dad said "I made sure I moved so Velvet didn't tackle me to get to Nash!" . My dad pretty much led Nash to being saved. Hearing him talk to Nash and hear Nash say he wanted to be saved and go to Heaven melted my heart. Once it was over Nash got up and turned around and said "Jesus saved my soul!" He made sure we all knew. He also asked Papa (my Dad) if he'd baptize him. With no hesitation he said yes.

I'd have to say that I'm proud of my kids all of the time, but when they declare Jesus as their savior, I glow! Life is tough enough alone, but when you have a higher power, it's a little easier. When I'm gone from this life I hope my kids look back on how I lived and are proud. Hopefully they are glad I drug them to church when they didn't want to go. They I was tough and loving at the same time. That I would die for my Lord and them. But as a new young Christian I will pray for him and I hope you will too. Its a never ending battle. The Devil will always come after you, and never give up. I know Nash has a big heart and I believe he will grow up to a good Christian man, husband and father (and Atlanta Braves infielder. ). So when you pray, pray for Ole Nasty Nash. I think we've got a good one on our hands. THANK YOU  JESUS FOR SAVING HIS SOUL! Hopefully we can all have a love like Nash!

Matthew 18:2-4

2 And calling to him a child, he put him in the midst of them 3 and said,“Truly, I say to you, unless you turn and become like children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. 4 Whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.