Update from the Joyce Family 8-14-07
In the last few weeks, I have thought of you all often and wished that I had the words to say, to thank you for all of the love, care and support you have shown our family. My cup runneth over. Every day, every need is being met. God has been so good to supply all of our needs through your love and giving. Thank you to every one who has given meals, time, financial gifts, school needs, rides… and the list goes on and on. My heart wants to tell each of you individually how much you mean to me and how much you’ve blessed our family. If I don’t get the chance, please know your giving will never be forgotten and we look forward to being able to give back, now that we will be returning to our lives and routine.
Thank you also to every one who was involved in making the funeral services so beautiful. So many of us were touched by the Celebration of Life service and will never forget it. Thank you to Dave Hill, Marty Hill, Andy Clark, Melissa Lawson, Kevin Glenn, Keith Smith, Larry Rankin, Ira Orr, David Daniels and the countless people in the background who took care of kids, provided lunch for our family, video and sound, facilities team… thank you so much for your time, for this gift… we will never forget. We were blessed by all who attended and thank you for coming to share this moment with our family.
The kids start school August 27th. We have spent the last few weeks spending time together and preparing for school. There are a lot of business things to handle in relation to Chris’ passing, but I have put off everything I possibly can until the kids start school. I have longed for the day when all of my kids would be in school full time and now I am trying to figure out what I will do without them! J So, I am saving up things to keep me busy. Cody is going into 9th grade, Justin is going into 1st grade and Allison is starting Kindergarten. We are enjoying our last few days of summer and looking forward to getting into a routine again.
We have been very busy with different things the last few weeks, but we are constantly reminded that Chris is gone. It makes us feel so sad and there are days that are better than others. For right now, Allison seems to be having the most trouble. She is very emotional and really seems to have trouble coping with all of the emotion she is feeling. We cry together a lot. That seems to help. The boys are being strong, but little things trigger their sadness. We mostly do best when we are busy. It’s the quiet alone times that we have to feel and that is always hard, but we have to face it. We talk about how happy Dad must be in Heaven, rockin out with Jesus and spending time with all of our loved ones who are there with him. We cherish pictures, movies, etc that we have of him and spend a lot of time talking about the good memories. There is a hole that will never be filled. We are getting connected with a support group and counseling. Thank you for your continued prayers for our family as we face the coming months, missing him every moment.
Thank you to every one who has made a donation to the Bank of America Children Fund. I know some of you have experienced some difficulties doing this… we are working on getting that straightened out and will let you know what we find out. I have become aware of another avenue for you to give, as you feel led…
Pantego Christian Academy has set up a fund for our family. Here are the details…

*If you make the check payable to PCA, you can receive a tax deductible receipt.
*You can note on the check that it is for the PCA Benevolence Fund.
*Please make a separate note that it is designated for the Joyce Family and mail to this address:
Pantego Christian Academy
Attn: Jonathan Kidd
2201 West Park Row Drive
Arlington, TX 76013

This account is set up to help us pay any necessary expense, such as bills, groceries, school needs, etc. Thank you so much. A special thank you to all of the families of Pantego Christian Academy and the families of Pantego Bible Church for your endless support and love. Your giving has been a true testimony of God’s love and provision. We will never forget and pray that God blesses you, as you have so greatly blessed us.
Missing Chris together…Praising God for His goodness together.

Love,
Mandy

WE ARE STILL WORKING ON GETTING THE MEMORIAL VIDEO ON HERE. HOPEFULLY SOON.