Update on The Joyce Family 7-29-08
It is so hard to believe that a year has gone by since Chris went to be with Jesus. In some ways, it feels like forever. Yet, the memories make it feel like yesterday. It has been a year of trusting God to get us through each day as we faced many “firsts” without Chris. .I am happy to report that our home is still filled with joy and laughter everyday. We also cry together at times when we miss him and wish he was here to share our experiences. The most important thing I would like to share with you is how God has provided EVERY need along the way. If I ever felt any concern about how we would cope, God always amazed me with His provision, in every area. The miracles along the way are countless, so I just continuously give Him the glory for all He has done for our family.
We have accomplished a lot this past year… Cody survived his first year of high school and has also started driving! He has become a very talented guitar player and even plays in the youth band at church this summer. He misses Chris and all of the plans they had together, but I have been so amazed watching him. He is so incredibly smart and I see him acting out the things Chris taught him everyday. He is a big help around the house. He knows how to fix most everything. He has really become a big role model to the little kids. He spends a lot of time with them and I love the influence he has in their lives.
Justin finished first grade and is also now a green belt in karate! Karate has been one of the best choices I have made. It has really boosted his self confidence and has helped him to focus on a goal. He breezed through 1st grade, making excellent grades and reading VERY well. He loves cars and guitars, like his brother. He is going to play flag football this fall. I know Chris will be cheering him on up there.
Allison finished Kindergarten. She had her first dance recital this year and was absolutely precious. She’s got moves! She loves to sing and dance… it’s mostly all she does! She also takes gymnastics and is quite a little artist too. She loves to make people happy with her drawings. She is planning to take piano lessons in the fall. She’s picked up a little at home already and I think she’s gonna have a knack for it. She probably misses Chris the most. She definitely shows the most emotion, but I love this about her.
The most wonderful news I have to share about the kids is that Justin and Allison both asked Jesus into their hearts! They have learned so much about God’s love and the importance of having a relationship with Him. This was the most important decision they will ever make and I am so proud of them.
I spent many months tying up loose end with business and legal stuff. This was exhausting, but I could’ve never made it through without a few particular people (you know who you are). In the beginning, I looked at the bills, taxes, etc. and thought I could never do this alone. As time has gone by, I have become quite a pro at it and have accomplished a lot and have a system that works well for me. My biggest accomplishment was getting my GED. I have wanted to do this for 15 years and finally did! It was everything I dreaded it would be, but I had amazing support from my mom and so many others. I am currently preparing to go to school in the fall, possibly for a degree in Social Work. This will be one of the biggest challenges of my life, but I’m gonna go for it! Please pray that God will open and close doors where needed. At the beginning of the summer, I went through a short season of fatigue and incredible sadness, but God renewed my strength and filled my heart with joy again. I still think about Chris all day long, everyday, but I find so much joy and peace in the memories I have and how I still feel him loving me through our children and the way he provided for us.
Please continue to pray for the whole Joyce family as we continue to move forward. How can I ever thank you all for your love and support this past year? I never felt alone. I will always love you and will never forget.
To Chris… we remember you today and always. We love you more than words can say.

Love,
Mandy