I have started this post 3 times now. The first time was just rambling, it made no sense. I did try the day after the funeral, maybe that was my mistake.
The second time I thought I had the perfect idea, since I couldn't thank everyone at the funeral, I thought I would do it here, no time limit. By the time I had finished thanking Alisa's family, I had written the longest blog post of my life. I wanted to recognize everyone for their help, and it would be like trying to find you name on the back of you high school graduation t-shirt, you are sure it is there, but finding it may not be worth the trouble. And then, I would probably still leave people out.
So here goes my third attempt. I think I am a little less frazzled, and thanks will just have to come over time.
The last couple days have been busy hanging out with the Johnsons for their family reunion. This was planned months ago, and I am glad they decided to do it, even amidst our current sadness. It has been nice to keep busy and the boys love hanging out with their cousins.
Alisa was the one that kept track of our family. She was diligent at writing a journal, she took tons of pictures, she kept track of everything we did. I was along for the ride. Now it is my responsibility to make sure that when my boys grow up, the history of their lives doesn't stop in 2015. So, I will continue to blog about our life adventure, I may even spend some time on Instagram and Facebook.
There were a few people that asked if I would continue blogging about what happens around here, I don't love to write, but I think it is the best way for me to document our new life.
I am excited (and very scared) to start this new phase of our life. I love my boys, they are a blast to hang out with, and remind me of Alisa. She taught them well, I can't remember the last argument I won against James. My best weapons are "because I said so" or "because I am the dad," pretty weak.
Thanks everyone for your kind words and offers of help. I am sure I am going to need it.
Josh I'm sure it was so hard to sit down and write this but I'm so glad you have decided to start this blog. I hope you know that you have so many people that love you and care about you and want to help.
ReplyDeleteYou and Alisa have been on mine and Casey's mind non stop. We continue to pray for you and your boys and will never forget Alisa. You have both taught Casey and I so much and have inspired both of us to be better people and live our lives better. Casey has always admired the two of you and has told me so many good things about you both. As I have mentioned before I had always hoped I would have the chance to meet Alisa, although I never met her she inspired me and touched me more then I can put into words and I always wanted to thank her.
Thanks for being such an inspiration to the two of us and I know one day we will have the chance to thank her. Please please let us know if there us anytime can do for you and your boys.
Love The Colton's
*anything not anytime ☺
ReplyDeleteJosh, you have been brave and just plain good since the day you were born. I believe that you already have or will be provided with whatever will be required of you on this new journey.
ReplyDeleteKnow that the prayers of many will continue to follow you with each new step.
May you feel the precious blessings of the Angels that surround you, both seen and unseen.
This is so awesome Josh!! I know you will continue to be an amazing father to your boys...they are blessed to have you AND you are all blessed to have your own guardian angel that will always be nearby. Always praying for you guys and can't wait to read about your family adventures!
ReplyDeleteThanks Josh! This may inspire me to document our lives a bit better. We sure love you, Alisa and your boys, Josh. Thoughts and prayers for you will continue. I know that along the way in this new part of your adventure, you will see Alisa in every beautiful thing in nature... flowers, sunshine, rain, beach, mountains and snow. (I thought of her yesterday when we saw a rainbow on the way home from visiting our son's grave.) You will see her in Sam's face, Jame's mind, Luke's excitement for life. Her joy in Ginger. You will hear her in Sonja's voice. You will taste her talents in a favorite recipe. What a blessing to know she will always be nearby. It will be a blink in time for her when you are reunited. For you guys... may your memories be sweet and your love grow stronger until that glorious day is here for you. Love and thoughts!
ReplyDeleteI am so glad you are doing this josh! You are awesome and your boys are lucky to have such a great dad. I know it won't be easy, but I know you'll have help from the other side and many willing to help here to! Love ya!
ReplyDeleteI'm so excited you decided to start this blog and I love the title you chose!
ReplyDeleteI think you will be really happy that you decided to blog! I have never been good at keeping a journal, but blogging comes so much easier. (Says the woman who hasn't posted in months! OOPS!!) Guess what I'm gonna do today!) Seriously though, what better way to leave a history AND let people know how you are all doing?
ReplyDeleteIt was great to see all of you last night. You can feel the love that radiates from that home!
We're excited to follow your adventures! You have a great knack for writing!
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing!
Perfectly said! We love you and will be here to support you and the boys always. Hugs from the McArthurs.
ReplyDeleteThank you
ReplyDeleteJosh for being willing to share your next adventure so publicly. My thoughts and prayers and cheers are with you all as you start this next phase of life!
Awesome Josh. I'm glad you will still be found on the blogosphere.
ReplyDeleteI'm thrilled that you're going to do this, Josh! You have quite a task ahead of you and we can all learn from your bravery as you go down this path, the same way we learned from Alisa. Thank you for the wonderful words you shared at the funeral. I loved your thoughts. Thank you for every single thing you've done for Alisa and for all of us. We love you so much!
ReplyDeleteWe have prayed for you and Alisa everyday for many years now. I want you to know that those prayers will be for you and the boys now, and they won't stop. We will continue to pray for the 4 of you since there is difficultly still ahead. You'll be great at this Josh. You're one of the best dads out there!
While I am reading your post, I am listening to the excitement coming from my living room, as my 3 year old just opened his birthday presents and found a big set of Hex-bugs. All 4 giddy kids (and dad) are crowded around the little set. It will remind me of your boys every time they play, since we were exposed to Hex bugs at the Linton house.
ReplyDeletePeter took my older two on an adventure on Saturday to hike Ding and Dang Canyons. Your boys would love it. You will want to go with a couple other adults for sure, because it is quite technical... But the obstacles were challenging and super fun for adults and kids. (Although I wouldn't take someone younger than 7). If you need a day trip... This is a great outing that you will all love.
I'm so excited that you started this blog, and that you will be on Instagram more... You are an inspiration to all who know you.
You haven't gotten rid of me, I'm afraid. I plan to continue to keep pestering you for information, and plan to keep being "bossy nurse" occasionally too. We love you, Los Lintons!
Keeping your family history is a great goal. You support team (near and far) will also be forgiving when it gets difficult and you miss some.
ReplyDeleteMight be time to head back to debate class...I can't win with my eight year old. He finds every angle.
Josh, this is so awesome! Seriously, you are such a great Dad and husband. I am so glad you are doing this for your boys and for Alisa. She would be so proud of you! It will be such a treasure for your boys to have this history and remember how you navigated this new adventure together, all the while with Alisa quietly by your side. Still keeping you always in our prayers. I look forward to your posts and keeping up with you sweet family.
ReplyDeleteYou have SO many people cheering you and your boys on. What you guys have been through is so unimaginable! You have done SO many hard things, many hard things that none of us will ever know. Thanks for continuing your journey with the rest of us. Your such a trooper and I cannot express to you enough how much I look up to you. Your courage and love for your family and the dedication you have provided. I took notes home with me from the funeral, after Trent died I wanted to be a better person. I have tried and tried I tell you what it's been a real struggle.. the pain of his loss is deep.. When you have cared for someone most your life it hurts when they are gone. Thank you for your strength. Our prayers will continue to be in you and the boys regards. You got this Josh!
ReplyDeleteGo Josh! You're making so many people happy that we will continue to have updates on your awesome family. Can't wait to see the adventures of the Los Linton boys and be reminded of Alisa through all of you.
ReplyDeleteTonight Laura asked me if she should still pray for Alisa. I thought about it for a minute and decided she is probably better off than anyone else we know. So I said, why don't you pray for the Lintons. I know you guys are strong but I think some prayers will be helpful. And of course, a prayer for the Lintons includes Alisa. Just in case she is missing you guys too.
ReplyDelete:) looking forward to your posts!
ReplyDeleteJosh - you're awesome!!
ReplyDeleteJosh I am soooo sorry to hear about Alisa.. you are such an amazing guy and dad, and can't wait to read the blog and see what you guys are up to
ReplyDeleteViva Los Lintons! We love you guys so much and I am so glad about the blog.
ReplyDeleteInspiring Josh...this is going to be an adventure witnessing all the triumphs and trials you boys have together! I hope we can tag along on some of the fun. Viva los Linton hombres!
ReplyDeleteI'm so glad I found this and that you're writing. I think about you four every day and know that great things are in your future. You were the best of husbands and you are just as great at fatherhood.
ReplyDelete