A Decade in Review (dated 1/1/10)

by Richard Edfeldt

After Jacob's death, Karen created this blog to record insights in her grief journey.  I would periodically write my insights on notes posted to my Facebook page.  We feel it would be best served if we combined our efforts so I am beginning the process of copying those notes to this blog.  They won't be in chronological order but I will put the original date on each one.  



The ‘oughts’ – what a decade for the Edfeldt family: 

1. Graduations – two high school (Katie & Jacob), two college (Ben & Katie), one seminary (Ben), and one specialist (Karen). 
2. Moves: family – Gainesville to Marietta & on weekends, Franklin, NC; Ben – Rome, Birmingham (2), Statesboro, Wichita Falls; Katie – Rome, home, Cumming; Jacob – Rome, heaven
3. Career moves: Richard – FBC/Powder Springs, LifeWay; Karen – Compton/Powder Springs, Abney/Dallas, GA, Ben – Samford/Birmingham, BCM/Statesboro, BCM/Wichita Falls; Katie – Cobb Chamber of Commerce
4. Family Dynamics – Additions: a daughter-in-law (Beth), a grandson (Tucker), two dogs (Zuzu, Ernie); Losses: two dogs (Checkers & Bailey), one step father-in-law (Sterling), one uncle (Carl), one beloved son/brother, (Jacob)
5. Medical events: Two heart transplants (Jacob); a temporary episode of memory loss of unknown reason (Ben); one childbirth (Beth); other events singular and/or ongoing (Katie, Karen, Richard)

There were many great events, many stressful moments, one supremely tragic death – all to remember and never to forget. All contain many memories of expressed love and devotion from spouses, children, siblings, extended family, friends nearby, friends that are states away, and total strangers around the world.

It’s hard to embrace 2009 warmly because it stole the life of Jacob. However, in some strange and impossibly explainable way, it’s hard to let it go because it was the last year that we had to enjoy life with him.

But, as resistant to it as I am, 2010 is here. Promises of change are inevitable. There will certainly be changes in scope of job responsibilities (but, hopefully not any terminations!). There will be changes in friendships due to the ongoing evolution of relationships, but, we pray, there will only be enhancements and additions – no fractures and eliminations. And we know of a great event and addition we look forward to in April – the arrival of a granddaughter! 

So, 2010, bring it on!

And to all of you, please know that it is family and friends that keep us going! 

Happy New Year (and decade) to all!