A Much Needed Update

Since December, many of you have been so faithfully desiring to keep in touch with me and keep tabs on how my family and I are doing. I think that I have finally been able to take a breath long enough to give you an update on where I’ve been and where I’m going.

Following Emilee’s funeral, I returned to CMU to finish my fall semester exams. That was one of the most difficult weekends of this whole journey, but I made it through and finished the semester with grades as good as I could have hoped for. I’m still in awe as I reflect on the support and help that came to me at that time. Thank you, friends!

In January, I returned to CMU to finish my junior year. I completed my first semester in the Communication Disorders program, which is known to be the most stressful portion of the program. Well, the rumors are true. This was definitely the most academically demanding semester I’ve faced. Despite the fact that I consistently declared, “I can’t do this!”, I was able to complete the semester and managed to actually learn some things along the way. My name even ended up on the honors list, despite all of the ups and downs. More than ever, I saw the Lord provide in the midst of deepest need. I still look back on those months in awe as I consider the depth of my sorrow and the fact that I somehow made it through.

I’m sure that I’ll continue to learn and grow as I reflect on the past five months. But for now, I’m just thankful that the winter has ended and we're celebrating a new new season: Summer!

So where in the world am I now!? Camp.

On May 24, I left the U.P. once again to spend the summer as a counselor at The Springs. In my experience, returning to “life as normal” is one most difficult parts of the grieving journey. Going back to camp was just another step of my journey. Despite how un-prepared I felt and sometimes still feel, God is showing me that He provides. Where better a place to meet with God than a place full of fun, fellowship and food! One of the reasons I am so drawn to camp is that it’s away. It’s away from the noise of our busy, bustling world. It has been quite a blessing to serve here and I'm looking forward to the last month of campers!

Some of you are probably wondering about my family and nephew, Andon. Andon just turned 2 on June 3^rd! My parents have custody of him and have been caring for him. I was able to spend some time with him before camp and I've made a few visits so far this summer. He is right at home there and he has become quite attached to “grandma” as his new mother figure. It’s a new challenge for them to have a toddler in the house. Day by day, they continue to pour themselves out for him as he learns and grows. It's hard to believe how much he's grown since December. Each time I see him, he is a little different. It's so great to see, as long as he still remembers his “aunt Rachel”! He is currently seeing a speech therapist and occupational therapist to assist his development. He's a little behind in these areas but early intervention has been very helpful so far. Summer time allows two of his favorite activities – being outside and playing in water!



My big sister Cesilee was able to be a part of Andon's birthday celebration via technology and a HUGE box of presents! We missed her there but it was so great to at least be able to talk with her on his special day. She is planning a visit to the U.P. this fall. We're very much looking forward to being back together again soon!

In the midst of the whirlwind of the last 7 months, I've done a poor job of keeping in touch and thanking all of the people who have come along side of us. Perhaps that's because there are too many to count! If you're one of those who have extended hugs, love, prayers or one of the many other blessings – Thank you! I simply cannot express how thankful I am to have had such a loving, caring community surrounding us! There's part of this journey must be fought on a personal level, things that we must do on our own. However, there are many burdens that have been lifted, in part, by others. What a sweet privilege it has been to share both my sorrows and joys with you all. I hope to share all that I'm still learning some time in the near future. Stay tuned, friends. It is well.

With gratitude and love,

Rachel Therrian