My time away with Billy was really great. Thank you for praying. I really didn't worry about the kids and was able to relax and rest. We did have some drama just before leaving. Holden put his arm through a small window(broke the glass) and had to have 10 stitches. The worst part of it all was seeing how terrified he was about going to the hospital again. He thought it was going to be like the last time when he had the spinal tap. We prayed in the car (after Billy had to carry him because he refused to walk out of sheer panic) and he slowly calmed down. He didn't even cry through the shots...he was very brave. AND he has a very fun Dad who can dance in the ER and sing and make him laugh. I get to be entertained too and a little embarrassed :)
So after the storm, the calm. North Carolina was beautiful. The leaves were changing colors and the scenery was so peaceful. We slept late, ate good food, Billy fly fished, I shopped a little and we both became hooked on Veronica Mars!! Yes, we found a way to have tv....there wasn't one in the cabin. A friend let us borrow season 1 and it rocks. We watched it on Billy's computer.
Ok so this Thursday I'm heading to Chicago by myself. I'm excited about the trip but knowing it will bring up some new emotions as this is my first trip back since losing Alaina. It'll be my first time to see certain friends and go back to NPC(church). Illinois is really where Alaina grew up. We moved there when she was one. So I know I'll see all her little friends and picture her running and laughing with them. Please pray that I'll just "be." If I walk in the church and sob, it's ok, if I feel awkward, it's ok, if I don't know how to face people, it's ok. I do feel very loved there but it's just kind of a hard step to take. Also, I'm going to a womens conference while I'm there and am excited for what God has to teach me.
Thank you praying/blogging friends!
Hope
*******On a fun note....go and see my sweetie girls. We just had their pictures taken this past Saturday. Go to hishandsphotographs.com and click on "enter portraits." Then click "proofing." Our password is Atchison.
Tuesday, October 7, 2008
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22 comments:
Hope,
I'm so glad your time away was relaxing. We will continue to pray as you travel to Chicago. I have to say that knowing myself, I would have such a hard time going back there if it were me too! You have taken alot of hard steps and the Lord has blessed you and given you grace and mercy along the way. He never ceases to amaze me! And neither do you for that matter! Hope you have a great trip! Love you guys!
Annie Parks
Hope...What a perfect name for a wonderful woman. Tears are a wonderful gift from God. They clean and clear our vision! Don't allow yourself to hold them back. You are one great, strong, lady. You share your heart with so many and teach us in doing so. My prayer is that you feel nothing but...God's peace, love, and joy on this trip. Have a blessed trip and know your God is watching over your family and you. In his love...G
Hope, How long will you be in Chicago? I was hoping we might get a chance to see you! Jason and I will be in Mexico from Thursday the 9th through Monday the 13th. I hope that you will be here long enough so that we might get a chance to see you. We miss you all so much.
I am glad to hear that you had a relaxing time in north Carolina.
Love,
Jodi
So glad you had a good trip! Poor little Holden, I can't imagine how terrified he must have been. I can, however, imagine what Billy might have done to entertain and distract him...!!!
We love y'all. You are never far from our hearts. I'll be praying as you go to Illinois.
Hope,
Can't wait to see you this weekend. The pictures of the girls are beautiful. Have a safe trip.
Hope your a wonderful gracious woman with a wonderful family! The Lord is with you and your words, every word you write sends me to my knees for you and our Father...I'm glad you were able to enjoy your trip and I know God will be with you on your trip to Chicago.Enjoy your womans conference and your friends, tears and emotions will come but he is with you and you'll make it you amaze me...I can't wait till we move to Cullman and can meet.Scott thinks so much of Billy...
love you, hope! i just cringed for poor holden. i'm glad that you still had a great time with billy though. i'll pray that your time at the womens retreat is good too.
I'm so glad you enjoyed your time away with Billy. So sorry to hear about Holdens accident! Enjoy your time in Chicago. My thoughts will be with you; may God bless you will all the strength you need on your trip. And just so you know I, too, LOVE Veronica Mars! :)
Much love to ya'll from Jackson, MS!!
Hi Hope and Billy and kids. This is Jason & Tina, & Hailey, your old neighbors here in Yorkville. I want to say hello, from back here in Illinois. We have been talking about you guys, and wondering how you have been. We miss you, you folks were really nice, and we loved seeing your children,((this hurts me, really bad, Billy This is Jason E. speaking) I really look up too you, you are a real man, you love your family and GOD)). I can't make a decision who I love more, but I'm leaning toward my children, than God, but I do know my child is part of God, right now.....And I KNOW, HOPE is the STRONGEST WOMEN I COULD OF EVER KNOWN, EVER!. I can only pray for your family the best, that is what God wants, and us too. Please keep us in mind, as we are your family as well. God Bless.
Hey Hope I just called the house and billy said you were on your way to Chicago. I will pray God would let it be a great trip and give you His peace. Miss talking to you I hope we can connect soon. I will also pray for little Holdens arm, that it would heal nicely without infection.
love,
nan
Those pictures were simply beautiful. Thank yo ufor sharing your heart with us.
Precious Atchisons - I've wanted to write for some time but just discovered this site today via NPC. Though we weren't well aquainted your family's story has touched me deeply. I said to someone today that you didn't have to be close to the Atchisons's to feel the warmth that radiates from them! When I learned of Alaina's death I was overwhelmed. For all of you and the consuming grief you must feel. But I was also afraid for your faith. Tragedy like this could shatter a person's faith in God and in His goodness. I prayed specifically for you that you would stand firm and continue to love God and trust His plan. When Chris Hodge returned after Alaina's funeral he relayed briefly some of Billy's words from that day. He shared that Billy said how even though you all don't understand these circumstances that you know God does understand and you trust Him and that is enough. I cried all over again, but this time for the reassurance that your faith is unshaken and that I got to see prayer answered in such a powerful way. I don't know if my words are sufficient to tell you how powerful a witness this continues to be for me and my faith. I guess we can never know all there is to know about how God works, but I thought it was important that you know how much your continuing story impacts my faith walk. Much love and continued prayers to you all.
Nancy Rice
the pictures are gorgeous!
how will you ever decide which ones to get?
A long time ago, we used to be friends, but I haven't heard from you lately at all...let me know when you get through the series and I'll tell you all about how V becomes Reformed! By the way, did Holden stick his hand through one of the door panes in the kitchen? If so, that door might need to go...I did the same thing a couple of years ago. We can get that taken care of, if need be.
Christie, you just made me smile quoting the V. Mars song!! At first I was thinking "who did I used to be friends with, what other Christie Mulkey have I known?" :) Yes, Holdens arm went through that door pane. We've already taken the door off and I like it better anyway. We're using it as a little playroom, so we didn't really need the door there for any purpose.
oh, yes. veronica mars is awesome, but it only laste 3 seasons.....there is a huge cult following, but despite all efforts, the show did not last. enjoy it while you can!
Hope,
I just love you! I can hear you and see you as you write. I have been keeping up through Lori and Wendy. I would call when I think of you, however it is usually 5:30am....yes AM! I will pray as you are in Chicago. Cry, laugh and just BE! I love you, my friend.
Sarah
So glad Holden is ok!!!
Hope,
I think about you often. My friend Zan Quinn Twiggs was my room leader on my first beach project. Billy may remember her because she went to Troy State. You may be interested in reading her blog. She and her husband are experiencing the same thing you and Billy are. Their Daughter Martha Anne passed way suddenly Oct 13th, 2007. It has been one year. So much of what she says is very similiar to what you say. It may be an encouragement to you. http://www.zanquinn.blogspot.com/
Love you, Rayanne
Oh, my...the pictures are amazing! Thanks so much for sharing. God bless you, Holden! You are a soldier with all those stiches. We love you all!
Katie A.
billy and hope-
still thinking of ya'll often!!!
lots of love-
carrie and matt
I wandered to your blog through some Demopolis friends, unprepared for what I would learn about you and your family. I am heart-broken and absolutely amazed with all of you. When I read the things you've written, I just see the Lord. I am praying for all of you.
Hope,
I spoke with Brian Corliss the other day and asked how Holden's arm healed..he said it healed wonderfully - which really brought joy to my heart! It was great to see you guys (even though it was in an ER)...thanks for pouring your heart out on here..I feel like you are holding our hands leading us to the Lord.
-Shana
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