Just when you think you've got things figured out...

I always forget that I have a blog, as silly as that sounds. I love to journal and have separate journals for each of my daughters, one for myself and one for B.J. and I. Just a few days ago, B.J. had to start a journal for one of his classes so I was reminded that I have one and need to update it!! So much has come and gone and I'm not sure where to begin so I figured I would write about the most recent, most life changing event that has occurred in our lives.

About 2 weeks ago I received a late night call from my dad with an urgent message to return his call. I didn't get the message till the following day. When I finally returned his call, he informed me that his wife, my step mother of several years,  had suffered from an aneurysm the day before while she was teaching her elementary class. I couldn't even process the information quick enough to understand it. Helen had been rushed to  the hospital and was about to undergo brain surgery later that morning.  The news was shocking and terrifying all at once. Most people that you hear have had an aneurysm don't even make it.
My dad, John Baffert, is one of the most genuine, God fearing men I have ever met. He can't help but witness to the homeless people standing on the road asking for money. Or the unsuspecting mother in the grocery aisle. He's not ashamed of his undying love for Jesus Christ and will let everyone know it! You don't meet many people like him. When I was a little girl I would get SO embarrassed by his freedom and unashamed, adoring love for Christ. As an adult, I admire him and  tear up at the thought of his efforts to educate everyone about the incredible, free gift that is theirs for the taking! Anyway, with all that said, my father was handling this all very well. God had given him the strength and encouragement to get through this and to stay strong for his wife and for their children. 

Helen made MIRACULOUS strides and it looks like she will make a full recovery which we hear is rare. She's an incredible woman and a fighter. My sisters and I were able to go see her and my dad in Tucson this past week. The entire experience was so surreal and emotional. You really don't think about your life ending or changing in a matter of seconds.  My dad has always reminded us that this is not our permanent home and he cant wait to be promoted! As a child I would ponder this thought and feel so sad at the the thought of my parents leaving us. Now I realize this is what we've been waiting for and I too cant wait to go home! :)