Yesterday: from Donna

Yesterday was a day we dreaded for a long time. It turned out to be so painful and awesome at the same time and God met us there, as he always does, just in time. So many supportive friends and family, so much love that even the Judge had to remark that he has never seen a defendant with so much support. I would love to share some of those God moments with you as I know Missy would want me to. The last thing she mouthed to me as I was the last one to leave the court was I'm OK, and i know she is.

The day started like any normal day. Seth had requested Mommys special chocolate chip pancakes for breakfast. This had been a week of "lasts" and today was no different. As Grandpa and I arrived, Missy was fixing her face, the boys were playing a board game and Davey was drinking coffee watching TV news. As it was time to go, we had a time of family prayer , some hugs and kisses and a lot of reassurances. The boys were very brave and there were very few tears, they have been very well prepared for this. Our resolve weakened a bit as we pulled away and their faces were pressed up against the front window. Grandpa was left to hold down the fort and cater to their every whim.

It was so windy we felt like we were blown downtown. Missy drove and as we were waiting at a stoplight she looked over and there was a bright yellow Beetle Bug stuffed with her best buds. They whooped and hollered and yelled " we were just praying for you". That put a big smile on Missys's face. As we rushed to the courthouse we ducked into the bathroom and I hugged her one last time. We kept saying over and over Joshua 1:9. Be strong and courageous, the Lord God is with You. Do not fear. She has this written on her her wrist , if you think of her please pray it with her.

In Gods great mercy her sentence was close to the minimum and we all stood proudly by her as she made her statement to the court. Now we all can move ahead with Hope and Healing.

The boys are doing well, they are so resilient and are looking forward to man camp with dad. Missy will be so proud and they are back in school today. They are already figuring out all the angles. Seth said yesterday, "hey gramma, you wanna come over for dinner?" hint, hint, I think they had corn dogs. They went grocery shoppng and sat down and packed their lunches for a week, I think they will be fine. Although Evan did wake up and slip into bed with Daddy last night, thats ok too.

We will post from Missy as soon as we hear anything, Thanks for being there for her.