They say when you're down you can only get up. While that may not be entirely true, for the year 2008 it rings pretty true for the Tighe family. It was just a year ago that we were contemplating the loss of a "steady" job and income and were deeply feeling emotions of frustration, hurt and worry. We knew God was faithful, as he always has been, but honestly were starting to get tired of enduring one trial after another. Looking back to this time last year, I was trying to figure out where God wanted me in the workplace, figure out how to pay bills, dumping every possible material possession we had to make it and generally feeling down. And we thought 2006 was tough!
Yet God began to work in our hearts in the spring of this year. He surprised me with an opportunity to work 4 miles from home with an organic food company, a job which I love more than any job I've held. You can check it out HERE. We also found out we had a new life brewing inside Jan and were thrilled to know God was giving us a new addition to love and know. It also became clear that while trying to find a place in police and firefighting work, that firefighting was the best option and quickly the opportunity came after lots of testing, written and physical, with the Louisville Fire Department. You can check that out HERE. We also were able to secure a long term lease in our house and are so thankful to be able to stay in a community we love with some of the best friends we could hope for in life.
My beautiful wife, Jan, is a stay at home mom who quite honestly works harder than I'll ever know. She is the very best God had for me in a wife and as a mom to our three children. Jan is a steady stream of friendship, love and mercy to me. I could never want any more.
Jonatha Shay is our 2nd grade daughter who lives each day as it were her last. She loves people, reading, climbing rock, skiing and mixed martial arts. My days of getting her to tap out are soon approaching their end. She is a few months away from earning her green belt in Tae Kwon Do, too.
Aidan Reece is our Kindergarten train engine. He never stops moving. Aidan is kind, gentle and loving, yet full of energy. He thrives in environments where he can run, jump, dive, fall, whatever, as long as he is moving. Aidan also was baptized this summer in Boulder Creek by his daddy in front of tons of witnesses. Pretty cool stuff.
Liam Drew is our new baby boy who joined us on October 22. Liam looks just like his older brother, yet has his very own personality. He is a very loving boy and enjoys his older sister and brother (so long as they give him his space). He is starting to laugh a lot and cooes so beautifully when held. He also has his daddy's haircut, which shouldn't last too much longer. We think he's a pretty darn good addition.
For us things have gone up in a huge way this year. But, we wouldn't change a thing in the difficulties that came before the blessings. Because when you sit down and evaluate everything God allows in your life, you realize they are ALL blessings. It's only a matter of perspective.
I wish you all a joyous holiday season and a new year of hope and love. Thank you for being a part of our lives and walking this journey with us.
