The Unexpected

On Christmas Eve RaLee was suddenly desperate to leave the house just as our family party was about to begin. She insisted, with much desperation, that she had some last minute shopping that she had to do. So with a promis to be safe and hurry home she went shopping. A short time later there was a knock on the door. Crystal answered and there stood RaLee, with a huge smile on her face, she said, "These are from Sage" as she handed Crystal a boquet of poinsettia's, complete with a "JOY" ornament.

We had a wonderful time Christmas Eve and were so very blessed to have family, home, food, and the spirit of Christ in our home.

Sage's Brothers and Sisters in their "Christmas Eve Pajamas"

Christmas morning as the children were looking in their stockings, Jayden looked back at the wall where Sage's stocking hung empty and asked, "Mom why didn't Santa Claus leave something in Sage's stocking? Is it because he's dead?"

It's moments like these, the sudden and unexpected ones, that tug at your heart strings and make us miss Sage so much. I know we have said it before, but time does not heal your wounds nor does it take away the pain, you just learn to live with the scars.

Miss Ellie opening her stocking

Joy



When we were trying to decide what to put on Sage's headstone everyone in the family wrote down one word that they would use to describe Sage. After many months of consideration the word that everyone agreed upon was "JOY". Sage was such a beautiful and happy baby, who was quick to smile and had the most infectous giggle, simply put, Sage brought nothing but "JOY" into our lives.

As we celebrate the birth of our Savior Jesus Christ we are comforted in knowing that because of Christ's gift to us, we can be with our loved ones for all eternity. This knowledge fills our hearts with Joy, Peace, and Hope for the future.

The Christmas after Sage passed away we put up a tree in his honor. Every year we add new "Joy" ornaments to Sage's tree.

 This year as we visited family and friends at the cemetary we decided to bring a message of "Joy" as a reminder that one day the sting of the grave will be replaced with pure Joy when we are reunited with our loved ones.

My Mother, Sage's Great Grandmother, Francine Jewell Jordan

John R. Jordan

Charlie Jordan

Eddie Jordan

Ted Jordan

Baby, Kathy Allison Jordan

Cori and Blades White's, daughter Kyndal, who was born sleeping.

Robbie Penrod

DeLanney Norris, infant daughter of Tommy and Becky Norris

Her parents founded "Laney's Legacy" in their daughters memory.

Sweet Little Brandon Allen

Kenny Eldredge, Spencer's little brother and Sage's Uncle.

Spencer(below) decorating his little brother's grave.

Kenny was such a handsome young man.

And finally, Sage...

Brothers

Sister, Jayden

Sage's mom- Crystal

Sage's Family, unfortunately Ellie Mae was sick and couldn't be there.

It is hard to believe that so many of our family and friends have passed away. It is difficult to deal with so much loss, especially when so many of them were children and young adults. Instead of falling into the depth's of despair we are choosing to find "Joy" in the knowledge that because of our Savior we can be together forever.

This knowledge brings us peace and fills our hearts with Joy.

We pray that all of you can find the Joy that is there for each of us, a gift from our Heavenly Father. May each of you have a "Joy" filled Holiday Season.