A Tender Mercy Worth Recording, and Miss M's One Year Old Photo Shoot

I've decided that I need to make a new goal.  Often times I see a tender mercy of the Lord and think to myself that I ought to write it down... but life being as it is, I sometimes forget to write it down, or regretfully, I push the thought aside.  But I did experience a tender mercy of the Lord this past weekend, and before I forget to do so, I am going to record it here and now.  Over a year ago, a good friend of mine from high school passed away at sea.  His name was Marquis Cooper.  His boat had capsized during a storm and he and his friends were thrown overboard.  There was only one survivor of the four friends.  The incident was all over the news and it was heartbreaking for me.  I hadn't kept in much contact with Marquis since high school, the last time I had seen him was when we went out to lunch together along with my other good friend, Philip Niu, back in 2004 (I think that was the year anyway).  Regardless, I was deeply heartbroken about the tragic nature of his death.  We had been good friends since jr. high and hearing of such a loss was difficult to internalize.  I wanted badly to tell his family all that I thought of Marquis.  I wanted to tell them that I believed they would see him again and that I was praying for them.  I had never met his parents, but I wanted them to know that my life had been blessed through knowing their son. 

One day, I went to our local Water 'n Ice store and a man held the door open for me.  I looked at that man and thought he looked a lot like my old friend.  I just knew it had to be Marquis's dad.  But, second-guessing myself, I didn't say anything and just went on my way.  I later told Jon Mark that I had seen Mr. Cooper, I knew that I had, and I regretted not saying anything to him.  I tried to shrug it off, but I felt badly about it. 

This past weekend, before we headed to go out of town for the fourth of July weekend, I made a last minute decision to go get some water.  I went back to Water n' Ice and the same man held the door open for me as I was leaving.  Again, I knew it was Mr. Cooper and I don't think I made that connection on my own.  I think that Heavenly Father knew of my desires and helped me to know that that man was Marquis's father.  Not wanting to miss out on my second opportunity, I stopped the man and I asked him if he was Mr. Cooper.  He looked a little taken aback, and I then asked him if he had a son named Marquis.  At this, he suddenly looked heartbroken.  He replied that he was his father, and I told him I loved his son.  I told him how we had been friends and how Marquis was always so nice to me and so respectful.  I told him that I was praying for all of his family.  It was a nice conversation.  It was hard for me to see how difficult it was for this man to talk to me so longingly about his son.  I could see the pain behind his smile as he asked me how I knew Marquis.  But, I could also see hope, and faith, ultimately a father's love for his son.  I was so thankful to the Lord for giving me a second chance.  I know that the Lord knew that I needed that opportunity.  Even though it may not seem like much, I know that it was a tender mercy of the Lord to have been at that place at that time.  I was so thankful that the Lord knew of my desires and that He allowed me to express my heartfelt condolences to Mr. Cooper.  I know that our Heavenly Father watches over us and that He knows our innermost desires.  I know He gives us those tender mercies to remind us of His love for us.

   

Now onto the pictures of my darling baby girl.  Below are the pictures my sister, Lindsay, took of Mercedes.  These are her official one year old pictures.  I think they turned out darling.  I really need to enlarge some of them (so, Lindsay, can you burn them onto a CD for me?).  Lindsay does an awesome job, check her out at http://lindsayfrostphotos.blogspot.com/ she's really talented.  Thanks Lindsay!

The one below is probably my favorite.  I love everything about this picture.  I love her eyes and her smile.  I love that she left the flower in her hair for every picture (almost).  I love the spit that got on her shirt because she kept trying to eat the leaves and rocks.  I love that she loves being outside.

This one is probably my second favorite.  I know it's like 110 degrees outside, but I love the way she looks in this little cap.  Her thumb is about to make it's way into her mouth (where it always is) and Lindsay was able to snap a picture before it got there.  It makes for a darling picture.

I love her smile in these two...

I love how she is looking over her shoulder in these ones...

Oh, and I ADORE both of these as well.  They capture the Little Lady that I know and love so much.  Her thumb, her smile, both melt my heart!

Thanks Lindsay!