We’re all glad to be home and returning to our normal activities after the Singing at Sea cruise to the Bahamas last week.  We always enjoy the cruise but it’s nice to get back on dry, stable land after several days at sea.  This year’s cruise was the coldest we have ever experienced…  Global warming, I suppose!  The temperature hovered in the mid 60’s all week, so with the wind coming off the water, it was quite chilly.  The cruise provides an awesome opportunity for fellowship with other artists, passengers and even the crew members, so Tim, Shawn, Logan, Kaela and I spent the week catching up with some of our dearest friends.  It’s just like a floating family reunion!  Check out the photos from the week!

We were heartbroken to have to leave home without LeeAnn this year.   She couldn’t miss a week of her nursing clinical and classes so sadly, she flew home late Sunday night after the weekend’s concerts.  It’s difficult when one of us is missing because obviously there’s a musical part not there, but more importantly than that,  God intricately brought the four of us together (which is a story for another time) and it doesn’t seem right to sing without all four of us being there.  We have shared the stage in ministry for over 16 years so it’s always hard when one is missing.

Tim and I also made the difficult decision to leave the twins at home this year.  With the new baby coming, we decided some quiet time might be in order.  Ansleigh and Bryleigh, however, were excited to spend some quality time with the grandparents, and we are very thankful that the grandparents had a great time and all survived!

We are excited to announce we will be sailing again next year on the Singing at Sea cruise so please make plans early to join us as we set sail to the Bahamas!  This has become a very popular cruise and will sell out quickly!  We had a great time with friends from Arkansas, Kentucky, Mississippi, Tennessee, Texas, West Virginia and even Scotland that signed up with us as their favorite group!  We’d love to share this experience with you next year!  Please feel free to contact us if you have any questions.

Reprinted from Jameson’s Caring Bridge website…
Wednesday, October 21, 2009 6:39 AM, CDT

It’s 2:00 a.m. and I’m in your room,
Watching you as you lay there,
Machines humming, meds dripping, your nurse busy,
I think about you, and all you have gone through.

It’s 3:00 a.m. and I’m in your room,
I don’t want to think of your leaving,
But that thought won’t go away.
But I want you to know that if you do, it’ll all be ok.

It’s 4:00 a.m. and I’m in your room,
Remembering that little boy who looked up to his Daddy so.
At the ballfield, on the boat, or at a car show,
His Daddy did no wrong and always knew what to do.

It’s 5:00 a.m. and I’m in your room,
Your Daddy feels so helpless now and doesn’t know this time what to do.
But he knows the Lord has a plan. And on the day Jesus does call your name,
Daddy knows you won’t hesitate to shout and stand.

It’s 6:00 a.m. and I’m in your room,
Your Daddy is comforted to think, if you do go to be with the Lord first,
You’ll meet so many loved ones who have gone before.
And you will watch down on the rest of us here.

It’s 7:00 a.m. and I’m in your room,
Thinking how those around you in Heaven will smile on that day,
When you turn to them and say,
“I never knew how much my Daddy looks up to me so.”

It’s 8:00 a.m. and I’m in your room,
My son, I am so blessed to have had 12 years with you.
We will see each other again soon,
Until then Jameson Casteel, your Daddy will always be in your room.

-Written for Jameson Casteel who, on October 21, 2009, left this painful, imperfect world to go to a Better Place

Please continue to remember my cousin, Chris Casteel and his wife, Lisa and youngest son, Mitchell at this most difficult time.  We know that what Earth has lost, Heaven has gained…

Thanks,
Bridget

Today, I am compelled to share a prayer request with you on behalf of my cousin, Chris Casteel and his oldest son, Jameson.  Jameson, age 12, was diagnosed October 30th of last year with ALL B-cell Leukemia.  He has fought a very difficult but valiant battle thus far.  However, in the course of the last week, Jameson has taken a turn for the worse with an infection that has now caused “septic shock”.  According to his dad’s last update, Jameson is non-responsive and has been admitted to the PCCU (Pediatric Critical Care Unit) at Vanderbilt Children’s Hospital. 

Please join my family in praying that the doctors will take the most effective course of treatment quickly for Jameson’s sake…  Pray also for his mom, Lisa, dad, Chris and his little brother, Mitchell who is trying to celebrate his 10th birthday today.  To read more aboout Jameson and his family, click here. 

Thank you, Friends!

Bridget