Persevering Paige

I wanted to feature this beautiful family on my blog because they mean so much to me. Disclaimer: This is deep and you will notice my Catholic girl heart come out. Continue on.

The Bowen’s. Where do I begin.

On February 6, 2016 my family’s life was changed forever. My uncle, former legal guardian, father figure, confidant, and friend died…suddenly and unexpectedly. Those that know me know this, and I would love to leave these details out, but I add them simply so that if friend’s of the Bowen’s read this they can truly grasp the depth of my gratefulness. My uncle’s death followed that of my childhood best friend (less than a year ago), my mother’s when I was 14, and my father’s when I was 7. I was just starting to gain back some of my strength from the death of my best friend in 2015. When my uncle died so unexpected, I surged into a place that I had never been to before. It was dark, lonely, and cold. I knew how to pick myself up from losses, (I’m sure that is easily perceived from the above details), but this one was different. It was very real. I lived with my uncle in high school. He was a father figure. He spent time cultivating a relationship with me that I missed out on with my own Dad, and he bonded with me through my hobbies and interests. At the time, that was exactly what I needed. His friendship was exactly what I needed as a broken 15 year old.

Shortly after my uncle passed away, I received a message request from a man named Adam. I read it, and accepted it. He was my uncle’s friend. The message was long. I don’t remember much about the message other than him talking about how much my uncle meant to him and how heartbroken he was. The one thing I do remember, though, is the last line. It said, “A friend in Kevin, Adam”.

Adam quickly became close to me. He did not replace my uncle, rather was sent by God to let me know He was there. That He had not abandoned me. That He saw my hurting. It is not in a sense of replacement but of togetherness.

Anyway, my life has not been the same since the 2016 tragedy and it never will. But in every ending there is a new beginning and that’s really what the Bowen family has been for me. An avenue of light in a tunnel where you didn’t think there would be any. The story becomes more heart-warming once you learn that Adam’s entire family has taken me in as an adopted niece/friend whatever you want to call it. And Adam is so much like my uncle—I have become very aware of the love of our God!!!

I have been to their house so many times just to talk, hang out, watch movies, watch the Caps, you name it. Adam’s daughters Meghan and Brooke are close to my age and I have loved having their friendship as well. Jenny, Adam’s wife, is so great and I love having her as a part of my life. They have given me the policy of “Just come over whenever. Seriously, just stop by.” Can we just talk about how great that is?! I feel like so many people I want to visit but I don’t want to bother them, and they haven’t said this to me, so I don’t stop by as frequently as I’d like. It is beyond a blessing to be told to just come by whenever. I only have that policy with a few people.

I love what this family means to me and I think it is so amazing, that I wanted to write it out and share it with the world (or whoever reads this thing!) I wish I could add every little detail in here but there is just too much to say and not enough time in the world.

If there is anything I have learned from Adam, he has taught me what it means to be a true friend, and the power of having them. As for his family, that even the littlest things make a difference in the lives of others, and that kindness and love are endless impacts.

 

I’m in this pic!

Their family.

Brooke and I. ^