Persevering

This birthday, and the days leading up to it, have been unusual for my niece, Chelsea Hadlock. A few days before Chelsea was to be a bridesmaid in her sister-in-law, Kellie Thompson’s wedding, Chelsea stepped off of a curb wrong and rolled her ankle. She thought it was just a sprain, but the longer it went and the more painful it became, the more she suspected that might actually be broken. Nevertheless, ever the one to persevere, Chelsea pulled off her bridesmaid duties with grace and style…and crutches. Chelsea is pretty resourceful and determined to succeed, so pushing through the pain to make sure her part in Kellie’s wedding went smoothly, is nothing less than expected. The good news is that when she had it looked at, they told her that it was only a sprain, and just to keep on doing what she is already doing!! Praise God!!

This summer has found Chelsea and her family doing a bit of camping, which is an activity. They are getting ready to go to the Big Horns with Ryan’s parents, Allyn and Chris Hadlock, and his sister and brother-in-law, Lindsay and Shannon Moore and their daughter Mackenzie. They are all looking forward to a relaxing time after the busy activity of the wedding. Chelsea and Ryan’s son, Ethan will not be going this trip, because he has to work. I don’t know for sure, but it is my guess that this will be the first camping trip they take without Ethan. Ryan and Chelsea love camping and have been taking regular trips throughout their 17-year marriage, so I know they are really looking forward to this trip, even with Chelsea’s crutches, which don’t always mix well with camping on a mountain. Nevertheless, camping often includes lots of sitting around the camp site and around the campfire, so a little ice and a place to put her foot up will be just the ticket for Chelsea. And if they wait on her for her birthday…well, that’s cool too.

Chelsea has been such a perfect fit in the Hadlock family, and they all love her very much. She is really more like Chris and Allyn’s daughter that daughter-in-law, and Ryan’s sisters, Jessi Sawdon, Lindsay Moore, and Kellie Thompson all agree that she is their sister, not sister-in-law. They all love her very much and they are all a close family, that Chelsea is a perfect fit for too. Chelsea has a beautiful singing voice and often sings as a backup singer at our church. She loves the Lord and makes sure that her family knows Him too. Chelsea has grown spiritually so much over the 17 years that she has been a part of our family, and we are all very proud of her. She has a sweet, loving heart that has endeared her to all of us. We all feel blessed to have Chelsea in our family. Today is Chelsea’s birthday. Happy birthday Chelsea!! Have a great day and a great camping trip!! We love you!!