As the year began, most everything was the same as it had been at the end of 2013. With that in mind, we began to think ahead to summer and a family vacation. Discussions went back and forth about where to go. I wanted to go to New York City while the boys wanted to go to the beach in Florida. In the end, the beach won out over NYC. Searching began for a rental property that would fit 6 in Panama City Beach, Florida. Should we choose a house or a condo? Since we didn't know much about this area as our experience in Florida has only been in Pensacola Beach, we weren't really sure which property to choose. I was very close to choosing a house closer to the main part of town when a penthouse condo caught my eye on VRBO. It fit 6, was directly on the beach, had a pool, and had a price we couldn't pass up. So, we booked it.
Shortly after the booking of the condo in Florida, changes began in our family. First, Ben decided to look for another position in law enforcement outside of Franklin County as the pay in the county, at least as a deputy sheriff, is not enough for any family to live on. So, his search began...
Alex has been working at Warren County Sheriff's Department in the jail for nearly 3 years. A year ago he was officially made a commissioned officer in that county but was still working in the jail. In late February he was given a position as a road deputy making this the first change in the family for the year. At this point, we had a deputy in both Warren County and Franklin County.
Ben's applications included Maryland Heights which ultimately offered him a position. Much better pay and benefits. This was the second change for the family. I was very proud and honored that I was able to attend the ceremony on May 20th in which he was sworn in to his new position. As a matter of fact, Danielle, Alex, and I were able to go to this ceremony and both of the boys were in uniform. Very proud moment.
Despite the changes with Ben's and Alex's positions, we hoped that they would still be able to go on vacation with us in June. Since Alex had been with the department for nearly 3 years he should still have vacation time and Ben was hopeful that by that time he would be able to comp some time. However, neither would be able to go on vacation.
As a teacher, I enjoy a snow day or 2. This year, unfortunately, the snow days just continued to occur. Actually, we had 14 of them. That is the most I have ever experienced in my 14 years in education. Our normal time to get out is about mid May. This year we had to go until June 5. Yes, that's right, June 5! I vow to only do the snow dance once or twice this year.
So, it is now June. School is finally out. Danielle has completed her first year as a teacher. Both of the boys have new positions and can't go with us on vacation. Jeff was able to get vacation at the right time. Madeleine (Alex's girlfriend since November - I'll share more about her later) is teaching summer school and won't be able to go with us either. The condo that we rented to accommodate 6 will now only have 3 guests; Jeff, Danielle, and me.
Madeleine...Alex's girlfriend since November 2013. They met through mutual friends. However, I knew her before Alex did because she was one of my college students at Central Methodist. She has quickly become a part of our family and I think she feels right at home with all of us. She was hoping for a teaching position as an elementary teacher (this would be her first year) but instead received an offer to teach special education at New Haven High School. While it isn't the position she would like, she is making the best of it (for now). More about Madeleine later...
With Ben's job change, he also was required to move closer to his municipality. Initially they were going to move to the Pacific area as Danielle was teaching in Bourbon. However, she got a new position teaching in St. Clair which then allowed them to move a little further east to Eureka. Danielle and I worked throughout much of the summer to prepare their house for sale; painting, fixing the laminate floor, laying new kitchen/dining floor, repairing and staining the deck, replacing the shutters, and other miscellaneous items. They listed the house in August during a time that is usually difficult to sell homes and waited.
August was also a time of stress and anxiety. When the shooting occurred in Ferguson and the protests, riots, and looting first began, Ben was on duty in his municipality with the possibility of being called into Ferguson. I went to bed that night not knowing all that was occurring. I was awakened by a text from Danielle telling me that Ben was not home yet and that he didn't know when he would be home. I went over to their house and stayed with her that night. We sat up watching the coverage until about 2 or 3 am. We both tried to go to sleep as we each had trainings to get ready for the first day of the school the following morning. I can't even begin to tell you how relieved I was when I heard him come into the house at about 5:20 am. I hugged him and then went home to get ready for my day. The prayers that were lifted that night on his behalf (and all of the other law enforcement officers) were greatly appreciated.
As summer came to a close and fall arrived, we shared in the 30th, yes the 30th birthday of our oldest son! I have no idea where all of the years have gone and how it is even possible that we could have a child who is 30. He has grown into a wonderful man and Jeff and I are incredibly proud of him and his accomplishments.
It seemed like it was just yesterday that Ben and Danielle listed their house. Fortunately for them, it didn't take long for it to sell. Unfortunately, they didn't have a house to move into. So, we moved most of their belongings into a storage unit, moved other items to our basement, and still others to Danielle's parents' house. They also had to stay with Tim and Rhonda until they found a house. I think they were there about a month when they were able to purchase their new home in Eureka. Rhonda and I spent multiple days helping Danielle paint, clean, and organize not only for them to just live in, but because they hosted Thanksgiving dinner for the family this year. She and I had spent some time working on building a table just for them to go into their new hearth room. I don't have a picture of it in the room, but here is the fireplace that was updated including the mantle that was nearly thrown away until Danielle took the belt sander to it.
Right before Thanksgiving was another trying time in the St. Louis area with the release of the grand juries decision. Once again as this time drew near my anxiety level increased not knowing if Ben would be in the middle of it. Thankfully, he did not. He was even able to be off with all of us for Thanksgiving.
Thanksgiving this year took on new memories for our family. Alex asked Madeleine to be his wife and she said YES! Thus began the setting of dates, changing of dates, setting up a Pinterest board, finding a hall and booking it, booking the church, and on and on and on. The official date is October 3, 2015.
As parents, Jeff and I are very proud of our boys. We have tried to teach them right from wrong, importance of family, and most importantly to love, trust, and rely on God for everything. We believe that God has blessed them (and us) with the women they both found to be their wives. We couldn't have picked better ones for them and absolutely LOVE our "girls"!
2014 is quickly coming to a close. Christmas lights have been hung, tree has been decorated, presents wrapped and quickly unwrapped, and too much food was eaten. However, we were together as a family. It might have only been for a few short hours, but we have learned to make the best of those fleeting moments when we can. We had a lot of changes this year with more expected next year. God has blessed us through all of the changes and he will continue to do so because he is faithful. Change is often difficult, but with His guidance we can get through anything.
As we close out 2014 and all of the changes that have happened in our lives and we look towards all that will be happening in 2015, we can't help but be reminded of the one and only constant in our lives and that is that our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ is ALWAYS with us. He has never changed and he never will. He came to this earth as a baby so that he could experience all the things of life that we do. He understands, He loves, He cares, He is life. If you don't know him, I pray that you will.
"Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. Today in the city of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord. This will be a sign to you. You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger. Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angle, praising God and saying, Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests." Luke 2: 10-14
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year from the Berges Family!
Jeff, Rekke, Ben, Danielle, Alex, and Madeleine
(Yes, that is the real Ben Berges.)
