How in the world can it be? Sam is eight? I remember bringing him home to three very eager to see him brothers. They watched his every move. I should have never worried about what they would think. They absolutely loved him and cannot even remember what life was like without him. He has shown them how to love bigger and better, not to take things for granted, taught them major responsibility, and shown them how he just keeps going forward even with his big and little obstacles.
Before he was one, he was found to be extremely farsighted. He wore glasses before his first birthday and patches too. The boys thought he was adorable but worried about others making fun of him. But we got used to the glasses and patches and thought he was the cutest person in the world.
When he was almost two, he had to have eye surgery scheduled. It was a little stressful because it was his eyes, but he did great and continues to do well. Not even a month after that, he had double hernia surgery. Again, he did well; and we were glad to be done with all of that!
When he turned five, he was having a bit of trouble with accidents off and on. A little while later, we found out why - diabetes. That was and still is a biggie. He will have to work with this the rest of his life. He does well most of the time, but it's hard that we cannot just send him wherever with whomever - even to play sports or go on field trips. It can be very limiting, but Sam is so fortunate to have three brothers and an extra special cousin who can take care of his diabetes.
Now at eight, he has a really big and really weird looking "tooth" that turned out to be extra! He goes to the oral surgeon the morning to have it taken out. I am nervous because of the not eating in the morning and his sugar that has been off all week because of strep throat. So I am looking very forward to getting him home and letting him rest tomorrow.
He may not be up to watching Andrew run in his first ASU meet, but Will will be a good big brother and stay home with him. Sam is sunshine, and he is fortunate to have brothers who love him so.
We are having cupcakes - white with buttercream frosting - at Sam's request. They had monster trucks, sprinkles, and ring pops on top. We will have a bigger party later, but popsicles at school and cupcakes at home sounded good to him. We started our celebrating early on the way home from cross country this week by stopping at Chuck E. Cheese in Asheville! He and his daddy had a great time playing games and getting tickets. Mommy only contributed a little but had fun too!
I feel like Sam should be six - not seven or eight! He is getting taller and growing up! He is still our baby, but we have been trying to help him be who he will be! It's fun to see some of Andrew, some of Peter, and a lot of Will in him. Then there is the other part that Pete declares comes from my dad. Then he is left handed like his aunt (Whitney).
So Happy 8th Birthday to my special baby boy - the one who has kept me busy and kept my focus on the right place - the one who freely hugs me and kisses me and tells me over and over he loves me - the one who likes to "help" clean or pick up - the one who rubs my head when it hurts - the one who will be here for a while after the other boys leave. Off to eat cupcakes!
Thursday, August 30, 2012
Saturday, August 25, 2012
Tears and Cheers
Today was supposed to be a fun day! We left Boone yesterday afternoon - just three of us which was kind of odd. We spent the night at a hotel with a pool and a putting green, so someone thought he was on a huge vacation! Andrew was at home with Laura spending the night at our house with him. They were joined by Grandad and Mimi who took them out to eat and who knows what else? I got to watch some Home & Garden TV and read in my book. I got to sleep a tiny bit later than usual. We got in the car to go to the cross country meet and figured out we were only a few minutes away from the park.
As we were going down the road, I saw Krispy Kreme. All of the sudden, it hit me. This would be one of my last trips to this meet! I did okay last year when Andrew was a senior. But it hit me that he would not be there today. When he was a freshman, we got off the interstate right at that Krispy Kreme and were so early that we stopped to get a treat. Sam did not have diabetes then, and we were new cross country people. Peter, Will, Sam, and I had left super early to get to the meet.
So I started crying. Pete thought I was crying because Andrew would not be there. I am sure that was part of it, but it's also Peter's senior year. He keeps getting injured, and I don't want him to run out of time before he has some of those great races I know he has in him. I was probably a little nervous for him.
But as we entered the park, tears were dripping off my cheeks. I kept my sunglasses on and kept to myself a lot today. And I yelled for that boy I was worried about. I also prayed for him as he got ready to run and ran. He is not where he needs to be, but we will work on that. Then I yelled for that next boy who just started running again not long ago. He did pretty well keeping up in his race. He has a mountain bike race tomorrow, so I am praying he does not hurt anything in that!
On the way home, I felt we needed to spend time with the little boy with us who turns EIGHT this week! Six, maybe. Eight, no way! So we detoured to Chuck E. Cheese and extended his little vacation. And as we left the shopping center, we stopped at Lifeway and bought a new CD so I could sing out some of my heart on the way home. Pete and Sam slept through most of that!
We met with lot of ASU students at a progressive dinner tonight and then went and cleaned. So I am pretty worn out and should sleep well tonight! I think I am tired and weary and need to watch a sad movie and cry my eyes out. Especially so the next cross country meet won't be so hard on me!
I determined the weary part yesterday before the other hit. I told Pete if Blue Cross would stop sending me stamped mail, it would save them a million dollars, I am sure! I have determined that no one likes to tie up loose ends and get things straight. They cause me so many extra phone calls and extra work because of it. So I am going to do my part and then let them do theirs. I also am getting a home phone on Monday. It's the only way I can feel better about calling 911 if we ever need them again. No one has called us back to check on the problem, so I need to take care of that the best I can too. I am going to get on the school website every day and keep up with my children. I am going to keep working to find what works with Sam to help him learn and retain what he has learned. I am going to get my house clean- and my basement! I am going to weed my flower beds in the front of my house that look like a jungle. I am going to roll out of bed and walk in the mornings and not be afraid of the sounds I hear!
But...I am also going to be more thankful. I am going to enjoy my family more. I am going to feel free to say no or give someone else a chance to do some of the easy stuff I do. I am going to read my Bible more. I am going to walk more and read more and have fun more. I am going to write more notes and cards like I used to do and tell people I hope they feel better or how they helped me last week or last year. Just to let them know...
That crying sure got me this morning. But I am not ashamed or embarrassed by it. I don't have regrets about my boys getting older. We all wish we had a little (or a lot) more time - especially if we enjoy being around our children. I stayed home with them for so long and was fortunate to work at night when they were sleeping and could work at home! I have been to almost every meet and race and have loved every single one. I have seen good races, great races, surprise races, disappointing races, terrible races, and miracle races. As a mom, I felt them all too!
And I am not trying to hold Andrew back - at all. That boy ran a time trial this week and came in the middle of 21 runners and PR'd by almost a minute! He is on his way. He has been to a week of classes and is finding his way (with Laura's help!). He has a lot of exciting things ahead. But I did miss him today.
This sure is a rambling post. Oh well. That's my life right now. Sam has a consult with an oral surgeon on Wednesday. He turns eight on Thursday and may have surgery on Friday! Andrew runs Friday in his first college meet. So tomorrow, I hope God reminds me to rest up and get ready. But I know He will be right there. He always is. He has shown me up front and close some miracles lately. I don't want to take for granted those things. And He is there through the big and the little - it'a all important to Him. And I am thankful for that too!
As we were going down the road, I saw Krispy Kreme. All of the sudden, it hit me. This would be one of my last trips to this meet! I did okay last year when Andrew was a senior. But it hit me that he would not be there today. When he was a freshman, we got off the interstate right at that Krispy Kreme and were so early that we stopped to get a treat. Sam did not have diabetes then, and we were new cross country people. Peter, Will, Sam, and I had left super early to get to the meet.
So I started crying. Pete thought I was crying because Andrew would not be there. I am sure that was part of it, but it's also Peter's senior year. He keeps getting injured, and I don't want him to run out of time before he has some of those great races I know he has in him. I was probably a little nervous for him.
But as we entered the park, tears were dripping off my cheeks. I kept my sunglasses on and kept to myself a lot today. And I yelled for that boy I was worried about. I also prayed for him as he got ready to run and ran. He is not where he needs to be, but we will work on that. Then I yelled for that next boy who just started running again not long ago. He did pretty well keeping up in his race. He has a mountain bike race tomorrow, so I am praying he does not hurt anything in that!
On the way home, I felt we needed to spend time with the little boy with us who turns EIGHT this week! Six, maybe. Eight, no way! So we detoured to Chuck E. Cheese and extended his little vacation. And as we left the shopping center, we stopped at Lifeway and bought a new CD so I could sing out some of my heart on the way home. Pete and Sam slept through most of that!
We met with lot of ASU students at a progressive dinner tonight and then went and cleaned. So I am pretty worn out and should sleep well tonight! I think I am tired and weary and need to watch a sad movie and cry my eyes out. Especially so the next cross country meet won't be so hard on me!
I determined the weary part yesterday before the other hit. I told Pete if Blue Cross would stop sending me stamped mail, it would save them a million dollars, I am sure! I have determined that no one likes to tie up loose ends and get things straight. They cause me so many extra phone calls and extra work because of it. So I am going to do my part and then let them do theirs. I also am getting a home phone on Monday. It's the only way I can feel better about calling 911 if we ever need them again. No one has called us back to check on the problem, so I need to take care of that the best I can too. I am going to get on the school website every day and keep up with my children. I am going to keep working to find what works with Sam to help him learn and retain what he has learned. I am going to get my house clean- and my basement! I am going to weed my flower beds in the front of my house that look like a jungle. I am going to roll out of bed and walk in the mornings and not be afraid of the sounds I hear!
But...I am also going to be more thankful. I am going to enjoy my family more. I am going to feel free to say no or give someone else a chance to do some of the easy stuff I do. I am going to read my Bible more. I am going to walk more and read more and have fun more. I am going to write more notes and cards like I used to do and tell people I hope they feel better or how they helped me last week or last year. Just to let them know...
That crying sure got me this morning. But I am not ashamed or embarrassed by it. I don't have regrets about my boys getting older. We all wish we had a little (or a lot) more time - especially if we enjoy being around our children. I stayed home with them for so long and was fortunate to work at night when they were sleeping and could work at home! I have been to almost every meet and race and have loved every single one. I have seen good races, great races, surprise races, disappointing races, terrible races, and miracle races. As a mom, I felt them all too!
And I am not trying to hold Andrew back - at all. That boy ran a time trial this week and came in the middle of 21 runners and PR'd by almost a minute! He is on his way. He has been to a week of classes and is finding his way (with Laura's help!). He has a lot of exciting things ahead. But I did miss him today.
This sure is a rambling post. Oh well. That's my life right now. Sam has a consult with an oral surgeon on Wednesday. He turns eight on Thursday and may have surgery on Friday! Andrew runs Friday in his first college meet. So tomorrow, I hope God reminds me to rest up and get ready. But I know He will be right there. He always is. He has shown me up front and close some miracles lately. I don't want to take for granted those things. And He is there through the big and the little - it'a all important to Him. And I am thankful for that too!
Sunday, August 19, 2012
College!
As Andrew heads to his first day of college on Tuesday, I find myself fluctuating with emotions. I am so happy for him and proud of him for always trying so hard and doing his best. I am relieved he will be home at night and be at Appalachian during the day. I am thankful for those who help with last minute changes in plans and for understanding and support and encouragement. As so many ask him when he is "moving in", he has answered nicely or looked at me to explain. That is when I wish he did not have to worry about the "extras" - the things he has to go against every single day. Sometimes we just roll along, and other times the "extras" stop us in our tracks. Sometimes it is a big deal. Sometimes it is just the mom who cries and prays and hopes they will go away. It gets old. But when I look up, I know God is right here; and we can keep on going.
Sometimes I will see something else much worse, and it puts things in perspective. So comments made with good intentions have not broken through my thankfulness the past few weeks as all Andrew's plans changed. Sitting in orientation this week, I felt at home. I felt we were where we belong with Andrew. He feels that way too. He is so excited. He has walked on the cross country team. He went with Laura to find all of his class buildings this afternoon. The decision to change was his. We did have some talks about commitments made, what was best, what should be considered, etc. But I prayed for a few days while he thought and prayed. Pete and I are relieved. We are thankful. And we are so excited for him.
We did find out in the last couple of weeks that his thyroid is way way way out of whack. We are trying to correct it now. I will just say that in a few weeks, he should feel like a new person; but I would not be able to function like he is! He does not complain, so it was not obvious. It was just found in a routine check up. And while I was upset that he goes to so many specialists and still was not checked, I know that it could be the cause of recent problems and should be an easy fix. And I try not to think it is something else.
Sam has been doing well. He has had some lows, and some nights I set my alarm a couple of times to check him. He loves his second grade teacher and is working on loving school. He has a "tooth" that has concerned us because it looks awful. The dentist took lots of x-rays this week and found his two permanent teeth still to come in. So he has to go to an oral surgeon to get the extra one pulled. They want to be extra careful because of his diabetes and make sure he is not in pain that will cause him not to eat. We should schedule that for soon. He is so happy our neighbor is back home afer suffering a stroke. She just got her new puppy back tonight, and she is determined that Sam and Walker will grow up together and give her dog a playmate while helping Sam with his fear of dogs. That was one of the first things she said to me when she got home from the nursing home!
Will is having fun on bike #10? He has been released by the doctor for his hand and is trying to get in shape for cross country while catching up on his bike riding. I told him that broken bones were totally prohibited. He smiled and nodded okay. I have been looking in my home magazines for projects he can do for me while in construction classes.
Peter is doing better and better with his foot but having some hamstring issues again! I hope to get him in the pool this week. I cannot believe he is a senior, and I cannot believe how fast this has all gone!
Pete goes back to Israel in October, and this time my busy project is not trying to paint the equivalent of three rooms while he is gone! While I am excited for him, I do dread the days he is gone for me. I think my project will be much smaller; although Will has been talking about "opening up" the downstairs. Most of our rooms have doors, and that has started to drive him crazy!
This morning, our Sunday School lesson was on authority - more specifically, Jesus' authority. We talked about the temple and how He turned over the tables of the moneychangers. One part of our discussion was about why people do not believe in Jesus. I really think we try to control everything ourselves - either because we like control or because we want to make sure it's covered. And some people have probably not gotten to a place in their lives where they realize they have no control. When bad things happen, those who believe can lean on Jesus and trust Him. Sometimes those who don't believe become believers. I am so thankful that everything is not dependent on me or in my control.
Toby gave our sermon from 2 Corinthians 4:8-18. I thought he was talking right to me. I am thankful we have those eternal things to look ahead to and forward to.
Thanks for praying for our family. We sure have felt those prayers the last few weeks. And we know people pray for us even when they don't know what is going on! Toby said that people are coming out of a storm, in the middle of a storm, or approaching a storm. I feel in some ways we have been in one for a very very long time. I measure that with my sleep and calmness level, I think. But today could be the day that changes. The storm may go away. I know it will one day. And though I tend to think it will be later rather than sooner, I realize that is not very optimistic. So I am looking for the calm this week. With all of Andrew's stuff, I feel my breaths deeper and better. I feel as if a weight has been lifted - a huge, heavy one.
So as my first child goes to college this week, I am so happy and not taking it for granted one bit. This is huge. And the great thing I realized is that is even bigger than I can even know. Have a great week!
Love,
Wendi
Sometimes I will see something else much worse, and it puts things in perspective. So comments made with good intentions have not broken through my thankfulness the past few weeks as all Andrew's plans changed. Sitting in orientation this week, I felt at home. I felt we were where we belong with Andrew. He feels that way too. He is so excited. He has walked on the cross country team. He went with Laura to find all of his class buildings this afternoon. The decision to change was his. We did have some talks about commitments made, what was best, what should be considered, etc. But I prayed for a few days while he thought and prayed. Pete and I are relieved. We are thankful. And we are so excited for him.
We did find out in the last couple of weeks that his thyroid is way way way out of whack. We are trying to correct it now. I will just say that in a few weeks, he should feel like a new person; but I would not be able to function like he is! He does not complain, so it was not obvious. It was just found in a routine check up. And while I was upset that he goes to so many specialists and still was not checked, I know that it could be the cause of recent problems and should be an easy fix. And I try not to think it is something else.
Sam has been doing well. He has had some lows, and some nights I set my alarm a couple of times to check him. He loves his second grade teacher and is working on loving school. He has a "tooth" that has concerned us because it looks awful. The dentist took lots of x-rays this week and found his two permanent teeth still to come in. So he has to go to an oral surgeon to get the extra one pulled. They want to be extra careful because of his diabetes and make sure he is not in pain that will cause him not to eat. We should schedule that for soon. He is so happy our neighbor is back home afer suffering a stroke. She just got her new puppy back tonight, and she is determined that Sam and Walker will grow up together and give her dog a playmate while helping Sam with his fear of dogs. That was one of the first things she said to me when she got home from the nursing home!
Will is having fun on bike #10? He has been released by the doctor for his hand and is trying to get in shape for cross country while catching up on his bike riding. I told him that broken bones were totally prohibited. He smiled and nodded okay. I have been looking in my home magazines for projects he can do for me while in construction classes.
Peter is doing better and better with his foot but having some hamstring issues again! I hope to get him in the pool this week. I cannot believe he is a senior, and I cannot believe how fast this has all gone!
Pete goes back to Israel in October, and this time my busy project is not trying to paint the equivalent of three rooms while he is gone! While I am excited for him, I do dread the days he is gone for me. I think my project will be much smaller; although Will has been talking about "opening up" the downstairs. Most of our rooms have doors, and that has started to drive him crazy!
This morning, our Sunday School lesson was on authority - more specifically, Jesus' authority. We talked about the temple and how He turned over the tables of the moneychangers. One part of our discussion was about why people do not believe in Jesus. I really think we try to control everything ourselves - either because we like control or because we want to make sure it's covered. And some people have probably not gotten to a place in their lives where they realize they have no control. When bad things happen, those who believe can lean on Jesus and trust Him. Sometimes those who don't believe become believers. I am so thankful that everything is not dependent on me or in my control.
Toby gave our sermon from 2 Corinthians 4:8-18. I thought he was talking right to me. I am thankful we have those eternal things to look ahead to and forward to.
Thanks for praying for our family. We sure have felt those prayers the last few weeks. And we know people pray for us even when they don't know what is going on! Toby said that people are coming out of a storm, in the middle of a storm, or approaching a storm. I feel in some ways we have been in one for a very very long time. I measure that with my sleep and calmness level, I think. But today could be the day that changes. The storm may go away. I know it will one day. And though I tend to think it will be later rather than sooner, I realize that is not very optimistic. So I am looking for the calm this week. With all of Andrew's stuff, I feel my breaths deeper and better. I feel as if a weight has been lifted - a huge, heavy one.
So as my first child goes to college this week, I am so happy and not taking it for granted one bit. This is huge. And the great thing I realized is that is even bigger than I can even know. Have a great week!
Love,
Wendi
Wednesday, August 8, 2012
Another School Year...
Watauga County Schools started today! It's hard to believe. Sam loved 2nd grade and his teacher. I was nervous all day for some reason. Just concerned that he was being watched closely enough after the other week I guess. Once we get his stuff settled more, I will feel better. I just wish it was easier to do it and get it done. His teacher is wonderful, and he has so many people to look out for him. Still, it was hard to wonder about him all morning until I finally called!
Peter and Will said their days were good. They are happy to see their friends.
Andrew was home today by himself! I would have traded places with him for a bit! His plans have changed for fall, and we are still working on that. He feels good about where he is, and we do too.
Andrew's thyroid is way off. Not just a little bit. Not by a lot. It is off by more than a lot. I am so upset that I have not known this before now. But he goes to a specialist. He has labs all of the time. I guess I will have to be more careful in watching some things. Hopefully he will bounce back quickly to a good number. I must admit, it is frustrating.
It is hard for me to depend on others sometimes. I am so disappointed lately. Will asked me the other week if I like anyone right now. I guess he was right. I was frustrated with some things with Sam. I am frustrated about our county 911 system that will not work for me when I need it. I am frustrated that people do not answer their phones or call back or follow up. I get frustrated when I need a little help with my child, and I cannot seem to get it. So I guess sometimes it does seem like I don't like people. Maybe I should just not like the way they act - or don't act.
I am trying to focus on what I do know and what is working and go from there. Trying. And in the last week or so, I have had people step up to help me. They have been there to listen and guide and give help where I needed it. So I do know what it is like for people to want to help - whether it's their job or not. And that is so encouraging.
Happy School Year to my boys. Two at WHS, one at HP, and one in college! It's hard to believe! We are so blessed. These boys have so much ahead of them this year. It will be exciting!
Peter and Will said their days were good. They are happy to see their friends.
Andrew was home today by himself! I would have traded places with him for a bit! His plans have changed for fall, and we are still working on that. He feels good about where he is, and we do too.
Andrew's thyroid is way off. Not just a little bit. Not by a lot. It is off by more than a lot. I am so upset that I have not known this before now. But he goes to a specialist. He has labs all of the time. I guess I will have to be more careful in watching some things. Hopefully he will bounce back quickly to a good number. I must admit, it is frustrating.
It is hard for me to depend on others sometimes. I am so disappointed lately. Will asked me the other week if I like anyone right now. I guess he was right. I was frustrated with some things with Sam. I am frustrated about our county 911 system that will not work for me when I need it. I am frustrated that people do not answer their phones or call back or follow up. I get frustrated when I need a little help with my child, and I cannot seem to get it. So I guess sometimes it does seem like I don't like people. Maybe I should just not like the way they act - or don't act.
I am trying to focus on what I do know and what is working and go from there. Trying. And in the last week or so, I have had people step up to help me. They have been there to listen and guide and give help where I needed it. So I do know what it is like for people to want to help - whether it's their job or not. And that is so encouraging.
Happy School Year to my boys. Two at WHS, one at HP, and one in college! It's hard to believe! We are so blessed. These boys have so much ahead of them this year. It will be exciting!
Thursday, August 2, 2012
Thankful
Wow. It has been a crazy few days. So many things to consider and pray about. So many messages coming from all over to encourage and help. I really love looking back over this week and remembering the many "conversations" I have had or messages I have received and know they came from God. I have no doubts. People have spoken out. They have typed the message, prayed, and hit the send button. I am overwhelmed with thankfulness. There are so many things. I will one day be more specific, but so many things have worked out - not just some obvious things but so many others. And I know that I don't know everything!
I was so tired today that I fell asleep sitting up this afternoon! I went to bed late last night after Sam's sugar got too low, and I had to wait to check him a couple of more times. He was fine, but it's hard to get some carbs and peanut butter into a tired little seven year old whose blood sugar has made him even more tired! I am thankful he is cooperative most of the time, and he becomes cooperative pretty quickly in those few times he is not!
I am thankful for the friends and family who have been in touch over the past few days. So many. Some knew I needed them. Others did not. But nothing was random. It all fit into the puzzle, and nothing was repeated or the same. I am in awe of the messages I have received from those willing to send them.
I am thankful for my friends who love me and pray for me - and my decisions and through my difficulties. I am thankful for friends who love me and pray for me even when they don't even know how desperately it is needed right that moment. I am thankful for friends who can help me laugh through a hurtful situation - because do I really have that time to waste - having my feelings hurt? If not for them, I would take the time - believe me, I would.
I am thankful for the promises of God. I have so many things I am working on. I need to check on Sam's glasses soon. I need to check with the dentist about a certain tooth. I need to check on Andrew's labs that did not come back normal for his thyroid tests. I need to check on some paperwork. I am anxious about Sam starting second grade and being without us. I am happy but apprehensive to have another senior so soon. I need to stay on top of one child's school work this year. I need to write more notes and emails and get rid of more stuff in my house and pay more attention to my family and neighbors. The list goes on and on. But I know that God is with me. He will show me the way if I keep my eyes on Him.
I am thankful that now that summer is almost over, I can go on a quick trip with the "girls". These girls have known me my whole life or close to it. We will go to the same places, eat at the same restaurant (and maybe have the same waitress we had once for 3-4 years in a row), talk, giggle, sneak on FB when my sister is not looking, lift weights, do water aerobics, maybe walk four miles to Krispy Kreme (it just did not seem that far at the time!), send each other silly texts while riding or walking together, play little jokes on each other (only nice ones!), make store returns for each other, talk about our children, lament that my sister's favorite outlet is no longer there, call and check on our families while we are gone, pray together, and just love spending precious time being together. As we get older, it's harder to find the one weekend; and the time is more precious. We have been doing this for at least 18-20 years. One year, I was almost to Bristol and threw gum out the window only to have it fly back into the car and into my thick, long hair. My niece Laura looked at me like I was crazy when I walked into her house with gum in my hair and calmly got the peanut butter and pulled it out! I had just read that tip in a magazine. Nothing was going to ruin my day!
I am just overwhelmed with thankfulness this week. It has been a good week. I am tired, but it's a good tired. I would not trade it. I have been bombarded with so much love that I got the message. He is with me. He loves me. He has overwhelmed me this week in particular.
I was so tired today that I fell asleep sitting up this afternoon! I went to bed late last night after Sam's sugar got too low, and I had to wait to check him a couple of more times. He was fine, but it's hard to get some carbs and peanut butter into a tired little seven year old whose blood sugar has made him even more tired! I am thankful he is cooperative most of the time, and he becomes cooperative pretty quickly in those few times he is not!
I am thankful for the friends and family who have been in touch over the past few days. So many. Some knew I needed them. Others did not. But nothing was random. It all fit into the puzzle, and nothing was repeated or the same. I am in awe of the messages I have received from those willing to send them.
I am thankful for my friends who love me and pray for me - and my decisions and through my difficulties. I am thankful for friends who love me and pray for me even when they don't even know how desperately it is needed right that moment. I am thankful for friends who can help me laugh through a hurtful situation - because do I really have that time to waste - having my feelings hurt? If not for them, I would take the time - believe me, I would.
I am thankful for the promises of God. I have so many things I am working on. I need to check on Sam's glasses soon. I need to check with the dentist about a certain tooth. I need to check on Andrew's labs that did not come back normal for his thyroid tests. I need to check on some paperwork. I am anxious about Sam starting second grade and being without us. I am happy but apprehensive to have another senior so soon. I need to stay on top of one child's school work this year. I need to write more notes and emails and get rid of more stuff in my house and pay more attention to my family and neighbors. The list goes on and on. But I know that God is with me. He will show me the way if I keep my eyes on Him.
I am thankful that now that summer is almost over, I can go on a quick trip with the "girls". These girls have known me my whole life or close to it. We will go to the same places, eat at the same restaurant (and maybe have the same waitress we had once for 3-4 years in a row), talk, giggle, sneak on FB when my sister is not looking, lift weights, do water aerobics, maybe walk four miles to Krispy Kreme (it just did not seem that far at the time!), send each other silly texts while riding or walking together, play little jokes on each other (only nice ones!), make store returns for each other, talk about our children, lament that my sister's favorite outlet is no longer there, call and check on our families while we are gone, pray together, and just love spending precious time being together. As we get older, it's harder to find the one weekend; and the time is more precious. We have been doing this for at least 18-20 years. One year, I was almost to Bristol and threw gum out the window only to have it fly back into the car and into my thick, long hair. My niece Laura looked at me like I was crazy when I walked into her house with gum in my hair and calmly got the peanut butter and pulled it out! I had just read that tip in a magazine. Nothing was going to ruin my day!
I am just overwhelmed with thankfulness this week. It has been a good week. I am tired, but it's a good tired. I would not trade it. I have been bombarded with so much love that I got the message. He is with me. He loves me. He has overwhelmed me this week in particular.
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