Last night we had a fabulous family Valentine’s Day. We spent the evening just enjoying each other. We made an easy, family friendly dinner and as we sat around the dinner table we were talking and sharing about our day. I asked my son to share one reason why he loved his sister…then I asked her the same about her brother. Then they started asking us about what we lo about each of them. We spent a long time sharing reasons why we loved each other and just affirming each other. I have to tell you…it did this momma’s heart good to hear my children share such fond, and touching reasons why they love each other! Especially since that is NOT how they act all the time (or even most of the time!).
But when we had gone a couple of times each and my son asked his dad to share another reason why he loved my daughter….SHE replied, “Because we have the exact same nose!”. We all BUSTED out laughing. I had a mouth full of food and almost choked and then laughed so hard I was almost in tears! This is so funny to me because I remember when I was pregnant with her…..my husband and I were having a conversation about what she might look like and he specifically said, “I think she will be beautiful! I just pray she doesn’t come out with my nose!!”. We all just had a good old fashioned belly laugh! It was so good to be sitting around the dinner table sharing such joy and laughter with my family….DEFINITELY very high up there on the best Valentines memory list!
It was also last night that out of nowhere, my son’s heart showed itself in a huge way. I have to say that it totally caught me off guard. We were all bantering and talking and I was standing at the stove preparing dinner. We were all in the kitchen and he ….. out of nowhere…… said, “So mom….is February 22nd the worst day of the year for you?”. By the time he finished his question…he was standing behind me with his arms wrapped around me. I looked over at my husband, with tears in my eyes, and just softly answered, “yes.”. He just continued to hold me and he said, “I thought so. I’m sorry.”. He gave me another squeeze and went on about his evening. I, however, took a little longer to put myself back into the “happy” compartment. It is times like this that remind me that I don’t have to go through this alone…I have a others to go through this with. Bryce loves me and his brothers….and is getting old enough to share my sorrow with me…..and that is huge!
So….I am thankful today for a blessed and wonderful Valentine’s Day. I am thankful that I got to see more glimpses into my children’s hearts. I am thankful that deep down, they really understand what love and family mean. I am thankful that their daddy, loves them…and me…with all his heart. I am just blessed.
Today I thank God that as I prepare and go through this next week…leading up to “the worst day of the year” for me….as my son so eloquently put it….I thank Him for the constant reminders…… that I am so blessed to still be here. I am still needed on this earth. I am still in search for the purpose He would have me fulfill…….and that love runs deep in my home. I am thankful that as we shared what we loved about each other …… each person’s heart and how tender and sweet …. was one of the first things shared. I thank God for growing each of us…in His time.
I seek your prayers….for as strong as He is, I am weak. This is a difficult time. Joy is still present. But so are memories that hurt very deeply. For the next few weeks I can share with you so much about where we were and conversations we were having 15 years ago….. This can sometimes comfort me…but also torment me.
I know my God still, and always will, sit on the throne! I know He will guide my path, as He always has, and strengthen me in this time. I know all of this… but the pain is still very real and present. Sometimes it seems it would be easier to just hole up….stop reaching out…and not go on. That is why I need, I crave, nights like last night! More blessings…more silver linings….to keep me moving forward ….. in order to fulfill my purpose and get me closer to my eternal Valentine’s celebration…where all our hearts and souls can reunite and rejoice together….forever!
Share love, joy and laughter with those around you. You may never know how much they may need it!
My Life as a COMMA! 
I have a friend that suffered an unspeakable loss. Unspeakable. Yet in the depths of her suffering she showed the heart of a servant by comforting others. Cheli, I will never forget you getting on your knees, hugging Neil, holding his hands, comforting him and telling him that “we will get through this” and “we will be ok”; all in the early hours of your suffering. I will never forget. Never. God bless you through these days as only He can.
Again…so moving friend. I pray the doors open for your to minister to people who NEED to hear this. I need to hear it because it makes me think but I know there are women..men…who have and are going through what you’ve experienced. God has SO much more….stay tuned! Love you!
Praying that the Abundant Grace of God the Father, the Healing Touch of Jesus the Son, and the Warm Comfort of the Holy Spirit be with you and your family now and always. Amen.
There are more people than you can ever imagine praying for you and with you; people you don’t even know (like me) who want only the best for you. God bless.
He is STILL on His throne!
You are incredible, with an unbelievable testimony. May Father rejoice over you with singing as you continue on this journey.
Thank you for being YOU. Thank you for how much you have blessed my life sweet Cheli.
Prayers going out to you for strength & joy in the coming weeks.
I love you!