Thankful, grateful and blessed...

This week is Thanksgiving. In my family it is a time when we all come together, and enjoy every minute. We eat, we play games, there is always music, and we laugh until our sides hurt.  It is one of my favorite days of the year.  But, as the kids grow up and get their own lives - things change.  And...anyone who knows me, knows how much I cannot stand change! We have definitely had our share of change this past year.  We are still adjusting to C being gone, B has moved cross country, K has started college.  Now - all these things are great, and as much as I love watching them grow up, I really just want my people back where they belong!

This year we will all sit down around the table, and 1/3 of my heart will be missing. These are definitely the days, that as an Army mom I don't feel so Army strong.  While we are missing C, I will be counting down the number of sleeps until he comes home for Christmas (which is 33 in case you're wondering).  We will FaceTime him, but it is definitely not the same. As I'm missing him, I know that I have so many things to be thankful for.  I have a family that loves me and supports my craziness unconditionally, I have amazing friends that have turned into family, and I have a job that I love. I have three amazing kids that all march to the beat of their own drummer, who I am crazy proud of.  I have a God that loves me, even when I fall short every day. I have new friendships and relationships that I am excited about! Honestly... I have a pretty great life and I am blessed beyond measure.

As we go into the holiday season, I would challenge each of you to be present, and enjoy every minute.  Love on your people, and make sure they know how much you love them. Life is short, we are never guaranteed tomorrow, and when you love someone - love BIG! Happy Thanksgiving y'all!

"I thank my God always when I remember you in my prayers," ~ Philemon 1:4

No words...

Tonight I'm sitting here, with honestly about a million thoughts going through my head.  The last couple of weeks have had so many emotions, that I'm not even sure I know what to feel.  Last week, my whole world was completely rocked when a 21 year old soldier passed.  I woke up at 3:06 a.m. to my phone ringing.  When I answered, C simply said, "Mom, I need you to pray."  He went on to let me know he was at the ER, and was waiting with another one of his buddies.

As the details of the story unfolded over the next few days - my heart was broken for so many reasons.  I replayed the days prior to this event, and was trying to put myself in the other mother's place.  You see...as a military mom - when your child goes into the field and there is live fire present, you mentally prepare yourself knowing that something could go wrong. You know that your soldier is being trained to be the best - but, you are also very aware there is a human element to the training.  You know that if they deploy, there is a risk. On the Tuesday prior to the event, I had received the text from C that simply said, "I just got back a couple of hours ago.  Thought I would let you know, I love you." In my mind, I am assuming the other mom received a phone call or text that was similar.  On Friday, I received the call that my soldier would get to come home for Christmas and I was elated.  Again, I am assuming the other mom received the same call. When they are back where they are supposed to be (in their barracks) you breathe a sigh of relief.  You know they are safe!

This is where our stories are different.  I received the phone call from my son, asking me to pray.  She received a visit from the United States Army, letting her know she had lost her son. I cannot even begin to wrap my head around the next few moments, the hours, the days ahead and what they would feel like.  I cannot imagine how much this families life is going to change. I cannot imagine feeling the void in their hearts.  What I do know is that my heart aches for this sweet family and I have never felt so helpless - so, I just pray!  I have prayed for peace and comfort without ceasing.

This afternoon, I got the honor to speak to this mom and there were no words.  There were tears and letting them know that if they needed anything at all I would do whatever I could. More importantly, there were promises to continually pray for this sweet family in the days ahead. Tonight, I urge you all - tell your loved ones just how much you love them, hug them tight, and do not take anything for granted.

"fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed.  For I am your God, I will strengthen you.  I will help you. I will uphold you with my righteous right hand." Isaiah 41:10