Seeing The Good in Another Transition

     I know it has been a while since my last blog and much has happened. I am so grateful for God's strong hand that guides me as life once again shifts for me.

     The memorial service to honor my Dad was everything I wanted it to be. I was really blessed by all the people that attended his visitation and his memorial service. It was good to see those that were a part of his life and the life I shared with him. It was good to see all my kids and spend time with them. His life touched many and I have enjoyed hearing stories from others of how he touched their lives. What an impact he and mom had on this community. They pioneered a Bible study for over 20 years that brought people of various denominations together and learned to know God in a deeper way. I have had so many people tell me how dad was their favorite person  and how much they learned from him. His life lives on through many and I am grateful and honored to be his daughter.
     It is hard to believe that after 9 years of caregiving for mom and dad, there is a break in the clouds. They have been such a part of my everyday life, being on call for whatever is needed, doctor's visits, phone calls, etc. Being a caregiver and being on call was never what I signed up for but nevertheless, I have learned much. The experience has changed me for the better. I do miss them both.

     I must honor my sweet husband that has definitely been through a great deal in the three months we have been married. I feel like we have already lived 5 years together in what we have experienced. Two hospital visits, Hospice, death of mom, dad with cancer, a fire in our home, holidays, death of dad...that is a lot for newlyweds and I am thankful for his heart for me and ability to roll with life. God's timing for putting us together  was perfect. I am so grateful to have him by my side as I transverse through another major transition in my life. The beauty of this time is that my kids have gotten to spend a lot of time with Stephen and that has been a great thing as it has bonded our family together. He really does make all things work together for good.

      Tomorrow would have been Joe's 56th birthday and February 23 is Price's 23rd birthday. My baby will be 23! My life doesn't look anything like what it did 4 years ago. It has changed dramatically as three significant people in my life are gone and new people are in my life. Change helps us to grow and hang on to God. I am thankful for all I have learned and how I have changed in the past four years. I have grown in confidence and trust in God, I am not afraid of anything, I am a woman that has learned to be at peace in life's heartaches and I have learned to enjoy new adventures with God and walk into the unknown full of faith.

   


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