Grateful

The past few days I've spent way too much time pouring over the stories of 3 women I've never even met. I stumbled across each blog/website randomly, and was so touched by their words. These women share the stories of Ava, Isabelle, & Audrey...3 sweet girls who were taken home to their Father in Heaven at such young ages. I have read these stories through the eyes of their mothers. Their words have changed me. Words of hope, sorrow, forgiveness, regret, gratitude, fear, acceptance, faith, submission, resolve, & love. I can't begin to imagine the feelings that come with losing a child, but these women have painted a beautiful picture, and filled me with a deep sense of gratitude.

I am grateful to have all four of my children here with me...to hold, to love, to kiss. But even more than that, I'm so grateful to have a sure knowledge of God's plan for my family. As a mother, I'm trying to be more patient, to take more time, to hug a little longer, to listen more intently, to be more present, to yell a little less, and to love a lot more.

If you have a few hours (and a huge box of kleenex), click on their names to check out their stories. I see it as no coincidence that during a time in my life when it's very easy for me to feel sorry for myself and my situation, I stumble across, not one, but three different stories that have healed my perspective.

good things...

1. Abbie, Ellie, Eden, & Ammon
2. a husband who loves me
3. a Father in Heaven who knows me perfectly