So Blessed

It seems like everywhere I turn bad things are happening to such good people. Heartache. Much, much heartache. Tragedy. Sorrow. My heart breaks for you. I feel so helpless. I wish there were more I could do to take the pain away. It's then that I have to realize God's hand in it all. I'm not saying that it's always God that makes it happen. I know that's not the case. Things happen that we do not understand. Accidents happen. But, God knows each of us and is there. His love is incomprehensible. He will never never leave us alone. That is many times, the only way to get through the many challenges of life. Only He can really take the pain away.
These things have really made me stop and appreciate my many blessings. It has reminded me how precious relationships really are. How we just never know how long we have or the people we love have on the earth. Shame on me for forgetting these things. But I am thankful to have the chance to tell others I love them. To squeeze them a little tighter. To say nice things. To serve with a smile. Because you just never know what life throws at you. And I never want to be in a position again where someone that meant a lot to me didn't know how I felt and it was too late.

I feel so incredibly blessed to be a mother. Before I had Ruby, all I seemed to focus on was how hard it was going to be or all the freedoms I would lose. Bad Carrie. Yes, it has its hard moments, but man. I would not trade those moments for anything. I cannot imagine my life without Ruby. She has brought so much sheer JOY into my life that I never really expected.

Things that have happened the last week or so have really made me stop and enjoy her. Play with her. Look at her. Kiss her. Not just look forward to her naps so I have time to get things done. Those things don't matter. It's those moments with your kids, your friends, your family that really matter.

I am so thankful for a loving husband who is so supportive and who loves his little girl so much. I couldn't do it without him. I hope you know how much I love you, Nick.

I am so thankful for an amazing family of parents, brothers and sisters, brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law... you are so strong. I look up to each of you and wish I could give you a big squeeze. And I especially love all my darling nieces and nephews. Kisses! It kills me we are all so far apart. We can't wait for Baby Caroline's arrival! She is sure to be just as beautiful as her mom and sisters!

I love each of you so much. I am so thankful for the knowledge I have that families can be forever.

Our little Sarah--you are such a precious, beautiful angel girl. Know how much we love you! We are praying for you and your family. May God fill your home and hearts with His love.