I was totally caught off guard the other day. I was driving around with Brayden, which I do on a regular basis to keep him happy, when I had this overwhelming sense of gratitude. You see, it wasn't long ago that Earl and I had moved to Utah County from Logan and were wondering what in the world we had gotten ourselves into. It was a hard time for us. We were completely starting over. New place to live, new job for Earl, suspecting that something was 'wrong' with our little baby boy. At that time when I would be driving Spencer and Brayden from our apartment in Orem to my parents' house in Pleasant Grove, I would often look around me and wonder how in the world I was going to ever feel settled and like I was somewhat in control of my life.
So, here I was, driving around with my kids again. Now, with 4 of them. In a van that wasn't falling apart at the seems. Getting to reflect on how far we have come. I can't believe that we are settled in a nice house, with great neighbors, awesome friends and a ward that I wouldn't trade for the world. I don't always feel in control of what's going on in my life, but I'm learning to be OK with that. I don't have any say in what's going on with Brayden's disabilities, but I have total control over my reactions to it. I can't control the fact that Spencer is well on his way to becoming a young man who won't need his mom so much, but I can always show him that I love him. I can't control Andraia's boisterous and outgoing personality, but why would I want to....she is such a light in our family. She introduces me to someone or something new everyday. I can't control Chloe's growth. Where did the time go? She's already 16 months old. But I can totally control how much I enjoy this time in our lives.
The blessings truly are there. Sometimes you just have to look for them.
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6 comments:
Sometimes a little perspective makes all the difference in the world! Andraia introduces me to new people everytime I go somewhere with her too. What a loving spirit that girl has. She brightens all our lives. I have had the great opportunity to observe your family and I know Heavenly Father watches over you all. I feel blessed to be in your lives and I love your family (each and every one of you) like crazy!! Thank you for your friendship. It means so much! Happy day!
So you TOTALLY made me cry! And I JUST put make up on... :) I felt the same way when we moved here, lost and alone and dealing with 5 children under the age of 4! But I've grown to love it here and I often do the same thing, drive around looking at the incredible beauty of this place, looking in my rear view mirror at my crazy kids and counting my blessings. I love you woman!! Thanks for your post.
By the way, you are an incredible example to me. I don't know HOW you do what you do. I love your family.
WOW - that was beautifully said!! It made me have a new perspective for the day!! Can you just send me those kind of comments every day :)
Teri- you are awesome and we love your family!
Great blog thanks for posting
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