i write with a heavy heart but with hope.
this year has already presented some challenges and heartache. january started with the flu spreading through my clan one week at a time. my mother had another stroke on january 21st. in february, my grandfather's health rapidly declined and we lost him on february 16th. though all of these events are sad and even tragic, i'm choosing to focus on the good. the promise. the love.
mom | after the stroke, i sat down with her and pleaded for her to try harder. she has so much to live for. and... she is really trying this time. she is eating healthier and walking everyday. i phone her at least 3 times a day. i remind her that each day is a new beginning, and i'm praying she stays the path. i'm happy to see this new change in her attitude.
brother | he too was sick with the flu in january. the nursing staff we had in place was not working at all so i had to fire them and look for a new agency. luckily, i found an agency located closer to my mother with a larger staff. we still need a morning shift nurse so i'm praying we have all of the nurses in place soon. i'm also praying that they are reliable and loving for my little jj.
papa | watching him decline and his body slowly exhaust was extremely difficult. talk about a fighter! he was such a fighter. he loved life with a passion and this was truly evident. he was an amazing man. an amazing husband. an amazing father. an amazing grandfather. and an amazing friend. our family had time together as we all sat with him in his last days. we laughed. we cried. we shared stories that warmed my heart. through this very difficult time, i found joy. i found joy in knowing that my papa sat in the same room with us all listening to us share those stories. those laughs. those tears. those hugs. i know he heard them all, and i know he had to feel the love that surrounded him. his funeral was a celebration of life. he lived 95 wonderful years. thank you to all of the family and friends who came to visit us at the viewing and funeral. thank you for the sweet thoughts, prayers and the gifts of condolences.
staying the path. with february quickly closing and march approaching, i'm looking forward to conquering my goals and living with more focus. the last two months have proven to me that life is worth celebrating everyday. i'm eager to find purpose in everyday tasks no matter how small or large. i'm excited to live with intent everyday... enjoying the laundry and even the cleaning, expressing my love through cooking meals for my family, sharing laughs over coffee with a friend, loving my talents as i pick up the camera to capture and freeze time even if for a second, sharing my love of art with others... it all has purpose.
i want to share a message from joel osteen about reprogramming your mind. here's an excerpt...
I believe that as you honor God with your time, He’ll multiply it back to you. As you stay faithful and focused on Him, He will direct your steps, and you will embrace the blessing and victory He has in store for you!
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