They did, in a flash.
Rob is in a good place right now, with no doctors appointments or pokes and prods until after the first of the year. He is a more tired version of the man I knew, but he is still here. I am thankful for his strength, his peace, and his sense of humor.
I changed jobs in late summer. Parts of me hated to leave my old one, but reality forced me into my new one. I can do the job, but all day long I wonder how long I can pretend to be someone I'm not, doing something my heart is not in. But as each day passes, I am thankful it was provided for me. It's all part of the big picture that I can't see.
But I get glimpses now and again.
Tonight was a good night. I spend it with my grandbabies while Mommy and Daddy had a relaxing dinner and finished up some shopping. I can't tell you how complete I feel when I'm snuggled between them in bed reading storybooks, each of them hugging into me and holding my arms so softly, resting their heads on my sides. Their smiles, their giggles, their stories... precious. Then I lay with them as they drift into dreamland. My cup runneth over.
My six-year-old granddaughter is so smart, and so aware of everything going on around her. She is hugging me tighter lately, not wanting to let go. As I laid with her tonight, she was silently fighting the urge to sleep. She was holding on to me and hugging me... just needing that connection. At one point she even softly touched to feel my heartbeat. I told her it was still working, just quietly. She was okay with that.
My four-year-old granddaughter fell asleep much quicker than usual, but was being shaken from her rest repeatedly with a bad cough and fever. Prayers for her would be so appreciated. She is a spirited, beautiful child who makes you happy just looking at her. Her smile-power is infectious in the most awesome of ways.
I never thought I could feel as blessed as I did when I first held my daughter in my arms... but I do. Being a Mom is the best thing I've ever done, and the joys just continue to keep multiplying, and keep me going.
♥
Tonight we are under a winter storm warning... As I drove home from my daughter's place, I could see all the tree branches encased in ice, lights shining on them from all directions, making them sparkle. The side streets and sidewalks are like mini ice rinks, and by morning, I'm sure the main thoroughfares will be as well. It's a good time to be inside right now. But it's even better to be able to look out the windows and see it.
I don't know why I'm always so amazed at the beauty God puts in our paths, even in scary times... but I am. Not because I doubt. But I think it's because of His never-ending love for us. His wanting to make good out of bad. His unrelenting willingness to love for the sake of love. No matter what. To see myself as precious in His sight. It took me years to know, in my heart, that I am worthwhile and wanted and treasured in His eyes. I am still overwhelmed with that.
And it makes me stronger, and better. I matter. So do you.
♥
It is, again, the wee hours of the morning. I, like my Izzy, find it hard to let go of this day even though my body is calling out for rest. There is so much going on in my head, so many things wanting to come out in type, but I'm running on empty with heavy eyes.
But a happy heart. :)
Have a Very Blessed Merry Christmas!
I pray that you are surrounded by those you love, that your soul is filled with your own heartsongs... those moments and memories made that would take pages to explain, but that make you complete in an instant.
Practice peace. And practice love. And practice forgiveness.
They will make the world of difference in your world... and everyone's around you.
In Love and In Peace,
Cheri ♥
