Here is a photo of the last trip we ever took as a family of 5. I’m smiling and completely unaware of how my world was gonna get turned upside down just a couple weeks later. Last pic ever taken as a family of 5 with mom from Nov. 2010. And you know what I’m OK with that. As I was sorting through old pics I ran across this and, almost 4 1/2 years later, I am thankful. Thankful for 3 boys who seem to have adjusted well to their new life, thankful for my mom whose love is unwavering, and without a doubt thankful that most days I’ve been able to still enjoy being in the moment. Yes, there were days I buried my head, cried and ignored the world. Still are days like that. That’s life. We all have “stuff” to deal with.
I’m just so thankful I didn’t let the uncertainty of the future take away my joy, love and desire to experience all life offers with my boys… from big adventures to the small quiet moments snuggling. It all matters. Looking at this pic I see 3 tiny, innocent, happy little boys. Since then, those same 3 are thankfully still happy, have grown, matured, celebrated undefeated seasons in sports, got cut from teams, tried new activities, had their feelings hurt by dumb kids, stood up for themselves, learned to read, struggled with handwriting, aced a test, got baptized, gone to week long summer camps, lost teeth, caught frogs, belly laughed til we hurt, danced in the kitchen, cartwheeled through the house, cooked together and so much more.
This is a huge confusing world where they want to fit in yet try to maintain their unique path to be who God intends them to be. When I look at this pic I think about all the amazing moments I would have missed had I ‘checked out’ in this 5 year ‘in limbo of not really married but still not divorced’ stage of my life. A lot has happened the last few years, lots and lots of good and some heartaches along the way, as the boys navigate life and I’m thankful I was there for it all. So thankful I didn’t allow life circumstances get the best of me and keep me down. Many days these 3 were the only reason I got out of bed. Everyday I am thankful. Thankful for them. They make the bad days bearable and the good days amazing! The last few years have been good and I guarantee you the next few will be even better!
XOXOXO
~Heather
Heather is the owner of Sweet Lemonade Photography and co-owner of Sweet Darling Weddings. Life gave her a bunch of lemons (you can read a little more here) and by keeping her focus on God, finding the positive in each day, and surrounding herself with supporting, loving and encouraging people she has turned those lemons into the sweetest lemonade. This blog has been created to share her heart, her adventures and find ways to bless others. You can contact her at heather@sweetlemonadelife.com.
