Have you ever just took a step back and really looked at your life? Super Dad was sitting on the floor the other day talking to Princess JF with Princess JL climbing all over his back, and I just watched in amazement. Afterwards, I asked him if this is how he thought his life would end up. He smiled and thought about it, and said, "No, not exactly. But I wouldn't change anything." I mean, he and I used to sit on the curb in front of his house and discuss our future together ... but we were 15 and 16 years old. I don't know that either of us really knew we would last forever!
Recent events have just really set my mind wondering on how amazing my life is. For starters, I saw an old friend last Saturday, and as I drug my feet across the floor to give him a hug, I had to apologize for being so tired. He asked why I was exhausted (it was only 8pm), and I told him I had to wake up to an alarm the past two days and be at the church at 7am for a consignment sale I was helping with. I am not used to too much physical labor (other than what is involved in raising 4 kids on a daily basis) and only wake to an alarm on Sundays. He looked at me and said, "Oh, you're one of those trophies." I laughed, and declared that I was in no way a trophy wife ... but as I began to think about it ... wow ... I
DO have an amazing life.
Yesterday as I lay in bed waiting for Super Dad to tell me breakfast was ready (he goes in late on Thursdays and was making breakfast for everyone), he came in to talk with me as he waited for it to cook. He smiled at me as I sheepishly told him, "You made me this way ya know. You have treated me like a princess for over 17 years ... and I am so spoiled to you." I realized, once again, at that moment, that he is
such an incredible man! I am truly blessed to have him in my life ... forever.
Also, "recently" Super Dad and I decided to cut loose on the apron strings a bit with Drama Queen. After much prayer and consideration, we decided to let her "date." By "date" we mean she is allowed to have a boyfriend. Losing Reagan taught me how to "let go and let God" ... so we took that step of faith. Fortunately, for us and Drama Queen, she has a terrific boyfriend. They started out as friends, grew the relationship into best friends, and after much persistence on his part, they recently began dating. As we were talking Wednesday night, Prince W was "noticing" some of his characteristics and I stopped him for a minute and smirked. I said, "He is exactly like your dad." Drama Queen laughed and stated, 'Which is good because you always say I need someone like Daddy because I am just like you ... and I need someone who will be able to put up with me like Daddy puts up with you." TRUE THAT! But, her relationship has opened my eyes towards other things.
I pointed out to Super Dad this past weekend how "affectionate" Drama Queen is. It made me proud actually to know that we have succeeded in making her comfortable enough in her environment to show someone she "loves" them. Affection wasn't an emotion shown in my house growing up, and I struggled with it for several years. I did not want my children to grow up that way ... and seeing Drama Queen with Prince Charming ... I can tell that we have taught her that it is ok to be affectionate with those you love ... just not too much at this age!
Also, I had to really take notice that my kids are growing up. That is always a sad, but exciting, realization for a parent to make. I've noticed the independent way my children have become ... which I pray they continue with because I am WAY too co-dependent on Super Dad. Sometimes that can be a bad thing. Hopefully they will take a nice piece of both qualities with them down life's path and be nice and rounded there.
Losing Reagan and going through the journey of the past 7 months has shown me that not only do I have the best family in the world (I TRULY love my immediate family more than words could ever express), but I also have such a great circle of friends. Knowing that I have family and friends praying for me and caring for me ... that in itself makes my life amazing! I am delighted in every relationship that God had placed me in ... and I grow everyday from those placed so eloquently around me. "
I thank my God every time I remember you." - Philippians 1:3
Finally, although Super Dad and I have always struggled financially, God has always provided for us. No matter what, He always makes sure we have food, clothing and shelter. His provisions are right on time and He provides what he knows what we need ... and not always what we want. That keeps us humble and I am grateful for that. Again, it keeps my life amazing ... and keeps us richly blessed in His grace.
So, although we may not live an amazing life according to the riches of society and to the levels of others' taste ... I know that we wouldn't change one moment of it. Past circumstances have led us to today and grown us ... individually and together. We have matured together through a life time of trials and joys. Together we have an amazing life. Living in those moments that consistently take our breath away and always remembering to kiss good night. It's the little things every day that add up to the most incredible life in the end.
Every day I wake up to a kiss from the man I love, I spend
quality time with the children I get out of bed for, and I go to bed in the arms of the man I love each night. I could not ask for more. God has blessed me with a surprisingly unbelievable life!
"
Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment."- 1 Timothy 6:17
