Humbling Thoughts

It's been a while since I've posted here.  I didn't feel like I had anything worth while to write about.  Until this past weekend.

A family that we are friends with had a terrible tragedy.  I was shocked when the announcement was made over the pulpit at church of their loss.  I couldn't believe it and felt somewhat numb like it hadn't really sunk in - Their three year old grandson was accidentally run over in a parking lot and killed.  He was a beautiful little boy full of energy who was constantly on the go.  This family holds close to them the knowledge that they will one day be reunited with their son/grandson/nephew on the other side.  They know that he is in a better place and free of any pain.  I am grateful to have this peace in my heart, of knowing that they will be reunited one day and that death is not the end.

I attended the funeral of this sweet little boy and sat next to my mother and father-in-law.  Karen (MIL) showed me her pile of Kleenex and I told her I had some too if she needed it.  I thought to myself that I was going to be just fine.  That this wasn't my child, wasn't a child that I knew hardly, but that I mourned for the family.  However, the minute they brought the itty bitty Hurst by in front of me, with his little shoes resting on top, the rains came pouring down!  How fragile this life is, how we need to enjoy each moment, how I need to hug my children a little bit tighter and tell them I love them dearly even more often than I already do.  Life passes us in a blink of an eye and for this little boy, it was cut even shorter.  The funeral was beautiful.  This little boy's mother sang a beautiful song and lullaby - how she was able to get through it, I'll never know.  His aunts sang a children's song, and another aunt played a beautiful lullaby on the piano.  I cried like I haven't cried in an extremely long time! 

The reason I write of this event is because it reminds me how grateful I am to know that Jacey is receiving a service dog.  Every day, both at home and in public, I fear she will somehow get away from us and something is going to happen.  This winter, she managed to get away from Judd in a crowded church hall.  He found her standing out in the middle of the parking lot in sub zero temperatures without her coat on.  It brings me back to how important it is for me to never let her go, but as she gets older, bigger, and stronger, the fight to hold onto her gets more intense.  I am so thrilled to receive a service dog that we will be able to tether her to for her safety and my sanity.  This reality of coming comforts is only made possible because of people like you who helped us achieve our fundraising goal.

I pray that I will never have to bury one of my children.  I pray that this family that I speak of will find peace in their hearts.  And I pray for my children's safety.  This experience has given me an increased appreciation for my children and for each of their individual personalities.  I appreciate Jacey and for her increased desire to want to be near me.  Might we all go to our children, whether they are young or old, and give them a hug and let them know of our love for them.  My children are one of the biggest blessings in my life and I want them to see my feelings in my actions.  Life is too short to let anything get in the way of spending time with those we love. 

I'm going to go give my children another kiss goodnight...