Gratitude

It's been over a week since I last posted. I had a goal of a picture a day. But this last week has kept my thoughts else where.

You see, I spent part of my Mother's Day with 4 small children who had lost their young mom just two days before. It's a Mother's Day I won't ever forget. For it was a day that made me so grateful to go home and clean up those same messes I clean up every day. Those fingerprints on my sliding glass door didn't bother me that day. And I was most happy to be able to kiss my sleeping children that night.

I always joke that Mother's Day is my "day off". But I didn't have that same feeling this year.

Not only did the faces of these young kids affect me forever, but so did their mom. I am so grateful for her example. I've never seen someone fight as hard as she did to conquer that ugly disease. And I've never seen someone with so much grace and love. You would never know that she was hurting inside. Her body started to fail her and she was still filled with great faith. Any time I went to her house with dinner or to pick up kids to play, she was always more concerned with me, and my time.

On Monday night, Scott wasn't home and the kids were in bed. I decided to go to her family blog (www.sixstephens.blogspot.com) and read about life before things became so grim (she had been actively fighting this cancer for two and half years). I came across some things that she said that are full of so much wisdom, faith and love.

And a message to her husband on their last anniversary:

And this one I love because it shows her fun personality. She wrote this last Mother's Day.

I took the opportunity to type these up and frame them for her family, as well as wrap her kids in "heavenly" blankets for when they need a hug from mom.

My heart will continue to hurt for this family she had to leave behind. With my current calling in church, they are constantly on my mind. I pray that the Lord (and Bri) will guide me. Once you become a mother, there is always a fear that you won't have the opportunity to completely raise your children. It's hard to watch this reality happen. My love is with these sweet children.

I will forever be grateful to Bri. She has changed me as a person. She has helped me put life in perspective of what's truly important. She has made me a better mom, to enjoy and be grateful for every moment (good and frustrating) with my children. She has made me a better member of the church, to have faith and gratitude for every single blessing. And she has made me a better wife to my sweet husband.

Life is precious! Squeeze and kiss those you love often!