Our Five Ring Circus: Counting My Blessings

Wednesday, January 20, 2010

Counting My Blessings

Over the weekend, a local boy died unexpectedly in his sleep. He was just 6 years old. A normal, healthy boy went to bed and never woke up.

When I first heard the news, I was shocked, and saddened. One thought immediately hit me. "This could have been us."

This morning was the funeral. The funeral home is just a block away from Dylan's school, and as I was driving home, I saw the family coming out. I immediately burst into tears, my heart breaking for this family. I can't even imagine the nightmare that they are living.

As I was driving, I cried for the family, cried for the boy, and prayed.

Today, I vowed to stop taking things for granted, because life can change in the blink of an eye. I vowed to savor each moment, and love my kids with every ounce of my being.

I made sure to hug my kids, look them in their eyes, and tell them just how much they were loved.

I chose to snuggle on the couch with Lexie instead of cleaning my floors. The floors can wait.

I chose to hold Dylan in my arms and read to him instead of cleaning up the dishes. The dishes can wait.

I chose to listen...to really listen... to what my kids had to say, instead of listening with one ear while doing something else.

Life is all about these moments. There will always be a staggering list of things to do, but what truly matters is your loved ones.

I choose to embrace each and every moment, good or bad, and be grateful that I HAVE these moments.

There will always be chores to do.

There will always be bills to pay.

There will always be work to do.

There will always be places to go and things to do.

People matter.

I vow to live IN the moment, and love them with all my heart.

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I am blessed.

9 comments:

  1. Wow. I don't know what else to say. That poor family.

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  2. Once again, you have me in tears.

    What a terrible thing for that family.

    As terrible as it is, I think things like this can serve as a wake-up call for us.

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  3. I had a similar moment earlier this week that had me thinking the exact same things, Stef. We had a little health scare with Ellis that left me squeezing my children, playing more games with them, and leaving my "chores" undone for the time being to just BE with them.

    I'm so sorry to hear of this family's sudden loss. I'll keep them in my prayers.

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  4. I didn't hear that story but I have heard of a lot of other tragic stories recently in the area in the last month. A lot of them dealing with the death of children. I also had a moment yesterday just like you because of all this. I just keep thinking time is passing by all too quickly with my kids being little and happy and healthy...

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  5. What a terrible thing to happen to that family!
    They are in my prayers.
    I love the rest of your post and I need to be reminded now and then to think the same way.

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  6. how terribly sad!!

    what a great reminder...thanks for sharing

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  7. Good for you! Cherish what you have!

    --Lisa

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  8. You certainly are in the right place. You are blessed and you want to bless them.

    UR doing a fine job, mom. God bless you all.

    Nannette

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