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Saturday, November 27, 2010

Surreal….

So, my life seems surreal right now.  It is going in slow motion but is going way to fast at the same time.  It seems so strange to think that in just over a week, Aaron will be gone for 6 months.  Something about Tuesday did it for me.  He had less than 2 weeks left.  I have been super emotional since then.  Wednesday was my birthday, Thursday was Thanksgiving, yesterday was Christmas Eve and today is Christmas day.  I now understand why I am so tired!

 

I know this is late, but I have so many things to be thankful for.  At the top of my list is my Heavenly Father who is always mindful of me and my needs.  I don’t know how he does it, but he always seems to give me the strength to keep going, even when I think I am done.  A lot of unexpected things have happened lately.  But, somehow, I am able to keep my head held high and most of the time smile through it all.  Most of the time…..

Next, and a little fresh on my mind, I am SO thankful for AaronHe is my hero.  I must have done something very right in my life to deserve such an awesome man as him.  Don’t get me wrong, he’s not perfect :) – but – he’s perfect for me.  It’s amazing to see my love for him change and grow.  We have been together for more than 10 years now and I love him more than I ever thought possible.  I love him!  I am SO proud of him and his dedication to his patients and our country!  My heart will go with him when he leaves and I will not feel complete until he comes home.

Next, I’m so thankful for my kids.  4 sweet spirits that the Lord has trusted me to raise.  They challenge me and melt my heart daily.  I can be steaming mad one minute and so full of love and compassion the next.  There is no greater calling for me in this life than to be there mother!  I love each of them for their strengths and weaknesses.  My hope is that they grow and learn and always do what the Lord would have them do.

My family.  Blessed.  Immediate, extended and married in to!  2 very awesome parents.  My love for them has grown since leaving Utah.  I have never been more aware of the comfort, concern and love that they have for me.  Anything I ask, they will do.  I couldn’t ask for more.  2 awesome brothers.  Josh and I don’t see eye to eye on just about anything, but he is still my brother.  I hope that he will one day realize that the one thing he is looking for has been at his fingertips the whole time.  He just needs to grab it.  I love you Josh!

Justin.  He’s been gone for 23 years.  But, I feel his presence more lately than I ever have.  I know he is lifting me.  Holding me when I cry.  Smiling at me when I find the ability to laugh at myself.  I am SO grateful I am living right enough to be able to feel of his spirit when he is near.  He would have just celebrated his 32nd birthday.  I wish I could remember just 1 that I celebrated with him.  I look forward to the day when I can put my arms around him and thank him for his comfort and help in my life.

My in-laws.  It’s taken a while for us to get where we are.  But, I am very thankful for the man that they raised my husband to be.  For the grandparents that they are to our children and even though it hasn’t been easy, there has never been a time that they weren’t willing and ready to love and help us.  Please, know of my love for you.  I know I am not the easiest person to get along with, but thank you for trying.  I love Aaron and your grandchildren with all my heart.  Thank you for seeing that!

You!  Being in the military, I have met so may people that have molded and shaped me into the awesome person I am today.  My life would not be complete and full without you.  Good or bad.  Happy or sad.  Each situation, girls night out, serious discussion, gospel conversation or even cry sessions has truly blessed my life.  This Holiday season – please know that my thoughts and prayers are with you.  I count myself very fortunate to be counted as your friend.  Thank you for your support and love.  Encouraging words, prayers, notes in the mail, text messages, phone calls or even the occasional package.  I know I am not the easiest person to be around, but thank you for sticking in there.  You mean more to me than you will ever know.

My one request is this:  This Holiday season, as you spend time with your family, please treasure every moment.  I would give almost anything to be able to spend the holidays with my family.  Aaron and extended.  I imagine this will be a very hard Christmas for me.  I wish I wouldn’t have taken advantage of all the previous Christmases when I was surrounded by our families.  Don’t take a single moment for granted.  Thank you for being a part of my life! 

Merry Christmas!!

5 comments:

alisa said...

Merry Christmas friend! I am praying that this time passes QUICKLY for you! We appreciate Aaron and his sacrafice for our country and we appreciate your family for the sacrifices you are making too. It has not gone unnoticed. Love you!

Mom4ever said...

^Agreed!

Thanks for sharing yourself and your family with us! <3

Shelby and Johnny Family said...

Oh! such a sweet post. makes me miss you more than ever! glad we get to see you in february. it's really only 2 months away!i hope that you have a good time with all the short time you have left. talk to you soon!

Melissa, Ethan, and Julianne said...

Thank you for your wonderful thoughts!!! I pray that you, Aaron, and your family will be watched over and blessed as Aaron is away from you.

Unknown said...

Merry Christmas! My Aaron just got back from a six month deployment as well. Ugh. I was very emotional before he left too, once it really hit me that he was going to be gone. Then, surprisingly, I was just as bad the few weeks before he came home. Why is that? I have no idea. I was excited I guess. He just got home on Friday night.
You will survive!