Gratitude and Grace for the journey.

We go through difficult times in life so that we are better prepared to help others through similar challenges. Ten years ago today, my late husband took his last breath on earth and promoted to heaven. It was not a road any of us would have chosen, but it was one we were called to walk to pave the way for others who would also face a similar journey. It is said that your greatest tragedy can lead to your destiny. This has been true.
10 years can seem like a very short time or a very long time depending on your perspective. When we review all of the changes our family and our country 🇺🇲 have been through, it's hard to believe it has only been 10 years. But at other times, it can seem like only yesterday. 
A few years ago, I visited a friend and family who were also facing his last days due to cancer. We discussed being thrust into living in surreality. He passed the following week and I knew and felt deeply what they are experiencing with his loss. And some dear friends just lost their Dad this week. 
How we face unexpected dark times will determine how we heal and grow from them. I've personally found that an attitude of gratitude and looking for opportunities to serve others have been some keys to moving forward. We can be angry about the years we didn't have or grateful for the time we did have. We chose to be grateful for Faith, family, and friends. 

FAITH - because we have an eternal hope. We know that our prayers for Bryan's healing were answered - but in a different way than expected - with his complete healing. When you sit with someone who has been in so much pain and watch him take his final breath, and see the peace come over him, it is life-changing. Faith keeps us able to move on. The Bible tells us we are able to comfort others with the comfort we have received from God and that He will give us a peace that passes all understanding when we trust Him.

FAMILY - I'm so proud of our kids. Since Bryan passed, our son and middle daughter have graduated college with business degrees, have both married, and are living and working in Oregon. Our youngest daughter also graduated college with honors and is living and working in Texas and just got engaged. I'm grateful that the kids have been able to keep moving forward even though they would not have chosen to lose their dad at a young age. They have preservered with grace and dignity.
I was blessed to meet and marry a lovely gentleman named Geoff (even though neither of us were looking when we met 😉) and we share faith, values, and work together in our business, helping people daily. My parents have been very supportive as have his. And I often pray for Bryan's family as they continue to deal with his loss. 🙏🙏🙏

FRIENDS  - I cannot begin to describe the gratitude I feel for so many of you who have walked with us on our journey. Your love, encouragement, kind words and prayers have meant more than you may ever know. Back to the thought that we go through things so that we can help others. Through this journey I've been uniquely equipped to help young widows, military spouses dealing with separation due to deployment, single moms, women veterans, those who have remarried, and business owners. Many have crossed my path over the past 10 years and I pray that in some way, I have been a blessing in their lives. 

We have no idea of the incredible glory that Bryan, and so many others who died believing in Christ, are experiencing for eternity. It really puts into perspective how short our time is on earth and reminds us to make the most of every day we have. Today Matters.

This day is a special day of remembrance. It is also a day for reflection and looking to the future filled with gratitude and grace. 
Faith. Family. Friends. <3
With love and gratitude for you.
Blessings,
Diane 💕
#BlessedandGrateful
#faithfamilyfriends