Wow, it has been over a week and I have not said much. We are just coasting here at the house. Olivia is having a hard time, she is really tired, hurting off and on and just too hot to get her out. It would really wear her out. But......
Thursday is the day my little girl turns into a teenager. Wow, how did that happen. When you bring that baby home all you can think of ...well...okay, you can't think...the no-sleep fog just surrounds you and it feels like it last forever. And now, 13 years later...such a beautiful, strong, funny, engaging, loving girl. Not a child anymore, not a kid anymore but a young lady.
How blessed I am. We have almost lost her five times, walked through so much, lived through so much and God has allowed her to still be with us. That blessing is enough in itself. But we are getting to see her grow, change and make a difference in her own world. One of my dear friends lost his daughter suddenly last week. 24 years old. I listened to her Mom talk at the funeral and was so impressed. It was pressed upon my heart because she was with her those last few days. They were road tripping together. They had talked, laughed, shared memories, shared moments, shared what she thought might be her future....how many Moms get that. To be there at those last few moments. Though it is bittersweet, her Mom will always have that of her. Those things are blessings of our sweet compassionate Dad, our Heavenly Father.
What a privilege to be Olivia's Mom (or any Mom really), to know her, know her friends, know how she thinks...know how she feels...sure, I am sure I don't know everything but I know all the big stuff and a lot of the little. I get to help her walk through her awkward stage and help her with that, I get to cry with her when she is hurt emotionally or physically, I get to see her laugh, smile and be all that God wants for her right now. I was sitting on my couch the other night and thought how little my Mom and I had together at this age. How little she knew about my life, my heart, my struggles....later on, she was my best friend but before then...she had no clue. It made be so thankful that Olivia allows me to be a part of her life.Thank you Lord for this privilege.
I know there are a lot of birthdays in the summer...it causes us to remember, reflect and be thankful. Today be thankful for the moment. You may only have that moment. God is a great Dad and He wants us to walk with Him through everything....so taking a moment, sometimes if we listen in that moment, we will hear Him and know that this moment meant more than we will ever know.
Love to you all...Happy Summer...I see how many of you are Vacationing...so have fun, be safe and we will talk soon.
In His Grip,
Barb
