I've read through an ENTIRE newspaper!  I haven't sat down for that long in 5 years!  I read it by the hotel fireplace.  I took a nap.  Someone ELSE is cleaning my room!  I've caught up with 2 friends on the phone I haven't talked to in ages.  I've had a devotional time.  I've journaled. 

Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh.

And I have a handy computer in my room so I can log on occasionally and update this blog!  Usually I write here when it's midnight and everyone is finally asleep.  Today I get to take my time. 

This is an especially poignant time to have to reflect, as Memorial Weekend is always tough for Don and I.  It was 5 years ago on this day that Cody was rushed to the E.R. with his first seizure ~ and it was on this day 5 years ago that our lives were shattered.  Anniversaries are hard.  I'm so grateful I have this time to myself where I can shift my focus to the bigger picture, instead of putting out the acute fires of the day.  I can take time to see the global 'big-ness' of how much our lives have changed ~ how much I appreciate just surviving all of this ~ that is a miracle we are still married ~ that is a miracle Cody is still alive ~ that it is a miracle we have a 2nd child who is totally healthy ~ and how much our dear Cody has blessed so many in his 5 years on this planet.  I choose to be grateful today. 

with love, Shawna