I have been distant from this blog. I have been pondering on how life slowly moves forward and how we don't realize the change until long after. I recently reflected on my life when my kiddos were young and when Jan was alive. It seems like yesterday yet I seem so different now than I did then. I know we are all on a path. We are all growing to become something, right? So years later, will we look back and think "I made the right decisions at the time I made them"? I feel I will. I feel very blessed. I have had pain, sorrow, and suffering. I have questioned some of the challenges in life and like many, I have welcomed an early departure if one were to come; however, I also have realized that God blesses us with challenges to stretch us and make us grow. The refinement process is hot with lots of hammering. It reminds me of this image where I don't want to change and Heavenly Father breaks out the torch after making a lot of subtle attempts at helping me want to change on my own.
This holiday season I look at my growing family as my kids have little families of their own and I feel so incredibly grateful to be along for the ride. I wish Jan and Justin were here to see their kids later in life.
Claire is now 11. She is incredibly tall for her age. She wears a 8.5 in a woman's shoe size. She is about 5'1". I think Jan would smile at this.
As I reflect on 2025 I am grateful for my family. I am thankful for the challenges in life which have stretched me and forced my growth. I am grateful for the support my family and friends give and for the opportunities we have to make different choices tomorrow as we start anew.
Until later -
