Life Happens

Every time I thought to sit down and write a post .... life happened!
 
Last week, I had the perfect post all written (in my head, of course) and that didn't seem to get me anywhere.  So here it goes ...
 
I had 2 evenings in a row last week that had Mr. Robert William Connor shining his light so bright.  I felt him so very close to me that at times it brought tears to my eyes.

 

Bryn says, "Mom, can I please stay with Erin a little longer ... I just LOVE her!"

One evening, my Mom and I, with Brynzlee in tow, drove to the famous Beef House to meet my brother Nathan, SIL, Robert's brother Jake, his girlfriend and their son Kaz for dinner.  We met to "give back" Bryn even though if it was up to me, I would've kept her just a little longer (although I know her Mom wouldn't allow that)! There was a moment during that dinner that I looked around the table at all of these members of my family and felt so very blessed.  The moment that I had both Bryn and Kaz in my hands, I couldn't help but think how proud Robert is of these two very special babies and how he was the lucky one that held them in his arms before sending them here to join us. These two children are two of the reasons that keep me going each day. They are gifts from God that comfort me and help me cope through losing my best friend. 

Proud aunt with Bryn and Kaz

The next evening, 4 of my wonderful friends from college and I met up in Sprinfield for dinner. We usually try to see each other at least twice a year, and this was a special added on visit.  My precious friend, Courtney, tragically lost both of her parents a week apart from each other this past fall.  All of us girls wanted to get together to help lift her spirits a bit. I can't even begin to describe how much I enjoyed the talks we had in the car on the way to Springfield and on the way home.  It's so comforting to discuss feelings, cry, and simply be true with each other.  Grief is hard.  That's the end of the story.  Everyone grieves differently and you never know when it's going to come back at you.  Through our talks, I felt I've moved farther in my grief journey to discuss matters with her, but I also felt she helped me so much.  As much as I hate having grief in common, it's so nice to have someone so close to have these discussions with.  Sometimes you just need an outlet to talk to.  Of course, I enjoyed visiting with the 3 other wonderful ladies that evening! We need dinner dates a little more often. 

Some pretty amazing ladies

 

Gotta have the selfie :)

After these two evenings, I just couldn't help but be thankful for all that God has blessed me with.  I try to choose life and happiness most days to help me continue to move through my journey.  Two nights full of a table of family and a table of close friends were what I needed to help me realize the gifts God has given me. It reminds of the song my Martina McBride "Anyway"

"God in great but sometimes life ain't good.
When I pray, it doesn't always turn out like I think it should.
But, I do it anyway"

Martina is right, sometimes life just sucks, but we have to pick ourselves up. We must focus on the positives and choose to live.  After all, we're only given one life to live!