Goodbyes

Those of you who know me know my family has had to say enough goodbyes this year. My mother died suddenly in April. Then three weeks later my dad passed as well. It has been the hardest and most eye opening time of my life. I miss them so much everyday and it's very hard to explain to my three and four year olds where "mamaw and papaw" are. I tell them they are in heaven with God, but sometimes the questions that come along with that are impossible to answer on a toddler level. Yet, in this time of grieve and a deep longing just to talk to them one last time, has come a greater appreciation for the small things in life that I used to take for granted everyday. On my long drives to work I take a second and take in the splendor of a beautiful sunrise instead of cursing under my breath at traffic. Or, I stay in the kids' rooms an extra five minutes just to watch their little faces light up as they tell me a story or sing me an extra song, when before I just wanted them to go to bed so I could have some "me" time. Through this loss, I have learned that God is the great comforter and that tomorrow is not guaranteed. I try to let everyone I know how much I love them and appreciate them. For all of you who have stood by me and supported me thus far, thank you! Your love and kindness and the grace of God has kept me from losing my sanity. Also, I wanted to ask everyone to pray for Dr. John Franklin's family this week. He is a plastic surgeon that I work with who was killed in a tragic car accident yesterday. He has two sons and three grandchildren who need all the love they can get. He will be missed not only in the medical community, but as a friend and a brother in Christ. See you on the other side Dr. Franklin! Tell Mom, Dad, and Bridget I said hello and we miss them more than words can say! That meeting in air will be sooo sweet!