Perspective

(my feelings after hearing someone speak of another family that was "worse off" than her family, our family etc.)

There is always going to be someone that is "worse off than you".

I know I've said that before.

But what does it mean exactly?

Does it mean that we aren't supposed to "feel bad" for a situation we might find ourselves in?

Does it give us a different perspective on various things?

In the past 12 1/2 years we have dealt with 3 premature births (all 30 weeks), my mother with breast cancer, my cousin with breast cancer, my grandmother in law with breast cancer, my father with colon cancer and a surgery not what we expected, 5 + years and counting of chronic migraines for a child that just turned 10, surgery for Chris that ended up infected requiring disability leave, cellulitis more times than I care to count, 4 surgeries for me, doing CPR on our bedroom floor on our 10 week old daughter, months in the hospital, a Nana with dementia who no longer knows us and can't care for herself in anyway, the death of my Papa, life threatening allergic reactions, various medical issues for Chris PLUS all the "normal" medical stuff that comes with 4 kids.

I've got the right perspective. I don't need to switch places with someone who is "worse off than me". I know how fragile life is. I know what it is like to have a child in pain. I vividly remember finding my daughter grey and limp in her crib. I remember, like it was yesterday, being told they didnt' think L. would make it through the day. I can remember making the phone calls to family.

I feel for those that are "worse off". I really do.

I am thankful all of my children, under their own power, will get up in the morning. I really am.

And if you find a new perspective by looking at someone who is "worse off than you" I'm happy for you. I really am.

But please understand that our life hasn't been easy. I don't need to walk in someone elses shoes who are "worse off" than us because I get it. All of those emotions of the past 12 1/2 years are still here. Still present and still as raw as they were on those days. Please understand that I am not complaining because I wouldn't trade my kids or my family for the world. Please realize that you don't fully know our "perspective on life" because you weren't here when the bulk of it happened. And by that I mean physically here, in our home, by our sides. You knew of the happenings here with conversations over the phone.

I would change very little in my life. All the things we have gone through have changed us as people. Changed us as husband and wife, as mother and father and as friends. They have made us better and for that I will forever be thankful.

Where is God?

I was asked what my relationship with God was in a previous post. Its not a question I've been asked before. I'm finally putting my answer into words. To anyone that reads here: this is not a post to be debated. These are my personal beliefs and in no particular order.



I was raised Catholic.



I believe in God.



I am no longer a Catholic. This was an informed choice I made as an adult.



I don't have an opinion that one religion is better than another.



I pray. Every day.



I believe the ultimate destiny of an individual is set before they step foot on this earth regardless of how they believe they got here.

I don't rely on God to direct me every day because I feel his "answers" to my prayers and believe he has forseen my future and has already put me in that right direction.

I believe my god is open minded, accepts people for what and who they are.

I believe my god offers forgivness with no strings attached.

I do not feel the need to gather with a congregation.

I have never, and never will, believe that my beliefs are the "only way". That "my way" is the only way to heaven or that someone elses beliefs are any less than mine.

Simple Things

4 sick kids

no overlapping days

over the course of 3 weeks

14 school days in session, total of 12 missed between the 4.

movies, games, chitter chatter, homework, hot cocoa.

Simple things to fill the days.

Simple things that we tend to overlook on busy days.

I hate having my kids sick but I realized how I LOVE the simple things we do together when they are. I am back down to 1 mug in the morning....simple but not as fun as two.