"Family faces are magic mirrors. Looking at people who belong to us, we see the past, present and future." --Author Unknown
Apologies for not updating for quite some time. Our family has gone through multiple changes, challenges and chaos. But what is a family without those things? During times of changes, challenges and chaos we are all lucky and blessed to have the bonds of family to help us and guide us through. We keep each other strong, sane and solid. It's almost like magic. Things just sometimes seem to fall into place or workout--even when intelligence tells us that it's over. If I weren't a Christian, I would honestly pan it out to luck or a random act of good fortune. But I know that God is looking out for us daily. And daily I thank Him for all the things that He has brought to our lives. Obviously, I thank Him for the good. The things and situations I consider blessings. But, I also thank Him for the bad. The ugly things and situations that caused stress, anger, frustration and fear of giving up. Now, this is where Christians and non-Christians can agree. The good, the bad and the ugly; make us all stronger on multiple levels and having family close or on the phone can make getting through it easier.
As most of you know, Mike and I are just settling in. Which in some cases could take more than a year to financially and mentally succeed in finally being completely settled. We budget our time, groceries, gas and wants. Money is tight. No, we aren't broke; but we certainly cannot spring for a new car or a fancy, fun vacation either. On top of settling in, we are planning for baby number two. Finances and pregnancies take a toll on marriage and families. And by being aware and educated on those statistics (which I'm not sure of a definite number) we can be open, honest, and expressive of concerns.
Being a military family, we must get used to and accept that "settling in" will be used in our vocabulary every three to four years. And learning to adjust quickly and smoothly will become second nature to us as time progresses. It is important to me, that uprooting my family every so many years, that we are all connected and feel loved and cherished by the other. I know that leaving my home town was exciting but also frightening. Again, it's like magic that I can pick up my phone and call my mom, dad, sister,grandmothers, cousins and friends and vent, ask for advice or just talk without being judged (too harsly) and feel a loving connection. Home is not where you make it, nor is it where your heart is. Home is anywhere you can connect and share feelings and love with family. Whether you're on the phone, Facebook, Skype, or snuggling on the couch.
I look into the face of my daughter I can see my past, my future and my present. And every time I look into her eyes, I can actually see love. The same goes without repeating with my husband. But in his eyes I see how met, where we've been, where we are, and our journey ahead. Mike is my journey and Timberly is my navigation our love and magic makes our vessel-- while our hearts and souls, being linked as one, is the anchor-- holding us in place and preventing us from drifting.
Cherish the moments that you have with your family now, tomorrow, and as long as you can reach into the future. And when the time comes that God calls them home, release the grip from your fingers leaving your arms open to feel the magic and love of God Himself. The Creator of all our families and the Original definition of love.
