You know sometimes in the midst of chaos you can be so incredibly grateful and have absolute peace? In the midst of what is seeming to be a terrible start to our 2024, I was so happy to take Alaina to her first ever concert on Tuesday night. For those that don't know I have been told that I'm being laid off as of 5/16/24. Even though there are plenty of jobs posted at the moment, unless you know someone it's sometimes difficult to even get your resume looked at let alone get an interview. In the chaos and stress and uncertainty I have full peace. God already knows the outcome, he already knew this was coming and hew as not surprised by it like I was. It's in his hands, his timing, and his will. We grow the most when we're pushed out of our comfort zone and embrace change.
I am so thankful that back in September of last year I got tickets for this concert for Alaina's 16th birthday. It was a fun night with just her even though I was nervous about driving downtown by myself, (I really only go downtown with Pat) and having to back into a spot, and being out late, I was excited to get that one on one time with her. Watching her sing her heart out, have a great time, and just spending quality time together filled my cup. I am grateful that even though we didn't know what was coming we had already planned and prepared for this fun night. What made the night even sweeter was the many many times she thanked me for bringing her and going with her 💜.
The day before that, Pat and I got a text from Declan:
"I just wanted to say that I really appreciate you both for helping me achieve my future dream job. I feel like I don't say it enough and I'm not sure how to say it but I love both of you guys for helping me through it all"
😠Teenagers sometimes get a bad rap and I think it's such an awkward stage to be between being a kid and not yet an adult. There are definitely highs and lows but as a friend once told me "when things are lovely, they're really lovely". When things aren't so lovely you hold onto the lovely times like the quality 1:1 time or the sweet texts, or the random hugs, and random gifts they bring home. I will say that Pat and I have been so extremely fortunate to have great kids and it has made the teenage years (so far) mainly a breeze. I love the people they're growing up to be and I will encourage them to follow the path that God has for them. I promise to love, guide, and help them as long as they'll let me and I'll treasure all the lovely times in between, stopping and smelling the roses every chance I get.
Thank you GOD for blessing me!
