Two Years

Two years ago I was blessed immeasurably more than I could've ever imagined with the arrival of my twin sons.  I had been overwhelmed as I readied myself for the addition of two boys to our family of four; honestly, I'm at a loss in trying to describe it and the journey with them even now.  I had known that this chapter of my life would involve an incredible leap of faith because there was no way that I'd be able to go forward on my own strength.    


I feel as though I have been entrusted with a hugely significant blessing as mother of these four boys.  Certainly, as I've heard many say so many times, I have my hands full.  I have come to a place of recognizing that, in sharing this journey with my family and friamily, my hands are not the only ones that have been filled.   There is a lot of love and joy in this journey.  

I am filled with a vast dichotomy of emotions as I watch my two year olds; life has been busy and (admittedly still) overwhelming at times, and yet, essentially and overwhelmingly, I feel blessed.  


The gift of children is unfathomably amazing.  


The gift of life is amazing.  I am never far from the knowledge of the critical nature of those pulmonary emboli; I do not take this healing for granted. I recognize that there was a time when I wasn't certain of what the future would hold; I am filled with thankfulness that I am here to hold these two boys. As I have been able to sing Happy Birthday to each of my sons on their birthdays, I realize that these moments, too, are a blessing.  There is so much to celebrate. 

May 2010

 May 2011

May 2012

multiply [ˈmʌltɪˌplaɪ] vb -plies, -plying, -plied 1. to increase or cause to increase in number, quantity, or degree 2. (Mathematics) (tr) to combine (two numbers or quantities) by multiplication 3. (intr) to increase in number by reproduction [from Old French multiplier, from Latin multiplicāre to multiply, from multus much, many + plicāre to fold] multipliable , multiplicable adj blessing - a desirable state; "enjoy the blessings of peace"; boon, good fortune (an auspicious state resulting from favorable outcomes), mercy - something for which to be thankful.

The pages of the last two years of my life are filled with interesting, complicated, challenging, and awesome moments and stories.  What God has done, what has come from brokenness, and what is promised in the days to come is nothing short of what I'd consider miraculous.  And when I look at these two precious little men, I am amazed at the miracles they are... they are a reflection of a blessing multiplied.   I tried to start composing some of those deep thoughts that I've had about the unexpected, about the significance of change and about how I believe that every part of the journey is meaningful: beginning, process, and destination.  However, more than anything, the thoughts - and the hope - I long to share ultimately come in the form of a blessing: that in every season of this life you may also find yourself experiencing blessings multiplied.   Mercy unto you, and peace, and love, be multiplied. Jude 1:2 KJV

Seven Years

"The absolute simplicity. That's what I love. When you're climbing your mind is clear and free from all confusions. You have focus. And suddenly the light becomes sharper, the sounds are richer and you're filled with the deep, powerful presence of life." ~ Seven Years in Tibet


Way back in 1997 (when I had time for such things as movies that were not made by Pixar), I watched a film called Seven Years in Tibet.  One of the most important elements of the movie is not the plot per se but rather how much the main character is transformed by his experience and his relationships in Tibet.


On May 1st, exactly seven years after landing in Fort McMurray with a six-month-old Nate in arms, we finally heard from the relocation agent.  Despite the delays, it appears that the process of moving has begun.  I am still grappling with leaving this community and these families that I love so much.  And in all of the unknowns, I am taking every moment to celebrate the blessings of having had these seven years here, of the beautiful friends who surround me, of the progressing good health that seems to be returning to me - all gifts of immeasurable value.


***


My health is not yet where it once was yet it is amazing how quickly I have become complacent about the very breaths that once seemed so agonizing to find.  Somewhere in the midst of the getting sick - getting treatment - seeking out medical advice - beginning new medications and progressively getting better, I've almost taken things for granted.  Almost.  I doubt that I will ever take the gift of life without great thankfulness ever again for I know that our days and our hours measured out.  And yet when I consider all of these deep and meaningful things, I cannot help but also notice how joyfully my boys contentedly play in our backyard without weighing out such matters of significance.

The perspective and understanding of a child is a beautiful thing.  

I cannot help but feel blessed as I get to experience the world through the eyes of four amazing little men.  Particularly when life seems to be woven with threads of hard times, challenges, and sorrows, the way my boys perceive the world with such joy is a point of healing for me.   There is much to be said about the faith of a child.  There is much to be said about how precious life is.  

From the beginnings of spring to the laughter of a toddler, hope can be found in the most unexpected - and marvelous - places.