Today marks my second wedding anniversary to my husband, and I remember the wedding day as if it were yesterday. At this time, my bridesmaids and I were getting dressed and the photographer was arriving to take photos. I posed with my parents, my nieces and nephew, my grandparents and each of my bridesmaids and matron of honor.
Then, it was off to the church where Father Dan gave us a beautiful, energetic ceremony. As I said my vows, it was like an outer body experience filling my emotions with nerves and excitement all at the same time. After thousands of pictures, we were off to the reception and danced until literally my hip popped out of the socket. It was a perfect day, minus the injury.
Over these past two years, we've had our ups and downs, but I can honestly say that it's been a wonderful ride that I never want to end. He truly is my best friend, and I can't wait to spend the rest of our days together. I love you!
Tuesday, June 26, 2012
Taken too soon
This morning I attended the funeral of a young teen who will never have the chance to grow up. To be able to aspire to do great things. To carry out those aspirations. Get married. Raise a family, or grow old. It's a story that has affected me more than I can truly express into words.
My heart aches as I think of her parents who can remember as if it were yesterday the day they held her in their arms for the first time. They were proud of the young person she was becoming. Over this past weekend, through the stories that were told, I feel like I got to know this young girl who was beautiful, quirky and kind. She also had an enormous heart.
You never know what to say to the family and friends of someone who has passed away. "I'm so sorry" just doesn't cut it. "He or she lived a long life" is like a knife to the back, and "at least she's at peace" can only be interpreted as a slap in the face. No, no words seem to be comforting enough. No phrase will ever erase the pain that the loved ones feel. But when it is a child who was taken tragically, the loss of words is almost unbearable. Every word you say seems wrong the instant its said out loud. No amount of comfort will ever bring their baby back.
During yesterday's homily, the priest spoke of the life that the young teen led and the impact she had on the hundreds of people assembled in the church. He spoke of the joy she brought to her parents and siblings and friends, and he spoke of the wonderful job her parents did raising her to perfection in God's eyes that lead to her being called home at such a young age - before she really had a chance to live. But one common theme that was heard was that this young lady lived her short life to the fullest.
If there's one thing that I have taken with me, it's that I will honor her life by living my life to the fullest and making the most of the precious time that I have here on earth. I truly will "Dance as though no one is watching."
My heart aches as I think of her parents who can remember as if it were yesterday the day they held her in their arms for the first time. They were proud of the young person she was becoming. Over this past weekend, through the stories that were told, I feel like I got to know this young girl who was beautiful, quirky and kind. She also had an enormous heart.
You never know what to say to the family and friends of someone who has passed away. "I'm so sorry" just doesn't cut it. "He or she lived a long life" is like a knife to the back, and "at least she's at peace" can only be interpreted as a slap in the face. No, no words seem to be comforting enough. No phrase will ever erase the pain that the loved ones feel. But when it is a child who was taken tragically, the loss of words is almost unbearable. Every word you say seems wrong the instant its said out loud. No amount of comfort will ever bring their baby back.
During yesterday's homily, the priest spoke of the life that the young teen led and the impact she had on the hundreds of people assembled in the church. He spoke of the joy she brought to her parents and siblings and friends, and he spoke of the wonderful job her parents did raising her to perfection in God's eyes that lead to her being called home at such a young age - before she really had a chance to live. But one common theme that was heard was that this young lady lived her short life to the fullest.
If there's one thing that I have taken with me, it's that I will honor her life by living my life to the fullest and making the most of the precious time that I have here on earth. I truly will "Dance as though no one is watching."
Monday, June 11, 2012
Life can Change in an Instant
It's amazing when that maternal gene makes herself known to you, and you all of a sudden realize just how much you want to be a mother. For some, it happens unexpectedly and for others it develops over time. For me, it was more gradual, and then in an instant it became all I can think about.
In high school, health instructors teach you that if you have sex, you get pregnant. And for some that statement is true, but for others, you learn that the body is much more complicated, and there are many factors that can prevent this dream from occurring in an instant. It's a long process that has its ups and downs, heartaches and excitements, but in the end, you realize that what's meant to be will be, and it's really out of your control. Fate has a way of taking the reigns and you just have to let go and try to enjoy the ride.
It's that same fate that can change your life dramatically in an instant. This past weekend, two young teenagers decided to walk into a busy street to get to the other side, but fate changed their lives and the lives of their families forever. They were critically injured by a vehicle and now fight for their lives. I did not know these girls personally, but the one was very close to a good friend of mine, and her parents are my acquaintances. When I heard the news, a pit in my stomach the size of a pumpkin developed and it hasn't found its way out. I just keep thinking about how unfair life can be. I can't stop thinking and praying for the two girls whose lives have really just begun, and for their parents who love them unconditionally and whose hearts are broken as they pray for miracles.
A mother dreams of the day she can hold her baby in her arms. From the minute she decides she wants a baby to the second she finds out she's pregnant, through the nine months she carries her baby in her womb, to the day her baby's born. And then she worries that her child will be safe and that the lessons she teaches her will be enough to make her a strong and wonderful human being.
As I sit here I can't help but question why bad things happen to good people. I pray with everything I have that a miracle will happen and that these young teens will recover and go on to live long, healthy lives, and that what happened this past weekend will turn out to be a bad memory, but one with a life lesson that both girls can take with them as they grow old. I pray for their families that they can get through this dark hour, and be strong for their daughters. I'm praying and will continue to pray for their miracle.
In high school, health instructors teach you that if you have sex, you get pregnant. And for some that statement is true, but for others, you learn that the body is much more complicated, and there are many factors that can prevent this dream from occurring in an instant. It's a long process that has its ups and downs, heartaches and excitements, but in the end, you realize that what's meant to be will be, and it's really out of your control. Fate has a way of taking the reigns and you just have to let go and try to enjoy the ride.
It's that same fate that can change your life dramatically in an instant. This past weekend, two young teenagers decided to walk into a busy street to get to the other side, but fate changed their lives and the lives of their families forever. They were critically injured by a vehicle and now fight for their lives. I did not know these girls personally, but the one was very close to a good friend of mine, and her parents are my acquaintances. When I heard the news, a pit in my stomach the size of a pumpkin developed and it hasn't found its way out. I just keep thinking about how unfair life can be. I can't stop thinking and praying for the two girls whose lives have really just begun, and for their parents who love them unconditionally and whose hearts are broken as they pray for miracles.
A mother dreams of the day she can hold her baby in her arms. From the minute she decides she wants a baby to the second she finds out she's pregnant, through the nine months she carries her baby in her womb, to the day her baby's born. And then she worries that her child will be safe and that the lessons she teaches her will be enough to make her a strong and wonderful human being.
As I sit here I can't help but question why bad things happen to good people. I pray with everything I have that a miracle will happen and that these young teens will recover and go on to live long, healthy lives, and that what happened this past weekend will turn out to be a bad memory, but one with a life lesson that both girls can take with them as they grow old. I pray for their families that they can get through this dark hour, and be strong for their daughters. I'm praying and will continue to pray for their miracle.
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