Today is one of those days where I had a blog post in mind, and then I decided to change it…about three or four times I decided to change it. My heart and mind are preoccupied, and sometimes it is just easier to get words out rather than keep them in.
Good vibes are most welcomed for my family.
Last night Sam texted me before I went in to teach my night class. His momma could sure use your well-wishes, your prayers, and good vibes as she fights pneumonia. Ginger has been on our hearts and minds since last night, and to be quite honest, we can’t stop thinking of her, wishing we could do more for her. My mother-in-law is one of a kind. When I first met her, she thanked me for taking her son to church. She is sweet, caring, and she loves all of her kids, son and daughters-in-law, grandkids, and friends very much.
My mother-in-law and most of my family on Sam’s side reside up north, and we are here in southern Illinois. At times, this is a challenge as our lives get busy and we don’t get to visit as often as we’d like. Recently we have had the chance to spend a lot of time with my in-laws. They attended Sam’s graduation from This Able Veteran. It was at the graduation send-off that my then soon-to-be-mother-in-law heard her son speak of his struggles with PTSD and memories of war. We held hands during the ceremony and cried tears of happiness as he opened up about how thankful he was to be able to start a journey of healing that allowed him to find the person he was before the war.
Ginger and Ed were also with us during our wedding in Florida. Along with my parents and our kiddos (Memphis, too), we celebrated our wedding, ate some delicious food, and traveled around the Destin area together. Those memories we have captured in photos and in our hearts. We’ve also had time to visit with them at Giant City (over delicious food), various events for This Able Veteran, and even dinner at one of our favorite places, Walt’s pizza.
We all have various support systems, but for some of us, our parents are that very core of support. I know that I have been so fortunate to have the support of my own parents, Jim and Mary, for well, all of my life. They have been with me through thick and thin, and I know that Ed and Ginger have been there for Sam and all of their children as well.
I encourage you to take the time to talk to your loved ones, spend some time with them, and enjoy their company–whether it be in person or via FaceTime, let them know you are present and that you support them.
Sending lots of love, good vibes, positive energy, and prayers up to Eureka today.
Our parents might be some of our biggest cheerleaders—Navarre Beach, June 14, 2016. <3