5.7.13

Tuesday, May 7, 2013

Camp outs.
Star gazing.
Cuddling.
Adventures.
Tan skin.
Light hair.
Fruit.
Snow cones.
Long drives with windows down.
Swimsuits.
The lake.
New pictures for my picture wall.
Running through sprinklers.
Staying out late.
Running in the sunshine.
Tan lines.
Hikes.

here's to summer 2013.
it couldn't come fast enough,
but...
i have a feeling it'll be the best one yet.


day at the lake: summer 2012


5.6.13

Monday, May 6, 2013

Hello lovelies.
I've had a great day today, and hopefully the same goes for y'all.
I have been thinking today about one thing in particular- something I would like to share with you readers and fellow bloggers.

I had such a great day yesterday. But as some of you know, nights are sorta hard for me.
Last night, I went to bed scared of having bad dreams.
 I didn't want to sleep.
I couldn't get comfortable.
My mind was racing a million miles a minute.
I was going through memories- good and bad- that took me back to the best and the worst times of my life.
I missed Devin.
I missed Vance.
I cried. A lot.
I prayed, even more than I cried.
And that's how I fell asleep last night.
You can imagine, I woke up feeling pretty groggy. But my day progressed, and so did my attitude.
I took a nap in my big, cozy bed after school. When I woke up, I went down to the country club and had one of the greatest workouts I've had in a while. I felt so good.

When I came home, my family was crowded around the TV, frustrated because it wouldn't let us watch The Playoffs. I, as well, was frustrated because I had been watching and following the whole game and I wanted to see those last 2 minutes. Yes, I was upset. But then something hit me.

I looked around and I saw...

My amazing mother who has done so much to keep me healthy since I was 8 days old and diagnosed with rare health issues. The same woman who holds my hand and prays with me every single night. My very best friend, and the best mother I could ask for.
My hilarious dad who never fails to put a smile on my face and who works so hard to keep our family happy.
My brother who goes on drives with me with the windows down, EVEN when it's freezing cold, and we talk about everything.
My sister who shares snow cones with me and holds my hand when we walk together.
And of course, my cute little kitty cat who cuddles me when I throw myself a pathetic pity party for 1.

I am so very fortunate, but even more than that, I am blessed.
Of course, I miss Dev. I miss Vance.
I hate cancer.
I wish I could go back and save sweet Vancey Pants and tell him how much he was worth before he left us.
 Of course, I wish things would have turned out differently for the both of them and that they could be here today.
But I am so blessed to know the truth and that I will see them again.
Sure, I've got some health issues that really do suck.
But I have doctors who literally have changed my life and have made it possible for me to be here, healthy and strong, today.
And most importantly...
I have a family who loves me so much and takes such good care of me.
Isn't that all I'll ever really need?

I never did get to see the end of that game tonight.
BUT, I got the mobile alert and don't y'all worry, the Heat didn't come away with a win tonight. :)

Tonight, when you say your prayers, I challenge you not to ask God for anything. I challenge you to kneel on your knees and thank Him for what He has given you. You could be there for weeks because you have been given so much. I am taking this challenge as well. Certainly, I am NOT the perfect advocate for a good attitude or gratefulness. I can be so much better, and I strive to be. I think we should all strive to be. Because the more we come outside of ourselves, the happier we are, and the more capable we are to make others happy. It's all about perspective. There is so much more good in life than bad, you just have to choose to see it.