When I look back on that day, I am always amazed at the people who loved us. Don't get me wrong, I always knew my friends and family were amazing, but when you are literally down to nothing, including no home, no clothes and really no belongings, the people who say they love you, are put to the test to show it. The people who I am blessed to have around me did not disappoint. God has blessed me with people that are loving, humble, giving and encouraging. Despite busy schedules some of my best friends (and, you know who you are) allowed us to sleep in their home, did our laundry, drove miles to give our children clothes, spent days going through our smoke filled, damaged home and helped me throw everything away, categorized what we lost, brought us food, meals, called me from thousands of miles every day to check up on us, took my children to movies so I could do what needed to be done, gave us a long term place to live, sent us care packages and above all you lifted us up in prayer. We felt your love, even those that wanted to be with us, but couldn't, we felt you. I knew we were never alone.
I look back during that period of time, I was on auto pilot, I did what had to be done but I look back and I see how at times I was too exhausted to even pray, but God still answered my unasked prayers by the people who we share our lives with. I can barely repay any of the love you guys have shown, but I won't ever forget it and I am so very, very thankful and humbled.
Another thing that amazes me is that some friends of ours let us live in this wonderful little manufactured home during the 3 1/2 months we were out of ours. It was in the country and was surrounded by beautiful cherry trees. It was so quiet and peaceful. Truthfully, I hated it there. I just wanted to be home. It was smaller then our own home and I couldn't sleep. I was thankful for the place to live but I didn't practice being grateful. Yesterday my kids told me how being in that home was their best Christmas memories and that if they had a choice, they would live there. Wow! I need to learn from them. They truly turned that period of time into an adventure and they lived it to the fullest.
Thank you for loving us!!
We spent today making new memories in our remolded home with my nieces and family. Here are just some crazy pics from the day.
There is so much more to add to this story. Including the unexpected birth, 6 weeks early, of our miracle baby..but, that's for a day 5 days from now. I'll be back to expand the story.
