Monday, September 1, 2008

Making Sense of It All.......

Like me, many of you are consumed with the "Stephanie and Christian" story. We think about it constantly, we talk about it in our circles, we put ourselves in their shoes wondering what we would do. (see c jane link at right for details.) I had the pleasure of meeting her in person and spending an afternoon just talking about being a mother and our testimonies. I have learned from her and am continuing to learn from her.I know that our trials in life are not merely tests to see if we can simply "pass", they are put there to make us stronger, to see what our potential in life can be. Stephanie and Christian are amazing people along with their family members and we are all amazed by their strength and love for each other. But, if we just talk about them, think about them and wonder about them, their sacrifice doesn't make sense. What are WE doing with this? This is the question I have been asking myself. I am here, I have the ability to take care of my children, to serve others. My hands are available and able to serve. What are WE doing with them. What are WE doing to appreciate the simple fact that we can get up every morning and live life. Does it take a tragedy in our lives to appreciate that fact? I know the thing we all admire so much about Stephanie and why we loved her blog was the fact that she loved life before the tragedy. She lived it to the fullest in all the smallest ways. I want to be like her. I want my family and all around me to know that I loved everything about my life and would do anything to help another person. This takes work and because of Stephanie and Christian I am going to do better. I want to make sense of this tragedy by learning from them and how they lived life. Their sacrifice has to mean something. It can't just be a story to follow. I am going to do better. I am going to try to be thankful everyday for everything. The fact that I had fresh blackberry compote today made by my daughter with berries picked at the cabin, the fact that my husband is at the skatepark with my boys dropping into the "big bowl" with them in the attempt to bond with them on their level ,and the fact that Tate has not bitten me on my butt yet this morning. The little things. Thank you Stephanie for continuing to teach me beyond our afternoon together.

7 comments:

Mary said...

what a beautiful post. sometimes asking the why's can make us more depressed and stuck. Love your attitude and commitment to try a little harder...i'm with ya!

Melissa said...

Well said !

Kerri said...

Thanks for the sweet post. Christian's sister Charity was one of my dearest friends, she passed away about 6 years ago ... their entire family has been through so much. They are amazing people and I too hope to try a little harder!!

Tracey said...

When I found Stephanie's blog back in May, I was so intrigued by her amazing relationship and sweet love letters to her "Mr. Nielson." She has inspired me to want to be a better wife & mother. I loved your post and I am with you to keep trying a little harder every day.

Becky said...

Thanks for the great post. She has definitely changed my life, and has inspired me to be better and LIVE life and not just be in it. It takes a lot work though and continuous effort. I hope that I can learn from her and not forget that life is fragile and time can not be turned back.

Mindful Mothering said...

Thanks for sharing your thoughts:-)

hornes said...

It's amazing how everyone knows everyone! My cousin is good friends with the Neilson's. My mom's best friends daughter's inlaws is where the plane crashed in St. Johns Az. So they witnessed the crash. Trials make us stronger and trials of other's sometimes wake us up to how lucky we are. I read her blog and think of what an amazing person she is! You are an amazing person also! I am truly grateful to be surrounded by such great examples! Thanks for the invite The other day. As you can see I haven't looked @ or done anything with my blog so I didn't get the message till it was too late! Thanks again Mindy