Change of Plans

I was so excited about writing tonight because I was going to tell you all about our Co-ed Church softball league but......there has been a change of plans. Due to the rain (for the past 5 days) the game has been postponed so I will save that story for another day.

Isn't changed plans the story of our lives? I like to think ahead, organize, get prepared, schedule events, plan my life with every detail to make it easy for me and the ones I love. I have a calendar on our refrigerator and anytime we plan something it goes on that calendar. It's the only way I can keep up with everyone. So you get the picture.....I really like to know ahead of time what the plans are. The problem is.....it doesn't always go accordingly.

My entire life has been a domino effect of changed plans. I wanted to go to college to earn an accounting degree because I LOVE math and it would allow me to have my own business....instead I got married and had Paige within a year of graduating High School.

I wanted to have happy healthy children that grew up and experienced life together, instead I suffered heartache at the loss of 3 of my children and my daughters are so far apart in age (11 yrs) that it seems like 2 different families.

I wanted to be married to the same man all of my life because it is so rare these days....instead I divorced after 17 years of marriage.

I wanted to spend my life close to my family because they are all so important to me....instead I moved away.

The good news is God changed these plans for me because that was HIS plan

Suffering the loss of my children has given me gratitude beyond belief for Paige and Olivia. I appreciate every kiss, every hug, every touch of their hands because I know in an instant it can be taken away. Yes, they're 11 years apart but it has allowed me to enjoy each of them more one on one. I probably couldn't have handled them close to the same age.......Thank you for that Lord.

These are my children and they are HAPPY

If I had stayed married to the same man, I would not know the deep love of my Husband, Rudy. Because of his support I have a closer relationship with God, a greater appreciation for happiness, and a understanding of what is really important in life. He's my best friend, my teammate, my confidant, and I share EVERYTHING with him. I have learned that taking care of someone isn't loving them but being taken care of sure feels a lot like love. Thank you Rudy for taking care of me, I was broken and God mended me by sending me the gift of you.

Rudy and I

Moving away from TN was a traumatic experience but I have concluded that it's been rewarding also. Visits with my family are not as frequent as I would like but you can bet I appreciate every second I spend with them. I took them for granted. They were right there beside me my entire life and I was too dependent on them. Moving 7 hours away has allowed me to become a stronger, more independent woman, and I've learned a lot about myself. I've learned that my family is in my heart, therefore is never too far away (telephones help too, it puts them in my ear). If you ever need a humbling experience, move away, it will change you.

John (Brother), Carol (Step-Mom), Olivia, Dad, Me, Mom, Paige, and Kelsey (Niece)

My goal is to plan on the good, prepare for the bad, and pray that when changed plans happen.....I have God and family to get me through.