I need to write. It’s an outlet for me. There is so much swirling in my mind and it just needs to get out. So I need to write. About different things. And since I make the rules around here, I figured a “Five on Saturday” would just have to make sense this week. Just to warn you, this isn’t the most uplifting post… feel free to skip down to number four, things begin to lighten up there!
One // On Tuesday my family experienced a tragic, unexpected death. My mom’s cousin, who was more of a brother to her than her real brothers ever were, went to bed fine on Monday and didn’t wake up on Tuesday. As the terrible story continues to develop, we are learning that he died of a brain hemorrhage due to the medications he was taking, prescribed by his doctor. Even more tragic, his wife was a widow before she married him 5-ish years ago. Her first husband passed (due to cancer) this same time of year many moons ago. I cannot even begin to grasp what she is going through. You know, when it comes time to say goodbye to loved ones, I know the how or the when is outside of my control, but I selfishly hope no one else dies suddenly, overnight. I have found myself struggling with the usual questions and thoughts of disbelief: “Why didn’t we call more often? When was the last time we all had a real conversation? What if we had realized… I wish we could’ve said good-bye.” That being said, many thanks to all of my friends, family and readers who have been following me on social media and has been praying along side of my family.
(I grabbed this image from Facebook. It does not belong to 2 cats & chloe. If you know the source, please let me know!)
Two // I am absolutely speechless and feel utterly devastated about the attacks in Paris last night. I could write about it… I could write a lot about it. But it would never be enough. There is just so much unnecessary, evil hatred in this world. We need to all band together, pray for humanity and smear the world with as much love and kindness as we possibly can. We just need more love.
Three // To wrap up this week, my cousin had some major complications last night while giving birth to her second child. Both Mommy and Baby are still in ICU. The baby went way too long without oxygen and was rushed to the children’s hospital after the emergency c-section. I heard my cousin is doing a bit better today but the sweet, little babe still isn’t in the clear. Both of them will be in ICU for quite a while, so again, we all appreciate your prayers of healing and peace.
Four // Now on to something a bit more fun?? Next Sunday is our gender reveal party! I am excitedly surrounding myself with pink and blue everything! I am passionate about parties and entertaining. Just having a party to focus on and a new little life to celebrate gives me so much joy. My poor family puts up with me and overbearing planning mode - probably more now because it keeps me from crying!! Considering I have zero local friends, I am over-the-moon thrilled that we have 25 people coming into town for this party and tons of family and friends who will be joining us virtually via google hangout! #ThanksTechnology! Have you heard what we are doing for the actual reveal? It involves paints, a canvas and a ton of egg shells! Stay tuned!
Five // This past Monday was our two year wedding anniversary! Surprisingly, despite work, the house, being pregnant, and living with my 91-year-old grandmother, Michael and I actually got to spend the day together! Along with about 30 other wedding coordinators from the East Coast, I was invited to the Tides Inn in Irvington, Virginia for 24 hours of wining, dining and oysters! Luckily, our family members were invited too! While I didn’t partake in any wine or any oysters (darn you pregnancy!) Michael and I both received complimentary spa sessions, a delicious dinner and an day at a nice resort with a beautiful view! More snapshots from our time at the Tides Inn later this week!
If you read all the way through this emotional and random post… I want to leave you with one last thought:
Be thankful for memories. Hug your loved ones a little tighter. Make the effort to reach out to someone who has been on your mind. Give flowers and write notes to be shared and appreciated today. Trust that, even when we cannot understand the “why” - God has a plan and a purpose that is bigger than we can even comprehend.
