Smile

This summer was great & truly awful at the same time.  We experienced a very tragic & traumatic loss of a family member.  I think about the very dark and horrible days surrounding that time nearly every second of everyday.  A beautiful & vibrant light has diminished in our family.  It hurts.  But because of it, I'm a better mom now than I have ever been before. 

It's sad really; this lesson I have found myself discovering. But it's good also. Because of the awful- I have had more fun with my kids than I ever thought possible.  Because of the awful- I have made time to sit and listen to my new reader read chapter books out loud.  Because of the awful- I find joy in wrangling 3 kids at the grocery store despite the chaos.  Because of the awful- later bedtimes and extra candy doesnt seem like such a big deal.  Because of the awful- I was reminded just how important it is to love big everyday. 

I don't know why bad things happen.  Telling my children that another young person they love and adore will never be playing with them again was difficult.  The life lessons this summer were abundant. Live big. Laugh often. Love with your whole heart.  And no matter how hard life may seem, always wear a smile. I'm thankful to Lexi for teaching us this. Xoxo