Life After The Storm

Storms. Some we see coming. Others seem to come out of nowhere and catch us by surprise. They come fast and unexpected. The storms of life can leave us wondering if we will even  make it through. The storms of life can leave us questioning everything and have us thinking what's next. Now I've had my share of life's storms, but the storm I am currently experiencing- Whew!! For those that may not know, my Mom passed away after a brief illness on January 18th of this year. My Dad passed away almost 17 years ago in April of 2002. Neither of my parents are here anymore. I miss them both so much! My brother and I are sticking together and doing the best we can. We are getting stronger as individuals and together. We have a big support system of family, friends and community of which we are most grateful and appreciative of. Thank you to all of you in our corner! During the time of my Mom's illness, I can look back now and see that God was preparing us. God prepares all of us for things that are coming whether we realize it or not. It hurts a lot that my Mom is not here anymore. I miss our talks, laughs (especially the inside jokes that only her and I got!) and moments together. I miss her smile, presence, encouragement, and way she had with people, especially with children. Children seemed to flock to her everywhere she went! Even though it hurts, I know I will be alright. My brother will be alright. Why? I know even through the hurt, God is our Healer. I know He stands beside us and we are not alone. He never left us and He never will. I'm learning a lot during this storm and know that there is life after the storm. So during this season I'm in, I want to share with you a few things I'm learning and I pray they encourage you:
1. Appreciate everything. Appreciate every moment, every person, everything you have. Once the moment is gone, it's gone. That moment then becomes a memory. Make sure you make good memories.
2. Take nothing or no one for granted. Be grateful for it all. So glad I had my beautiful mother and handsome father in my life while I did. I wouldn't have traded them for anyone else!
3. You're stronger than you think. This storm is one I didn't think I would be able to walk through, but God is showing me with Him I can. God will strengthen us in situations that look impossible and give us joy through it all. I'm a witness of that!
4. It's okay to be down, but don't stay down. I cry. I reflect. I get lonely. I hurt. Yes, I get down, but I don't stay down. I choose to rise up and keep going. I choose to push through. Every.Single.Day.
5. Check in on my family and friends more often. I'm doing more calling than texting! I fell in the texting mode a lot too, but this season is showing me the importance of hearing a voice and having more face-to-face interaction. I can say that my family and friend connections are closer and stronger and we're spending more time together. I love you all to life!
6. Keep going. Life goes on. Keep moving forward. Every step forward counts. It's hard to go to the places my Mom went to and even at times see some people she was closely connected to because they remind me so much of her. But I go anyway. Even if I have to go with tears in my eyes, I'm still going. I have the conversation anyway. Some days I can't always go to a certain place and that's okay. Some days I can't talk about certain things and that's okay too. I know my limits and that's important. Recognize your limits as well. No matter what, don't stop and keep going forward.

So yes, storms come, but we can make it. God Himself will let you know and He will send people to encourage you along the way. I want you all to know that there is life after the storm. May God continue to bless you all!