Happy Mother's Day!

 Happy Mother's Day!

Today on Mother's Day I get to celebrate with both of my kids home, healthy and happy. I have spent many Mother's Days in the hospital and have many friends who have had to celebrate without one of their children, so I don't take for granted one moment of the gift of having my children with me today.

Nine months ago, as I experienced the miracle of Alex leaving for DBU, I shared the song Find Your Wings by Mark Harris. This is the beginning of that song:

It's only for a moment you are mine to hold
The plans that heaven has for you
Will all too soon unfold
So many different prayers I'll pray

For all that you might do
But most of all I'll want to know
You're walking in the truth
And if I never told you, I want you to know
As I watch you grow

I pray that God would fill your heart with dreams
And that faith gives you the courage
To dare to do great things

I'm here for you whatever this life brings
So let my love give you roots
And help you find your wings

I have seen this unfold before me in ways I never imagined (some of which I have shared). Alex has always walked through life with courage and faith, but I saw it so clearly this year. I watched him lean into his faith. I saw him learn to love worship and his chapel services. He started attending church on Sundays with his best friend and even volunteering in Sunday School. He read a devotional each day, he did a bible study with his small group, he discussed theology with his professors and through it all he remained true to himself always walking to the beat of his own drum totally unphased by what the crowd was doing. I have always known that God had special plans for his life, but it has been such a joy to watch him finding his way without me right by his side. I have always been incredibly proud of him, but none more so than this year. He carried 18 credit hours this semester. He finished with 2 A+, 1 A and 2 B's. (We don't have his last grade, but it doesn't go on his transcript). He is already excited about his next semester and is planning to go on a trip during Fall Break which is another 3 credits beyond the classes he is registered for. 

Alex and his housemates played Top Golf the night before he came home!

My Sweet Maddy Moo is soaking in the last few days of 4th Grade. She is enjoying time with friends, and we had a meeting with her 5th grade teacher which left us both excited about next year. This week was crazy busy as she had a performance this morning with her Children's Choir. She has loved the time with friends and despite being shy has enjoyed learning the songs and movements and performing. She is hard at work at the barn to prepare for her show next week and she is LOVING having her brother home and spending time with him.

Here is the link if you would like to watch Maddy's performance: Rescue in the Night

As for me.... I am waiting on results from the cancer screening, and we FINALLY got approval for a GI test that we have been trying to get approved for a while. I am hopeful that we can get that scheduled this week. Emotionally I am doing much better as I am spending time with friends who make me laugh, don't mind if I cry on a hard day and love me dearly. I have made the decision to step away from Facebook for a bit as I focus on faith, my family, my friends and my physical health. 

Today I pray that each of you cherish your mother and bonus mothers, your children and your friends. May you find yourself surrounded by love and creating memories with the important people in your life. 

Ali