Mountain high, Valley low

My little guys are sick.

Kashton first, and now that he’s on the mend, his brother has taken up the cause. Nothing worse than sick kids right? But while I hate to see my children unwell, (and I do tend to worry), I was remembering today, amidst all of the “sick” laundry, that I am so lucky my kids are pretty healthy. In fact, I’m pretty lucky in a lot of ways and lately there has been a whole lot of joy and sorrow intermingled to remind me of just that.

I know three babies who are all in the ACH tonight. I am thankful mine are home tucked in bed and will probably be just fine in another day or two.

We all know about the little Autistic boy who was lost and then found and then lost again forever. What a crazy emotional ride it must be for those that love him. I am thankful that we have not faced the many challenges autism brings, and the devastating consequences that can subsequently arise.

I know a brand new baby, born just hours ago, who will spend the first few days of his life in an incubator instead of his mother’s arms because he came weeks too early. I am thankful for the awesome miracle of birth, and that my own pregnancies and deliveries were for the most part, healthy and normal and that my children entered this world the same way.

I know children who are bearing the brunt of their parents’ ill choices. I am thankful that my family is intact and that my children know the blessing of their parents’ daily commitment to uphold vows made.

Lately it seems like there has been so much going on around me…. good and bad. Joyful and sad. Celebrations and grieving. All little breezes of emotion that have formed this whirlwind called life. It’s easy for me to get overwhelmed sometimes by all that is going on, and wonder when there will be a break to catch my breath and tie my laces. But I have this strange feeling it doesn’t work like that…

Tom Cochrane famously sings about life being a highway. All the events occurring around me at warp speed have reminded me that it’s time to buckle up and appreciate the view.

(Love and prayers to all of those in the valley part of the road.)