Another Life Journey!

      I set out on a journey I never knew was going to be so amazing 19 years ago!  I gave birth to the most wonderful and amazing little girl. She was a miracle child that I was told I would never have. As soon as I found out I was pregnant with her I changed my life.  I stopped working as a bartender.  Stayed home, quit drinking and then went back to church.  I then returned to college and got my degree.  I lived my life focused on this precious child. I never saw the future of this precious baby. In my mind she would stay my little girl forever.
     Fast forward nineteen years to last week.  I stood on a curb with this beautiful child hugging her and handing her suitcases. She was leaving me for 18 months.  We embraced.  My heart was breaking and she has the biggest smile on her face.  She was leaving her young 19 year old life behind to serve the Lord for 18 months. As a mother I am more than proud of her.  Also, as a mother I miss her more than words can ever say. I really am not ready to let her go and here I sit and she is gone. She is thousands of miles away
and I can only write her letters and emails.  It is super tough but then again I know it is what the Lord has planned for her.
     I am not going to lie the events of this past week have totally shook me up.  I think of the runners in the Boston Marathon who had loved ones waiting for them at the finish line .  Children who they will never hug again.  I couldn't imagine the pain and hurt they must feel. I am blessed I will hold her again.  My heart is so broken for all the injured and hurting in Boston.  I will never understand why our world has to have so much evil in it. I wish it didn't exist.  I know there has to be evil to have good. There has to be dark to have light!  But man does it have to hurt so many people?  It is times like this that we must look for the good in the world. Continue to look for the glimpses of humanity and kindness.  They are all around us . Sometimes it is harder for us to see them. In these moments I challenge you to be the light in the world.  Be the human who will do for another a selfless act of kindness.
     Saying goodbye to a child is the hardest thing I have ever done.