Where did the week go?

Did you ever notice how sometimes time just passes too quickly? Amazing how much we can miss. Well, these last 2 weeks have been busy for us what with baby's 1st birthday, then Easter and then the princess's birthday. And of course the planets must be in alignment too because it was all topped off with Daddy having to work both jobs every day. Here it is midnight and he's just leaving work. This will continue throughout the weekend. He did manage to stop home for an hour between jobs today. The way the kids reacted upon seeing him, you'd think it had been months! Which makes me realize how much we can take for granted....
Three years ago, we were sitting comfortable financially, Daddy worked one job, I was home raising kids, we took vacation each year, we occasionally went out for dinner, Daddy would take the kids out for a Saturday matinee at least a couple of times a month and to the arcade nearly every week. We'd purchased a new home and there was talk of adding another baby to our family. Life was good and we were happy.
Then one day your world it turned upside-down. The comforts you took for granted suddenly and without warning, vanish from your daily life. One job becomes 3, no more outings for the kids, no more vacations, suddenly McDs once a month is a big to-do and you lose the new home.
There is stress, worry and fear. You do all you can to make things work, to keep the status-quo and you pray. Funny, for though we are not church-going folks, we do keep our faith. Even on shaky ground. Some days, that's really not easy,but God moves in mysterious ways. You learn pretty quickly who your friends really are. The children somehow adjust to disappointment without much fuss and by some illogical twist of fate, a child is born. A beautiful, wonderful child who brings hope to a seemingly hopeless situation. Is he the open window to a closed door?
After making a momentus decision to try to start life over somewhere new, we find it difficult and emotionally stressful to leave our old life behind. We miss our friends and family dearly and sometimes pine for what was. We cry, oh how we cry and then there are days when we want to,but the tears won't come. Through it all, we hope and we pray. Still holding on to the belief that God isn't trying to punish us with our great misfortune,but to teach us. Teach us what? Perhaps to appreciate more what we do have and what we didn't lose.
Today I was told bad news about our financial situation which brought me to crying to the stranger on the other end of the phone who shared the news with me. I couldn't help myself; the dam had burst. She was kind and shared with me her spiritual views and wished blessings upon us. She reminded me to keep the faith and that our God is a loving and benevolent God. He will open a window for us.
Shortly after that call, I was informed through another that there is a glimmer of hope for us where Daddy's career is concerned. Just a glimmer,but the first we've had in 3yrs. I'm one of those people who feels guilty asking anyone for anything so if you know me, you know that I rarely do it. Well, this includes asking God for his blessings and help. I did ask though. I just hope beyond hope that he answers in our favor.
Beyond everything, these last few years having been very trying on our spirits as a family. We've seen sadness and struggle in various manifestations and one ray of sunlight in the birth of our baby boy last year. We try to appreciate every little thing these days no matter how minor or how stressed we may feel. Some days that's pretty difficult,but there is always something to be grateful for. Maybe just as simple as waking up breathing.

Now as I sit here after midnight, I'm thankful that my family made it through another day. And may today be a better one, for us and for all of you.