Been thinkin'...

Been thinking a lot lately about how life changes whether we want it to or not - and in ways we have absolutely no control over. I mean, it's not a new concept, sudden revelation or anything like that. It's just something that's really been on my mind.

I remember how just 18 months ago my mom was completely mobile and could pretty much keep up with me or anyone else. Parkinson's has robbed her of that ability, plus many more.

I remember how my dad could keep up with all of the chores, big and small, required to not only maintain their property, but even grow a rather large garden. Stress from dealing with other things has robbed him of that.

I remember how I thought my children would always be near and underfoot. The marriage of Miss Priss and Michael's decision to spread his wings to warm, sandy beaches have made me realize that they won't.

I remember how I always knew in the back of my mind that some day, way down the road, the day would come when it would be just me and Mike. That time is just about here.

Family is everything to me. From my parents - to the man I've spent 30 years with - to the blessings known as my children. And yes, I know that particularly in these areas, life changes whether we want it to or not - and in ways we have absolutely no control over.

But I also know...

Yes, it is heartbreaking that Parkinson's has attacked my mom. But all that matters is that she knows what an amazing mom and friend she is to me - and that I love her.

And it's hard to see, but it doesn't matter that my dad is no longer able to do the things he once could. All that matters is that he knows he will always be a man bigger than life to this little girl - and that I love him.

And of course, I would be lying if I said I won't miss my children living under our roof. But what really matters is that they know they are blessings and gifts from God and that I am thankful for every single second that He entrusted me with as they were growing up - and that I love them.

And it doesn't matter that Mike and I will have an empty nest (I'm pretty sure that's God's plan). Because what really matters is the 30 years of memories we've created so far, the years of memories yet to come - and that he knows I love him and wouldn't dream of spending them with anyone else.

So yeah, I've been thinkin'...