Perspective . July 25, 2010

It's been 2 weeks since Laynie went running. I will describe myself as a yo-yo. Up and fine, then down and lost. Yo, Yo, Yo, Yo. Lacey & Brad are coping well. They have pressed on with an attitude of blessings that leave me breathless. Grammie has been very busy taking care of my brother and hasn't had much time to think of anything else. Another blessing. Sorry for bubba, but glad for my mom. Auntie K just "doesn't want to talk about it", and Hallie will tell you "It's the most incredible service I have ever been to" (she's been to one, Laynie's). So we are all in the coping, and for the most part, healing mode.


We were invited to Children's Miracle Dancing Event last night, and it was another bittersweet evening. Last year, Lacey stood on the stage with Brad and Laynie, and talked about how blessed we were to have her, and how healthy and happy she was. Little knowing that four short months later, it would take a twist and a turn that we were, but weren't, expecting. Then this year, having to tell most of the same people the end of the journey. Brave Mommy, brave words.. proud Lolly.

When we see friends and loved ones that have followed our journey, we are always greeted with tears. No one can really talk to us without sharing tears. And I'm here to tell you, it's ok by us. We have certainly shed them, and we think shedding them is the most freeing thing you can do. So you see us, share some tears...we are honored.

I had so many things come at me this weekend, the event last night at CMN, church this morning, kids funerals in Shawnee... so many THINGS to think about and "muse" on. And it always comes back around to one thing for me..... Perspective.

"You guys had such a wonderful attitude, and were just so strong. I couldn't have done what you did." What I know is we aren't superheroes or anything special. We were handed a big...huge....lifechanging event, and really, it's perspective that kept us all grounded.

We were never given a "disabled"baby.. we were given a "gift". We were never granted years and years of life, we were given "days"..... we never fully understood how important it was, what we were doing...we were just "doing". Enjoying our baby, her blessings to our life, and our incredible joy of being granted more and more time. Until we figured it out. And knew we had to share our faith, and our story, and our belief, and our true knowledge of God's Mercy. and how he never turns His back, it's all in perspective.

I think that is why Laynie's story is so strong to people. It's a chance to glimpse at her life, and then take a serious look at your own. Are you living the way you want to live, if you were to be gone tomorrow?? Are you where you want to be, are you "spiritually filled", if this were your last day? Laynie made us all very aware of our mortality. And that, my friends, is spiritual. To walk by FAITH, not by sight.

I think Trent summed it up best, in her service.... "She accomplished more in her 30 months, than some of the 70 year olds in this room. We got to see her life come full circle, and NO one that knew her, wasn't blessed.. Her life made an impact". You walked away blessed.

Through her life, we can change and better our lives, and that is what I call...perspective.

God is Good, all the time.