The Trip I Didn't Plan

Somewhere in the world tonight, there is probably a woman still curious about the girl she met in the airport. The girl who couldn't stop crying. No names were exchanged, but a kind word of support and an offer to help if she could.

When we started this trip, both Mark and I anticipated a week of making memories with each other and with our family and friends. We didn't expect the call that came on Saturday morning, but then, who really does expect that phone call. My dear Grandpa Johnny had slipped into eternity with his Savior. And suddenly, our vacation to South Carolina took a detour to Iowa.

We buried Grandpa today. And though I've known for a while that this day was coming, I've cried often these last few days. As I sat in the DFW airport by myself, memories of the past few days came rushing through my mind.

-Talking to Grandpa's brother, Uncle George, and hearing him share about the last time he saw his brother alive, and how much it meant to him when Grandpa Johnny exclaimed "that's my brother!"

-Watching my Dad and his siblings say goodbye to their father.

-Listening to taps being played as part of Grandpa's military honors graveside service. Watching the soldiers fold the flag and present it to my grandmother. And the watching Uncle George begin to cry.

It was a hard two days, but I'm so thankful we were able make the trip. What a blessing to be surrounded by so many wonderful friends and family.

And now, I'm back in South Carolina while my husband is in Iowa. I'm with his family and he is with mine. Not the vacation we had planned, but I'm working on trusting God, this wasn't a surprise to Him and somewhere in all of this, He has a plan.

But as I trust Him, the tears still fall. Lots of tears. And hopefully, some sleep.

Road Trip

I grew up making road trips with my family. I think the longest I remember is the yearly trips up to Iowa to visit relatives. Those were 8 and 9 hour drives, so a pretty decent trip. Then there was the cross-country moves from Oklahoma to Oregon and then back to Oklahoma, but I honestly just remember key stops along the way. I have somehow managed to forget all the grueling hours in the car, in between those stops.

So here I am, sitting in my husband's car as we sail down the road making our very own family road trip. This time it is a cross-country trip from Oklahoma to South Carolina. 18 hours total. I expect it to be brutal at times (like at 7am tomorrow when my husband wants to hit the road or whenever I finally go stir-crazy), but I also know it will be full of memories. Wonderful memories to fill up my sticky note collection. Happy memories to remember for years. Memories that will remind me to fly next time!

The Day is Finally HERE!

HAPPY 33RD BIRTHDAY TO MY AMAZINGLY WONDERFUL HUSBAND

#1 He is a wonderful friend, my BEST friend. A friend recently asked me when I knew that Mark was the man I was going to marry -- it got me thinking about a year ago and everything that was going on during that time. I can honestly say that there was a point when I realized Mark was the best friend I had ever had. He stuck with me, even when it caused him pain. He truly listened to me and what I had to say. He wasn't afraid to tell me truth, even if he knew it might cause me pain. He was the friend I always dreamed of having and had looked long and hard for. I'm blessed to be married to my very best friend -- and I look forward to growing old beside him. 

Mark David, I love you so very much. Thank you for patiently waiting for me to hear God's calling. Thank you for being faithful, even when it seemed hopeless. Thank you for listening, caring and letting me cry on your shoulder. Thank you for making me laugh and helping me enjoy every part of our life. Thank you for letting me celebrate you today and all this past week. Happy Birthday!! 

Now let's go eat some cookies :)