Good Times . . . Bad Times

As you can tell above, we really are so blessed and so thankful for all the great times we have. But what pictures don't show are the hard times too . . . which we all have. But what are friends and family for but to share both the good and bad times of life. So for those who pray, please pray for our family as we are experiencing struggles at different levels.

Illness has seemed to be rampant lately, my Grandmother who we are told won't be with us much longer and who is suffering in the hospital right now and Bo's dad who is going through testing for health concerns are at the top of our prayer list among a few other family and close friends who I won't mention here, but you know who you are.

Bo's residency is always a challenge and continues to be. My starting work again has been great but has also been difficult. It helps me count my blessings often and not take so much for granted, but having Addison has definitely changed the way I look at the children I work with. My heart aches for them and their parents like never before. Although my work is immensely rewarding, I now pray and hope others will pray for me (as a wise psychologist advised me . . a.k.a. Amalyssa) that God will protect my mind and heart when helping and loving these children and families. What an amazing honor we all have in helping and loving people, but I know we can't do it successfully on our own. Sometimes the sadness is too deep, the pain seems unreal, and understanding why is impossible. If you get to the 3rd song on the playlist listen to the words (the music's not that great). It describes well my feelings lately with work, what I pray for our family in life, and reminds me that if we just stop trying to do it on our own . . . even in the absolute worst that life offers, there is so much hope! Sorry for the heaviness of this post, but with the heaviness comes the amazing joy we have every day. Thanks so much for your prayers and love! We love you all so much!