I can't believe that Doug is back in Philadelphia on his last rotation. I have felt every 294 days that he's been gone (minus the few days we've seen him). I won't say that the time has flown by because it hasn't. Some days have been VERY long, some days have been very short, some days have been filled with tears, some days have been full of sheer joy. The only constant in this whole ordeal has been the love and support from my Father in Heaven. I would be very ungrateful if I did not acknowledge where my strength and determination to keep going came from. I truly feel like the Footprints poem where it tells of how the Lord carried the man during his hardest times. There have been many times where I just didn't know how I was going to make it one more day with such loneliness in my heart. Our Father in Heaven has designed for us to live as families, to support and love each other. This separation has been a trial, but I have such a strong testimony that the Lord knew that with His help, I could make it.
I'm determined to make this experience be a positive influence on me. I want to be a better friend, a better neighbor, a better sister, the first one swooping in to give service, the first one to sit by someone new at church, a better confidante, a better listener, someone who gives healing hugs, someone who carries the Spirit with them so that people can feel our Father's love.
Hmmmm.....I'm not sure why I just wrote all that. This was not the direction I was planning on taking with this post. Oh well, I'm to lazy to delete it and try to come up with something else. Hopefully my rantings may be helpful to someone else.
These are Doug's rotations away from us. Sorry, I didn't realize it was going to cut off part of it. It all started in May 2009.
This is what our time looks like now. We went from four sections down to one. As of tomorrow Doug will be 1/4 of the way done with Philadelphia!
To my hunny bunny: I LOVE YOU! Thanks for working so hard so that we can have a pleasant perspective of the future. WE MISS YOU, but are so proud of you. No one will be cheering louder at graduation than me. Well, that probably isn't true, I'm not one for shouting or using blow horns. Just know my heart will be bursting with joy and pride. Only two months and three days until I'm with you in person again. Keep up the good work!
8 comments:
woo hoo! you posted!!! (haha) I can't believe Doug only has 9 more weeks!! i wish we could afford to fly out and see him graduate!
I like your ramblings. They make perfect sense. I'm not much of a shouter outer at graduations either, but I bet Larry will make some noise with that loud whistle of his! Hmmm...maybe we should try to be dignified & not embarrass Doug too much. Nah.
I'm so grateful for your example--especially since I'll be in similar shoes pretty soon. I just hope I can endure it as well as you do. You're an inspiration!
I've been waiting for another post too! I can't imagine how hard it's been- after a week of Ryan gone I was going nuts. I love your countdown. I am really excited to see you.
Hey Mallena, I got to see Doug at Sierra's on Sunday for dinner. It looks like he misses you so much. I hope you get to come out and see us when he is finished before you guys are done with Philly for good. Keep your chin up... its almost done!
Aww so special! I hope I get to see you when you come to Philadelphia. take care friend.
Every single "x" on your calendar is a huge accomplishment! Hang in there; it's almost over!
I liked your post! I truly believe that Heavenly Father knows us well enough to challenge us and know how much we can handle and is there to help when it looks as if He has given us more than we can handle. Having said that it just shows how strong of a person you are! Look at all you have gone through! You and Doug both! Congratulations-you can see the light at the end of the tunnel now!
Post a Comment