Wednesday, December 31, 2008

If I was to have a New Year's Resolution for 2009 it would be to become a better person.

This past year I was blessed enough to get a small glimpse at knowing a young woman.

She seemed like an ordinary woman who married a man with two teenage girls. They already had a child together when I met them. And later we all found out that she was pregnant. They had a baby boy, the first for him. Even though the baby had serious problems at birth and needed to be hospitalized for his first month, they were so proud and excited that he was born.

When they took the baby home they started to relax and get into a routine.

A month went by.

The whole family took a wonderful vacation to Florida and celebrated life.

They got back home and unpacked.

Then her husband suddenly died while attending their 5 year old daughter's birthday party. He died in his daughter's arms. They say he died before he even hit the ground, that's how fast it happened.

He did not prepare for his untimely death. [please, if you do not have a Will, make it a priority to have one done this year.]

Her stepchildren fought a difficult, emotional, embarrassing and painful fight, all while trying to grieve the loss of their father and attend high school, to have her be their guardian.

The reports that came back from the agencies that had to investigate her home were extensive and impressive. One spoke of "her unconditional love and kindness, her honesty and loving discipline are evidenced in her words and deeds".

The children won their fight.

I think, how can I be more like this young widow? This woman, who normally I would feel sorry for due to her situation, is far greater than me.

She knows what matters most in life, she has earned the love and devotion of her children, she has her priorities set right. And it is evidenced in her words and deeds.

That is what I would like to strive for this year; to have my priorities right, my motives correct, my heart in the right place....so that someday, maybe, I would feel "job well done" about my life.

13 comments:

RR Mama said...

Happy New Year my friend. I hope 2009 is a blessed one for you. What a touching story. I am in awe of this woman. God has something wonderful planned for her.

Staci said...

wow im speechless!!

Have a wonderful new year!

Linds said...

Wow. She sounds like a wonderful young woman, Theresa. A wonderful friend to have too. Happy New Year to you, and your family!

Carole Burant said...

I think a lot of us would love to be like that young woman! Wishing you and yours all the very best that 2009 has to offer, dear Theresa. Happy New Year!! xoxo

Dawn said...

What a sad and at the same time wonderful story! I would love to meet her - and those amazing kids.

Looney Mom™ said...

What a tragedy. I would like to be all that too. That is definitely a great motivator and goal to have. We should all be that.

nancygrayce said...

Oh, my. I'm so glad the kids won. We just never know what is happening next.

Lala's world said...

wow, well said! puts things into perspective doesn't it!

Theresa said...

We really never do know what is going to happen next in our lives. Capt and I were talking this morning about her and her situation, it made us more thankful for all we have.

Mary said...

Hi, Theressa. Popped over to your blog to say thanks for dropping in and saying hi. I appreciate it. My first of your reads was intense,that's for sure. What a beautiful testimony that young lady has already. Although she has bore her share of sorrow, she has been truly blessed. A mothers could we want for anything else? Thanks for sharing.

I'm just going to flick through a few more of your posts now. Blessings.

Mary said...

I'm back. Loved your posts - you are very funny, really. I was just wondering if you were going to update your 'about me'? Cause you say there that you are single - but you mentioned your husband (I really like the little red pills story). I'll be back.

Theresa said...

I've updated my about me, thanks for reminding me.

Merrily Down the Stream said...

Beautiful story. I pale in comparison for sure. We have the opportunity to improve so I'm with you - let's be more like her. Happy New Year!