Appreciation

As I approach the two year mark of Abigayl's arrival into heaven, I feel compelled to urge all who read this to appreciate the amazing people in your life.

I know first hand how quickly ANY life can be cut short and we never (on earth) get to share our love and feelings for that person again. Don't allow a tiny squabble to interfere with a relationship. Forgive and move on.

Take your children in your arms. Hug them tight. Tell them a hundred times a day how much you love them. Don't get mad and stay mad for the whole day. Think twice about getting on to them and really think about whether or not what they are doing/did merits being angry for longer than just a moment. Appreciate their personality and love them no matter what. Watch what you say to them because you never know how long it will affect them.

As a stay-at-home mom, I know how frustrating children can be but as a mother who has a sweet baby in heaven, I know how short a life actually can be.  Through the frustration, remember them as the sweet, tiny baby on the day for their birth. Remember all the love and dreams you had for that tiny being the moment you heard the first cry. Maybe that will soften your heart and allow the little things to wash over.

All I ask as we approach the most painful day of my year is that you take hold of your children and appreciate them. ALL of them. But, to also appreciate EVERY relationship in your life.