Reflection....

As I was doing a little "catch up" on the year, I got to thinking about all Meredith and I have experienced since we started our family in 2003.

We've lost a lot, we've been given a lot.

I lost my Nannie Joe (dad's mom) in 2004. Lost my Papa Tom (mom's dad) in 2005, lost my Nannie Pauline (mom's mom) in 2008 and Meredith lost his Pop (dad's dad) in 2010. 

In between all that, we were blessed with a precious Angel in Nov 2004. Meredith sold his Lawn care business at the end of 2006. We were blessed with our little boy, Aiden Ezell (gets is middle name from his daddy, grandfather and great-grandfather) in Jan 2007. Then in Oct 2008 we were blessed with our little girl, Abigail Joline (she gets her middle name from her two great-grandmothers on my side).

We bought a home in Murfreesboro in Jan 2006. Meredith started another business in May 2007.

This year, in April, we had to say goodbye to our sweet little Dixie. Meredith and I got her right after we got married. Then on August 23rd I got a call I never imagined I'd get. It made us say goodbye, yet again. But this was one my hardest goodbye's yet. My cousin Nathan, who's death was sudden and all too soon. He leaves behind a wife and three young children. My Mom, Dad and Sister, Emily and I all flew down to Florida, where he lived, to be with the family. That was the hardest trip I've ever made. Growing up Nathan and I were always close. There was only 6mos between us, age wise. He was the big brother I never had. I, with my two sisters and his Mom, Aunt and Sister, spent many of weekends on a Soccer field watching him play. The day I got that call will be a day, along with many, I will never forget. 

That trip got me thinking about a lot of things. Like what would I do if Meredith was gone. What will Meredith do if I "go home early". Having small children, it's hard to imagine. And it's not so much the finances, as it it the loneliness, help, companion, support. How would I function on a day-to-day without him. Although, we don't spent a whole lot of time, alone, together, I would definitely be lost without him.
And although we know God calls us all home for a reason, it never seems to makes it any easier.  No matter the age or condition.

Meredith and I have been blessed beyond measure. And we try to also remember that when times seem to get a little tough.
Thank you Lord for always blessing us with exactly what we need(ed) at that exact moment.