Miracles

There are miracles out there - you just have to look to find them.

I have seen miracles in the continued improvement of Jen and Shawn's two little girls, Mia and Allison. From birth weight of 1#, 9oz, to this week 3#, 15oz, they continue to grow, though they still let Jen and Shawn know that challenges are ahead. The miracle is that they are doing so well. The miracle is that we have known the Affeldt family for 35 years - and that Norb and Karyl are family to us - brother and sister.

Another person who inspired me to write this is Susie, wife of Mike's best friend Nat. Susie lost a friend to breast cancer this week. The friend was 34 with a 10 month old daughter. Pretty tough to take, isn't it. Read Susie's words, which I am copying into the blog so you can be inspired by her as well:

It has been a rough day or two around here learning how to rationalize the death of a 34 year old friend who has a 10 month old baby at home, but I have come to the realization that some things are best left to the contemplation of those with the time to devote to it. I do however have a new appreciation for the saying "When God closes one door he opens another" because the same day that God called Donna home Karen's brother Scott and his wife Gina were blessed by the birth of their daughter Elise Reid. Little everyday miracles, that's what life is about. Sometimes I think we take them for granted and they are all around us, you just need to know how to look for them and where. Just having a day with my daughter, any day, every day, is priceless. She is my miracle, my heart and my breath; I can't imagine losing one moment with her.That is how I will honor the memory of my friend, by trying as hard as I can to appreciate every second I have with her and Nat. To cherish the good, the bad and even the moments that you just wish would never have happened. The miracles only slip by if you let them and as of today I am going to be more active than ever in trying to catch them in the palm of my hand.

She has a way with words, doesn't she? For me, I am going to cherish the miracle of family this next week. Andy, Mike, Stacy, and Emma are coming tomorrow for a fun filled week with us. We are going to the Great Wolf Lodge in the Wisconsin Dells for 3 days and then up to the cottage for another 3 days. Hopefully the weather will cooperate and we can boat and fish (Yes, the doting grandparents bought a Barbie fishing pole last night!) Saturday is the wedding for our nephew Tedd (The true reason the kids would come in October when the weather is iffy and the lake cool) and Heather. We will cherish our moments with family as we celebrate their life together.

As for you, if you have any doubts about if miracles exist, reread Susies words and get inspired!

Have a fantastic week. I will follow up with pictures when we get back. Happy Autumn!