Good Friends, Good Getaway

Back in the throngs of our loss, my BFF Rachel mentioned something about Spring Break.  I never thought we would make it to March.  I never thought I would get through the long winter days (and today, March 24 it is snowing 6-10 inches, so I guess we aren't all the way there!!).  I never thought I would make it!  She invited us to go with their family to Galena, IL where her parents have a place.  At the time I thought, sounds fine...another distraction.  Well, we went for a long weekend and had such a good time!  It was freeeeeeeeezing and snooooooooowy, but we made the best of it nonetheless:)

What I have realized about trying to get away is that I really can't.  (Remember this?)  Although I am in a little bit better place now that I was in January, I have to give myself permission to balance having fun and still being sad.  My wise friend has told me on several occasions that I am telling myself it is not okay to be sad, to grieve, to cry, because I don't want bring anyone else down or make anyone else uncomfortable.  But true, real friends see right through me and encourage me to grieve however I need to and whenever I need to.  Even if it means sobbing through a relaxing night in the hot tub after the kids are in bed and letting me know that I didn't ruin our time together by being upset.   That is what I am right now--a broken human being just trying to make it through one day at a time.  I so desperately want to be rescued from my grief and sorrow that sometimes I am making it worse by pretending I am okay--mainly so I don't make others feel awkward or uncomfortable.

Anyway, back to Galena.  It was such a much needed break.  The kids had a blast--all SIX of them:)

Maggie enjoyed some girl time with Camille.




 

The ladies (you sure can tell which child belongs to who, huh?)

We are SO very grateful our friends invited us to come to Galena with them.  We are even more grateful, that God orchestrated our friendship 7 years ago.  I know I have said it before, but I truly believe that God knew we would need these friends and therefore sent them (and many others) to us all those years ago.  He does work for the good of those who love Him ("And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose"--Romans 8:28.)  He doesn't want or desire for us to suffer--He tells us that all this suffering will go away ("He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away” Revelation 21:4)

For the time being, thank you, Lord for showing us your face here on earth!