Scavenging Into Teens With Ryleigh

We spent yesterday afternoon celebrating our Ryleigh's 13th birthday!  We wanted to make it something memorable and fun and finally decided on a scavenger hunt through our town with her friends!

It took a lot of people coming together to make it work...but it ended up being a SUCCESS!!!

I went to bed exhausted yet thankful.

Thankful for my mom and sisters (and one of my sisters work friends) for helping with the clues and takeaway for each stop!

Thankful for our family and friends (that are family, too).
Those who took time out of their day to help celebrate our girl!

Thankful for the group of friends Ry has.
Some she's had since they were in primary school and some are much newer...but all in all, a great group of girls!

Wanted to share our fun from the day:

Wright's Market

Take Away - Candy Corn

Greeters - Poppa and Tatum

The Salisbury Zoo

Take Away - Animal Crackers

Greeters - Amy and Braxton

The Ward Museum

Take Away - Rubber Duckys

Greeters - Amanda, Madison and Collin

MVA

Take Away - Key Chains

Greeter - Aunt Amy (she was a driver, too)

Dover Pool

Take Away - Chapsticks and nail polish

Greeter - Aunt Mel

Wicomico Library

Take Away - "nerdy" glasses

Greeter - Maryrose

PRMC

Take Away - Bottle Pop candy

Greeter - Keenesha

Salisbury University

Take Away - SU Pens and frisbees

Greeter - Charles

Pemberton Park

Take Away - trail mix

Greeter - Courtney

Salisbury Middle School

Take Away - little journal/notebooks

Greeter - Phil

Olive Garden

Take Away - Andes Mints

Greeter - Poppa and Tatum

Barnes and Noble

Take Away - bookmarks and cookies

Greeter - Jamie

Chipotle

Dinner and cupcakes

A little Poppa love...Nana would have been here, too but she was out of town for a funeral.

And then...back to the house with just enough time for gifts!
As she was opening each one, I was super impressed that she was taking time to thank each friend for their card and gift.  At one point, one of her friends just finally said..."Ummm, how about you just go ahead and open them all and then you can thank us all after!"

I still remember the very first time I was able to hold my baby girl and it is hard to believe that it has been 13 years since she came into our lives.  We knew she would arrive early and I was hoping for ANY day EXCEPT for Halloween...but that's when she made her debut!  She was the perfect little "treat" and for the longest time thought you got dressed up to get candy simply to celebrate her birthday!  While she still loves candy, she has grown into a beautiful girl with a servants heart.  She definitely has had her "tween" moments and we've had some rough patches, but I am so proud of the young lady she is becoming!

She has thanked me multiple times today for such a fun time yesterday and was so thankful for all those that came to greet us at the stops!

Phil and I are thankful for the people in our life and the influence they have on our girls.  As our girls continue to get older, and continue with these friendships, I want them to remember this:

"I think if I've learned anything about friendship, it's to hang in, stay connected, fight for them and let them fight for you.  Don't walk away, don't be distracted, don't be too busy or tired, don't take them for granted.  Friends are part of the glue that holds life and faith together.  Powerful stuff."

- Jon Katz

We are better together, my friends!
Yesterday reminded me that our family is loved and so is our "teen!"

Happy Birthday, Ryleigh!!!  May this be a year filled with much happiness for you! xox

The beat goes on...

 

I spent Saturday evening at my very first Delmarvacade!

What is a Delmarvacade you may be thinking?!?
Well, it's a night where High School marching bands from throughout the region fill Wicomico County Stadium and they perform what you would likely see at a football halftime show.
 
For those of you who may not know - this mama LOVES a marching band!!!
And even more so partial to the drum line. 
I mean, when I was in high school, marching band was pretty big!
My marching band was invited to Disney World and performed in one of their Downtown Disney parades! 
Pretty exciting, right?!  (That trip I was still a "pom" girl)

I have so many memories of my time in band front and the marching band.
We didn't have football, so halftime shows weren't a thing for us, but we did have parades!
And as much I as *hate* the cold...somehow you just learned to deal with it and push thru.

Summer time practices learning and memorizing the parade music.
Nighttime practices marching thru the parking lot at Pocomoke High School...I even remember it snowing one time.
The bus trips.
The Joe Corbi's fundraisers.
The quick run to McDonald's or Hardees before you had to meet the bus.
Packing fruit baskets at SYSCO.
The hand warmers.
Mr. Batson.
Our Drum Majors.
The pride.

And oh, that drum line.
If it was one thing PHS had - it was an on point drum line.
I still remember all the cadences. 
Oh...I love how you could feel every beat right down to your soul.

I found myself right emotional sitting among the 1,000+ people Saturday night.
Yep, listening and watching marching bands.

I know...for those who weren't in band, you just might not get it.

By definition, a marching band is a group in which instrumental musicians perform for entertainment, and prepare for a competition. Instrumentation typically includes brass instruments, woodwind instruments, percussion instruments, and color guard.

A team that comes together!

To be completely honest, a few of them blew me away.
Like I'm still talking about them and their performances.
SO much talent!!!

And talent on all sides. 
From each section of instruments to the color guard "telling" the story all around them to the drum majors leading their team on - with all eyes on them!

The support system they had in helping getting their instruments, equipment, and props on AND off the field.
The parents and fans in the stands cheering them on!

What a reminder of how when you come together, you can accomplish so much!

I am desperately hoping for one of our girls to want to be a part of this "team" - sitting in the crowd the other night I found myself thankful that even though many of the "specials" are being pushed to the background, and often the focus is more on what "sport" you play, that there are still schools and leaders and fabulous musicians and performers who are rocking it out on the field with their band mates!  

The beat goes on.  
The drum line reminds us that as they continue to run their cadence.

Left, Left, Left, Right, Left.
It's not easy to get off track when you hear the steady beat.

And even if you do, you have a whole team around you that will help you get right back in step!


I was like a proud parent with each team (that I didn't know) and all these high school students (that I didn't know).  I cheered them on and even got teary-eyed with a few of their performances.  Obviously, I thoroughly enjoyed my first Delmarvacade and cannot wait until next years!

And just for old times sake....

How are your feet?

TOGETHER!

Stomach?

IN!

Chest?

OUT!

Shoulders?

BACK! 

Chin?

UP!

Eyes?

WITH PRIDE!

Eyes??

WITH PRIDE!!

EYES???

WITH PRIDE!!!

(or something very similar to this...)

 
 

Broken and Beautiful

We traveled to Florida recently and were able to stay in the beach condo we did this summer.  Which was a huge blessing as we were there for the funeral service of my father in law, and this place reminded us of the happy times we shared together just a few months prior.  There's nothing like sitting out on the balcony there.  It doesn't matter if it's first thing in the morning watching the sun rise, in the middle of the day able to see the vast beauty of the ocean and its surroundings, or at night listening to the ocean and seeing the faint glow of the moon reflecting on the water.  

For me, it simply brings some quiet time.
And quiet time for me generally means thoughts rolling around in my head and me wanting somehow, someway to make sense of it and share.

Want to know a secret?
I had made it a mission to find *the* perfect sand dollar. 
When we were down there this summer I was walking early one morning and this guy, literally, had his hands filled with perfect sand dollars.
And I just knew if I got up early enough that I, too, would be able to find one.

Well, I was instead taught a lesson.

I took multiple walks on this trip and these are just a few shells I collected one evening...

Every single one is broken.

And you know what?
They are beautiful!

And quite honestly, my favorites out of the bunch we collected.

No, I didn't find the perfect sand dollar.
Probably enough broken pieces to put together a handful of them though!

And I knew that it was a reminder that, more often that not, we're searching for perfection in all the wrong places.  
Or rather, trying to be perfect in a world that is so not.

In the collection of shells, these broken ones, the ones some may have rejected and quite possibly skipped over or passed by, stood out the most to me!

We have been given all the pieces to make something beautiful!

Friends, let me remind you that you don't have to have it all together. You don't have to be the prettiest, funniest, smartest, most financially secure, best girlfriend/wife/mom/friend, (insert whatever you are trying to obtain here).

It's ok to not have it all together.
It's ok to be broken.

[Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers. 

-Galatians 6:9-10]

I've been focused on this scripture a lot this week.
And my thoughts are this...

I think the majority of us want to help people.  We generally want what's best for others.  However, I think it's human nature to get frustrated sometimes when people don't fit into the "boxes" we create.  Or, maybe it seems like they want to "stay" in their place of brokenness and we become frustrated.  Or when they don't meet that perfect representation of what we need, it's easy to give up on them.  It's easy to just stop trying.  

I think that's where that second part becomes so important...
Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers.  

Whether you are a believer or not, I hope you see the bigger picture.
Our "family" can sometimes be the harder ones for us to show good to.
But guess what?!?

People aren't perfect.
Family isn't perfect.
Friends aren't perfect. 

Quite honestly, there are things that people are going through that we cannot even fathom.  
And they hide it because of this fear of showing their imperfections. 
And maybe they'll be overlooked or tossed back into the ocean.
 
And why is this?
Because we expect them to just have it all together?
To be perfect?
To not be another person who needs our help?

There is a lot of brokenness in our world right now.  
In the country we live in.  
The State.  
The City.  
Probably right where you work.

People are broken and we need to recognize this and help them see their beauty despite their brokenness.  God will use you to help someone along...he reminds us in 2 Corinthians...

We faced conflict from every direction, with battles on the outside and fear on the inside.

But God, who encourages those who are discouraged, encouraged us by the arrival of Titus.

His presence was a joy...

It's ok to be broken.  
But let others come alongside you ... 
Because more often than not, we need someone to be broken with, too.
We may not have it all together, but together we can have it all!
And we need to recognize that broken can still be used.
Broken IS beautiful!

Remembering Pop...

There are many firsts that Phil and I have experienced together over the years.

On Sunday, September 18, we added losing a parent to that list.
And although we knew this day was coming, it sure doesn't make it any easier. 

My father in law, Harry Harsin, proved to be truly one of the strongest men I think I will ever know. His determination and "You just do what you gotta do" mentality, taking each day as it came...I have so much admiration for him. For my whole Harsin family. 

Pop got his miracle, just not this side of heaven. And while my heart is so happy for him, it's breaking for the ones left behind.

As I had time to sit and reflect over the past (almost) two years that my father in law fought this nasty disease we call cancer, this came to mind. 

I know we all are going to die, and truly cannot do anything about that, but it's true, we can do something about the width and depth of our lives.

Width - the quality of covering or accepting a broad range of things; scope.

Depth - intensity of emotion, usually considered as a laudable quality.

My brother in law posted about how Pop never once complained thru his suffering and how he's brought family back together again.
It's so true. I saw it first-hand. 

I've hated, absolutely hated that he was given this journey. 
I will never understand. 
And very much wished he received healing this side of heaven. 
But I can say I have seen God work in the midst of it all. 

Cancer just sucks.

I mean, there really isn't any better way to put it.

It literally sucked the life away from Pop.  

And as always, it's easy to question WHY?  

Why a man who was following the doctors orders, routine checkups and colonoscopies...is told you not only have colon cancer but cancer already metastatic to your liver.

A man who was otherwise healthy, out and about, golfing multiple times a week.

A man who had a wife, children and grandchildren who weren't ready for him to go.

So, instead of asking why this happened to him, to our family,  I'm working on "what" this is teaching us. 

It's taught us that time is precious.  My hubby, Phil, and his dad actually reconnected this summer.  And I will forever be thankful for the time they had together.  My hope is that they would serve as a reminder to get things right, simply communicate...because more often than not, the time you spend apart could very well be based on simply not knowing the "whole" story.

Make it a point to pick up the phone and call your family.  Send them a quick text.  Give them a shout out on Facebook.  Send a lettter in the mail.   Or flowers.  Or just spend a little time together.  And I encourage you to do this weekly!!! 

I can tell you that one day you will wish you did more.
I say this because Phil has said so many times over the past week that he really does have good memories of his dad...he just wished he had more. 

But, like the Priest at his service said...Now isn't the time for regrets.  Now is the time for remembering the times you DID have. 

I can tell you that I saw love at its best...on many occasions.
I think that when you know death may come sooner than later, you tend to live life differently.
I have learned that those "I do's" were put to the test and Rita stayed true in sickness and in health.

And let me just talk about Rita for a minute.
This woman loved my father in law.  Loves, would be more accurate.
It was last week that I saw the picture above for the first time (along with many others) and I just love it!

Don't get me wrong, what those with cancer have to endure with treatments and its effects is simply horrendous at times, but we often forget that the care giver, more often than not the spouse, is going through it all right with them. 
No, not physically, but emotionally and mentally.
They have to continue to be the strong ones when sometimes they are simply falling to pieces on the inside.  They have so many roles...on top of normal day to day tasks, they are the ones who are making sure appointments are attended, and often multiple ones at that...keeping track of medications, and helping with meals, and driving, and simply just making sure their loved ones needs are met.  They truly become part of the cancer care team as a whole. 

I told Rita that I truly appreciated her being that, and more, for Pop. 
It takes true strength to care for and watch your love succumb to such a nasty disease.  
I'm here to tell you that Pop knew he was in good hands...with his physicians and at home!
I'm thankful for Rita and the love and care she poured out during such a difficult journey.

The days and weeks ahead are going to be a huge adjustment for her, but I'm confident our family and her amazing friends will continue to see her through.

And about her amazing friends...can I just say WOW!?!

The few days that we were in Florida I saw friendship at its best!
Rita's friends and neighbors (who are also friends) are just simply wonderful!  I mean one came from New Jersey to simply be with her last week.  And then the night the whole family got in, they fed us all!  And it was delicious!

They were there to laugh with and share memories, but also to cry with and simply be.
Friends...we're better together. 
I sat around their house that night, just taking it all in.  
Thankful for this family and the friends gathered together.

This was the sunrise the morning of Pop's service...it was also the first day of fall.  And I was reminded that we are in a time of change.  And sometimes change can be hard.  And sometimes death is hard.

Are we all happy Pop isn't suffering anymore?
Absolutely!
Does it make it any easier that he's no longer with us?
Absolutely not!

But, like fall, death has come.  And it's going to take a while, a few seasons, for everyone to start to see the beauty that getting through this season brings.  When we'll start seeing life through the legacy Pop has left behind.  I think I've shared this before, but even in the Psalms we are reminded that we "walk thru the valley of the shadow of death" - I don't think there will be anything quick or easy about these next seasons, but we do know that we will not walk it alone.  

At Pop's service, it started with the military honors and let me just say there was not a dry eye in that chapel.   Once the flag was opened and the Taps started, there was just a still silence that overcame the room.  We were then moved into the larger area of the church because so many people came to show their respects.  One of Pop's friends spoke and it was just such a good mixture of "who" Pop was and what he did, but more importantly, the kind of man he was.  He reminded us that my father in law was simply a good man.  One who could be chatting it up with the grounds crew on the golf course one minute and then the next, sitting with the elite having a drink and talking about the game.  He didn't care who you were or what your status was - he was the same to all!  

One week to the day of Pop passing away, Arnold Palmer did, too.  Mr. Palmer was one of the "elite" my father in law knew.  When we heard the news of his passing, Phil said, "Well...I bet they are playing one heck of a game together today!" 

I learned, or more so am reminded, that is really is all about family!  We may not have it all together, but together, we have it all!

My Harsin family is a family who can go years without "all" being together and still pick right back up where they left off.  In the 13 years I've been a part of the family, that's how it's been!  And there is absolutely nothing wrong with that.  But I think everyone would agree that despite the circumstances, it was amazing to have everyone, the WHOLE family, together for a few days.  

They ARE better together!
 And what an amazing family they are! 

There were several times over the course of our few days with everyone that I couldn't help but think that Pop would be in his glory with everyone there.  The laughter, the joking, the food, the drinks...the love!  It taught me that THIS needs to happen more.  And not just on occasions that make you have to come together.  But the coming together just because!

There's so much more I could say, but more than anything I am just so proud of my father in law. He taught me that even if you have cancer, cancer doesn't have to have you.  YOU can still choose your attitude!  For almost two years, he continued to fight, never complaining, and lived life!  
I'm proud of how he was determined cancer wouldn't win. 
And I'm here to tell you I don't think it did.

I believe love won.

I believe he was at peace and happy with the legacy he is leaving behind.
I believe he heard every word that was spoken to him before he took his final breath.
I believe he knew he was loved and prayed for.

Be like Pop Harsin.
Live a life with width and depth.

Until we meet again...xox

Holding on tight and letting go...

I read a quote a long time ago that has always stuck with me...

"When my hands are holding on tight to something, they are neither open to give or to receive."

Take a minute to think about that.
What is it that you allow yourself to hold on to?

I had a massage, the first one I've had in years, yesterday...and oh my goodness, just what I needed!
But more than anything, I think I needed the quiet.  
Time to simply think and pray.  
Time for my head to be filled with all kinds of stuff I somehow want to share.

As Jamie was working on me, I couldn't help but think that these knots (and there are so many) are holding on tight to my muscles.  They did NOT want to let go.  And the end result is the pain I've been experiencing from them.  

Jamie was able to loosen them up (and let me just tell you if you haven't had a massage, it's a must - spoil yourself...and try the cupping....it felt so good!) BUT it's going to take time for them to truly let go...
Why?
Because these didn't happen overnight.

I'm good at being "good."  You know, holding it all together when everything seems to be falling to pieces.  As I shared on here, these past few months have just been one thing after another.  And yes, I truly am "good" but the effects of all the stress has unfortunately taken it out on my body.  And it's time for my body to learn to release it all.

I started the process this past week.
God was really working on me if I'm being honest.  I was allowing some situations and circumstances to fog my mind and heart.  

And I was reminded that we are called to be like Jesus.  
Love like Jesus. 
Forgive like Jesus.

And I knew I wasn't.

Just keeping it real friends.

I "thought" I had but was still holding on tight to some things that when triggered, just didn't put me in a good place. 
One knot...then another...then another...you get the idea.

I decided to let it go.

I was so worried about my thoughts or my opinions being heard, I forgot that the example I was setting was even greater.  I even posted this on my Facebook:

 

This is something I'm working on my own self. My husband is quick to remind me that in the end, will my opinion matter anyway? 

When we're hurt - our initial response is maybe we want others to hurt, too.
When we're angry - we need someone to be on the receiving end.
When we're sad - maybe we want someone to blame.
The list could continue...

I'm working diligently on choosing to love like Jesus loves. 
On not giving up on people when they fail us.

Messy people and all. 

I'm letting go of past hurts and failures. 
Forgiving. 
Praying.
And trusting in the One who sees our hearts when others are looking for everything but.

Because, none of us are perfect. We all make mistakes.

I'm thankful for a God who loves us just the way we are but refuses to leave us that way... He wants us to be like Jesus.

Let's be an example of Him!

And that's truly where I am at right now. 

I'm learning that instead of holding on to the things that in the end truly don't even matter, I'm going to let them go.
And I'm going to hold on even tighter to the things that do matter.  
The things that, when placed in my hands, allow me to give and to receive.
To set and be the example I want to be.

My faith.
My family.
My friends.

I've recently started reading a new book, Without Rival, by Lisa Bevere and I'm just on chapter 3 because there is SO much good stuff to take in.  I was even joking with a friend that I feel like I'm back in elementary school just reading one chapter a night because I want to be able to soak it all in.

Last night's chapter's highlight reminded me that I'm right where I need to be.
I'm allowing God to use the good and the bad and hoping that some how through my writing, I'm able to help someone else along the journey.
It's about experiencing it ALL with the One who never lets us go.

You know I always want to connect these posts to us being better together and I want you to remember this.  We have a God who sits with us on the mountain tops and walks with us through the valleys.  Because He knows we cannot go at it alone.  But you have to have the experiences yourself.  Allow Him to let you see things through His eyes for a minute.

Let these words from Lisa Bevere sink in:

If our eyesight cannot even process the appearance of our God, then how could we do more than assemble a stick figure of his wonder? Our words will fail us and we will echo the words of Job after God shows up in a whirlwind of marvel:

I admit I once lived by rumors of you; now I have it all first-hand - from my own eyes and ears! I'm sorry - forgive me. I'll never do that again, I promise! I'll never again live on crusts of hearsay, crumbs of rumor. (Job 42:5-6/The Message)

This revelation of God awakened a hunger for more in Job. Far too many of us are satisfied with a revelation of God that is best described as "crusts and crumbs." We are content to listen to sermons, tune in to podcasts, issue "likes" on Facebook or Instagram posts, and retweet the leftovers of another person's banquet. There is nothing wrong with any of these, but in comparison to the feast God has for you, they are but crusts and crumbs...

... There is a vast difference between talking about God and listening to a God who talks to you. 

Take time to listen.
And then, if needed, take time to let go.
But hold tight to Him no matter what! 
He doesn't want us to just have the crusts and crumbs...He wants us to have the feast!

Still Waters Run Deep

I went to this little beach off the Nanticoke River tonight to just have some quiet time and watch the sun set.  It's not the ocean, but it's still so peaceful and always offers a gorgeous view.

Tonight was no different.


But I was surprised at how still and calm the water was.  
And it reminded me of that saying, "Still waters run deep..."

When I looked up what the saying actually means, this is what I find:

- a proverb of Latin origin now commonly taken to mean that a placid exterior hides a passionate or subtle nature
- quiet people are often very thoughtful
- a person's calm exterior often conceals great depths of character, just as the deepest streams can have the smoothest surfaces.

You know, I like that last one; a person's calm exterior often conceals great depths of character, just as the deepest streams can have the smoothest surfaces. 

Sometimes, the surface can look so calm...but there can be so much stuff still going on underneath that no one can see.  "Stuff" that is helping build character and probably take us to depths we never thought we could reach.   


Kind of like this river tonight.


Much different than the ocean - always in constant motion - continuing to hit the shores and letting it go before receding back out to bring the next wave in.

But whether it be still waters or the constant movement of the ocean - the water can be refreshing, cleansing, healing. 

Isaiah 43:2 reminds us, "When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you."

I needed that reminder tonight.  

In one of my devotions this week, I kept being brought to this - 

...when you depend on Me continually, your whole perspective changes...you see miracles happening all around, while others see only natural occurrences and "coincidences"...

You know, I've said it many times and even more so over the past few months...but I truly don't know where I'd be without Jesus in my life.
These "things" we go thru in life - they will pass.
God. Well, He remains present. At all times!


Whether we are in the midst of still waters or not, we have a God who is always with us.  And if you truly take the time to look around, He's placed others in your path who will pass through these waters with you.  


And He WILL place people in your life...friends, family, co-workers, sometimes even strangers...It's definitely not coincidence...it's God, reminding you He's got your back.

Because, my friends...we are better together!

Just One Week...

Where to even start.

Friday, August 19th - my husband's father, Pop, who has been fighting (and might I say, beating) cancer, found out the treatments were no longer working and he is now under hospice care.  

Definitely not what anyone wants to hear, much less when it is your family.

I've posted about him before, but it's worth repeating...Harry Harsin is truly one of the strongest men I know.  And as tough as he is, this nasty disease, this thing we call cancer, is just proving to be tougher.

And I absolutely hate it.

Sunday evening as we were sitting trying to work out Phil getting back down to Florida to see him, (his truck was in the shop and we were just trying to work out the logistics) one of our friends called me.  She said, "Jenny - we've (her and her husband and many of our friends) pulled together and have enough money to not only get Phil a rental for a week, but also traveling/gas money."  Well, I just burst into tears and then my hubby did as well.

That was a God thing.

So Tuesday:
He left in the morning around 6:30 to head to Florida.
At 8:30 am I received a call from my mom...my grandfather passed away that morning.

And as I sat in my office at work, the tears just came.
And God bless my work family.  
They love me in spite of my hot mess self these days.

Phil said he would come home, but I told him absolutely not.
I needed for him to spend time with his dad while he still could.

I left around lunch and went and got my girls and had to tell them about our Pop.  
Dreading that more than anything.
You see, they have a pretty special relationship with him and truly saw him even more than I did.
And then we spent the rest of the day with my mom and family just helping as I could to help arrange things for the funeral services. 
There were even flowers delivered to me at my parents house that day...that's how much my friends love me!

Wednesday:
So, during my lunch break, I went to pick up Phil's truck from the shop (we opted to get fixed what needed to for now) and...it was completely dead.
I seriously cannot make this stuff up!
Mind you, a new battery was one thing that was done.

The service guy "jumps" it to get it running. Turns it off and restarts and it won't start. He takes off the jumper cable thingies, shuts the hood and says, "You need an alternator" and starts walking away.
And I'm like, hold up...you've had this for a week...and it's been on your diagnostic machine and you're just now telling me the alternator decides to go bad?
As I walk back into the service desk area, he comes around the corner telling me with parts and labor it's going to be an additional $325.
And I simply said, "I need to call my husband." I get Phil on the phone and, trying to keep it together, give him the brief rundown and ask he just call them.
When I hang up, the nicer guy behind the counter said "You want us to go ahead and fix it?" And all I could say was that Phil was going to call.
And holding back tears, said "I'm not trying to be difficult. My husband's in Florida because his dad is under hospice care and he just needs to spend time with him, my grandfather died unexpectedly yesterday, and this was just the last thing I needed to hear today."
And as hard as I was trying not to, I might have cried.
Just a little.
And God bless that man, he walks away and comes back and says, "Mam, just leave the keys here and I'll have them take another look and I will touch base with your husband."
A few hours later Phil calls and said it's ready to be picked up and said we owe them nothing.
And I said, "Was it because I cried? Because I was a little pitiful for a quick minute."

Friends, that's a God moment! 

Not to mention my lovely friend and chauffer, Megan, who waited for me, took me back to work, AND came to pick me up this afternoon!

I keep having people tell me that I'm strong. But it's really more than that.
I have Faith, Family, and Friends.
And what more could a girl need?

Thursday:
Simply proved to be a MUCH better day!
I made some progress on a project at work.
Phil's truck started when I tried it!
And I enjoyed a much needed Girls Night with dinner and a movie with friends!

Friday:
A neighbor came and got our trash and made a dump run for me.
And then friends took me to dinner so I didn't have to be alone!

And then came Saturday:
The day we celebrated the life of my grandfather, Charles Overholt.

My mom asked if I wanted to say something at his service, and while I'm not a public speaker by any means, I did -

I have a lot of memories when I stop and think about my grandfather, but more so since my girls, Ryleigh and Tatum, his great granddaughters came in the picture.
My goodness my Pop loved them.  He would just light up when they walked into the room.  And he would make sure to let everyone know who they were and how proud he was of them.  It's because of them that I saw him more than usual because they would be the ones reminding me we needed to stop and see him on our way to Poppa and Nana's.
Precious memories they have with him and for that, I am thankful.

Through this past week, we've heard so many people say how much Pop meant to them.  And the things they will remember about him.

My Pop loved the Lord and if there's one thing we all know, it's that he wasn't afraid to speak that.  And I know to some that could be overwhelming at times, but in his heart, my Pop just wanted everyone to have the same relationship he did with the Lord.  

You know, my Pop and I have that in common.

A few months ago when Pop had had a particularly rough day, Phil and the girls and I came down to spend some time with him.  That evening as I sat with him, I took his hands in mine and just held them.  And then I really got to looking at them and had these thoughts fill my mind.

Pop's hands.

They held my grandmother's hands.
They held my mom's and Aunt and Uncle's.
Grandchildren. 
And Great Grandchildren.
They have driven cars and trucks and tractors.
They have tended gardens.
They have held many books; his favorite being the Bible.
Hands that I know have been held in prayer.

I remember him telling my husband that night, "God said today wasn't my day!"

My Pop had set the Lord before him and even though there were times he would get weary and long for Heaven, he knew Who held his tomorrow.

Well, Tuesday, was his day!  And as I think about his hands today, I can only imagine that they are lifted in praise.  

My Pop is finally at home!

You know, he has left a legacy - My mom, Uncle Carroll, Aunt Lissa, and all our Overholt family.  Like any family, things haven't always been perfect, but there has always been love.

In the last few years, we saw a reversal as my mom and them took on more of a "parental" role for Pop.  I've seen them care for him in so many ways.  And I know Pop may have not always said it or shown it, but I know he appreciated each of you and loved you so much.  Mom - you've been a pillar of strength.  You get that from him.

You know, my husband's father is tough, but the cancer is proving to be tougher and he is facing his final days...and my heart is breaking for my Harsin family.  He still has so much life to live and WANTS to live.  
My Pop - well, there is no doubt in my mind that he was ready to go.  And I am confident that he is in the true land of the living and I know we will see him again one day!

I want to encourage you today to remind the people in your life just how much you love them and what they mean to you...because we know there will come a day when you won't be able to.

Thank you for celebrating the life of my grandfather with our family today.

The service for him was just wonderful. 
A beautiful service...Over 200 friends and family celebrating the life and legacy of my grandfather.
I'm not even kidding - over 200 people came for a man who was 91 years old!  
I hope I leave that kind of legacy! 

And then we ended the night with our family, Eastern Shore style.... little neck clams, fried oysters, soft crabs, and Smith Island cake!

And then today...I couldn't help but just be reminded how good God is to my family.  Phil made it back home...and I did good until this evening and then just burst into tears.  I think I've been trying to hold it all together, but with him finally home, I was able to just breathe again.  We talked about the many things I have already shared and just how thankful we are for the ways God is showing up each and every day.  I shared on my personal Facebook page this:

God is so good to my family!
I know I've been on post overload this week and quite possibly you may you be "over" them, and that's ok...you don't have to keep reading.
But Phil and I just wanted to thank our friends and family for just being "YOU!" For reminding us that in good times and bad, we have people who show up and show us love in so many ways.
Just in this past week alone, we've had a rental car paid for and even traveling/gas funds given to Phil so he could go spend time with his Dad (his truck was being worked on), cards, messages, and flowers sent when my grandfather passed away, dinners, help with our girls, my mom and sisters making sure the girls have all they need for school, anonymous card with a gift card to Walmart, offers to help get us all down to Florida, even simply being handed cash to help with whatever...and those are just the things that are coming to my mind as I write this.
Most importantly, we've had people praying for us and that truly means more than you'll ever know!
Overwhelmed and thankful for the friends and family God has blessed us with!

I just keep seeing more and more how much better we are together!!! I hope a glimpse into my life for just one week shows you that, too!