This is my mom's hometown of Kemnath, Germany. In September I had a very emotional phone conversation with my Oma (grandmother) and I couldn't stand the thought of her giving up on life. So after some prayer and conversations with my amazing husband, he gave me the approval to go. I know this decision was not an easy one for him either because we made plans to travel to Germany in 2013 so he can meet the rest of my extended family. This Christmas while difficult for other reasons was one of the best Christmas I've had in years. In the span of two weeks I spent some quality time with all of my family. I was able to spend some much needed time with Aunts, Uncles, Cousins, and even meet some of my Cousins kids who I have never had a chance to meet due to the distance.
This year marked five years. October 26, 2006 is a day I cannot erase out of my mind. It was the day I almost (PRAISE THE LORD) lost my Dad. I was a sophomore in college and about to enter the ring to teach my portion of the lesson when my phone rang. I looked at the caller ID and noticed it was my sister so I figured I would just call her back and ignored the call however not ever a minute later my phone rang again. This time I knew I had to answer. Out at the therapeutic riding barn the reception was not great and while I don't remember much from the call I remember finding out that there had been an accident at my Dad's work and he was airlifted to Tampa General. All I knew was that he was really badly burned. We still don't know all of the details today of what happened that day. He sustained 2nd and 3rd degree burns on 38% of his body, all from his waist up to his hair line on the front part of his body. However this isn't about the accident this is about the miraculous recovery my dad made in the months that followed.
We spent that Thanksgiving at the hospital and we all had the skepticism that we would be spending Christmas there also. However one of my dad's nurses thought otherwise and with his determination he came home on December 21, 2006. Five days short of two months for injuries that many remain hospitalized for six months. I'm able to look back and see all that my dad didn't have to miss out on; birthdays, Christmases, my wedding (picture of me and him above), a trip to Germany himself last summer, and so many other events. It brings tears of joy knowing that my dad is still here and has been able to be so much a part of my life. He is a person I can count on... when I have car troubles he is always the first person I call and not only with car troubles. I remember him always saying "don't let the door hit you on the way out" but I always knew with him that the door would close on the way out but it would never be locked if I needed back in.
This year also marked fear of the unknown. I cannot describe in detail but those who know me, know what is going on. This is a territory I have never been in, sure we did the long distance dating for four years while we were in school but we always had a break to look forward to and never did we not spend a holiday together. I'm so grateful for the person he is and the devotion he shows, not only to me. He is a remarkable man who I pray for everyday and I'm so thankful God has blessed me with him as my husband. I try not to allow myself to get wound up in what is happening now but to look forward to the future and in the meantime occupy myself with school and friends!
I can only imagine what 2012 has in store for us but I'm looking forward to new adventures and pray that whatever path God has planned for me I can stick to and follow his way.
"In all your ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct your paths." Prov 3:6 KJV
I think it is time to write another blog since a lot of things have occurred.
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