So Incredibly Blessed

In a matter of 3 days, life for my family has been turned upside down; yet throughout it all, I continue to realize how incredibly blessed we are. As I look back at the past few days, I have been reminded of how incredibly blessed my family is. As I sat and thought about why things happen, how they happen or why they happen to me/my family, I was quickly reminded that none of that matters. The things that matter in life are not those that can be measured, evaluated, are even described sometimes. The things that matter in this life are the people, the relationships, the FAITH that we have, the interactions and kindness of others, the smile on a face, a hug from a friend, a phone call, a card, and even a text message or facebook message these days. In being reminded of the things that really matter in this life, I continue to think and say to myself that I/my family are so INCREDIBLY blessed.

We have been INCREDIBLY blessed by...

* Ninety Six, SC - I know I'm biased, but my hometown is nothing short of incredible and amazing. As our family has been hurting, our entire town has helped to share this pain and are all hurting right along beside us. I do believe that every single person in our town has been impacted by such a tragic loss. All of the people and even businesses in town have been more than gracious with whatever they have to offer to help our family in such a difficult time.

* Ninety Six School District - I don't know what more they could do for us. People from every school have visited, brought food, called, offered everything they have in order to help us be comforted. They have even offered the stadium for our funeral service and are doing everything to make it happen so our family won't have to worry about a thing. The sign at the high school even has a tribute to Big Rog.

* Self Memorial Hospital - Amazing staff! The team of people that cared for Roger and our family were nothing short of INCREDIBLE. They were so caring and hard working and went above and beyond what they had to do to support our family.

*FAMILY & FRIENDS - Our lives would not be complete without you all. Every time I would look up at the hospital or at the house, a new face would light up the room. Our phones have continuously lit up with calls and messages of people to just say that they care and they loved us. I am not a hugger by any stretch, but have hugged so many amazing people over the last few days who do nothing but care for our family. I know that we could not have gotten this far and will not be able to go any further without our family and friends. You will never know what you all have meant to our entire family. Words can really not express how we feel about our family and friends, but we do constantly thank God for you all. I also thank GOD for my amazing husband who has been my rock and strength for the past 5 years. Our road hasn't been easy but it has been blessed and full, thank you for being my everything.

* Last...our FAITH - As things unfolded, I never asked God, "Why us?" because that is not important, but instead I asked, "What God, what do you have in store for us with this one?" Our family has been tested beyond belief, but each and every blow we pull closer to each other and closer to God. As I was sitting in the hospital or trying to talk with other family members to make decisions or even facing people in the hospital who stopped by to visit that nearly brought us all to tears, I continued to sing Chris Tomlin's song in my head..."Your Grace is enough, your Grace is enough, your Grace is enough for me." Thank GOD for his peace, thank GOD for his Grace, thank GOD for the people he sends to us, thank GOD for his timing and most of all thank GOD for his ultimate plan that is out of my hands.

As I reflect, I know that these words do not do justice to what an INCREDIBLY BLESSED experience my family has been through over the past few days, but it is at least my attempt to say thank you to those who have done so much and mean so much to me and my family. Our efforts to say thank you are simply not enough. In the days ahead, I will never forget the faces, the comments, the calls, the discussions and the relationships that have been restored due to this tragic time in our lives. God has a way of reminding us to SLOW down...life is quick and the people that matter to us should know it, all the time. Don't let the sun go down on something that has upset you and don't sweat the small things. Remember to let those who matter take a priority in life and remember that life is not a sprint, it's a marathon and all those who matter should be there all along the way.

Thanks to all of you amazing people who have made my life INCREDIBLY blessed and thank God for putting you all in our lives at such a time as this. Love you all.

In closing, I refer to our family's go to verse - Jeremiah 29:11 - "For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." We aren't sure why we have been through what we've been through but we do know WHO has the plan! Thank you God! :)