That day...

Here is a picture of the Old Depot restaurant as it looked when Chip and I pulled up to it on Sunday, July 29th, 2001. It was a small building- about 100 years old. Our family sat together at the first table, just inside the front door.
Teagan and Brock were sharing an order of Chocolate Chip Pancakes, and all was well in our life for a few brief moments into our brunch. The sun was shining and the day couldn't hardly have been more ordinary and perfect.
In fact, earlier that morning as I got Teagan dressed for church, I spun her around after tying her hair back in a ribbon, and I looked at her and said, "Teagan, you look more beautiful than I ever remember you looking before." I pulled her close for a tight hug and she said to me with a big grin on her face, "I know, Mommy." She was wearing the dress and ribbon in her hair that you see in this post.
I can't help but think about how much I wish I could change the events of this day. And yet, I live with no regrets. I know that Teagan knew she was loved as much as any person can be. I know that we had no way of knowing that something so terrible would come our way just by going out for Sunday brunch. I know that God could have changed the outcome of what happened to all of us there that day. I also realize things could have been much worse, and I am lucky that none of the rest of us injured were paralyzed or burned or any other number of horrible things happened. It was bad enough.
Yet, here I am five years later telling you that on most days you wouldn't have a clue that any of this actually happened in my life or the lives of my family members. We have recovered to the point where we live life with blessing and joy and lots of ordinary moments strung between. We have had our faith tested, and deepened. Life has given us unspeakable challenges, and somedays we still face them head on. Without God, I don't know how our family would look today. I thank Him for his healing in our hearts and lives, and the way that He has helped us move through the tough times. I am thankful that there is a Heaven and that Teagan is there waiting for a grand reunion with all of us someday.
Yes. Today marks another year of living, loving, learning, and pressing on to that day. I'm now 5 years closer to seeing Teagan again!