Friday, March 16, 2007

These are the days to hold on to...




I'm posting these because they are some of my favorites from the last couple of years. A few of my favorites...but I have a couple of thousand more favorites besides the ones I picked today. I've been looking through older pictures (even a box full of pictures of Chip when he was a kid, thanks to Grandma Karen!) and it just makes me thoughtful and reflective. Besides, I didn't want to drive some of you crazy with that chicken head picture any longer than I already had. =) At least those of you who didn't see the humor in it.
Truly, pictures are really powerful. I had no idea through the years how much you can remember (or wish you could forget!) just by looking through photos. I will be pulling out even more boxes and albums this weekend as Teagan's birthday rolls around this Sunday. It's so wonderful to have 'visual memories', and it makes me realize how time gets away if we let it. I talked about this as Ava turned three this week...the years just seem to fly by all too quickly.
I am trying my best, and hoping to encourage others, to savor life. All the good times, but even to see that the trials and stressful moments are just that. Moments. They don't last forever, even though they feel like it when we get caught in the midst of them. There are ups and downs, ebbs and flows, mountains and valleys. And lots of plain old highways we travel along the way.
I am learning to love ALL of the journey- whether it is high or low or just flat roads for awhile. I know that there are purposes to all of the events in life, and to try to embrace each one as it comes is the best way to enjoy the ride.
Maybe it was just the black and white of the photos hitting me the 'right way'. Those colorless pictures make me more thoughtful, I guess. But it's still true. Everyday we grow one step closer to our last breath on earth- although most of us know not when that will be. I am very aware that life is short and there are no guarantees. That's why I have made an effort to let my family know how much I love them. I try to have fun and make them aware that the "ordinary days" might be the only ones we have together...so let's not waste them waiting for the big 'mountain-top experiences" to come along. Live for today. Sounds so simple. To me it means making the ordinary seem extraordinary. I'm thankful today for memories and photos, because I know that there really isn't any other way to hold on to ordinary days in my life like these.

5 comments:

Vanessa x said...

Jody ~ I am fortunate to have come across your blog today (via Sheye's) and I just wanted to say how much you have touched me. Your positive words and ability to communicate them gives me comfort that my friend will also have some 'good times' down the track. Thanks so very much. xxx

Debbie n Demi said...

Jody,
I also came across your blog via Sheye's. I cannot tell you how much that your blog has gotten to me. Your words are truly an inspiration. I just sent you an email because my post here just got way too long.

Anonymous said...

Your children are so beautiful! I always just want to give Wyndham a big squeeze whenever I see her here...because I have a child w/ special needs I think I have a special place in my heart for Wyndham. Thank you for sharing your pics and your thoughts. Have a super weekend.

xo karen in CA.

Anonymous said...

Jody and Chip - I just want to say that you are in my prayers on the anniversary of Teagan's death. I know you are solid in the Lord and that you are comforted that she is with Him in heaven. I thank the Lord that He is in your life and pray that He will comfort you two again at this most difficult time, and always.
Rita

Anonymous said...

Sorry, I didn't mean the anniversay of Teagan's death, but her birthday. Please forgive me for that.
Rita