Monday, August 20, 2007

Reminders...

This is Chip after he had been in the hospital for nearly a week after our incident in July '01. I was looking through some photos this weekend ("old photos"...the ones we have actually printed out from our film camera days) =) and that same day I got an email from Chip. It was short and sweet; really simple.
But the combination of that note and this picture struck me in a profound way and made me realize that I needed a reminder. Maybe you need the same one, which is why I am posting it here. That reminder is how often I miss opportunities to tell people around me how much I love and appreciate them in my life. Or even simply forget to look at how fortunate I am from day to day.
I feel like I do a pretty good job of loving my life and the people around me- but then again I know there is always room for improvement. It takes little effort to compose a three word email saying, "I love you" or "I miss you" or "I care alot"- and even less effort to hit 'send'. Yet I go days at a time without sending little notes or being thoughtful and sometimes I am even critical to people around me. {No lie...I'm not perfect and sometimes I gripe and complain and say hurtful things to people I care about!}
This picture is a reminder to me that although Chip's scars have healed really well and time has gone on since then, that there was a moment in time when things weren't so rosy and we nearly lost each other. We have stepped it up in that we love and care for each other deeply and we have been through a lot. But we sometimes still need little reminders such as this- taking those opportunities that come- or creating opportunities when it's been awhile (like going out on a date, giving your loved one a special card, or flowers for no reason other than you can...and you care) just to show in reality what is truly in your heart.
I remember how much pain consumed our lives and hearts when this picture was taken. What I see now when I look at this picture is how much I really cared. I care even more, years later. Looking back. Remembering. Being grateful and appreciating each moment.
Little things sometimes get lost in the hustle of life.
But it's often the littlest things that mean the most.
I love you, Chip.
In case you needed reminding today.

8 comments:

.Tom Kapanka said...

I remember cameras that use film. =)
Julie and I enjoyed our visit in your home today. You and Chip and the kids are REAL.
It's so tempting sometimes to "block" the painful times or to sugar coat things. That is not the case in your home or on this blog. God is good even when things don't make sense through our lens.

clg0513 said...

all i can say is - thanks for the reminder. Sometimes we get so into the day to day things that we forget to take a minute to tell those we love - that we love them. I have been reading your blog for a year now and all I can say is you are one amazing woman and have an amazing family. I LOVE reading your blog and looking at your beautiful family. Keep it up.. :)

Anonymous said...

I found your blog via Adrienne Graves' blog and I've been reading for a few weeks. We just moved (back) to AZ from CA, we have two small children (3 & 10 months) and I'm tired and feeling isolated. Your blog, how real you are, inspires me; today in particular. I'm reminded to look outward - to Christ, to family, to friends, to strangers - and not inward so much. Thanks for sharing of yourself with such generosity of spirit.

Anonymous said...

I have been reading your blog for a few weeks, found it through a link on another. Your spirtuality is an inspiation! Your family is a joy, thank you for sharing. Today is my one month wedding anniversary, thanks for the reminder to send a special e-mail to my special guy.

Robin said...

Thanks for the reminder. I just hit send on my email!

Anonymous said...

You truly are an inspiration, and I LOVE reading your blog, although I can't even remember how I stumbled across it now. My brother and his partner lost their baby at 28 weeks today, very sad news, and an emotional day for us all.

I am going to give my kids a big hug right now!

Regards
Selena (Melbourne Australia)

Anonymous said...

I just read your whole story and then your post, and I'm moved to tears. God bless you, your family and beautiful Teagan.

Thanks, Jody. You are my angel today.

Anonymous said...

I got nostalgic the other day remembering my past. And I'm glad to have lived it because it shows where I've been and where I am at now. Reminders are good they put us in check and we could all use that.