Just the way it is.

As if I could ever forget a smile so pure, a love so deep, a heart so big, a life lived so full of joy and laughter and non-stop energy...it's just not possible. Even 7 years later. Today my heart aches with the longing, the wishing, the wondering, the thought of just one more hug or kiss or pinky promise.
Still, I thank God I had her in my life for almost 4 and a half years. I thank Him for the memories, for the way she still 'feels close' at times, for the constant reminders that she was and always will be a part of our lives. I thank Him for helping us move beyond the pain to see beauty and to love fully again.

But to be honest, even after years of missing and moving forward, a part of of me will always miss her more than words can say. It's just the way it is. I so appreciate many of your thoughts, prayers and emails as we mark another annivesary and remember Teagan's life in a special way this week.

It's hard to believe it's been so long- I remember the events of that day as though it just happened. But I can also look at how far we've come and how many changes have taken place and it's true too- I see so many blessings and have so much to be thankful for. It's a strange combination of wishing things could be so different, yet feeling so grateful that things are exactly as they are.

Like I said...it's just the way it is. I can't put it any other way. I'm glad that even though she's gone, she will always be mine. I thank God He sent Teagan into my life. If even for only awhile.