Feeling blessed...and praying

I have been doing lots of extra praying right now.  I know that God never gives you more than you can handle, but I just don't feel that I (or several people I know and love) have a lot of extra emotional reserve right now.

Early last week the mother of one of our very dear family friends entered the hospital.  At first it didn't seem to be a big deal, but by Wednesday she was diagnosed with pneumonia and transferred to the ICU.  She seemed to be progressing, little by little, and we were grateful for any progress regardless of how little.  Yesterday though, wasn't as good, and I'm a little worried.  Not only is it the holiday season, but losing my Dad was so hard on all of them, especially since it was the second dear friend they lost that week.  I can't imagine losing Granny right now as well.

I've just learned about another family member though.  My (paternal) grandmother's sister was admitted to the hospital yesterday with congestive heart failure and fluid in the lungs.  I understand that she is 86 and has lived a good life.  However, my grandmother just buried her son three weeks ago (which no mother should have to endure).  She should not have to suffer another great loss so soon, and again, not here at the holidays.

While praying for these extended family members, I've also felt so very blessed, and extremely grateful.  While I miss my dad a lot, I'm also so very grateful that he is no longer suffering, and I'm grateful that he passed peacefully.  I am grateful that experiences over our lives allowed he and I to have conversations that helped me to know how he would want us to live on, and I'm grateful to know that we were absolutely loved unconditionally.  Our move has been so beneficial for the kids (even if tough on me, it's been very good for Andrew & the kids, and I am grateful for that), and our new home provides many advantages over our old one.  I am truly amazed at how things have come together over the last six months, and it has strengthened my faith tremendously.  I have no doubt that we are exactly where we are supposed to be, and I'm grateful for that feeling of peace.

Counting today, only nine more school days until Christmas break.  Goodness, it's all gone so very fast!