Darkness

Sometimes we have to feel opposites to know the full measure of their meanings. Darkness and Light. Sickness and Health. Sorrow and Joy. Despair and Hope. Loneliness and Contentment. Misery and Happiness. Adversity is part of our mortal life.

None of us will escape this life without experiencing opposites. We choose what to do with the trials of adversity. Will we learn and grow from our experiences, causing greater determination to rise above our afflictions? Or will we lose hope and remain in misery and darkness? What we choose will ultimately determine the outcome of our character. 

For me, when I choose light over darkness, I feel full of hope, peace, love, joy, and optimism for a new dawn... a brighter tomorrow. Even in my darkest hours I reach for the light and it makes all the difference in the world. 

Darkness

I love America! The America I love was born out of passion, integrity, wisdom, determination, and sacrifices of our early ancestors and Founding Fathers. I believe they were guided, protected, and inspired by divine providence in creating the America I love. Now, many generations later, some of our elected officials seem to have forgotten what America was founded on. Some of our freedoms are at stake. There is unrest around the world. We, as citizens in America and around the world all have a choice to make. Freedom and Light, or Destruction and Darkness. 

As for me, I unite with our Fore Fathers... LET FREEDOM RING! 

Celebrating Life!

Balloons. They come in many sizes, shapes, and colors. They can include specific messages of happy birthday, congratulations, baby announcements, etc. We use balloons to celebrate events, special occasions, and life!

Celebrating a Life well lived

In February, we buried a daughter. It was under the most tragic of circumstances. After the funeral and graveside service, friends and relatives came together and released purple (her favorite color) and white balloons in honor of her life. Even though Shaniel was only 32 years old, it was a celebration of a life well lived. She was so full of life, fun, energy, love, and compassion. She was a daughter, wife, mother, friend, and nurse. She touched many lives and was loved by all who knew her. I love and miss my beautiful Shaniel.

Celebrating an Accomplishment

Earlier this month, we celebrated our youngest daughter's first Triathlon. She swam, she biked, she ran...in honor of her sister, Shaniel. The triathlon was dedicated to mothers, therefore called "TriathaMom". Balloons were everywhere! They were at the cheering carnival, along the trail, and at the finish line. They were bold and colorful. The triathlon was an event that called for CELEBRATION!

The events were Swim. Bike. Run. Daughter A made us proud! She came in 8th place overall in her age group. She was the 3rd fastest swimmer out of 300 participants. 

finish line

the kiddos join mama on the last 500 yards of the run

the results are in... job well done!

So... we celebrate life in different ways. Balloons, in all their colors and shapes, are the visual reminder of WHO and WHAT we are celebrating. 

And I am very certain that Shaniel was looking down from above celebrating the accomplishment of baby sister A... along with the rest of us. 

Writing prompt #3: Write a post that incorporates the word: balloon