All The Things

 Here we are June 2023... How'd we get here so fast? Funny I should actually think that? Y'all we are going on 8 years. You know the saying, the days are long but the years are short. That absolutely applies here. There were days I didn't think would end. And, then I'd look up and another year passed. If you've read previous entries, you know I sort of write these with me looking back. I need to have Anna Leigh paint that picture. A lot sure has happened in 8 years. Refer to previous entries to learn all about it. Fast forward to now, to today, June 2023.

Rick and I are legit empty nester people. Like what? I know! Crazy crazy!! It's good though. It's all good. Our children are all grown and living their lives. I keep reminding myself this is the goal. We made it to the finish line! Roots and Wings Tracy, you gave them roots and wings. Sometimes I catch myself thinking but do they know this or that? Did I teach them everything they need to know? Lord knows I sure tried to teach them all the things.  Most of all, I pray they know kindness and compassion. I pray they know God and their faith is so important.

 Kenley left our nest three years ago. Now don't get it twisted. We still talk to her several times a day. She calls with friend updates, boyfriend updates, work updates, & cat updates, you know all the daughter things. Occasionally she's texted me to tell me she's so thankful for Michelle her therapist. "mama how did you find Michelle? she's the best and I love her." We are so thankful for Michelle!! I remind her all the time how amazing it is she has been in therapy for 7.5 years. So many who come from homes with abuse and trauma just want out and don't even start therapy well into their adult years.  We talk often how she is the one to break the cycle of abuse in her family.  Recently she told me it was hard being the black sheep of her family but now she is happy for it. I've often told her she is my Esther. "Perhaps this is the moment for which you have been created." Esther 4:14.  We talk about purpose through pain. I remind her because of her, children in Hoover and across the country have a chance with their IEP's. Did we know that was going to happen? Nope, we didn't have a clue but we are so thankful it did. Rick and I have had parents tell us their children are doing amazing because of Kenley. We always tell her when we hear that news. She sure has grown. So much of her story still needs to be written.  Today, you will find her doing amazing pedicures. I'm telling you she's the best! This is just the beginning. I know she will do amazing things. I saw her beautiful soul the very first day I met her 8 years ago. God showed me. I think about that day. He showed me and now I know why. He was preparing my heart for what was to come. 

As the years have gone by I don't dwell on the why and how do you just drop your kid off and never come back and then get a lawyer and on and on and on...But sometimes my heart goes there. Recently, I thought how do you just toss a child overboard? How? Like I want to know. Why? What are you hiding? How does a father not protect his daughter? How does a father not do his job? So many questions. Maybe someday I'll have answers. In the meantime life goes on. My circle is happy and healthy thank you God!! 

We are thankful for all the things!