I didn't post yesterday because, well... it was my birthday, and I just didn't get around to it. I have to say, this was one of the best birthdays I've had in a while, and it wasn't necessarily because of presents or my birthday dinner (though those were wonderful). Mostly, it was that I was alive.
For the two days before my birthday, storms threatened my area. First off, I am terrified of tornadoes to near-phobic proportions. I tend to start praying at least two days before a forecast severe weather outbreak. During the storms, I have the weather on constantly, much to my husband's unhappiness, and I just found the joy that is live streaming weather coverage. Now I can hunker in the hall with my laptop beside me.
The storms weren't nearly as bad here as the ones in Alabama, but we did have two small tornadoes touch down within miles of our house on Wednesday. Let me tell you, there's nothing like being in the hall putting your body over your baby in her car seat (hey, it might help) twice in one day to make you appreciate life.
I spent all day yesterday thankful that I got to see this birthday. The week before had been horrible, as I was suffering through the hormonal PMDD stuff I wrote about on Monday. I was on such emotional overload that I didn't know if I could stand it at times. Now, I'm just incredibly grateful--for my life, my family, my home. Both my and my husband's family were in dangerous areas, and all made it through safely. A minor miracle considering the amount of family he has in Birmingham.
I don't know why some people were spared and others weren't. I don't know if there's some mystical reason or if it's just random chance. I'm sure that those affected were no less worthy than I am. None of us, no matter our religion, really has the answer to that. But for whatever reason, I'm still here.
You can't get a better birthday than that.
It's sad it takes something like this makes one realize how precious life truly is. There's a reason you were spared and you will never think of the little things the same...because those little things don't matter...what matters is that you're alive...plain and simple. Happy Birthday...I'm glad you lived to be able to write this post...and yet, do feel sorrow for those who weren't spared. I almost lost my son to pneumonia a month ago, it was then that I realized my life could change in a matter of just a few minutes. He has disabilities, and I have always said if I knew I was dying I would take him w/me, but never did I think he would leave me first. Anyway, new follower from weekend hop. Looking forward to reading your posts. Would love for you to visit www.fingerclicksaver.com Have a great weekend!
ReplyDelete