Finding the 'normal'

I feel so naked, exposed, and nervous about putting this post out here like this....but here goes

It’s funny how one minute you are one person and the next minute you are forced to become someone else.  Still you, but a different you.  Perhaps one step closer to the real you. In one moment, one act can change your lives forever. It leads one down a road you didn’t want to travel…a road you didn’t even see coming…a road you never knew existed.  A journey to a place you never thought you’d be. A place you never wanted to be.  Your life becomes a life you never expected.
You cry. You pray. You talk to wonderful family and friends. You cry. You grieve. You mourn the person you used to be before “the moment”, the life you used to have, the family you used to be. You worry about everyone it effects. You wonder if  things will get better. You cry. 
Then, one day, you look up and decide that you can’t just lie down and cry. You give it to God. You pick yourself up. You make a plan. You take action.  You ask. You read. You research. You do all you can to make this new normal positive and happy. You dig and dig and dig. Searching. Until you find it.   There it is, buried. The positive.  The goodness that comes out of every not so good situation.
You accept that your life has, once again challenged you and changed. You all come out stronger and better and smarter and closer. A better family, tighter, more in love with each other and with life than ever. You know this is part of the plan and that one-day, many years down the road, you will understand why this had to happen. Waiting is hard, but like with anything good, patience and time pays off. 
Until then, you breathe, relax, and relish the simple, the ordinary, the normal.

Comments

[Lori]

Wow, Stephanie...this is beautiful and SO PROFOUND.
Thank you for sharing this...I have certainly had a few of those 'stages' in my life and I love the eloquence in your perspective.

[natalyn]

So eloquent.

[sweetsalty kate]

All very true, and lovely thoughts as well as capture.

[Michelle]

I wish I had your strength to give my problems and stresses aside, and embrace the changes so gracefully. You are a strong wonderful woman and mom. I know you can get through anything you set your soul and mind on with your faith and your wonderful family.

[killlashandra]

Nothing in life is constant except change. Nicely stated. :)

[thillysings]

beautiful picture & moving words. wow.

[Jennifer Conant]

beautiful...

[Amy C]

Amen!