Hi Family and Friends,
It's been quite a while since I have written. With Paul's deployment and three kids, life has been quite hectic.
Paul left for his deployment on May 6th. He spent one week down at Ft. Benning and then headed off to the middle east. Thus far, he seems to be doing very well and is quite fulfilled by his work. His usual day consists of working for 14 hrs, working out, talking with us, and sleeping. Sounds so monotonous to me but he always thrives on such routines. His 'home date' for now is November 22nd, two days before our 5th anniversary and Thankgiving. Let's hope that happens.
The kids and I are doing very well. I thought that this deployment was going to be a lot harder than it has turned out to be. The kids have adjusted very well and we are having a lot of fun. I have become increasingly thankful for this opportunity as I have learned a lot about being a productive, fun, and gentle mom. I can run one heck of a home but I have always struggled with stopping to play and be silly. These few months have made me realize how important it is to do that.
Sadly, I lost a close friend two weeks ago to domestic violence. She was such a joyful, loving, and GENTLE mother, despite the conditions that she endured. I have been GREATLY affected by her murder and am trying to adjust my life accordingly. I have experienced death a number of times but this, by far, has been the most difficult to accept. Everybody can say what they want about her being in heaven, being an angel, and forgiveness but that doesn't change the fact that she's gone, through the horrific actions of the man who fathered her children. It makes it nice and fluffy for a moment but doesn't change the aching in my heart, her parents hearts, her children's hearts, and all of those whole loved her. The only sense of consolation that I have found is one that came to me while praying the rosary at her wake. She carried her cross. Whether she was ever supposed to HAVE this cross, we will never know, but she accepted it for what it was and decided that she was going to live as joyfully and fully as she could. I, for now, am also a single mother and will joyfully take up my cross as Shannon did. I pray that she can give me a boost when I need one and hold my tongue when it is sharp.
Please pray for me. More importantly, please pray for Shannon's children, Emma (3) and Peter (1), her parents, brothers, and friends. This has truly been devestating.
If you would like to know more about Shannon's story, this is a link to one of my good friend's blogs. She has done a beautiful job telling Shannon's story. Start at the bottom. Shannon's Story
If you have an interest in donating to the trust fund for her children, it is greatly appreciated. Here is the link: Donate Here
Love,
Jeanne
