A Life Cut Short

I keep seeing reminders of a tragic death from a car accident this past Sunday in the Cedar Rapids area, and it just breaks my heart. On Facebook, she looks to be a fairly young mother. A mother of 15. A mother who opened her heart to adopting a lot of those kids, and maybe all of them? I don't know this family, or anything about them. I know Jenny Groothuis is her name, but I didn't hear her name before I saw a post that she had died and yet, I can't stop thinking about her….and her family.

You may think why in the world would God let this happen. I know it has crossed my mind. But, then I try to remind myself that only He knows why, and that as a human we may never understand it. What I can guess, though, is that no matter if she died now or when she was old and gray, her and her husband have made a difference in those 15 lives. They answered their call. 

 This family will grieve big time. For a long time. But, they will move on slowly and live a day by day life. They will remember Jenny and all she was for them. I'm sure somehow, someway something positive will come out of this even though that is so hard to believe right now.

I am so inspired. This story has lit a fire in my heart. Maybe not to adopt myself, but to be aware and help those families who do. So, this is my remembrance of this family. Instead of questioning God and asking "why", I will think of them and pray. I will think of them and do more to help kids in need. I will think of them and thank Jesus for souls like Jenny and her husband who have obviously given everything they have to help the helpless.

https://sites.google.com/a/windandfire.org/jennygroothuis/

Food, Fitness and ME!

Yes, it is true. I am writing a second time in one week! I just had to though. Today, was also the second time this week I ran the elliptical for a 2 mile/16 minute (well, a few seconds over, but who's counting!?) run. Or is it walk? Or is it a float? I haven't figured out what that is on an elliptical? Anyhow, I am so proud. Maybe that is considered a "sin", but I am proud none-the-less.

 For many of my adult years, I have been told eat this, don't eat this; take these pills/vitamins, oh wait…there is something new and improved…that old stuff is now bad for you, take this instead. I've been told to exercise, go to the gym, go to this class, no go to this class. This is all on top of what I have told myself. A huge majority of my friends are runners now, so who felt pressured to do it so I would fit in? Yep…that's me! Now, I don't know about anyone else, but personally when I am being told what to do and told what I am doing is wrong, I tend to be a wee bit stubborn. I stomp my figurative foot and say "you can't make me!" However….for the last year I have tried turning everyone off. And, it is working! I have to admit, I did start with a 24 day challenge of vitamins/diet but didn't stick with it. But, because of that, a switch of a medication and using moderation as my diet instead of cutting everything that tastes good out of my life, I starting losing weight. A lot of weight! 2 sizes down! Yay me! I even have picked up taking vitamins again!

 But, then there is the next obstacle. The extra skin (ok, in actuality it is fat…and I will admit it). I don't notice it so much until swimwear comes into my life. But, now because I want to, I am exercising. I'm lifting my wimpy 3 pound weights and I am getting rid of that extra "wave". I'm staying on the elliptical. I am feeling better!

Yes, I am proud. I am here to say….don't feel beat down by media, Facebook and all that other stuff. Do what works for you to get healthy. Do it at your pace because I promise, it works!

Friendships

I am all about reminiscing. Something like a song or a show, the weather, clothing….pretty much anything can remind me of a good time from the past. I am amazed at my memory sometimes, actually. And, I am thankful. It makes me happy to remember good times with friends. I have seen and heard a bunch of stuff lately about friendships and that made me start thinking…..

Friendships come in all shapes and sizes. All kinds of colors. Really, it's true. I can think of big friendships, small ones, colorful ones. It's sometimes hard to make friends, especially when you move around a lot like I have. I love having close friends but it is hard because you move into a place where friendships already exist, and you don't always find a spot other than the outside looking in. I really love the idea that I have friends from childhood even though we are all scattered around the states. Thanks to FB, I have been able to get in touch again. But, you still don't know the ins and outs of their lives. Which, brings me to….

For 7 years now, I get to look forward to a week in Mexico this time of year. I get to go with a friend who I met in high school. We even figured out, prompted by a funny video of 2 OLD friends, that we are on our way to their 90 year friendship (A third of the way! Yikes!). Even though we go a few days/weeks without talking sometimes, and we don't always know what is happening each and every moment for the other, we have only gotten closer over the years. We have been through so much together, even living so far apart all of these years. I can remember almost all of it..good and bad. She is the kind of friend who you can sit with and say nothing at all but know that it is a wonderful sign of how close you are. We have things in common, but are very different in some things. Still, we click so well. I don't know what I would do without her. I know I can count on her. No matter what! She has my back. I can trust in her and I can trust our friendship.

 

So, am I excited to go to a warm beach for a week? No doubt. But, my "countdown" isn't just for that but also to spend 7 days with a very important person in my life! Have you told your friends who you count on and hold close to your heart how important they are lately? If not, I say you should! Then, reminisce about the good 'ole days!