Life's small blessings

I love this picture of me and Harvey. Taken in the Dominican Republic, you couldn't find two people more relaxed. In this type of environment any marriage can survive.

However, shortly after our arrival home from this trip, the storm hit...

Harvey came home one day early from work. Harvey being home early, I knew this couldn't be a good thing. He informed me that he had been laid off at work. Although we knew it was happening with other employees at work we were quite surprised it happened to us. The surprised not only being in the lay off but how it was conducted. The following day Harvey was heading to Virginia to retrieve all our belongings. We were officially moving to Utah for no reason. At least we thought...

While Harvey was in VA we have never experienced such torn feelings before. As I spoke with all my VA friends and bawled with them on the phone, all I wanted was to pack up the kids and join Harvey in Virginia. Everything that initially made us uproot our family, leave our home and best friends was no longer and all I wanted to do was run back. My heart was broken...that was until the blessings started to pour in.

It started when I was having the toughest day of all and so desperately wanting to return to my home in Virginia my mom walked through the door after her day at work. At seeing her face I instantly felt at peace. Although friends have been our family for the last 14 years it was now as I was in the presence of my mom that I was reminded of all those times I missed her. All those times I was so homesick to be with my family, with my sisters and those feelings of loss were over-ridden with a feeling of comfort and peace. I was finally with my family. The reason for moving to Utah had nothing to do with a job; it was all about family.

The days haven't gotten any easier and the trials haven't loosened up but either have the blessings.

Harvey and I have taken the opportunity of visiting the LDS temple and while there we were given clear direction, peace, and reminded to have the proper perspective. This is life, and we can overcome the obstacles.

Feeling empowered by the small but significant blessings I know that this it what life is about. In this type of environment when all the trials of life can seem overwhelming, this is when a marriage can truly be put to the test.

But as I look at my husband I look at him with admiration. He is faithful and he is strong. Among my many blessings I count him as the greatest. And with all this said, I add a big HAPPY BIRTHDAY HARVEY! I love you.