At least a dozen different times today I went to ask Blissy a question or to tell Ryli something only to realize they weren’t here.
Leaving a local restaurant, I went to count to sixteen and began to freak out when I could only find 14 kids. Daly Kay reminded me that two were gone at school.
I’ve had lots of friends send me texts, call me, or stop me as I am out and about town and ask me how I am doing. How’s David?
And as sad as I can find myself from time to time, I have to remember what a tremendous opportunity it is that my girls have.
Millions of young adults all over the world never have the opportunity for basic learning, let alone a higher education. Millions of girls are left illiterate– many risking their lives to learn how to read or simple math. Children and youth are starving for knowledge all across the globe, and thanks be to Jesus my girls have the incredible blessing of a good education ahead of them. How can I possibly be sad?
Right now, there are plenty of young men and women, donning a uniform for our armed services and fighting overseas in dangerous territories, praying they return safely and looking forward to taking advantage of the GI Bill that will pay for college. They are dodging bullets and a treacherous enemy, providing the very security that allows my girls to walk safely to and from their classes. Paying for university wasn’t an easy thing for my girls to accomplish, but it certainly did not involve risking their lives, and so for that I am grateful. How can I be sad?
I can be sad that childhood is as fleeting as it is.
I can be sad that they grew up so darn fast.
But I refuse to allow myself any kind of pity party when their absence means they are on the receiving end of a phenomenal education that so many simply do not have the opportunity to attain or are risking their lives to strive for. I must be joyful and grateful and hopeful that with all their learning they will seek to lift up and help others.
***pictures of Ryli on campus were hard to come by because she was so busy with her new Cross Country team… 🙂
Amanda Yannotta says
Wonderful post!! I must remember this one in about 10 years!
Lyette Reback says
And I’ll help you make sure Rocco’s dorm room looks incredible!
Franck Prissert says
Hug.
Lyette Reback says
You’re next my man. xoxo
Franck Prissert says
Lyette Reback I have been practicing Lamaze breathing…
Cristy Hernandez-Eckelkamp says
Thank you Lyette for your strength that is giving me strength at this time. Its all about perspective!
Lyette Reback says
Thank you so much…Glad to be of any encouragement. xoxo
Pam Dadiomoff says
You’ll have got this,your family’s new normal will get you’ll there.Alot of love,prayers snd alittle crazy will work.Sending hug’s from Port Saint Lucie.
Lyette Reback says
Love to you Pam! Miss you! xoxoxo
David Reback says
So sorry for your loss Karen.
Lyette Reback says
Very sorry for your loss Karen. Bless you.
Karen Fox Tompkins says
David Reback Thanks you!
Karen Fox Tompkins says
Lyette Reback Thank you! Prayers are need greatly now as my Dad just died on Aug 3 so once again after 16years when my Mom died We are finding our new Normal! My daughter went to college we missed her but it was a great place to visit!
Sherrin Reviere Nissen says
It’s very quiet at this household. Only Mama and one daughter left at home a complete game changer.
And by the way one of your sweet girls gave my girl who is new to cross country and struggled thru yesterday (for the opposing team) a “pat on the back”. I asked my Ellie “do you know that ‘little’ girl? And she said no. I thought it was such a selfless gesture and much appreciated by this Mama!!
Kimberly Webb Lague says
Well said. I’ve been praying you. I can’t imagine. I will be a wreck in ten years. 😘😥