Are you Au-ware?

So today was a special day of celebration. Not the first day, but a first for us and for Jackson. The first year for us to be a part of the World Autism Awareness Day. I have done a lot of thinking today, a lot of reflecting and a lot of realizing. Realizing that we are not the only ones. We are not alone. And together we can make a difference in the world of autism. I wore my blue for my sweet Jacks and I have seen countless acts of support through social media, community events and national fundraising campaigns to support Autism Awareness. 

Considering that so often we get arguably caught up in keeping up with the Jones' in our day to day lives, we often forget to remember just how blessed we are. Sitting in mass this past weekend for Easter the song Living Feast was playing as Communion was given. I returned to my seat holding squeezing Hallie and I found myself reflecting through prayer over the last 8 months and realizing just how far we have come as a family. I prayed for Jackson, I prayed for other children with autism and I prayed for families that live with autism everyday. I prayed in thanks for everything I have, in thanks for all the sacrifices that Jesus made for us. I prayed for peace. Peace and love and thanks. I was borderline ready to just let my tears go right there in the pew. What a difference a small amount of time has made in my life, our family life and most importantly Jackson's life. 

Even though today was a national day of recognition, there are 364 days a year that aren't recognized for autism, but trust me autism doesn't disappear. It's present in my life everyday. It brings about new struggles  and new victories for us everyday. And while I have been so wrapped up in all the hairy scary details of autism there is something else that doesn't disappear. And that's God, who is also present everyday. I guess part of me has been taking that for granted lately. Not by choice, just by default as a human being. Just being wrapped up in my own thoughts and struggles that I've forgotten about how much God really loves us and has a true path for us in life. For the first time in a long time, I think I am on the path that God has for me. Maybe a path I don't understand sometimes and it's just taken me a while (eh 30 years) to get there, but none the less a path. It may be a path of mystery, but it's also a path of survival and a path to victory. (whew... did I just say all that in public?)  

Our path is a path to share and it's so much bigger than we are, just like todays celebration of autism awareness around the world. So thank you for everyone who supported Autism today, it means so much. And I have to say thank you God for reminding me that you are always Au-ware of just what I need. 

Leaving you with one little boy who will forever light up my life.

~EM

Sad day...Count Your Blessings

So many times in our lives, we focus on everything we want/don't have/wish we had that we forget to be thankful for what's right in front of us.  A roof over our heads, a family that loves us and people that support you through the good and the bad. Yesterday  neighbor of ours lost their house in a fire. Total devastation. I cannot even imagine the sorrow and struggle for that family today. You know they have to question everything. Memories lost to a flame and belongings that are now just ashes. 

It makes you question why things like this happen. Why them? Why anyone? Why does God let things like this happen to good people? The good news is this isn't philosophy 101 or we would be here a while and we'd all be asleep before the end of this post, or angry from all the questions we have, lol. And while I'm not one to talk, I've had my share of asking the same questions about my life and knowing that God doesn't give you more than you can handle it sure doesn't make things any easier.

Last night after the circus parade of people driving by, walking by and going over to see the house, I found myself unplugging everything in the house. Things like this make us worry. They make you uneasy. They make you fear the worst. But they also make you thankful. It's a big slice of humble pie and a reminder that you should always be thankful for what you have. 

The good news is that they all made it out. They are all alive. They may have lost material things but they still have each other. Things could have gone very different for that family yesterday. Just last weekend they were celebrating a birthday for their little boy and today there is no celebration. 

What a true testament to remember that God protects you when you really need it. That even though a tragic event has happened, you still have the most important thing. It makes me so thankful for what I do have and for my family. It makes me count our blessings and be grateful that even though I wish my closet was bigger and that I wish this or that for my family, at least we have each other. 

This weekend I'm going to squeeze my kids and kiss them more times than they can count and remember and that each day is a gift from God. Our lives happens so fast sometimes and it only takes one small thing to change it all. 

My prayers go out to that sweet family. May God be with you and help you through this tough time. 

~EM

Sandy Hook- Blogger Day of Silence

Day of Silence

I know all of you share my sadness over what happened yesterday.  As a mother - I can't FATHOM how those parents must feel. I hope you will all be praying for the people of CT.  They need our prayers. My heart goes out to all of those people who will be forever changed by this tragic event. May God bless and keep your families close in his arms. I'm praying for all of you. 

On Tuesday, December 18th, there will be a blogger day of silence. We will post the button and that's it. Please try to not post anything else that day if possible.

 We are also raising money that will go to an organization in the memory of this tragedy. The organization is called The Newtown Family Youth and Family Services. Here is the official description of the support service we are donating to: 

"Newtown Youth and Family Services, Inc. is a licensed, non-profit, mental health clinic and youth services bureau dedicated to helping children and families achieve their highest potential. NYFS provides programs, services, activities, counseling, support groups and education throughout the Greater Newtown area.

ANY DONATIONS MADE TO NEWTOWN YOUTH AND FAMILY SERVICES WILL BE DONATED DIRECTLY TO THOSE EFFECTED BY THE SANDY HOOK ELEMENTARY SCHOOL SHOOTING."

Please visit THIS PAGE to make your donation.

 We can't imagine how they must be feeling, especially this close to the holidays. We would love for you to spread the word on your own blog, Facebook, Twitter, etc. Let's make a difference and use blogging in a positive way. Thank you in advance for participating.

 Love,
The Blog World 

p.s. If you would like to, copy-paste and repost any part of this, please do. Share on.