Tuesday, November 3, 2009

Homeward Bound

Andrew is on his way home. He started his 32-hour flight this morning and will be returning sometime tomorrow evening.

As I spend my last evening alone, I find myself reflecting on the past 128 days, I feel an overwhelming sense of gratitude. As I said our family prayer this evening, I got teary-eyed as I thanked the Lord for this experience and his protection over all 4 of us.

There were many hard moments, and I did many hard things that I'm proud of. I potty-trained Eva. I flew alone with both kids 6 times, once where we had the stomach flu. I went through airport security alone with both kids 6 times (which deserves its own mention, don't you think?). Most recently, I dealt with all things financial when my wallet was lost. (Thankfully, it is now restored to me, along with my peace of mind.) I mowed the lawn. I nursed sick kids back to health several times. I registered the van and the motorcycle. I went grocery shopping at least 30 times with both kids. I went to church 20 times, and every time I left that 3-hour block I felt like I had just won a major battle (although many times I also felt defeated). I fulfilled my calling in Young Women's. I finished reading the Book of Mormon. I lost 16 pounds. I kept our beautiful children fed, safe, and happy, for the most part.

128 nights in a row, I prayed for our protection. And 128 nights in a row, we were blessed with exactly what I asked for. Now, on the eve of our reunion, I feel grateful and triumphant. I have come to the end of the hardest time of my life so far, and tomorrow it will all be over.

Thanks be to God - we did it.

22 comments:

Samye said...

Woohoo Steph!! You did it! And listening to all that you accomplished...way to go!! Praying your last night goes smoothly and excited to hear about Andrew's safe arrival!

Juliann said...

Way to go Stephanie! I am so proud of you. Being away from ones hubby is a hard task especially with children. I loved your post about you meeting Andrew. It was super cute. I hope you guys have an awesome week celebrating his return.

Ali said...

What an amazing picture of the three of you...

YES you deserve accolades upon accolades for all that you accomplished in his absence... the airport security (single handedly), being high on that list!!

Congrats on the 16 pounds... That's awesome! You've been an example to so many of us. The Lord does take care of us and good for you for acknowledging that too.

Lacking Productivity said...

I love reading your blog. Have I ever just come right out and said that? I love reading your blog.

I feel like I know you, though I probably really don't at all, but I adore what little I do know.

Your strength and self-confidence are commendable.

Lisa said...

WOO HOO!!! I'm so happy for you, and so proud of you. Way to go, Steph!

kate said...

You're amazing Steph! That is A LOT to accomplish! And the picture is absolutely adorable!

sam and brittney said...

Steph, I love reading your blog. You are such a good writer. I love that everything you write is so real. What an accomplishment to last 128 days without your husband!! You are one strong girl! I couldn't do it. Also, way to lose 16 lbs! I want to do that!!

Annie. said...

You are amazing. Congratulations! You are such a strong person. You ought to feel proud of yourself...but I can also tell you are humbled by your experience and the Lord's hand in it, and that is a beautiful thing.

P.s. After flying for the first time with Eli (and that's just ONE kid), I TOTALLY agree that making it through airport security with Eva and Leighton is an accomplishment all its own.

Chels said...

You're awesome and I'm so happy for you guys to be together again.

Elise said...

What a relief he's finally coming home! What a challenge single motherhood is--I'm so glad that is over for you for now.

You look beautiful!

Chanel said...

Yeah!!! Words can not express how proud of you, grateful I am for you, and excited I am for you. YOU DID IT WONDERFULLY!!! Now go get a sexy 16 lb lighter nightie and enjoy the next little slice of life!

Kimberly said...

Steph I started to get emotional reading this! You have stunned us all with how well you've handled the last few months. I'm so excited for you all to be re-united.

marc and becky said...

You truly are amazing. I am so happy Andrew is coming home! you are one amazing momma and wife!!! love you girl!

Tess said...

You are amazing! I don't know how you do it. I'm so excited that you will be reunited soon!

Jordan said...

OH Steph. You made me all teary eyed. I'm so happy for you!
love you tons! Charity

Mikael Squire said...

WOO HOO!!!!

Unknown said...

Holla!! Enjoy having your man back at home with you. I can't image how happy and excited you are right now. Way to make it through the last 4 months, and it style! You're awesome.

Leah said...

Horray! What an inspiration!

Mikael Squire said...

P.s. Love Leighton's eyes in the photo! Like "hey! Let me in the photo!"

The Willis Wonder Years said...

Stephanie, you are amazing! I LOVE this post most of all out of any of your posts ever! You should be SO proud of yourself. You accomplished so much and you not only survived while Andrew was away but you LIVED too. You lived well and you are your babies are happy!!! What I was most impressed with though out of all that you did, was how you attributed it all to the Lord's helping hand. You are so humble and are SUCH an example to me and to so many. I have much to learn from you before I take my turn being a single parent next year when Brian is deployed. I hope and pray I can have your strength!! You are awesome girl!!

HAYHAY said...

You are probably with Andrew right now, and that makes me so happy. I LOVE the picture in this post. You three stuck together through those hard days, and now you all have your Man with you. YIPEE!

Ben, Charlotte, Troy, and Liam said...

I can't believe how much weight you lost with all of that stress! I would have just junked out. You really are amazing. You are such a GREAT MOM.