Confession Time: Memories on April 27th

Facebook has a funny way of reminding you of events in your life, right when you need to remember them. A "memory" popped up today from six years ago.  I  had posted as we sat in a waiting room at UAB after my bother's wreck.  It mentioned how ironic that a year later we were all right back in practically the same place.




Time is a funny thing. It softens the blow on the most painful memory and heightens the emotions of others.




Seven years ago today, was the deadliest tornado in our most recent history.


The ex has supposedly fell off our roof and had gone by ambulance to UAB. I say supposedly because where he fell did not match the "injuries" the doctors were looking at. While I had believed him. everyone else felt that there was something that did not quite add up in his story.  The doctor had asked me out in the hall if he was an alcoholic. Looking back, I should have known.  He had a flair for the dramatic. Love makes one blind to so many things, especially deception.


 In that post, I also mention my lifelong friend, Leigh, an only child who lost both her parents to this storm. Being around her the last few weeks, at our weekly gathering at the local Mexican restaurant, she reminds me to cherish the time I have left  with my parents.  When we all complain how crazy our parents make us, she quietly reminds us that one day, they will no longer be there to complain about.




Six years ago today, my brother was in the trauma unit at UAB, recovering from a motorcycle accident. I am reminded of how fragile life is and how we shouldn't take anyone for granted. As my mother and I tried to steer Julz through last minute details of her upcoming graduation and the frustration of not being able to impress on her how important these details are, I remember that life is short and in five years, they may not even matter.  That we should look for the opportunities to be with those we love rather than slogging through the mundane. So when I had the opportunity to either cut my grass, or go celebrate a friend's birthday, I immediately chose the birthday.






Tomorrow I will be at UAB yet again. to watch my daughter graduate. Whether we sent out "proper" announcements or not, those who love her will be in attendance. Whether we got the cake with the dragon on it or not, we will gather to fellowship in her honor.




Lastly, I am thankful to God, for allowing me these memories, that my stroke could have easily stolen from me. I am reminded that everything under Heaven, good, bad, otherwise, He uses for His glory. I have no doubt that I have walked through everything I have walked through on April 27th o that I can appreciate the 364 other days. 




I reposted my memory, an added the thought:


 " Much like a boat, Life rises and falls with the waves, but my Anchor has me firmly in place still."


~EnJOY