JanineThrossel.com

This post is a little heavy today. In just over two years, Tom and I have suffered the losses of about 25 of our loved ones. That's not a typo. Twenty-five.  Today, that is weighing heavy on my heart. One week, we had to choose which funerals to attend...out of six. What do you do with that? Of course, some farewells were even harder than the others, Some losses have changed us for a lifetime. They weren't just pinpricks in the fabric of our routines and memories, but gaping wounds dug deep into who we are. It hurts. A few days ago, I woke up thinking of these losses....family members like Uncle Bill, Aunt Chris, Uncle Eddie, Uncle John, Kathy, Raven, Vanette, Richard....and friends like Sally, Julie, Bob, Phil, Beth, Peter F., Lois, India and so many more. My hearts hurts to even begin to name them. However, as I reflected on those who we lost, there was a remarkable, surprise feeling of gratitude for four things in particular. 1. I was so grateful to have know...

With my oldest child, in 1997 Happy Mother's Day to all you moms out there! I had the privilege of sharing something with my church this Mother's Day that I thought I'd share with you, too. Whether you are a mom or not, I hope this is meaningful to you. ------- I definitely remember my first Mother's Day celebration after my older son was born. Peter was seven months and acting more independent than usual, enjoying doing things for and by himself. It was bittersweet. Needing me a little less stung a bit, but I was so happy he was growing up strong. I felt so blessed with my little family--my husband Tom and my little boy. Easter 1997 About three years later, we were celebrating my first Mother's Day after the birth of our younger son. He was eight months old, born late in the year like his brother. It was a season of whirlwind days with two little children in our house! Tom bought me a big bouquet of flowers to grace our table that year, even though...