Thanksgiving Blessings

Oh my goodness, my heart is overfilled with blessings this Thanksgiving...Addi is almost 9 months clean! Woo hoo! Yay! She has been such a joy to have around. Her infectious laughter is back; her smile is so bright; her beautiful eyes dance again; and she enjoys the things she used to love-- like reading, learning, being around her family. My heart is overjoyed with happiness for my family and especially for her. I know that right now, right here in November 2016, that we are VERY blessed and fortunate. I know there are others who are not as fortunate as we are this holiday season--and I am praying for all of you and your families who are wishing and praying for a miracle. I know I am fortunate to have my daughter still on earth. I do not forget that, for it weighs heavy on my heart, that so many are missing their loved ones this Thanksgiving.

I am so thankful for her life; for the fact she went to Teen Challenge last March; and that her life has taken the turns it has. I am also thankful for all the support and love that so many have shown our family this year. I am thankful that so many of you who have lost your own child, have spoken up, answered the call and are trying to save other lives.

I'm so thankful for the Southwest Missouri Alliance for making all of my ideas a reality and making them bigger and better than I could have imagined.

I am thankful that almost a year ago, Pastor Robin Sigars, ran into my daughter in a Casey's Convenience Store and prayed with her, knowing she was impaired. Even in her biggest haze--she never forgot that moment between them...and 3 weeks ago, he baptized her. In the presence of her hometown, she was baptized and when her smile came across the big screen in the church, it impacted my heart like I hadn't felt in a long time. All of her grandparents, aunt and uncle, cousins and brother and sister in law were all present...and we all wept. It was one of the joyous moments of my entire life. I know that this is just the beginning of a new chapter in her life and know that her story has the ability to give hope to so many people.

One day at a time.

I am thankful for all the friends and loved ones that have rallied around her, to show her how very important she is in this world.

I'm thankful for my friends, Scott and Alissa Brock; my new friends-the Krokroskia's, the French's, the Baker's, the Brown's (and Aggus;), the Loveall's, the Armstrong's and Harper's--who have all loaned us the images of their beloved kids, who lost their lives to the ugly disease of addition. They want to save even ONE life. I know they are touching lives every single day. I am so grateful that they are willing to endure the pain of seeing their baby on a billboard, to help someone else. I know they weren't technically "babies"--but they will ALWAYS be their babies.

I'm thankful for Kelsey, Jessi and Addi who were brave enough to share their own photos and stories. I know it has put them in a limelight that is often difficult and they are constantly stared at, with skepticism. I love and support all 3 of them, who are vastly different people, yet, so much alike. They are champions and they WILL win the fight. Please continue to pray for them.

I'm thankful for my husband, who has been the most loving, compassionate and supportive mate. I cannot thank God enough for him. He is an awesome father, husband and friend. I do not deserve him.

I'm thankful for criticism. It has helped me to better myself and to learn that my opinion isn't the only one that matters. I am human.

Lastly, I am thankful to God. I have ignored you a lot in my life. I've often times only talked to you, when I needed you. Now I know, that I need to talk to you, even in my happiest moments. I know now that you have been with us this whole time, and that you have a plan. I know Addi's life is in your hands.

For all of you who are struggling with sadness or addiction or missing a loved one this Thanksgiving---please know that there IS light and God DOES have a plan...and know that my family is praying for you...every single day.