Unexpected Trip Home to Bama

I know I haven't been posting much lately but things have been very busy around here. Last Sunday, September 27 ended up being a very emotional and heart breaking day for me. My mother called me that morning to let me know that my uncle Jim, father of Matthew (my cousin who had the 4 wheeler wreck) and Paige, had passed away. Jim was an amazing man who I loved just like a father. Words can not begin to describe what a wonderful man he was. I love him so much and there will always be an empty place in my heart for him. I knew that I had to go home. I needed to be with my family. Aaron, being the amazing husband that he is, offered to stay home with the kiddos since tickets were crazy expensive. So late Sunday night I jumped on an airplane for a long, sad trip home. I didn't arrive until 6pm Monday night thanks to a long delay in the Atlanta airport. But after my mom picked me up we headed off to see Pam, Matthew, and Paige. Pam is such a strong and amazing woman. I think she comforted me more than I could have done for her. Just her hug and sweet words about how much Jim loved me mean more to me than she will ever know. That night we went out to see Matthew whom I had not see in over a year. He looked so good. He had gained so much weight since I had seen him. His face looked like Matthew. He was very congested that night and seemed to be under a good deal of stress. Matthew is very alert. He will look you right in the eye when you talk to him and even tries to talk. He said "mom" plain as day. I could have sat by his side and talked to him for days. He and I have so much time to make up for. He even smiled at me twice...but when Grandmother asked him if he smiled at me he shook his head no! Just like him! Tuesday was the funeral. It was beautiful. Pam and Paige planned the whole thing and I believe Jim smiled down upon it. Matthew had a rough night that night. Pam, Paige, and Matthew have a long road ahead of them. Matthew has a long road of recovery ahead but he now has a new guardian angel looking over him. His daddy wanted more than anyone to see Matthew walk, talk, and be himself again. And I believe that he will continue to push Matthew even harder as he watches him from Heaven. Jim, I could never say thank you for all that you are. I miss you more than I can ever describe. Please continue to remember them all in your prayers.

The good part of the trip was that I got to see my family for the first time in over a year. My grandmother has had a rough year but she looks amazing. I can't thank God enough for being with her through every step of her fight. My mom, well she is just the most wonderful person ever. Being able to spend so much time with her was wonderful. I love you mom! I got to have an evening just me and little bro. Even though he's bigger than me now, I can still beat up on him! Time with my step dad is always fun. I've missed him so much! It was so good to see everyone. I am soooooo looking forward to our move. I can't wait to see everyone more often. This 3 years has been the hardest 3 years of my life. You all have made me what I am today and I am forever grateful for each moment I have with you all. I'll see you soon!

Family pic...

Me and my beautiful Aunt Sharon
Trevor and I the day I left.
I forgot to take pictures when I was with everyone else. I was kicking myself in the butt the day I left because I had no pictures with Pam, Grandmother, Paige, or Matt. Soon though!

I returned home late Saturday night. My handsome hubby and boys were waiting to pick me up. Lane ran right up and hugged me. Logan was next. They became Daddy's boys during the week I was gone! We all talked over the webcam as much as we could. Technology is so amazing and definitely helped keep me sane while being away from my boys. I missed them so much. I can't thank Aaron enough for being the man he is. He had only been home for two weeks before being thrown into full time Daddy duty. He thought nothing of it but most men would tremble at being home by themselves with two small children and to top it off...he had been away and out of the Daddy routine for a year! Everything went perfectly and the house was even cleaned when I got home! I was very impressed! I'm such a lucky lady!