Hopeful

Hold on, to me as we go
As we roll down this unfamiliar road
And although this wave is stringing us along
Just know you’re not alone
Cause I’m going to make this place your home

Settle down, it’ll all be clear
Don’t pay no mind to the demons
They fill you with fear
The trouble it might drag you down
If you get lost, you can always be found

Just know you’re not alone
Cause I’m going to make this place your home

Home – Phillip Phillips 

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If you recall almost 1 year ago to the day I posted a blog referring to this song. I didn’t plan to revert back to it – but some times I think Sky knows just what I need. While going through Sky’s notes section on her iPhone last summer I came across the title for this song and a few of the lyrics, and it was a reminder to me. As if heaven sent, directly from Skylar to me. It so happened that as I was crying for my baby girl the other morning this song came on and touched me yet again and I knew that it was Sky and God gently reminding me to be patient….to settle down and remember that it will all be clear.

I think we all need reminders like this…..whether we are grieving for a child, a parent, a friend, a spouse or just struggling with life.  I’m blown away by how quickly and easily one’s priorities shift. I said for many weeks/months after the accident that if just 1 person was helped through Sky’s death, then her work here was done; and I certainly believe lives were changed….however, it saddens me that perspectives are lost so easily.

I don’t wish this pain, that us grieving parents carry, on a single living soul; but what I do hope for is a recognition from others of just how important faith, family and love is. And I pray that it doesn’t take a life changing, debilitating, tragedy for that to occur.  Call me naive but man, just think what a little love, forgiveness, acceptance and faith could do for this cruel world.

Life is short people – wake up! Why is that so hard for us as a society to grasp?

I talk to Skylar a lot ….call me crazy, doesn’t bother me one bit   I know that the one thing Skylar wants her friends and family to know is that you get one shot here and we had better take it serious and make an impact while we can. Even from eternity that little booger is still teaching me things.

I receive emails from people all over America who read this blog and thank you God for allowing this tragedy to touch so many. I write for therapeutic reasons, but I also write to share Sky’s story and to continue to give people hope and encouragement, in this bleak and cruel world. I do it FOR Sky and WITH Sky. I know with every stroke of the keyboard that Skylar is writing along with me, using me.

I want to remind people,  if I can do it – so can you!  Had you asked me a day before this tragedy if I could survive my teenage daughters untimely and tragic death; my answer would have been a solid NO!  It’s amazing what God can do for you and through you and what love can do to carry you through.

I am forever broken, forever changed, forever fearful and forever void of a piece of my heart….but with my faith anchored in eternity, I am hopeful. I am hopeful that God will continue to give me strength when I can’t find it on my own. I’m hopeful that Skylar will continue to give me signs that she is with me every step of this horrendous journey. I am hopeful that my 3 babies still on this earth will see a mother that didn’t give up and who forgave even when her heart was breaking. I am hopeful that I can be a light unto others who walk this same painful path. I am hopeful that I am making my Sky-bird proud. I am hopeful that I am an inspiration for those who don’t believe that they can take another step.  I am hopeful.

I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.”  John 16:33

There is still time to register for Sky’s 5K Run/Walk that will take place this Sunday, August 24th (8:30am)

Follow this link >>>>  http://www.active.com/bellbrook-oh/running/races/sky-s-the-limit-memori…