Moment by moment…

He is a wise man who does not grieve for the things which he has not, but rejoices for those which he has – Epictetus

Today I am rejoicing in what I have – my family.  My son and daughter arrived safe and sound in Orlando yesterday. Many people have asked us “why are you still here?”

Right now there is nothing we can do back home.  We can’t begin clean up yet, so we are trying to just stay focused on those things we have control over and not worry about that which we don’t.  We wanted to take a deep breath, take the kids minds off of losing their stuff, and celebrate all the things that are important to us – each other.

Yesterday I actually took the time to slowly view the pictures and the reality of so many things swept over me.  My heart began to grieve a bit more and smiles were a little more difficult form, but when it seemed like the heaviness of the reality of it all was going to take that smile and cloud my vision of gratitude something happened.

Once again the extraordinary generosity of kindness began to again wash over us in the form of donations – hugs, prayers, and monies.  I can’t find the words to express how much this means to us.  Yesterday we started listing the immediate needs and I looked at Pete and said – “how do you budget for lightning striking to your house?”  We gave each other a hug and just smiled.

My dear friend Rikki Kite, called me and asked me if it was ok to start a chip-in page as people were emailing and calling her to express they wanted to do something.  I told her as hard as it is for me to graciously receive, the reality of the situation was we did and were going to need some help and we would appreciate that very much.  Again, I can’t find the words to express the gratitude our hearts are overflowing with.

Thank you so much to our Ubuntu Family for your generous gifts.  Thanks to those gifts will enjoy a great family day removed from the shadow of the fire and recharge and strengthen our resolve to tackle each issue we will face as we get back on our feet.

Thank you so much to everyone for every donation, hug, smile, thought and prayer – we appreciate you all so very much.