This weekend, I experienced something that I haven't felt in a very long time. I can't even remember the last time that I felt this. I was relaxed.
Chad and I and the boys went to visit my grandma for Thanksgiving this year in Iowa. I hadn't been able to visit her since Christmas last year, and Chad hadn't been there since Thanksgiving 2 years ago, so we figured it was time. We also knew that with Trae's surgery coming up, we weren't going to be able to visit her for Christmas this year. The boys had been counting down the days for the past month, very excited to take a trip to see Grandma. The trip, of course, started out stressful. (Don't all family trips?) I woke up with a cold the morning we were suppost to leave, Cera (the dog) had her puppies early, so now we weren't quite sure what to do with them, and of course, there was the usual cleaning and laundry that needed to be done before we left, we still needed an oil change in the van. And with all that, we got on the road only about 2 hours later than when we wanted to leave!
I didn't expect it to be that exciting of a trip, honestly. Just 2 nights away, see some family, catch up with grandma and come home. But after eating our Thanksgiving dinner, sitting with Chad while he watched football, I realized something. At that moment, I was relaxed.
For the past...year or more, I have felt like I have been running a marathon. Being in nursing school while taking care of my family has been harder for me than I ever could have thought! I constantly have lists running through my head of what needs to be done today, who do I need to call, what needs to be turned in for school, what is coming up, what do we need at the store, do I have anything to make for supper. And with everything we have been through with Chad's job, I find myself thinking, "God, can we ever catch a break?!"
Well, I don't know about catching a break, but I did get a small breather this weekend. It was so nice to just be away from everything. Just for 2 days, to not have to worry about anything. No school, no doctors appointments, no job, just us. So, this year, I think I am thankful for the little breathers God gives us. When I think I can't take anymore, and pray, "God, please, I need a break!" He heard me.
