Ohio

I am so happy to write that Alice’s first trip back to Ohio proved that she is just like her sisters ~ wonderful travelers. There were a few tears but overall she slept, ate and smiled her way across the country.

We had a wonderful visit with our family and with some dear friends. Once we arrived at my parents house I felt like I was on vacation and it felt great to just be and not feel like I had to do or go anywhere.

On our last full day Alice, my mom and I shared Anna and Abby’s Love Story and Love Rocks at a local middle school. This was truly a blessing and something we plan on doing again when we go back in the Fall.

On Tuesday we arrived home to the best dad and husband anyone could ask for. I told him that if he was thinking about bringing flowers, which he often does, not to worry because our hands would be full ~ I wasreally just wanting to fill our arms with each other. Tom, being amazing and fun, showed up with 8 balloons tied to his belt with arms free. Alice was thrilled ❤ She really missed her dad and so did I.

Being in Ohio is wonderful but the void is deep when I am there. In my day to day life I have developed coping strategies and ways to survive the longing. When I’m in Ohio those strategies don’t seem to work as well ~ it feels like just yesterday that Anna, Abigail and I were headed there for spring break, it was just 4 visits ago.  With time, I pray, that I am able to develop strategies there too.