Song Playing( turn up your volume!) : by Kutlass- "What Faith Can DO"

 Our trip to Michigan was a wonderful success.(with a minor speed-bump called a broken arm). It was so great to see everyone. The kids loved playing with their cousins and camping. I got to see family and friends and do some healing regarding my Mom's death. I visited her grave for the first time. I know she is not "at the grave" and she is in fact in Heaven, but it was still nice to see her memorial.  Krysti and I were able to go through her clothes and some of her things. This was also a healing process. I am glad that chapter is behind me. I feel like I can now really move on from everything that has happened in the last year and focus on the future.

Going back made me realize how great it actually is WHERE I AM.  Yes, I miss my family- I am grateful for email and phones- it makes it easy to stay in touch. I am grateful to be able to visit occasionally- especially for the kids to play with their cousins---- they love each other so much and I want them to grow up with memories of being together-- and I know memories were made this summer that will never be forgotten. But I also know that my home now is "where the Navy takes us". As long as I am with Chris and the kids then I am home. Be it Hawaii, overseas or the Mainland. An apartment, hotel room or house.  Michigan or Florida will never be "home" to us again, but we will always come back to visit. 

Our trip home also brought to life that things change- for bad, for good. You cannot control the things that happen in life. God opens doors that you never thought would be opened and closes some that you never thought would be closed. You gotta keep moving on. Keep living- keep loving and keep giving.   You cannot focus on the sadness-- turn your face to the sun and turn the sadness into renewed hope.  I know my mom would be happy at how this 4th of July turned out. A lot of tears were shed but also there were a lot of laughs and fun times. Family and friends came together to celebrate our tradition and I am so glad that they took the time be with us.  I love you guys!