With all the "bad" news in the world today, I seem to be deep in thought anymore.  The obvious horrible economy, the crashing stock-markets, the people losing their jobs (just before Christmas), the rising prices on everything, the list just seems endless right now.  On my drive to work every morning, I seem to always be deep in thought.  If i could blog in my 5 minute drive from my house to my job, I think I might have some interesting things to say... must be that I'm not fully awake at 7am, but yet I am... there's a little girl that gets me up bright and early at around 6:30am EVERY morning!

That said, "bigger," came from one of those drives to work this week.  So much "bad" news in the world, and really....there are so many things "bigger" then that....

Just a few days before Thanksgiving and we are reminded to be thankful for what we DO have.  And, it seems this year, that we all feel a little extra blessed and a little extra cursed at the same time.  Sort of bittersweet, eh?  Trust me, I know that feeling.  Hands down.

Today, someone lost a child.
Today, someone lost a grandchild.
Today, someone lost a niece.
Today, someone lost a nephew.
Today, someone lost a cousin.
Today, someone lost a friend.
Today, someone lost a mother.
Today, someone lost a father.
Today, someone lost a grandparent.
Today, someone lost an aunt/uncle.
Today, someone lost their job.
Today, someone lost their home.
Today, someone lost their car.
Today, someone lost.......

Despite all the negativity there, I can assure you there is some blessing in disguise.  It's just a realistic thing.  But, it's so hard to find that positive when the negative is so bad.  There are much BIGGER things in life then money, jobs, homes, cars, etc.  I mean, yes, they are important.  We ALL want to provide for our families, but in the realm of things, all we need is a quaint home to keep our family safe and food on the table.  It's back to the good ole sayings, but it's true.  It's bittersweet because so much heartache and stress has come from the stress of the economy, but when you look at the grand scheme of things.... it's so easy to say how thankful we are that our families are here and safe and sound.  It can be taken away so easily.

I have no idea where some of this comes from.  I've been reading lots of blogs lately of those who have lost children.  And, I've found a  wonderful place to go for pregnancy and loss awareness (If you are interested and have experienced such a loss, Leave a note or email me at kc6313@aol.com and I'll happily direct you there.)  And, I've been connecting with a mother who is going through the bittersweet feeling of bringing home one child while burying the other.  My heart breaks for her daily.....daily.  All of these resources are helping me grieve, as I wonder if I really ever took the time to grieve.  Let's face it.  The girls were born August 2nd.  We buried Reagan August 8th. Addy came home September 24th, and I was back at work October 1st.  Literally, where was time allowed for me to grieve?  It wasn't.  I think that has been some of my overwhelming feelings lately.  All the stressers of the economy and me being sick (STILL!) just make me think about these things.  Plus, the impending holidays...well....holidays are just tough.  I never thought I would grow to despise Christmas in the LEAST bit.  I have ALWAYS been a HUGE Christmas person, but now, it's bittersweet EVERY year.  Last year, only Christmas was really hard, this year?  I don't know...we shall see.  But, what I'm trying to get at, is this stressful economy has impacted SO many, but there really are things bigger in life... and though I know many of us have had some major setbacks, there are BIGGER things in life...  and I'm simply grateful that my family is here with me.  I wish and pray with all my might that Reagan was here too, but I'm so grateful that Addy is here and I still believe without a doubt that without Reagan's loss, I wouldn't have Addy.  I trust in Him....

So, don't sweat the small stuff... a LOT of it really is small stuff....