Stories of My Life

I’ve been looking forward to this day for months now. I was giddy when Kelly told me there was a possibility of a long layover in San Juan on her way back from St. Lucia and yesterday we got to spend 8 hours with Kelly and Dan.

Kelly is one of my “beauty from ashes” relationships. I “met” Kelly in 2003 – right after Gideon and Gracie died – through Hannah’s Prayer. She was also struggling with infertility and had just had an unsuccessful IVF. In our grief, we instantly connected. Later that year we were able to meet in person at a little retreat for a bunch of infertile girls in NW Arkansas. It was one of those weekends where I think we cried as much as we laughed – and created friendships that will last forever. It’s bitter sweet to think that I would have never met Kelly (and so many other amazing women) had I not gone through such a horrible time.

Since our last in person meeting, a lot has happened in both of our lives. I’m not sure who has moved more – probably Kelly – she even did a stint in Germany and as a military wife who knows what it’s like to pack up and move (a lot) and she was is one of my biggest cheerleaders as I make my new home here. There have been many a time where I would get discouraged about life here and would think of Kelly and how she survived Germany and then a year deployment – with three young children – and it would give me just the reality check I needed…”If Kelly could do this…I can too!”

Kelly and her dh, Dan, are now parents to 3 amazing kiddos who I hope to meet someday! I got to rejoice with her when she brought her two daughters home from Russia (even feeling like I was actually there with her at times) and then celebrate again as she gave birth to her son a few years later. She is an amazing mother and I’m always asking her “what did you do when?” and have picked up many a parenting tip from her. She is a master of “natural consequences” and I often laugh when she tells of her (very creative) remedies for bad behavior.

Kelly – it was such a treat to have you here for a day and I hope you had a great time with our fancy hospitality (dinner prepared in the bathroom and served on only the finest paper plates). Next time it will be for longer than 8 hours!!

Kelly and Dan in Old San Juan

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Kelly and I enjoying a lazy afternoon by the pool

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Kelly and Dan enjoying a gourmet meal complete with paper plates and plastic wear [photopress:kelly_and_dan_at_dinner.gif,full,pp_empty]