New Changes...A New Path

So much has happened since my last post. Let me try to catch up a bit...

First of all, my back is better and after much physical therapy and exercise, I feel stronger than I have in a long time. My back is still not 100%, but I am back at work and boy, have things changed!

I got to Portland last Thursday evening so that I could be on call the following Friday. It was hard to go back knowing that the flying is not great out of that base and, true to form, I didn't fly on Friday, however...it was a VERY eventful day! It started out fairly typical. I got up showered and as I was putting my make up on, I received a phone call from SkyWest telling me to check my email in the next hour for a possible transfer to Minneapolis. I had put my transfer in back in December. Minneapolis (MSP) has more options for me and I will not be on Reserve (on call) but instead will be able to hold a line (where I have more control over my schedule and ultimately the ability to make more money!!)

Needless to say, I was anxious as I checked my email. I tried to focus on improving my face, but was so distracted. Then, there it was! I opened the email, saw the "granted transfer" and quickly accepted it. Then the phone call followed. Normally, transfers are granted at the end/beginning of the month. The actual transfer does not become effective until the first of the following month. In this case, that would be March 1st. But, since we are very short of people in MSP, I was asked to move immediately! "What does immediately mean?" I asked. I was told that I would have 4 moving days then would need to report to my new domicile.

So now, Brad and I are planning to fly to MSP Tuesday morning, check things out, see my new crashpad and return home that evening. I will then turn around and fly back on Thursday and be ready to FLY on Friday!! Big changes...Huge!! Thankfully, I have some friends there who have opened their apartment up to me and will show me the ropes in my new base...God bless them!

I have become a voracious reader. I have always read, but lately I can't get enough! I have to recommend two incredibly inspirational books that, in my opinion, are "must reads". The first is called: "The Hiding Place" by Corrie ten Boom. It is a true account of a family who hid Jews during the occupation of Holland during WWII. Without giving too much away, they are discovered and are sent to Nazi Concentration camps. The amazing accounts of the faith of two sisters is completely moving and overwhelming. I couldn't read this book fast enough and was actually sad when I finished it. It changed me...

The second book is: "Left To Tell:Discovering God Amongst The Rwandan Holocaust" by Immaculee Ilibagiza. Again, a similar story (true story) of incredible faith and strength. In this book, she survived the Rwandan genocide as her family is butchered. And I was sad to finish this book too. Both of these books changed me. These women showed me how incredibly blessed I am and they made me wonder if my faith would be strong enough to sustain me through such atrocities, terror, fear and even torture. Is my relationship with God strong enough? Do I know Him as intimately as I should? Both are beautifully and poignantly written. I urge you all to get these books, then please, let me know what you think of them. I promise, you will be inspired!

As my life has taken a big turn, once again, I am renewed, energized and anxious to move forward. No, I did not receive my transfer to Salt Lake City, but that's OK because new experiences and opportunities await me in MSP. I'm anxious to meet new people, see new places and make more money!! God will take care of me and walk beside me. I have faith that He has led me to where I am today and look forward to the challenges and adventures ahead.

My children and *Littles* are doing great. My girls have their challenges, but face them head on and are growing into extremely strong women and amazing mothers. Ty is clean and sober, he smiles, he laughs, he talks rationally, he has a great job, is a full time college student, is active in AA/NA and once again, loves his life. He shines!! He is reconnecting to the Lord and he is healing. Everyday is a gift for him and he recognizes that. He calls me just to talk! I feel so much joy around him; something I haven't felt around him for about 7 years. I am even thankful to him for taking me on this treacherous journey with him. Don't get me wrong, I NEVER want to ever go through the darkness and hell that we have experienced during his drug abuse years again, but I am a better person for having survived it. Mistakes were made. I didn't always handle things with dignity and grace, and I even broke down many, many times. But I am stronger, a bit wiser, less judgmental and more compassionate to these precious children of God who are lost in the depths of hell. I ache for their families and especially their mothers. Tyler is not out of the woods yet, but he knows this and takes it one day at a time. He has surrounded himself with good people with similar goals and values. He has changed his thinking and, most importantly, he is growing and he is on the right path...he's becoming whole again!

I am a blessed woman. I am thankful for the challenges that have come my way. They are not fun, or easy or even seemingly bearable at times, but the emergence of survival and strength is the greatest reward. Most importantly, I am thankful for a loving Heavenly Father who has never left me OR my sweet son. He has held us both up and has sent His love and protection at times when we both have, many times, felt unworthy. But He is God. He never bailed on us even when we may have bailed on Him.

Life is amazing. I found a quote on Pinterest that touched my heart to the core:
"Successful women build a strong foundation with the bricks that have been thrown at them."

I only hope and pray that I can pay honor to that saying. I have been broken many times, but am healing.