The Life that I Was Meant to Live

Written by Melissa

When people ask about my family and all that we've been through over the past year or so, I tend to say, "Well, this was not the life I expected." And it wasn't. But just saying that alone doesn't fully encompass my meaning or the sentiment I hope to portray.  In my recent soul searching (a journey I suspect I'll forever be on), I have come to realize that even though I am not leading the life I expected to live, I am certainly leading the life I was meant to live.

Some might ask, what's the difference? Well, surely I could never have predicted in a million years that my family would be challenged the way we were, the way we are. Further, I surely also wouldn't have chosen that for myself --- if given a choice. But that's just it, we aren't given choices when it comes to major life crises. And the same can be said for major life miracles. They just happen!

In my case, the way I know this is the life I'm meant to live is because with my crisis, a miracle followed - several really. See, I was meant to have a beautiful baby girl who has touched so many lives in her short one. I was meant to have learned so much from her without even her first word uttered. I was meant to meet her amazing parents, Jim and Heather, and to learn to love and trust in a new way that can only be defined as a true, authentic, and honest in a world that is certainly not always true, authentic, and honest.  I was meant to be surrounded by the amazing family and friends that have showered me with love and support in my toughest time. I was meant to feel the pain that only a mother can - as well as the joy that only a mother can. I was meant to fully believe in my heart that both of my children are exactly where they are meant to be.

So even thought I didn't expect this life, it was meant for me. And I'm grateful for it and EVERYONE in it. Much love to all of you.