Reflections

This past week I accompanied my husband on a work trip to Fort Walton Beach/Destin, FL. The hotel we stayed at was literally on the beach and the view was simply impeccable. I literally woke up to the scenery, the sounds, and the smells of the Florida Straits daily. Just being around the beach made me begin to reflect on God's glorious wonders. I would wake up in the morning go sit on the balcony and just take in the beautiful sights of the Gulf of Mexico. I would hear the rolling of the waves crashing on the white sands. I would hear and see the seagulls flying around the clear blue sky. I would admire the endless supply of water that ran beyond my eyes reach. Taking in all the natural beauty made me begin to reflect on the 1st half of 2016.

It's been 6 months since my son gained his angel wings (I can't believe we are already halfway done with 2016, one thing is for sure, time does sure fly). From the day I found out I was pregnant with Derrek Jerrell Anderson Jr. (DJ) until the day he left this earth (and hereafter) he has had a permanent place within my heart (and the heart of my husband). I cannot sit here and say that the journey has been smooth sailing. Some days I feel like the weight of the world is crashing on me and I can't take another step while others I am simply grateful that a 1 lb 5 oz bundle of joy chose me and my husband as his parents, what an honor. While we never got to experience him "alive" he has given us life in so many ways. As time moves on and the days, months, and eventually years rack up his memory will forever be imprinted on our minds, hearts, and souls. He has forever changed my husband and I for the better. He taught me to appreciate the little things... the sound of the waves, the site of fluffy white clouds in the sky, the smell of salt by the sea, the feeling of sand between my toes, the continuous breaths I take, and the love and support I receive on a daily basis from my husband, family, friends, and even you, the readers of my blog. He also taught me to stay connected with God because He ultimately is the one who will see you through on your darkest days! Lastly, he taught me to cherish the life I was given. There are so many things that go unnoticed that  we can be grateful for but it's truly all about our perception of the situation. It's all about seeing life through an optimistic lens. 

While I miss my baby EVERY SINGLE DAY (there is not a day that goes by that I don't think of him) I cherish the time we were able to spend together and look forward to the day I will see his face again. Until then I plan to live my life with purpose. I WILL chase after all my wildest dreams. I WILL spread love and joy to this dark world, and I WILL make my son proud by being the BEST version of me that I can be! I will always love you DJ.

*As we embark on the second half of this year my prayer for you today is that your second leg of 2016 will be filled with an increase of love, joy, accomplishments of goals, friendship, and sunshine. I pray that your good days outnumber your bad ones. I decree that we will finish the year on top! It's your time to go out and be great starting today! #Finishstrong

Xoxo,

Ali