Fly Away
I am 8 months into motherhood and I could list 100 things that have changed since becoming a mom. One of the biggest changes I've felt since Ford came into my life is purely emotional. The second I met my son my heart swelled and I learned that my capacity to love is so much greater than I could have ever expected. People jokingly talk about "mama bear" instincts but they totally ring true when you have a little cub to care for. Life has become so much more precious. I now read news articles with a lot more empathy than before and feel an overwhelming sense of tenderness when I learn of friends or even strangers losing parents, children, or friends. I am incredibly blessed to have both of my parents and all four grandparents living and loving and supporting my family but that is not the case for most people in the world.
Becoming a mom has reminded me that life is short. We aren't promised tomorrow and it is important to live a life full of intent and forgiveness. I look into Ford's big blue eyes and wonder what the future holds for him. Will he go through a "family is totally uncool" stage and be embarrassed when I drop him off at school? Will he play the silent treatment when we give him an early curfew in high school? Will he feel comfortable bringing home friends and girlfriends when he goes away to college? Yes, I am slightly crazy and think about these things but they are inevitable. My sweet boy is already developing preferences and the occasional stubborn personality. I know sass and backtalk are coming. We've had hard times with Ford and I know there are harder seasons coming but I want him to always know that Jon and I are his biggest fans. Not knowing what tomorrow may bring, I want Ford to go to bed every night knowing that whatever havoc he may have caused that day, he is loved and forgiven.
Meeting Ford for the first time, August 1th, 2013
I grew up with an army of love and support from my family and I intend on giving that to Ford. It saddens me reading and hearing about broken families, where children feel unloved, inadequate or even detested. That is reality. Homes like that exist. This is what fuels me to teach Ford about love, togetherness, forgiveness, and hope. Hope that the world can be changed! Hope that there is good in the world.
I've been a huge fan of Kristin Hannah's work ever since I poured myself into her novel . When I heard about , I knew I had to get my hands on a copy. grabbed my heart, which was expected. I got to relive Firefly Lane, getting reintroduced to the characters I fell in love with, and watching as they grew up, got close, drifted apart, and fell apart. I don't want to give too much away because you should definitely get your hands on a copy (it is now available in paperback), but this novel has reminded me how precious the time I have with Ford is and how precious the time I have with my own mother is. Tomorrow isn't promised. I don't want to live a day without my son and my mother knowing how much they mean to me.
Fly Away reassured me that where there is love, there is forgiveness. Right off the bat you learn about a girl named Marah losing her mother to cancer and you watch her life spiral downward for the remainder of the book. We will inevitably be in for a wild ride with our children in the future but nothing can stop me from loving them wildly. Kristin Hannah does a fabulous job of pulling at my heartstrings and keeping my tired mind running in this story of lifelong friendship, devastating loss, and redemption. We are reminded that no matter how low your life feels, you are loved and there is hope for the future.
Giveaway Today you have the chance to win a copy of Fly Away along with a $100 Visa gift card! Leave a comment telling me about someone in your life that has taught you about forgiveness. I look forward to reading your responses!
You can visit their website to read an excerpt and watch a couple of videos that bring you into the world of Fly Away. Sweepstakes Rules:No duplicate comments.
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