Seriously, How Much Lemonade Can You Make?

We’ve all heard the saying, “When life gives you lemons – make lemonade.”

Well in the last 12 months I’ve made some. Tons of lemonade actually!

I am one tired lemonade-maker. Seriously I’m exhausted. Physically, mentally, emotionally and in any other way you can think of. I’m so so done. The last twelve months have been the most unreal of my life.

How can so much happen to one family?

Losing my dad, moving my sister back home (yes just her and I…well and a few movers), my surgery, the healing process, the hurricane, the first holidays without dad, the fire and now the clean-up that seems to go on forever. All before we even get to honor the first anniversary of dad’s passing on February 16th.

It boggles my mind that all this happened in a year.

Last night I saw this picture on Facebook:

It describes how I feel right now. Grieving my father while having to deal with all these other things has been so challenging. Each of those events would have been ten times more bearable if he had been here. I know you can’t think that way but when life is challenging you yearn for the one person who has always made it better…Daddy. At times when I don’t know what to do, I talk to him. I ask him to guide me and to be by my side even though I can’t see him. I know he’s always with me. My sister and I constantly say, “What would daddy do?” and then we find the way to face the latest challenge.

I’ve learned first hand that LIFE IS HARD, unpredictable and sometimes so brutal! Yet at the same time so BEAUTIFUL, precious and amazing. Through it all I have my mom and sister. The three of us cannot be any closer and more supportive of each other. Sure we can go from hugs and kisses to shouting and screaming in a minute but that’s the beauty of family. Only the three of us share the impact these events have had on our life. Through it all, I consider myself so LUCKY to have them by my side.

People tell us how strong we are. We smile graciously because this year has not been about being strong…it’s been about being resilient. I’m so very proud of us and where we are today.

But…

I’m ready…

They are ready…

To put down all those lemons and stop making the lemonade.

It’s time.

There is more to LIFE that what we’ve experienced in the last twelve months.

I believe there has to be.