Last week I was in Washington, DC for a memorial event honoring all fallen police officers in 2005. With the extreme emotion involved in the event, I didn’t find much energy to post any journal entries. I did, however, find highlights during the trip that are worth sharing: the President took a picture with my family and held Madelynn, my mother-in-law and I received beautiful medals of valor for Shawn’s supreme sacrifice, and I met some very strong and courageous widows facing similar challenges that I have experienced with the loss of my husband.
After Washington DC, my mother-in-law and I traveled with my children to visit some of her relatives. I enjoyed meeting Shawn’s extended family.
I have so many blessings in this curse of tragedy. A new friend gave me a “Thankfulness Journal” to use during my travels to Washington, DC. In one short week, I began to see the many things for which I have to be thankful. These are a few of the things I listed in my new journal:
- Good neighbors
- Jordan falling on his foot and not breaking it
- Madelynn taking good naps
- Five great years of marriage to Shawn
- My family
- Sisters and a brother who let me ramble
- Old friends and new friends who let me ramble
- My relationship with a God who always listens
- Basic blessings: food, clothes, a comfy bed
- My children
- Flowers from the police department on the 12th of every month
- My health
- All the men and women who gave their lives in the line of duty
- Meeting the President of the United States
- French toast
- Drinking water
- A trip to see the ocean
- Hot showers
- All the people who help me
- Shawn’s cousins who helped me with the kids’ bathtime and bedtime
- My mother-in-law’s companionship in Boston
- New opportunities
- Going for a walk with my mom
- Listening to Jordan’s favorite song, “The Muffin Man”
- Getting a big, “Mmmm-maaaa” kiss from Madelynn
- Treating myself to flavored coffee
- Treating myself just because
